Methodists and the Homosexual Agenda
By a narrow margin, the United Methodist church voted Wednesday (April 30) to uphold its standards against same-sex unions. The decision maintains language in the Methodist Book of Discipline that states homosexuality is "incompatible with Christian teaching". The UMC was asked to consider a measure that would change the language to call the church to "refrain from judgment regarding homosexual persons and practices as the Spirit leads us to new insight." 416 delegates voted in favor of the new measure, while 517 voted with the historic Christian position.
During the proceedings, the General Conference was interrupted for over 15 minutes by 300 Methodist who support gay-rights. Assembled in the General Conference chamber, they sang "Where You There When The Crucified My Lord?" in an effort to bemoan the perceived persecution of gay Methodists. The demonstration was rather tame compared to the 2000 General Conference, in which over 200 Methodist gay rights supporters were arrested.
Supporters of gay rights unions were both saddened and angered by "foreign influence" at the General Conference. The Rev. Erick Folkerth, pastor of Northaven United Methodist Church in Dallas, later said "It was a terrible day". Mr. Folkerth went on to say that "American Methodists are ready for change." But he and others said change was thwarted this time by international delegates, particularly delegates from Africa.
At the Conference, two African ministers from Congo spoke openly against the new measure, stating that it is "very sad that the Methodist Church continues to advocate for things that come from the devil." One of the ministers went on to say that "it is time for us as church to get on our knees and proclaim that we have made a mistake." Accusations of 'homophobia' came quickly from many American methodist ministers. However, refusing to back down, one of the Congo pastors boldly proclaimed that “homosexuality is a practice that is incompatible with the love of God.”
Therein lies the real issue: the United Methodist Church is comprised of two groups with two radically different conceptions of the love (and nature) of God. The more liberal group defines love according to the standards of culture. However, Scripture defines God-like love, and in its definition it leaves no room for ambiguity. The second Epistle of John tells us, "And this is love, that we walk after his commandments". God defines love as something that can only operate in the sphere of holiness. Once we move outside that sphere--outside the clear commandments of God--then (biblically speaking) we cease to truly love. Encouraging a homosexual to embrace his sin is more in line with the bible's definition of hatred.
The African UMC should be commended for demonstrating true, genuine, biblical love. They firmly lifted up the Word of God, called upon those living in (or supporting) homosexual sin to repent and be reconciled to God, and warned the church of the dangers of this new apostasy.
African and Asian United Methodists now make up almost 30% of the global UMC community, and are experiencing explosive growth.
Other news & commentary sources on this issue:
United Method Church General Conference Website
Christianity Today
Dallas Morning News
Albert Molher
During the proceedings, the General Conference was interrupted for over 15 minutes by 300 Methodist who support gay-rights. Assembled in the General Conference chamber, they sang "Where You There When The Crucified My Lord?" in an effort to bemoan the perceived persecution of gay Methodists. The demonstration was rather tame compared to the 2000 General Conference, in which over 200 Methodist gay rights supporters were arrested.
Supporters of gay rights unions were both saddened and angered by "foreign influence" at the General Conference. The Rev. Erick Folkerth, pastor of Northaven United Methodist Church in Dallas, later said "It was a terrible day". Mr. Folkerth went on to say that "American Methodists are ready for change." But he and others said change was thwarted this time by international delegates, particularly delegates from Africa.
At the Conference, two African ministers from Congo spoke openly against the new measure, stating that it is "very sad that the Methodist Church continues to advocate for things that come from the devil." One of the ministers went on to say that "it is time for us as church to get on our knees and proclaim that we have made a mistake." Accusations of 'homophobia' came quickly from many American methodist ministers. However, refusing to back down, one of the Congo pastors boldly proclaimed that “homosexuality is a practice that is incompatible with the love of God.”
Therein lies the real issue: the United Methodist Church is comprised of two groups with two radically different conceptions of the love (and nature) of God. The more liberal group defines love according to the standards of culture. However, Scripture defines God-like love, and in its definition it leaves no room for ambiguity. The second Epistle of John tells us, "And this is love, that we walk after his commandments". God defines love as something that can only operate in the sphere of holiness. Once we move outside that sphere--outside the clear commandments of God--then (biblically speaking) we cease to truly love. Encouraging a homosexual to embrace his sin is more in line with the bible's definition of hatred.
The African UMC should be commended for demonstrating true, genuine, biblical love. They firmly lifted up the Word of God, called upon those living in (or supporting) homosexual sin to repent and be reconciled to God, and warned the church of the dangers of this new apostasy.
African and Asian United Methodists now make up almost 30% of the global UMC community, and are experiencing explosive growth.
Other news & commentary sources on this issue:
United Method Church General Conference Website
Christianity Today
Dallas Morning News
Albert Molher
god love can be found in the fruit of the spirit. it starts with loving god because he loved us first. we return that same love to him, then carry it over and love ourselves and everyone else with that same love. that is why loving ones neighbor as oneself, is the summation of all the law.
ReplyDeleteit is ridiculous that human bonding though having eros in attraction does not have also agape in the respect, devotion, trust, expressions of honesty etc. to say that this is this and that is that is being legalistic and only shows the limits of ones own awareness. is eros not also good, did god not create it as well? in human bonding is not just about being around someone one is attracted to. it is also about committing to someone to build a future with. a future where each person invests his energy and talents under the awareness that 2 people committed to each other together is greater than 2 seperate individuals sharing the same space.........its a help pardner.
what evidence is there that the human bonding with homosexuals is any different than that with heterosexuals.
if both bond in the same spirit how can one be acceptable and not the other as well?
With love and grace, I would like to point out that you can only arrive at your argument by abandoning clear biblical teaching.
ReplyDeleteYou want all the benefits of Christianity (love, joy, peace) without the Source of those benefits (a holy, righteous, sovereign God).
Perversion of sexuality, as well as perversion of love, is something God condemns. God created the world, created humanity, and defined the boundaries of sexuality.
I urge you to return to scripture, and let the sovereign Lord of the universe speak to you. He has set his standards, and offered his salvation through Christ. Only in his Truth can we find the meaning of true, biblical, amazing love.