One of God's Very Own
During Vacation Bible School, one of the visiting parents was asking an older church member setting up the snack supper, details about the church. The parent mentioned that she had been raised a “strict Southern Baptist,” but was now seeking answers for herself and her family. While addressing her list of the “hot topics,” the parent asked about our church’s stand on the issue of homosexuality.
Our wise member offered a response that is one of the best I’ve ever heard. Even with 7 years of advanced theological training I could not have thought of a better answer. This wonderful lady of our church graciously pointed to one of the woman’s children and said, “If your son grew up and told you he was a homosexual, would you still love him?” “Of course,” the woman replied. “Well that’s the same way we feel around here.”
Before God, we are all equal. Leaving one to wonder why the church draws limits around God’s love? When we remove sterile abstraction from our moral discussions and allow ourselves the empathy possible within the heart of a loving parent, then we draw closer to the heart of God. Yes, the Bible draws distinctions on behavior including the bigots, gossips and swindlers. There are plenty of texts that speak to the exploitation of the poor and the problems of promiscuous and adulterous behavior. But if you listen to the rhetoric from most in the church, everyone seems to get a pass but the homosexual. We are more likely to have sex offenders in our congregation than an homosexual who is seeking to live with integrity and quality in a monogamous committed relationship.
This is where I see this issue to be one of prejudice: 1.) The moral instruction of the Bible is handled unevenly. 2.) Most scientific studies are showing that homosexual orientation is one of nature over nurture. 3.) There are clear and numerous examples of homosexuals who are moral, responsible citizens of our community. 4.) The emotional reaction of the judging and condemning community who are irrationally threatened by their very existence. Yet, if they were one of our own we would feel differently. Most certainly, they are one of God's very own. May we not be so quick to divide the human family.
posted by Mark J. at
2:47 AM
2 Comments:
ammyk68,
Your note is a highlight to my day and touches me deeply. I feel there are many just like you tired of all the rhetoric that keeps us divided. May God continue to grant you grace and peace in life as we seek the love of Christ for all. For me this is the only authority that makes sense. And yes, please do come visit us.
By
Mark J., at 2:53 PM, August 23, 2006
When I mention that I am part of Baptist church I have literally been told to "watch out because they will kick you out for anything from Dancing to not attending. As a long time member of this church regardless of the YEARS I spent elsewhere, I have always felt welcome and a part of the family at CBC. They have offered me a sense of acceptance, patience, guidance, and most importantly love that I know is there when I able to attend and when I am unable to attend. They leave their judgment of me to God and God alone, yet they are there for me to talk with regardless of how many Sundays I've attended and I am so thankful for their patience and understanding. Dear Ammyk68 I hope with all hope that you will join us for a service to see first hand the POSITIVE and provacative sermons and great friendships that exist. Whatever you decided, my thoughts and prayers, and general best wishes for you are always available.
Always
Stephanie
By
Anonymous, at 10:42 AM, September 13, 2006
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