Why we ignore many sins named in scripture
Why we ignore many sins named in scripture
The rules of the United Methodist Church, similar to those of other denominations, say that "since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church."
This position is based on a strangely selective use of scripture. Greed, lying, gossip, envy, craftiness, haughtiness, boastfulness, and foolishness are also included in the New Testament lists of sins that include some homosexual practices, but we don't forbid practicing greedy people or gossips from becoming clergy.
Neither do we oust clergy or shun anyone else for wearing clothes made of two fabrics, yet that is forbidden in the same part of the Bible that forbids certain homosexual practices. And Christians who oppose homosexuality apparently don't oppose the plant hybridization that has eased famine and improved nutrition, yet hybridization requires planting two kinds of seeds in the same field, which the Bible specifically forbids. To me, that kind of selectiveness in using the Bible makes no sense.
You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. .. -Leviticus 18:22
You shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed; nor shall you put on a garment made of two different materials. Leviticus 19:19
God doesn't require perfection
I seriously doubt that homosexuality is a sin, but what if it is? David and many other heroes and heroines of the Bible are evidence that God chooses people who aren't perfect and who haven't even reformed. God calls sinners into ministry and into leadership positions. There's no other kind of people to call!
I'm afraid that if we really want to follow Christ and to do God's will, our churches can't reject people whom God has called. We can't pretend that other people's sins matter but our own don't.
There is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are now justified by grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus ... -Romans 3:22-24
I'm not claiming to have the answer
I'm not claiming to know God's comprehensive thoughts about LGBTQ. I'm not even speaking from first-hand experience or professional expertise. I'm merely reporting some of what I've observed and some tentative conclusions I've come to. I hope that reading them will help my readers to do their own investigating, because I believe Christians all need to do some. We need to take a fresh, careful look at the wide variety of scriptures, beliefs, feelings, traditions, and experiences that influence our own and other Christians' beliefs about homosexuality.
I've tried to learn
I am heterosexual, and as far as I know, all the members of my immediate family and my closest circle of friends are also. I'm not a biblical scholar or a professional in any field that studies sexuality or counsels people about their sexuality.
Because the subject of homosexuality and transgender has become so divisive in churches, however, I've tried to learn more about it. I have re-read the biblical references. I've read many opinions about them, by biblical scholars, professional theologians, and pastors with a wide variety of views. I have also read and listened to the views of many lay Christians, about whether homosexuality or transgender is a sin and about what the church should do about it. I have read personal stories of Christian and non-Christian gays and lesbians. I have read the opinions and findings of scientists, sociologists, psychologists, therapists, and physicians.
Some of our rules seem unwise and unkind
All I've become sure of is that no one has THE answer even though many Christians adamantly claim to have it. Because so much is still unknown about homosexuality and transgender by those that don’t identify as such, I believe that making new rules or preserving existing ones that make LGBTQ people second-class church members or citizens is unwise, unloving, and keeps our hearts hardened. I believe we need to keep our hearts, our minds, and especially our churches open.