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The problem I have is the
The problem I have is the phrase “without judgement” that roderickm uses.
“Can Sojourn welcome and love a gay or lesbian person without judgment?” [emphasis added]
What exactly does that mean? Does that mean that we will never judge anyone, anywhere, anytime for anything? We need to be very careful about our words here. For example, what if a gay person comes in and requests we perform a gay marriage (or commitment) ceremony. Will you perform a gay marriage ceremony if requested? If not, you have certainly judged.
It’s unrealistic and unbiblical to propose the church is never to execute judgement. In 1 Cor 5, Paul blasts the Corinthian congregation for failing to judge someone in their midst living in open sexual sin.
What if a pagan nudist wishes to worship with us nude? Will you accept him/her with your wife and kids around? If not, you are certainly judging that person. To say we must never execute judgement is both unwise and unbiblical.
If on the other hand, “without judgement” means that I welcome gays and lesbians to fellowship and worship - to befriend - to love and care for - to visit in the hospital when sick - to eat dinner with - to invite to my house - etc. …… then yes, I’m all for that.
Again, I must point out the real issue is not whether I or any other Christian approve of disapprove of someone’s lifestyle. The real question is, “Does Jesus approve?”. Jesus loved, accepted and saved the life of the woman caught in adultery. But look at His final words to her in John 8:11.
In summary:
- Can Sojourn welcome and love a gay or lesbian person? Yes!
- Can Sojourn welcome and love a gay or lesbian person without judgement? I don’t know what that means and so I must give a qualified answer.
Wrestling with difficult issues ….
Bob
__________________________Fides Quaerens Intellectum
Bob Pratico
Fides Quaerens Intellectum
(my Sojourn blog)