JAY
New Member
Yes. There is a tension, as my post elsewhere in this forum has clearly demonstrated. I am a Disciple of Christ and I have family, friends, co-workers and fellow believers who are members of the LBGT community. I suspect other believers reading this post do as well. While I am not a moderator of this forum, it is my hope that there be mutual respect exhibited. Because really, that's why we're defensive. A lack of respect. It's why I hesitate to tell some of my gay friends I am Christian. It's why it has taken my friend more than two years to share with me about his romantic life. He still hasn't completely told me. I have had to put it together myself. When I ask to clarify, he changes the subject because he has been hurt by Christians. That fear is driving a wedge in a friendship I feel was ordained by the Spirit. His mother is a Pastor. His father and step-mother kicked him out of the house as a teen. He is hurting and desperately needs grace. The kind of grace that comes from a relationship with Christ. But because of the current climate in our church culture in general, not necessarily yours or my home church, he has been disenfranchised.
In my prayer, study and discussion with others I have come to the conclusions that there are three approaches we can take with LGBT folks who want to be come into a relationship with Christ and know the love of God. What is and is not Biblical about each of them?
In my prayer, study and discussion with others I have come to the conclusions that there are three approaches we can take with LGBT folks who want to be come into a relationship with Christ and know the love of God. What is and is not Biblical about each of them?
- Unconditionally welcomed - what would this look like? Is it possible? (possibly the single most complicated approach)
- Conditionally welcomed - you can come but please refrain from discussion about it and public displays of affection with your partner? Hey, do you mind making a commitment to celibacy while we work out your salvation and cure you?
- You are not welcome here - this is not worth discussing. Can you show me a clear passage where Christ would support this? (see Luke 7:36-50)