Bearing Your Burden

by Nicholas Hopkins

Statements Against Heterosexual Marriages Only

Statement

Nick begins his video by referring to an Instagram message about same-sex relationships. The message read “Disgusting! God will judge you. It’s Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. There is a male and a female. Relationships cannot take place between the same sex.” These words were then followed by three puke emojis and a thumbs down.

When the Human Sexuality Report (page 112) concludes that homosexual acts are sinful, Nick concludes the Report is engaging in the same caliber of name-calling.

Response

I personally see no place in the body of Christ for such messages as the one contained in the Instagram post. I can see no benefit that can come from that. Is it correct to say that the Report stoops to the same level of name-calling?

Given the intensity of this topic, discussions of it are very likely to be highly charged. Due to the nature of this matter, how deeply it affects people, to even begin to discuss it is comparable to setting out on a walk through a mine field. Diligence will need to be taken by everyone to avoid problems that will only tear down and destroy, and not add any benefit.  

It is true that the Report, like the church for thousands of years before it, has concluded that all same-sex erotic acts are sinful. Does this mean the Report is guilty of demeaning behavior? I don’t believe that is of necessity the case. In order to be guilty of degrading behavior, wouldn’t the Report have to engage in a personal attack? To say that something is disgusting is to imply that a person doing it is disgusting. The use of puke emojis, certainly at the very least, borders on a personal attack. Does the Report take that same approach?

Let’s take a look at a quote from page 120 of the Report:

.

Expect to answer questions and explain why you and your church believe that homosexual activity is wrong. Always be prepared to summarize the gospel as it applies to same-sex relationships and to the way in which Christians have often mistreated gay and lesbian people. Take the time to speak carefully, even if that means inviting someone to chat over coffee or a meal. Be clear and consistent, loving and generous.

.

This statement is very typical of statements made in the Report. This statement does not attack any individual. Rather it calls people to respond in a loving, Christ-like manner. True, the Report considers the acts in question to be wrong. But does the Report engage in vile name-calling?

It will not be easy to engage in discussions of the topic at hand without running the risk of stepping on some of the many mines that exist. We will have to work hard at it. Hopefully we will have the grace to be considerate of others as this matter is pursued.

The ultimate question in front of us is not what the Report claims, but what the Word of God states. In His Word, does God accept same-sex erotic acts or does He reveal to us that they are displeasing to Him? That is the heart of the matter that is in front of us.