by Harry Osborne
Over the past two weeks, we have examined points raised by recent efforts to accept those practicing homosexuality into the fellowship of some institutional "Churches of Christ" and some Christian Churches. As we have seen, those justifying such efforts have claimed that biblical condemnation of homosexual practice is not really clear. In some cases, they urge a non-literal interpretation of passages condemning homosexuality when understood in their literal sense. In other cases, they have used supposed "scientific evidence" that homosexual "orientation" is an inherent trait, not a matter of choice, in order to counteract the Bible's condemnation of those choosing to engage in such behavior.
In this article, we will notice another appeal being made for accepting homosexuality into our fellowship -- an appeal to the "divorce" issue parallel. As we examine this appeal, please keep in mind the efforts among our own brethren over the past 15 or so years to justify brethren who teach doctrinal error over divorce and remarriage. In many places, their plea for tolerance of this error has been heeded. "Unity-in-diversity" has been the banner for those who would accept known teachers of error regarding divorce and remarriage. In some churches, the plea for tolerance towards teachers of error has extended to a tolerance of those in adulterous remarriages. When faithful brethren have warned that consistent application of this principle would result in tolerating homosexuality, the "unity-in-diversity" advocates have scoffed, "Scare tactic!" Twenty years ago, our institutional brethren and those in Christian Churches would have retorted with similar skepticism. Now, notice their own words.
From a historical perspective, I think it's safe to predict that two forces will change attitudes among conservatives regarding homosexuality in the next decade or two, following pretty much the same direction carved out by churches that are more affirming of homosexuals, and also following the pattern regarding divorce.
The first force would be the increasing amount of personal experience with gay and lesbian family members and friends, who will persuade their loved ones that neither their homosexual nor others' heterosexual orientation is a matter of choice. As this issue becomes more personal and as more is learned about how sexuality develops, the old unexamined assumptions will fade away, as will the appeal to Bible verses that support them.
The second force could well be a gradual acceptance of a theology and spirituality of sin that helps each of us recognize our own intractable capacity for evil and hurt, and to deal with our continuing need for forgiveness throughout life, so that if anybody ever started a spiritual housecleaning to get rid of all who are openly and unrepentantly sinful we'd stop before there would be nobody left.
The same writer went on to apply his principles as follows:
I'm reminded of a comment made by a minister of a CofC [Church of Christ - HRO] in the Dallas - Fort Worth area 30 years ago when the congregation lifted their ban on divorced persons serving in positions of spiritual leadership. During the first wave of new members, many came from across the doctrinal spectrum, including some from anti-institutional and mutual ministry backgrounds. The minister said that the church now was far more conservative on issues other than divorce than it was as a typical mainstream CofC. The only point on which the church was more open was divorce; now for the first time they had leaders who opposed orphan homes and Sunday Schools.
I'm familiar with what are called "Metropolitan Community Churches" organized by and for gays and lesbians. A few years ago I was asked to preach at a congregation in New York City, and was surprised to see that most members were from fundamentalist and Pentecostal backgrounds, and they sang the same songs and expected the same animated preaching style, with the only difference being that they could sit next to their partners without fear of molestation.
By comparison, we might well expect to see similar anomalies in conservative churches that begin to view homosexuality with more understanding and less fear, much as they are doing with divorce.
Another writer expressed the same parallel in these words:
...People's interpretations of the biblical strictures regarding divorce changed as more and more real divorced persons came into the picture. Some of that change was due to caving in to social realities, but some of it surely was due to a more spiritually mature, compassionate, and humble understanding of human relationships.
He concluded that acceptance of homosexuality would follow the same path. The conclusion that acceptance of error on divorce and remarriage was later used as the basis to urge acceptance of homosexuality is not the product of a reactionary "watchdog." It is a fact! A fact stated by the very people who have traveled that path to its logical end.
2. It is based on a political alliance with man rather than a servitude in total submission to God. The underlying mentality behind such efforts is to achieve a coalition of justification with numerous people united in a common willingness to accept an assortment of sins. Or, as one of the above advocates of toleration noted, it is an understanding that any "spiritual housecleaning" would get rid of everybody, thus necessitating mutual tolerance. Such is diametrically opposed to the Bible admonition, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them" (Eph. 5:11). What part of that is so difficult to understand? It will not be popular, but it is clear. It will not please and attract the multitudes, but it will please God. Let our concentration always be on finding favor with God (Rom. 8:31; Jn. 12:43).
3. It inevitably leads to a tolerance of more and more ungodliness. One characteristic of doctrinal error and sinful conduct is its progressive and corrupting nature (2 Tim. 2:16-18; 3:13). To combat such, we must diligently study, rightly divide and correctly apply the truth (2 Tim. 2:15). If we condone one form of fornication (adultery) today, we will eventually justify another form of fornication (homosexuality) later. The only way to maintain purity in the body of Christ is to purge the leaven of evil from our fellowship (1 Cor. 5).