Homosexuality in the Church (Part 2)?
On this episode of Theology Unplugged, Michael, Tim, Sam, and JJ continue their series, with part 2 of “Homosexuality in the Church”.
Homosexuality is one of the most volatile issues in Christianity today. But why? Why has sexuality taken center stage?
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Our view of Christ and culture is not one where we are circling the wagons in order to not be infected by the broader culture. ~ JJ Seid
Their sexuality is a temporary endeavor […] I would much rather lead someone to Jesus than lead them to heterosexuality. ~ Tim Kimberley
The hosts go to the very beginning of the Bible, the book of Genesis, to jump-start a discussion about Biblical sexuality.
In Genesis, God sets forth His creative design for humankind. He made them male and female. He made the two genders for each other. This was the original design.
How has that original design changed over time? Is change in this definition good? If some change is acceptable at what point does change become bad?
Common Questions About Homosexuality
- Can a Christian be homosexual? Can a homosexual be a Christian?
- How should the church respond to homosexual members?
- Does the church pick on homosexuals?
- Should scripture have the last word? Should cultural influences be included?
- Are there legal issues to consider?
- Is there a moral standard that binds all people? Does it have anything to say about sexuality?
- Does the Bible have much to say about this issue or is it largely silent?
- Is the church using scripture to justify its treatment of homosexuals, lesbians, bisexual, and transgendered people the way it did African Americans?
- Does the Bible condemn homosexuals to a celibate lifestyle?
Further Reading: Can Homosexuals be Saved.
This controversy shows no signs of dying down. Christian churches everywhere will have to deal with questions about sexuality. The Bible isn’t silent on this issue. Starting in Genesis, human sexuality and marriage are in focus. From the Old to the New Testament the Bible is full of relationship instruction.
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As always, Theology Unplugged centers around what scripture says. However, in this episode, the actions of the church also take center stage.
Has your church had to deal with this issue? Did they do well? Do you think the church should accept openly homosexual members?
1 Response to "Homosexuality in the Church (Part 2) – Theology Unplugged"
I am really appreciating this podcast series. Thanks for the blatant honesty in the questions and topics being addressed
As a family physician, I have over the past decade observed how the medical community has shifted in its approach in how it has categorized and dealt with homosexuality and what used to be called “gender identity disorder”. Now the trend isto shy away from negative words like “disorder” and the current “gender dysphoria” or “gender noncompliance” are being used instead. Though medicine is not isolated from the social political culture that surrounds it thus sometimes susceptible to its trends, I would say medicine still can add valid input that may help with the discussion.
Though Michael emphasized DNA and chromosomes as being the basis for sexual gender, I think medicine would broaden this some with the idea that the brain being influenced by hormones during various periods of physical development from birth to puberty also plays a strong role in a person’s own personal identity as to how they view their sexual identity. Now the majority of children who struggle with identifying themselves with traits related to the opposite anatomical sex (maybe 1-3 % of the general population)will actually by the time they reach puberty will revert back to identifying with the anatomical sex they were originally born with. Some estimates as much as 75% with only 25% going on to struggle with such after puberty. This “unpredictability” leads the medical community to use a broad category of “multifactorial” to explain the unknown influences and forces that help develop sexual identity, behavior, and desire.
Also I appreciated Tim’s emphasis on the social struggle and hardships of people wrestling with their sexuality can have and that the church has a great opportunity to minister love and compassion in the midst of the struggle. It is estimated that almost 50% of those that struggle with gender noncompliance have contemplated suicide at some point.
Thanks again for tackling this gentlemen. I look forward to next installment