From a netfriend:

(January 27, 2006)

I read bits and pieces of your article

(http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/12135.htm )

But I don’t think I agree. First, I agree that most evangelicals and liberals come from different authorities-i.e. biblical and psychology. But that doesn’t represent everyone. How about “Evangelicals Concerned” – a pro gay group of evangelicals who maintain faithfulness to biblical authority.

Or how about the recent conversion of Anne Rice, a prominent gothic author who believes in conservative theology (miracles, resurrection, trinity, etc), but also thinks its fine to be gay.

I come from that camp. I am proudly gay and conservative in my theology. I think Jesus did exist. I think he did resurrect. I think he did die for my sins (of which homosexuality is not one). For instance, evangelicals have typically avoided Paul’s endorsement of slavery in Philemon. Paul essentially allowed slavery. Slavery was a much different institution in ancient societies than it was now or even in the civil war. However, to treat someone as property is against the gospel I would say. Evangelicals are right to decry slavery today. SO my question is. Why do evangelicals feel its fine to get around slavery as a moral issue, by saying that Paul was working within his culture? BUT, they do not use any of the same exegetical techniques when it comes to gays and lesbians. Rather, they enforce the strictest of exegetical techniques. THEY never mention for instance, that homosexuality as practiced in the ancient world, usually was in mystery cults and was commonly pederasty, which is much different than consensual adult sexual relations. NO, they never mention that, or else that would unravel their fundamentalist theology.

I am gay, and a Christian. I believe in the gospel of Christ. I recently got married this last summer. My two friends that stood up with me were raised in the church and are theologically conservative (and still attend church!) .. And yet, they had no problem standing with me, celebrating my love for my partner. The church is changing, and soon, oh very soon, your opposition to homosexuality will be like the Southern Baptists’ opposition to abolition.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate your efforts, but in some ways there is a dichotomy. Gay people will not be looked down as less “good” than heterosexuals. Lest we forget, it was the apostle Paul who said it is better to be celibate, but the family values crowd rarely mentions those passages, now that they have raised “the family” to the status of an idol – James Dobson and crew are just as much idolaters as the modern consumerists, they take something good (family) and make it into an object of worship. There is a diversity in creation. That doesn’t mean we accept everything, but it does mean a little less judgment and little more humility.

Cheers,

[Name withheld]

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