i am not sure what to think about this article, which is being promoted by Fr James Martin, who has recently written a book on how LGBTQ should be embraced by the church. What do you guys think?
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Not the homosexuals its satan hes behind it and they like most Christians dont know the love of Jesus in there lives.However, I disagree with the idea that homosexuals are trying to destroy the institution of marriage.
I do agree with his statement and: Any sex outside of marriage is sinful. That also includes straight people who are living together before marriage.
I like this Q&A assuming it is in full context:
LA: What would you say to someone who takes a really hard line...who...wants to cut ties with you because you’re gay?
JM: Then you should cut ties with everyone who sins, which means you would cut ties with everyone you know. So have fun in your church of one.
Mary
Hi Wormwood,Marymog,
My concern with the "church of one" argument is that is just isn't Biblical. There is a big difference in saying, "I will not associate with sinners because I perceive myself to be perfect" and saying, "I will not fellowship with those who claim to be Christian and yet indulge and engage in lifestyles that God has declared to be wicked."
I mean, you have to explain 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 and I dont think you can just dismiss it so easily as to say, "Well we are all sinners, so live and let live." Paul seems to be taking a very different stance and instructing the Church (through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) to think differently as well.
In sum, the argument that Christians should not stand up against or reject wicked behavior in their midst because we all have sinned just doesn't hold water. Yes, we have all sinned, and none of us are saved by our own righteousness. We all need grace. However, we are called toward holiness and transformed living. The pervasive acceptance of evil behavior by Christians under the guise of humility and love I find to be really grounded in neither. I find it is usually based more in a desire for cultural acceptance and fear of being labeled as a bigot. Paul didn't seem to have such fears when he wrote about such sins and how the Church should approach those behaviors.
Is he gay? I can't find anything where he said he is.Marymog,
Thanks for responding. I think he is using hyperbole to make a point. I think he is saying, "If a Christian cuts ties with someone who claims to be Christian and is gay, then they should go ahead and cut ties with everyone because everyone sins." The point I think he is making is that it is hypocrisy to cut ties with a gay person such as himself because they are picking and choosing sins to condemn while ignoring the sins of other Christians they associate with.
I think he is in error not only because that is not consistent with the teaching of the NT, but also because being a Christian person who sins and being a Christian person who has embraced and promotes a sinful lifestyle are two different things. Have I lied? Yes I have lied. However, if there is a pathological liar in the church who is promoting a lifestyle of lying and encouraging others to join unashamedly in that lifestyle with him/her, then the believers should disassociate with such a person. Have I struggled with lust in my life? Yes. However, that is very different from someone who claims to follow Christ and is unrepentantly in an adulterous relationship and who boldly declares that there is nothing wrong with such a relationship.
In the text I referenced, Paul is not encouraging Christians to be hyper-critical of one another, but he is calling Christians to be separate from the world and to root out pervasive sins that are evident to all. I hope that makes sense.
LA: What would you say to someone who takes a really hard line...who...wants to cut ties with you because you’re gay?
JM: Then you should cut ties with everyone who sins, which means you would cut ties with everyone you know. So have fun in your church of one.
Do you think JM is telling people to cut ties with everyone who sins?
Marymog,
I really am trying to be clear. Let me break it down a little more to help.
Question 1: Is he gay?
According to the quote above, it would seem so (emphasis mine). Maybe the "you" is not directed at the JM fellow, but either way, it doesn't impact the point I was making. My argument is against his logic, not him as a person.
No. I think he is using hyperbole. He is making an absurd argument to try to undermine the stance of those who would stop fellowshipping with those who claim to be Christian and engage in a homosexual lifestyle.