I recommend that all of you read this article. The two standouts, for me:
Regardless of one's view about sexual ethics, family values, or same-sex marriage, I believe that encouraging or contributing to violence against LGBT people, either directly or indirectly, is the true sin against nature and creation.
Regardless of what these groups may believe about sin, they need to speak out against this violence. That, to me, is what it truly means to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself.
2 comments:
The article is really good.
But I'm not sure that "speaking out against this violence" is enough... That's a pretty easy position to take. Very few people -- the Fred Phelpses of the world aside -- actually like the idea of a kid -- any kid, "even" a gay one -- being viciously bullied at school.
I guess I think the key phrase to focus on here is "either directly or indirectly" -- that indirectly part is the rub. And I believe that people's views on sexual ethics, family values, and same-sex marriage -- and how those views often reflect poorly on gay people -- does in fact do indirectly cause those same people's kids to become bullies. The thing is, children have a more difficult time with the finer grey areas of right and wrong than theologians and thoughtful adults... it might be hard for them to understand why mom and dad think it's 'wrong' to be gay but also 'wrong' to tell a gay kid that every day). And those views also cause gay kids who attend their churches or are part of their families to feel alone, rejected, depressed, and, in some sad cases, suicidal.
I applaud the thought behind this post and the original one you link to, but I wholeheartedly believe that expressing the belief that a gay child is a sinner -- even though I may know you love them regardless -- is contributing to violence against LGBT people.
All I can say is that I managed to grow up believing homosexual practice was a sin while still knowing and loving my homosexual friends. I think the vital thing, which this article hits, is that love for others trumps all else. I could disapprove of literally everything you do and would still be called to show love to you.
I'm not saying that it isn't complicated or that I don't struggle with my own feelings and theology on this. But I can't not believe what I believe any more than you can, without first being convinced that I'm wrong to believe it. I don't think anyone can.
But, again, what I believe more than anything else is that Jesus loves every human being and that I am called to love as he loves. I'm doing my best to do just that.
And I continue to search and study and pray and question and struggle. And I'm open to having my mind changed. I welcome it, in fact.
Thanks, as always, for engaging with me on this.
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