I just read an interesting post from Rich Tatum of the Blog Rodent entitled, How to get arrested at Central Bible College. Plus: The Unremarked Transgendered Issue. He talked about two Gay-Rights Activists from a group called Soulforce who were arrested at Central Bible College and used that story to comment on how the modern church – and Assemblies of God in particular have dealt with the issues of gay, lesbian and transgendered people.
Reading posts like this always stirs up a certain angst inside of me. It’s a feeling that I know something is wrong but I don’t know how to fix it. For years, our society has been slowly pushed into believing the normalcy of gay, lesbian and transgendered lifestyles. Now, if we believe differently, we are labeled as “homophobes”. I have wrestled with how to minister to people who believe this for years. I keep asking myself – how can good people, who believe they are Christians, embrace this lifestyle? Even to the point of encouraging more people to “come out of the closet”. My heart aches, as it does with anyone I see who is openly sinning against God. I want them to know that God does love them but He desires them to not act on their desires. Everyone sins – no argument there – but I believe that it is the person that is embracing his sin that is endangering his eternal outcome. Rich uses some great analogies in his post that describe the difference between someone who is tempted to sin and doesn’t act on it and those that do.
The transgendered issue is one that I haven’t thought much about. Rich lays out his personal view rather nicely and has me thinking. I would love for this discussion to continue. I encourage you read Rich’s post and also read the comments as there is likely to be a lively discussion.
Hey, David, thanks for the nice write-up and the link-love!
You wrote:
It does for me, too. I really wish I knew how to “fix” this, but I suspect only compassion and dialog will help. I do think the Church needs to be unbending in its insistence on righteousness and renouncing sinful lifestyles and behavior, but I do think there’s some room for flex in at least understanding the movement. Like you, I don’t understand how one can be Christian and actively gay, but this tiny movement has a lot of influence, and we’re not really penetrating it in any significant way. In fact, the reverse is true.
Thanks again, I appreciate it.
Rich.
BlogRodent
Just a follow-up note now ten days later. You were right. Nothing pretty much happened for a day or two, then it just went rockin away! There’s a rather lengthy and interesting debate shaping up focused on that post, though homosexuality is the drum to beat rather than gender dysphoria.
Regards,
Rich
BlogRodent
I’ve been following it Rich – whew! It is such an emotional issue with some who have literally staked their eternal life on their position. Like you mentioned once – it’s like the OSAS debate. Most people in the discussion have made their decision and won’t budge. I have enjoyed the back and forth but it still just pains me to know that even with this discussion, I don’t see a solution toward reconciliation. From my standpoint – that aligns more with Carl than Common Swift – I wish I had that one argument that could change minds but alas, I don’t think that exists outside of the Holy Spirit. I do enjoy the discussion even if it seems to just run in circles. 🙂
Some of my subscribers have talked to me personally and we all agree that we would like to further this discussion in a small group setting – specifically how to be a witness to the GLT community.
Thanks for the comment Rich. I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog!
Thanks, David, for the kind words about my blog. I love an appreciative audience! Just hope I can maintain quality.
Yes, the discussion has now boiled over into outright anger and pain. It’s sad. I’ll see if I can post something out there in the next day or two, but, like you note, I doubt I’ll have much impact on the participants. My hope, though, is that whatever good can come out of the discussion will happen in the “long tail” with people who are researching the issue and are hopefully open-minded enough to really consider the claims I’ve put out there.
Regards,
Rich
BlogRodent
With the claims I put out there as well Rich. Now get back to your own dang blog! : )
LOL.
Yeah, Swiftie. I don’t want to overwhelm my own audience with lengthy ramblings, so I post yet more verbiage as many other places as possible in order to keep my own word-count low.
:: grin ::
Rich
I think we must realize that sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ is essential to the lost, but leaving the changing of people’s hearts in God’s hands is paramount.
There are plenty of people who have put aside their sinful lifestyles, but there are also plenty of people who embrace their personal, strong delusion.
As far as Christians who approve of lives that are contrary to God’s teachings, we have been told that we will know true believers by their fruit.
QUOTE:
“As far as Christians who approve of lives that are contrary to God’s teachings, we have been told that we will know true believers by their fruit.”
Empty words if your not willing to have a REAL look at the lives of gay- identified Christians.
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