Homosexual Marriage

The newspapers have lately devoted much coverage to three recent denominational decisions concerning homosexuality and same-sex unions. First, the Methodists voted not to sanction such unions, followed by the rabbinical arm of Reform Judaism granting permission for its members to officiate at the same. Finally, the highest court of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ruled that its ministers could bless same-sex unions while pointing out that such were not the same as traditional marriages.

This is a controversy which is not going away, despite all Biblical prohibitions against homosexuality (Rom.1; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 1 Tim. 1:8-11). In truth, this is no longer a Biblical issue for the denominations, but a social one, and religious groups which are more concerned with political correctness than with truth are more and more likely to side, as the Reform Jews and the Presbyterians did, with the homosexuals, believing that to be the more ""loving"" solution.

One would be tempted to applaud the Methodists for their position, but in reality, all three positions are highly flawed. The worst of the three is the Presbyterian decision, which tries to accommodate homosexuals, while still ""upholding"" traditional marriages. It is a cop-out; either homosexual marriage is sanctioned by God (it isn't) or it is to be condemned as sin. The idea that Presbyterian ministers can bless (approve) same-sex unions while denying them ""true"" marital status would be laughable if it were not so sad.

The Central Conference of American Rabbis shows its total disregard for God's word by its decision to permit same-sex marriage. While the New Testament is clear regarding homosexuality, the Old Testament (which is supposed to be the foundation of Judaism) advocated the death penalty for homosexuals (Lev. 20:13). It is inconceivable that one could claim to be a Jew while sanctioning a practice for which God demanded death, but the Reform Jews have long been more concerned with social ills than with God's word.

The Methodist position fits Biblical truth, but for all the wrong reasons. All three religious groups based their decision on a vote by the group or its leaders. None appealed to the scriptures. God's word means nothing in any of these decisions, and you can be sure that, as soon as the advocates of homosexuality gain a stronger foothold among Methodists, they will change their position by the same kind of vote.

What does all this mean for us? First, it points out the seriousness of departing from God's word (2 Jn. 9). If we are willing to go beyond God's word, anything goes. For instance, if we are willing to say that adulterers can be cleansed of their adultery while continuing in it, what will prevent us from saying that homosexuals are also cleansed from their sin while continuing in it? When we allow society's acceptance of a sin to rule our hearts instead of God's word, we are on a slippery slope where we will be forced to give up more and more ground until we find that we stand for nothing.

Second, it points out the wisdom of God's plan for autonomy among churches. No high court, conference, council, synod or even brotherhood paper has the right to tell us what we must accept or deny. We base those decisions solely on God's word. The Bereans are our shining example in this, for even when an apostle spoke to them, they were ""examining the scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so"" (Acts 17:11). God's word is not up for vote, court decision or bullying. It is truth, and our response to it is honor and reverence.