An offering of a perspective.

Much inner debate has gone into this blog, or whether or not I should even post it: 

I’d like to offer a biblical interpretation on a widely used concept found within different sects of the church.  While to some this may seem as though I am defending myself, I don’t feel that I am.  In fact, the perspective I am about to offer is one I’ve held for many years, dating back to more conservative days.  Please note that if you do not consider yourself a follower of Christ or a biblical theologian, please feel free to skip this blog as this will probably bore you.  If you are an active member of the church, however, I’d like to invite you to read this, and I genuinely welcome your thoughts.  Be warned.  This is long. 

Excommunication.  While this is something openly practiced by the Mormon and Catholic churches, there is a social practice of expulsion found within most fundamental protestant houses of worship as well.  Why?  Because it is Biblical.  Yes.  I do believe that on rare occasion such practice should occur, but only because the Apostle Paul spelled out clearly when this should be done.  Most members of the church seem to know of this “rule”, however I don’t know many that know why or even where it is found in scripture.  I’d like to share:

I Corinthians 5 begins with, “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. ² And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? ³ For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. ⁴ So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, ⁵ hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.”

It is obvious that Paul is instructing to release this man, or put him out of the fellowship, for the purposes of being “handed over to Satan” in hopes that in the end, he will recognize his ways and still be saved. 

Where do we draw the line?  Should this apply to a homosexual?  Should this apply to a leader or employee of the church in the middle of a divorce?  What about cheating on a spouse?  While the line should never be drawn inconsistently, or motivated by fear, I believe that Paul has made it very clear where the line should be drawn:

            1)  The sexual immorality being practiced was of a kind that even those outside the church did not practice or tolerate.

Take a look at I Corinthians 3.  Please note that this is just a few chapters earlier, the same letter, addressed to the same people:

"Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. ² I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. ³ You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly?"

Clearly, Paul was protecting new believers who were young in the faith.  This brings me to my second and final point:

            2) Are you too weak in your faith to have someone like me around?

I guess if you are a person who “struggles” with homosexuality, and absolutely believe beyond the shadow of a doubt that it is a sin, then by all means, it’s ok if you don’t wish to talk with me for fear that I might “lead you astray”, at least that is consistent with this scripture.  But I don’t believe that this scripture is meant to be used out of fear of the unknown or misunderstood. 

While there are those that seem to think events, such as my birthday party, (see previous post) have been the springboard for a “gay agenda”, there are those that have chosen, even with a difference of opinion, to come along side me.  To be my friend, unconditionally.  To those individuals, I would like to say thank you. 

My heart goes out to people who have felt rejection from the church in one form or another.  Please know that God loves you.  Please know that He honestly wants a relationship with you, just as he does me.  And please know that the intentions of God’s people are meant to be good intentions.  I believe they really are, though misguided at times.  People of the church are no more perfect then those outside, try to extend the grace to them that you wish to be extended. 

And finally, to those that feel I should not be spoken to or associated with:  I’m not angry, nor surprised.  However, while much time has passed since we’ve spoken, please know that my heart breaks at our disconnection.  I wish I could say that I’m indifferent after all this time, but I am not.  There is a history that I will always remember and cherish.  Take care and I wish you well. 

Thanks for reading…

John