Equality Ride
For the last several weeks and months, the Equality Riders for the Soulforce Equality Ride have been a topic of discussion at Covenant College. The Riders are a group of people who are against discrimination of gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals, and transgender people. Their mission statement as quoted from their website (which can be followed using the link above) is “Freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance.”
They requested a visit to the Covenant College campus in the beginning of April 2007 (in a mere week). After much debate, discussion, and prayer, President Nielson announced Covenant’s decision today concerning the matter.
“After much prayer, counsel, and consideration of various options, we have decided not to allow the Equality Ride to visit our campus. We plan to tell them courteously that they cannot enter our campus, and have alerted local law enforcement officials just in case the Riders attempt to do so,” stated President Nielson on March 27, 2007.
When I first heard of the Equality Ride and the possibility of their visit to Covenant, it appeared to be an awesome opportunity to share the love of God with them. What better way to reach out to a group of people that does feel oppression and discrimination in this day? I am not condoning it or agreeing with it on any grounds. The Bible is very intentional and clear about God’s grounds for sex and sexual relationships. Anything outside those grounds of marriage is a sin. But I also recognize that homosexuality is a struggle for many people. It is only when we act and engage in those thoughts and lusts of our hearts when we give in to temptation and go against God’s will for our lives that it becomes a sin.
Homosexuality is a sin that many people struggle with. Just like pornography… or alcoholism, or gambling, or eating disorders. They ALL violate what God desires for us. But not one of them is worse in God’s sight. They are ALL sins that God condemns. But temptations with these sins is different. Temptation is so often viewed as wrong. Just like criticism (if you get the chance read my post on “Constructive Criticism”) which can be destructive or constructive, temptation offers the option of doing what is right or doing what is wrong.
My granddad once told me a story of a man that he knew. He passed away a few years ago, but during the last few days of his life he told my granddad that he had been an alcoholic all of his life. “I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol in over 50 years, but I have been an alcoholic all my life.” That man recognized that he had a struggle… and that it was an ongoing, life-long struggle even though he resisted the temptation for over 50 years.
Homosexuality is the same thing. It is a struggle that many people have to deal with - but it isn’t a sin. Only when we act on it (whether in our thoughts or actions or words) does it become a sin.
With this in mind, as a body of Christian believers, we should not be quick to condemn or discriminate against those who struggle with sexual sins (or any sin for that matter) …we should offer the love of God and the truth of the gospel. With this in mind, why not allow the Equality Riders to roam our campus freely? Why not pursue the opportunity to minister and speak with them… and to share God’s truth with them?
The Soulforce Equality Ride requested permission to roam Covenant’s campus freely while having the opportunity to talk with students. “The Ride’s stated mission is to challenge Covenant’s biblical view of sexuality and policies on sexual behavior, which they view as oppressive and discriminatory. This explicit goal makes it very clear that they are not interested in genuine dialogue, but rather are missionally committed to changing Covenant from its foundations up,” stated President Nielson in his letter to the student body. The letter goes on to explain the reasons for Covenant College’s decision to deny the Riders access to our campus. I encourage you to read it in its entirety - and know the full story and the complete reasons for Covenant’s decision.
President Nielson went on by saying, “Given this explicit focus on basic biblical views and college policies, and while we are not willing to set aside either our biblical convictions or our policies on sexuality and sexual morality, we nevertheless made a good faith offer of several opportunities for the Riders to meet on campus with students, faculty, and administrators to discuss these matters… the Ride organizers rejected our offer.”
I encourage you all to go on and read the letter that President Nielson addressed to the student body of Covenant. It speaks with greater clarity and words than I could ever hope to reiterate here.
But I believe Covenant’s decision on this matter has been a wise, prayerful, and biblical decision. My only hope and prayer is that it serves to strengthen the student body of Covenant in the beliefs and teachings of truth found in God’s Word, as well as serves as a reminder that we live in a fallen world that is SO in need of our prayers and our actions as ambassadors of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 says…
“17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Published on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:42 am.
28 Comments.
Filed under Real Life Issues, Student Life.
dont burst the bubble.
Dane Boykin on 29 Mar 2007 at 12:21 pm.
yeah Dane… you know how it goes.
Philip Codington on 29 Mar 2007 at 5:36 pm.
i think it is important for there to be dialogue, but covenant is not allowing any dialogue with students, as they know that the smallest amount of truth will break through the silence and darkness of this issue.
your own denomination refuses to make a determination about homosexuality because the biblical argument only applies to fundamentalist literal interpretation of the bible. you cannot call homosexuality a sin without calling lots of other things, even sex itself, not a sin. it’s an exegetical issue because not enough christians have taken the time to study the hebrew and greek translations, and it’s a hermeneutical issue because as we all know, the bible can be argued down to whatever the best argument would have it be. my faith, as well as those of my brothers and sisters in the gay community, is founded on fare more than scripture alone.
i know there are many gay students at your school who suffer in silence and are given the false hope that they will succeed in changing their orientation. after 30 years and every therapy you can think of, i challenge this notion and challenge the students of covenant college to step outside of their campus and engage in dialogue.
why is it so dangerous to hear a different opinion? normally this is because most schools, including the one that expelled me NOT for “homosexual acts” but for simply stating that i was no longer trying to change myself, do not have a concrete theological argument that stands up against basic scholarship.
if we are to study the scripture, we need to be, if nothing else, prepared to be challenged in our faith. otherwise, we are blind followers, not useful servants to the kingdom.
i pray that no matter what, god’s will be accomplished in this situation.
esteban giron on 30 Mar 2007 at 8:52 am.
I would be careful to say that Covenant is not allowing any dialogue. If you read the letter to the student body from President Nielson, you would know that Covenant did attempt to organize open discussions groups and meetings with the Riders and any constituents of Covenant who wanted to take part in them…
The RIDERS turned that proposal down, not Covenant. They wanted free reign to travel anywhere on campus that they pleased, and Covenant denied that.
As far as the dialogue though, be careful with pointing the finger without knowing the facts.
Philip Codington on 30 Mar 2007 at 11:01 pm.
i definitely know the facts, as many of my friends are involved in the ride, and i look forward to greeting them on monday, as well as yourself if you venture outside the fortified walls of your school.
the proposal, as noted on the covenant web page, was hardly a chance to interact with students. WHY IS THERE SO MUCH FEAR THAT A ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATION WILL BE DANGEROUS THEOLOGICALLY TO A STUDENT? If you happened to be a closeted gay or lesbian student at your school, would YOU walk into the room reserved for the riders and expose yourself to your schoolmates? any of who have grown up in this uber-fundamentalist environment understand that we know very well how to stay hidden, and that’s exactly what would have happened.
also, after looking at the schedule, it seemed that your school was (and is) on a sort of evangelistic mission to change the riders’ minds about their sexuality. let me warn you that those of us who have endured years of ex-gay therapy, dangerous behavioral modification exercises, and mental and emotional abuse at the hands of well-intentioned ministers and counselors are not going to be convinced by a bunch of men in a room that our entire life experience is wrong!
now, most importantly here is that a policy like the one in your school basically makes homosexuality unpardonable, as one is expelled for engaging in “homosexual behavior.” taken from a purely Romans-based view of holiness and sexual purity, i have remained more pure by holding hands with a guy than any guy at any christian school who makes out with his girlfriend everyday. but i would doubt that anything would be said to the heterosexual couple; the homosexual couple, even if they fall somewhere lower in your apparent hierarchy of sins, will not get expelled. (yes, i read everything that was written in response to equality ride, and it is clear that homosexuality is considered a “greater” sin to your institution, something i find horribly un-biblical.”
so basically, if you’re gay and don’t follow strictly to the rules, you are unsavable, not worthy of the blood of jesus, destined to eternity in hell. kind of far stretch for a calvanist institution, don’t you think. do you not believe in irresistible grace? of i am genuinely following the holy spirit with my heart and mind, why can’t you believe that the spirit will “guide me into all truth,” without the need for hateful rhetoric or treatment of brothers and sisters in christ as sub-par human beings?
so again, i challenge you to step outside of the fortress and talk to these people. they have endured more pain and rejection that you will probably face in a lifetime…what do you want them to walk away with? another slap in the face that re-asserts the fact that christians do not love them? because you will not be able to convince them god does not love them. not even the most well-argued statement could do that.
one more thing. to say that following in the tradition of the liberty rides is not acceptable for a gay and lesbian group. where were your leaders when mel white, founder of soulforce which sponsors equality ride, was helping dr. king in the civil rights movement? did you realize dr. king had gay rights on his agenda, and some of the remaining members of his original “team” of civil rights leaders actually help out with and endorse the equality ride.
thank you for allowing me to express my opinions here…i am actually looking at a gay-friendly presbyterian school to complete my m.div! again, i pray god’s will be done in the lives of the students and the riders.
peace
esteban
esteban giron on 30 Mar 2007 at 11:50 pm.
covenant has been searching for months for the most appropriate and meaningful way to address the equality ride as the second of april creeps nearer and nearer. i am proud of covenant’s commitment to and desire for God’s will and the preeminence of Christ in all matters brought before it.
the college has more people to answer to and worry about than just its on-campus students. trustees, alumni, parents, and other interest-holding parties and supporters are concerned about the well-being of the school as well.
i do not believe the students at covenant are sheltered, ignorant, or even in need of protection from “queer influences” or any other influence, but the institution has an obligation to steward properly the events that come to pass on campus. the equality riders have clearly posed an unproductive, unedifying threat to the campus, and their actions at other colleges and universities is fine proof of that.
please, do not be so quick to stereotype covenant as another one of the gay-ostracizing schools the equality ride has faced on tour this year or last. i am convinced that it is covenant’s supreme desire to productively engage in God-glorifying, brother-edifying dialogue with the equality riders, but this is apparently not enough for the riders.
covenant’s willingness to engage the riders without concern for the type of media attention it might bring is commendable. it’s a shame the equality riders are not willing to peacefully dialogue with the college.
soli Deo gloria.
Jeremy Smith on 31 Mar 2007 at 1:51 am.
esteban, a couple of things -
Your comments about Covenant show that you know very little about the institution. the students are hardly sheep being led by a single set of doctrines and philosophies. There’s nothing a Covenant student likes more than an argument. We’ll debate anyone until one or both parties talks themselves unconscious.
The students at this college have read the bible, esteban. A good portion of us have read it in the hebrew and greek - and we have nearly the toughest undergrad greek program around.
As for how much weight scripture should carry in dictating theology, what do you think? What else is there besides scripture to go back to? I’m not sure what this “fare (far, I assume) more than scripture alone” you referred to includes - and I don’t think you do either.
I’m sure you study the bible. But you go to it with just as much bias as anyone. Everyone has a bias. When studying scripture, however, if we put away what we want to hear, we can begin to uncover the truths of the Gospel and all that it entails. This usually makes sinners feel guilty. I’ve never known someone who got the warm and fuzzies from hearing about the consequences of their own sin.
All sinners have trouble with the repentance part of repent & believe. The belief part is easy, but repentance can be a lifelong process. realization of sin in ones own life and turning away from it is what repentance is all about. It’s all about change.
Just some thoughts. I tend to ramble. replies would be welcome.
Stuart on 31 Mar 2007 at 6:00 am.
Esteban, I do intend to step outside of the “fortress” that you like to call Covenant College… make no mistake, I have no intention of hiding away in any locked closet in my room (as I can assure you no others will either). Homosexuality is a dangerous game to play with - and I would be weary about saying that closet gays/lesbians would just stay inside their closest when the Riders come. Their mission (which has been successful on many college campuses before) is to encourage those people to come out and join their movement.
Though I am not siding with you in your opposition towards Covenant’s decision, I do agree with you in your comparison of heterosexuality and homosexuality. We do not pay enough attention to the problems that comes from heterosexuality… and displays of immodesty or whatever that causes people to stumble, while we do cause a huge uproar if two guys are seen holding hands. I agree with your point there, and I even talked with one of my professors about that the other day. Perhaps it is something that should be considered more deeply… not saying that people can’t hold hands, but there should be a balance between the two, I believe.
Philip Codington on 31 Mar 2007 at 8:01 am.
my warning for esteban was to not quickly jump-in and categorize covenant with all the other schools the equality ride has visited. nobody here is going to try to convince anyone that they aren’t loved by God. clearly the blood of Jesus is sufficient to save WHOMEVER he pleases. you mention irresistable grace, but that comes AFTER unconditional election.
so, with that in mind i think those of us in the reformed tradition aught to be (and in most cases ARE) less quick to condemn or judge. the reality of God’s grace is that he can and does save with NO regard to how closely we follow the law, for no one can follow the law to the letter… and that’s the beauty of grace.
the standards of conduct here do not say a student will be expelled for homosexual behavior. the college offers counseling and help for those who realize they have a struggle.
what the equality ride doesn’t quote on their website is the sentence in the standards of conduct immediately following the line requiring them to abstain from things that YOU wouldn’t require them to abstain from.
let me quote: “Students must reject all sinful attitudes, such as greed, jealousy, pride, lust, and prejudice against
those of a different race, gender, socio-economic status, etc.”
there is nothing worse than pride. and you are all very right that so often we like to place homosexual behavior at a high level, as if the more “common” or “normal” sin we deal with is less disgusting in the sight of God. how dare we try to categorize things like that?
Jeremy Smith on 31 Mar 2007 at 2:10 pm.
thank you for responding. i think this kind of discussion is encouraging to me because it does show me that your school has students that are seeking truth in love. i am sorry for stereotyping; you must understand that i have seen two very different versions of the reformed presbyterian tradition, one here in this area and one in california. obviously, it is a vastly different scene!
however, what impressed me so much about the presbyterian church was the emphasis on biblical scholarship, and by no means do i deny that someone at covenant studying ministry as a vocation knows a great deal about the scripture. i have great respect for the fact that one must study both hebrew and greek to receive ordination in this church, and it i wish that were so in every denomination!
plenty of students have now contacted the riders to pledge to leave school grounds to come have conversation. i think you also make the stereotype of the sort of media-frenzied angry gay person who wants to “make people join their movement.” equality ride is absolutely not a recruitment too for the equality ride! you must understand that the schools visited usually contact soulforce…well, that is, the students at those schools who have no where else to turn. just as your residence directors and counselors are there to provide one perspective to a gay young person, these riders simply want the opportunity to do the same.
and yes, i do know what i’m talking about when i say there are things other than scripture that have to be considered in interpretation. i am a wesleyan (gasp!) and therefore process theology through the wesleyan quadrilateral. this may change after a few more years of seminary, but nonetheless it’s my background. this is what i was referring to when i wrote that.
reformed theology is in fact the basis for the de-criminalization of homosexuality as a sin in the first place! without appropriate historical-critical analysis of both the language and the society in which these six scriptures “condemning” homosexuality exist, your reformed theology will quickly become literalist and fundamentalist, which leaves even MORE room for faulty interpretation.
if any of you would like to speak with me outside of your campus, please feel free to find me. i will be more than happy to speak with you, as will any of the riders, i’m sure.
esteban giron on 1 Apr 2007 at 3:28 pm.
Philip,
The Equality Ride is about ending spiritual violence.
You may not have experienced the devastating state of “non-existence” that LGBT Christian young people experience from the church/school/family after coming out, but I have.
You may not have had to visit a young gay person in the hospital after they attempted suicide because of what their church/school/family did to them, but I have.
You are incredibly comfortable in your pious sense of self-righteousness, but you don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.
The very verse you’ve quoted says that we, as Christians, are to be ministers of reconciliation. But you are content at being arbiters of division, judgement and condemnation.
There is no love in your words.
Nathan Black
Nathan Black on 2 Apr 2007 at 6:09 pm.
…for clarification…
I am involved with Soulforce as a volunteer and member.
I am a Deacon and young adult ministry leader at MCC Austin.
I am a future student of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Nathan Black on 2 Apr 2007 at 6:17 pm.
Nathan,
You are right… I have never experienced the devastation of rejection from my family or church because of my sexual orientation. And no, I also have never visited a young gay person in the hospital after a suicide attempt.
But I have watched my best friend be carried out to an ambulance on a stretcher while gasping for breath.. after downing 20 pills in an attempt to end her life. She was sexually abused and raped… it wasn’t her fault, but she still suffered the consequences. There have been few nights that I have ever cried harder…
I came home one night to hear my mom tell me she had cancer. She told me it would be a long road and then whispered, “Can you make it with us?” I have watched my mom suffer from agressive breast cancer… and lose every hair on her head one by one. I lived with the reality that my mom might not live another five years (that was four years ago) because of her cancer. I watched her and my own family suffer through the devastation that comes from that.
I have suffered rejection. I have suffered the pain of almost losing a loved one. I know your pain, Nathan…perhaps on a different level of experience. But the result is the same - pain, suffering, and rejection.
Nathan, I don’t condemn you or any of the Soul Force riders. My heart goes out to you. I spent three hours today talking with the Equality Riders that came to Covenant - about homosexuality, about blogs, about life, about the weather, about the Bible, about friends, and just life…
I don’t condemn you or desire to cause division - and I do believe we have the responsibility to be ministers of reconciliation. My hope and pray is that Soul Force can and does indeed recognize that as well… as well as Covenant College as a whole.
Philip Codington on 2 Apr 2007 at 7:20 pm.
so true….we all have experienced ‘that’ pain. obviously in many different shapes and forms but nonetheless, pain. i think that is something that we all share in common despite our differences, ya know?….
Olivia on 2 Apr 2007 at 9:34 pm.
Hi Philip,
Thank you for sharing on the Equality Ride. I want to encourage you to listen to a lecture by Jerram Barrs at Covenant Theological Seminary called “Postmodernism & the Culture Wars”. Here is a link:
http://www.covenantseminary.edu/worldwide/en/CC310/CC310.asp
I admire the Student Senate for coming out in support of meeting with the Equality Riders. Have you thought about asking Jerram Barrs to talk with the administration?
Antony Hebblethwaite on 2 Apr 2007 at 9:59 pm.
Philip,
Thank you for meeting with the ERiders. And I am glad to hear that you do not condemn them.
I am gay, quite a bit older that you at the age of 48, and graduated for Evangel College, which, I imagine, is not very different from your school in what it believes about gay people.
The stuggles you have revealed in your post above tell me that you have a caring heart, and have seen that life can be, as is for many, full of suffering. We all suffer, one way another, if we live long enough, be it mental or physical. And I believe there is only one appropriate response to suffering, either our own or that of others, and the is compasson. Without compassion, we become deaf and blind to each other. Compassion is the one thing that can draw us together. My heart goes out to you.
~
I have been married to a wonderful man for over 15 years- legally in Canada for the last two. This alone should indicate that gay persons, despite assertions to the contrary- can- and do- have long lived relationships. I am blessed with an incredble partner who has been there for me, and I for him, through many difficult times. And because of this, I am pained to read your charactorization of my life as being that of that an alchoholic, drug addict and those with eating disorders. It simply is not true. And I can only imagine that your assertion was made without adequate reflection or real knowledge.
My love for my husband is not a dysfunction. It is a reality. I hope, in time, that your will come to see this.
I wish you peace and joy as well as healing for your loved ones.
Daniel
Daniel on 2 Apr 2007 at 10:10 pm.
Philip,
wow, that was tough to read the whole way through that essay. In those few paragraphs of what you claim to be nonjudgmental, I heard myself being called a pornographer, an alcoholic, & a gambler. You compared my orientation to an emotional disorder and a lifelong struggle with sin.
I’m grateful that not all of God’s children demonstrate His love in such a way as you.
Steve on 3 Apr 2007 at 10:05 am.
Philip,
Do you get that you are comparing yourself(and Covenant) with a rapist and life-destroying cancer?
You are very clear that your friend suffered horribly at the hands of her abuser. You are very clear of the pain your mother endured because of cancer.
However, you are not clear at all of the suffering that your beliefs and the policies of Covenant inflict on LGBT students.
Philip, I believe in your intent. I believe your heart is in the right place. I just don’t think you have really listened to the those who have suffered because of what you have been taught and are now promoting.
You say that you are acquainted with pain. My brother, I’m asking you to hear and feel the pain of LGBT students and then to look down at your hands and see the cause of their pain.
Peace,
Nathan Black
Nathan Black on 3 Apr 2007 at 11:29 am.
I don’t think comparing homosexuality to alcoholism is accurate. I think that sexual orientation more closely resembles hand use preference. Most people are right-handed, but some are left handed.
Jacob Zimmer on 5 Apr 2007 at 1:10 pm.
There is little doubt that people on all sides of this issue have broken the second most important commandment, Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.
However I highly doubt that this blog here and the discussion herein will change anybody’s mind. That is the realm of the Holy Spirit. Also in that realm is the right to decide the difference between sin and righteousness. We, you and I, do not have that right.
The fact that something is done does not make it right. The fact that it is done for a long time does not make it right. The fact that it is done by many does not make it right. The fact that it is done with pure intentions does not make it right. Also, the fact that it is met and responded to with evil and violence, even this does not make it right.
Conversely, the fact that something makes me uncomfortable does not make it wrong. The fact that something is a practice of the minority does not make it wrong. The fact that something is different does not make it wrong. The fact that something is counterculture, or untraditional does not make it wrong.
We only have one guide as to what is right and what is wrong. Our consciences are easily broken or overcome, our spiritual leaders are sinful just like us, our feelings are swayed by chemicals in our minds and outside influences.
If God is real, we must rely solely on Scripture. Without it, we are lost. To what besides revealed truth can we cling? We can’t depend on genetics or tradition as a guide for life. The one because then we are no better than animals, and locked to the dictates of our instincts. The second because tradition is set by men.
If Scripture says that something is not to be done, then it is sin. If Scripture does not, then sin it is not.
The only focus of what we as Christians are do to and believe MUST BE: What does the Bible actually say? This is not a court. Circumstantial evidence is not admissible. Personal anecdotes are irrelevant. Name calling and insult hurling are pointless and sinful. The Word of God alone is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. If it is not, then there is no point to being a Christian at all. In the Bible, Jesus says that if we love him, we will keep his commands. If the Bible is inaccurate, we do not know what his commands are, how we are to demonstrate our love for Christ, and even whether or not Jesus ever really said this, or existed at all.
So, let us stop telling each other what we feel, and start examining the only document that can give us the truth. Our interpretations will differ, as they have for all generations. But at least we will start somewhere. The word will not return void.
As a personal aside, Phil, you’ve got to be related to Wim. We were at Covenant together for a year or two.
Benjamin JM on 5 Apr 2007 at 3:48 pm.
Well stated post, Philip.
It’s ironic that Equality Ride supporters claim to be open-minded, yet they don’t respect the rights of others to hold beliefs contrary to their own.
You, on the other hand, and Covenant College, state your beliefs but also respect the rights of others to hold their own beliefs. That, my friend, I admire.
Emma on 5 Apr 2007 at 5:35 pm.
I second Benjamin’s post. It is easy for one to claim to be a Christian or Evangelical, without affirming the “inerrancy” and “infallibility” of the Scripture. Why would someone discussing something assuming that we’re all in the same position or same ground, that is, because we are all Christians? That’s not enough.
Main point is: you can’t start discussing something FROM the Scripture without affirming the TOTAL “inerrancy” and “infallibility” of the Scripture, that’s the orthodox confession. There are those who believe that Scripture is, well 90% correct and the rest….corrupted or, somewhere along that line. Well, solve this first….then talk about any other issues.
Secondly, as someone who was born and grew up in the largest Muslim country in the world, sometimes I think American people are selfish. They emphasize it too much (again, sometimes) on: what about MY rights? What about MY freedom? Have you ever thought about the fellow brothers and sisters Christians in China or, my own country? We can’t worship freely, the radical group can close your church at any time and any moment, or worse still, bomb it. What can we do?? Go to street and start protesting? So far, I have never heard of it. Now, I’m not saying that there’s no value in freedom. Freedom is good, it is a give from God himself. However, use it with responsibility.
Thank you and Blessings
Carlo on 12 Apr 2007 at 6:02 pm.
I have to agree with Benjiman on the matter of scripture alone being our only basis of knowing the sin and righteousness. Also what I feel is being left out of this conversation is that this is a matter in the church. We are not proclaiming the gospel to people who claim to be unbelievers, however this is between to groups of Christians. This being realized, the situation should be handled much differently. If we cannot agree on scripture as the authority, then we must question if the person is truly a Christian. We know God through what He has revealed to us through His Word. Not our desires or visions for none of us are prophets. Without it, the Bible, as stated earlier, we would be left to whatever desires our heart can imagine. But if we can agree that scripture is the authority and not what our desires are as the authority, we have the ability to conform ourselves more closely to that of Christ. We know this as our Christian-life process of sanctification. In this process as Christians we are continually convicted of our state and repent. This is a sign of a Christian, conforming themselves to the teachings of scripture and turning away from sin. However, for a believer to not repent of sins but follow what they feel is right, without scriptural basis, is nothing but apostasy. They have traded off the Word of the Infinite God for the ideas of finite man. This is not Christianity, and if the person does not repent of this, they are to be kicked out of the visible church. Why? Becasue it is commanded by scripture. Does it mean people that struggle with this sin are not Christians, no. But those that live in this sin and try to pervert the Word of God to state that it is not sin, they are to be rebuked as Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and removed from the church. This is scriptural teaching. We should still evangelise the Word to them, but they are to be treated as non-Christians, not members of the visible church. We see the act of excommunication through the teaching of 1 Corinthians 5, and the rebuking of the Pharisee for their false teaching is Matthew 23:13-15. We as Christians will never live a perfect life, but by not keeping the Bride of Christ pure to His Word, we allow more sin into the Church to lead the Church astray. We must follow what the scripture commands in this situation, because all the relationships, debates, and works of us Christians are meaningless if the Spirit does not bless our efforts. In the end, it is not the work we have done, but the work the Spirit has blessed when we have followed the Word of God. So we as Christians should be bold in dealing with matters within the Church of unrepentent sin, 1.) Because we are commanded to be and 2.) for us to not be bold would be lieing to those who struggle with these sin and allowing them to continue to leave the Biblical truths of Scripture. The latter leaves us responsible for not doing our duty as a fellow Christian, lest we fall away from Scripture if someone were not to warn and watch over us in the church. May God watch over us, keeping us humble to the idea that we are human and fallable, while He alone is truth and His Word is to be our guide in our Christian walk.
Brent on 14 Apr 2007 at 5:39 am.
This only justifies more of a reason for me to go to Covenant. I have been continuously praying about whether Covenant is where God wants me to be and for a long time it felt, and everyone knows the feeling, like He wasn’t there; however, now I feel the tugging toward Covenant even more and I truely feel He is leading me in this direction. This is only one example of how spiritiual and loving your administration is. I have alot of friends who struggle with the temptations mentioned in this blog and it actually comes as a comfort that you guys see to these situations instead of strugging them off. I’ve actually visited quite a few Christian campuses that don’t even speak certain words such as “gay.” But the truth is this is a part of the world today and we do need to reach out to these people. It is not a request but a command in Matthew 28:19-20, Everyone knows the verses. I don’t agree with the things my friends do and have often talked to them about my beliefs however I have not sacrificed my love for them despite my disagreement. I believe you guys have done the same. This blog and the administration’s decision is very commendable. I love the way God works at this college. Praise be to Him! :)
Calli-Jade Cleary on 15 Apr 2007 at 2:43 pm.
i find someone’s name on your site,so i leave some words.
lian on 1 Jun 2007 at 6:24 am.
Just came upon this discussion. My parents helped found the PCA in 1973. I grew up in a small town and knew no openly gay men. However, I knew that I was somehow “different”.
To make a long story short…I went through absolute hell from the church and from those I thought were my brothers and sisters in Christ.
For example, I can vividly remember lying about a broken nose when I attended Reformed Youth Movement camp. I said that I “fell on a hike”. I actually was beat up because I was, unbeknownst to me, exhibiting feminine behavior. Guess God was supposed to work through a good beating.
Providentially (to use a good Reformed term), I met some very stable, loving Christian gay folks. Now, years later, I am partnered to a wonderful guy (22 years together now…how’s that for “family values”?). We are very active in our local church. We believe very strongly in the Gospel message that Jesus came to save sinners from their sin.
When I read Covenant’s reaction to SoulForce, it was as if the PCA once again kicked me in the face. How sad that a denomination that claims to want to do God’s will would refuse to even meet with these folks.
One more thing…there are MANY gay and lesbian people at Covenant…always has been. Sadly, many may not find the love and acceptance from Christian brothers and sisters that I have found. These folks will end up marrying, thus destroying someone else’s life. Or, they will decide to end their life like many gay kids do…you know, you’ve heard it…”he was a good Christian boy. We don’t know why he would take his on life.”
Friends, the blood of these young men and women are on your hands. I do believe there will be a judgement day and I believe that those who turn their backs (and hearts) away from gay and lesbian people will answer for what they have done…”it is better for them to have a millstone tied around their neck…”
Anyway, I do thank you for being open enough to question Covenant’s decision.
In the Love of the Risen Christ,
C
C on 18 Sep 2007 at 1:05 pm.
I guess you must be a friend of dane boykin, i’m one of his chinese friend, would you please tell him that I am looking for him, and I heven’t changed my mail address, if he could, just send me a mail.
thank you very much.
allen on 20 Nov 2007 at 8:46 pm.
I am very sorry to say but you have it all wrong. As an Equality Rider who visited your school and a Gay Christian, I’m saddened how you have been brought up to believe that who I am as a gay man and as a husband to another man is sinful. The fallacious nature of your argument is so incredibly typical of fundamentalists that I feel you need to a few years away from your school, family, friends, etc and discover the true meaning of what it means to be Christian–I suggest you read “Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality” by Jack Rogers, maybe you’ll learn to love more and judge less, like Christ commanded.
Vince on 17 May 2008 at 3:44 am.