Curious Christian

Reflections on culture, nature, and spirituality from a Christian perspective

Homosexuality, Grace and Truth

Published by

Matt Stone

2008-10-24

Well, I am pushing all the buttons tonight aren’t I!

Why not another one…

Last night at Morling College I had the pleasure of hearing Simon Riches from Liberty Christian Ministries speak on ministry amongst people struggling with same sex attraction.

I was really looking forward to this, as I heard Sy Rogers from Liberty Christian Ministries speak at St Paul’s Castle Hill many years ago and already knew something of what they were about. Well I wasn’t dissappointed and Simon gave a very engaging talk on counselling people struggling with homosexuality, mixed in with some very raw and personal stories.

I’ve had a few of my perceptions on homosexuality challenged in the last few weeks, some of my boundaries stretched, some of my understanding expanded, and last night continued that journey. I think that’s a good thing. A commitment to truth means being prepared to hear the whole story, even when its uncomfortable (and, just so I am not misunderstood, don’t presume for a moment that you know in what ways I am being stretched, this is no simple pro/anti thing I am talking about but something far more complex, messy and nuanced).

Above all, I was reminded once again of the importance of creating safe space for people to talk, of the rawness of real Christian mission and the brokeness of this world.

For more information see www.libertychristianministries.org.au

Tags Sexuality

6 responses to “Homosexuality, Grace and Truth”

mono

2008-10-24

Yes you are really pushing all the buttons :).
I remembered a famous Bishop say once:
“Any sin can be forgiven except those involving sexuality!”
And that was a sarcastic remark referring to the those bible thumping pharisees that approach homosexuality as folows:
“The Bible says its a sin, and that’s the end of it, out of my church now!”
How generous of them, how empathetical and loving, how Christian like.
I have a friend who is homosexual who also is a Christian, and he has been trying to fight his sexual preference for a long time finally giving up. He does not come to church any longer since he has a boyfriend now. He cannot so it seems cope with the emotional pressure going to a place where he feels not welcome, which is entirely not the case in our church. I and some other friends try to keep in touch and in discussion over the subject with him, but it is not easy, but we can accept him and make him feel welcome.
Why is it that the church (we the Christians) is making people who are in serious trouble feel so unwelcome or dirty? That is not how Jesus approached them, so are we on the right track?

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Andrew

2008-10-24

Hi Matt. Wouldv’e liked to be at that Morling event to hear Sy Rogers speak because I live close to there and am interested in the topic. However, didn’t know about it. Any way this site could list some of these sorts of events so locals can attend?

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Matt Stone

2008-10-25

It was Simon Rogers who spoke, not Sy, and it was just for the counselling students which is why I didn’t advertise it. Am happy to advertise more public events as I become aware of them. Others are free to submit suggestions in that respect.

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Anthony Venn-Brown

2008-10-25

Hey Matt
it seems to me that a lot of confusion happens with ministries such as Liberty Christian Ministries, Living Waters and others. They work with a particular demographic. That is, people troubled by their sexual orientation, have sexual addictions or have been sexually abused. Often leaders also come from that demographic. Tshis give a very warped view of what it means to be gay or lesbian.
If you begin with the premise that same sex orientation is a sin you are bound to end up in trouble. Homosexuality is a sexual orienation just as heterosexuality is. http://thegreatheresy.wordpress.com/
We often here the term ‘homosexual lifestyle’, which, when really analysed is also a ‘heterosexual lifestyle’. I respect that some may not like their orientation and prefer to conform rather than be themselves but there are many of us (literally 1000’s) who are gay or lesbian, live moral lives and are people with a strong faith as well. Many of us had to find that outside the church as it was something previously not believed in Christian circles. We are living proof of its reality.

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Matt Stone

2008-10-26

Is it fair to speak of homosexuality as a sexual orientation in the singular? The more I look into it the more complex and multifaceted it seems. Just seeking to understand here.

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hazel

2008-12-05

i think these ex-gay ministries do far more harm than good (some examples of peoples experiences could be read here http://www.beyondexgay.com/narratives) and i feel the danger with an over-literal understanding of the ‘anti-gay’ passages in the bible is that the effect is completely the opposite to the principles behind the law (love your neighbour).
I also feel that all too often a very unrealistic view of what it is to be gay is portrayed by some organisations. With references to the ‘gay lifestyle’ for example. For me one of the nicest things about coming out and meeting other lesbians and gay men was realising my lifestyle is just how i choose to live my life and i dont have to believe those things about myself. – its quite possible to be gay and have a long term monagamous relationship (with or without the marriage certificate depending on legal rights in that country)
I do agree that it is complex and multifaceted. I think that the homophobia inherent in our society prevents us from recognising the full spectrum and the complexity of sexual attraction because of the necessity of pointing out that its not a choice (which it really isnt) in order to work towards equal rights. Some people are bisexual, some are 100% straight, some are 100% gay. Some peoples orientation can change (in either direction) over time, others can become more aware of their preferences. Other people go to great lengths to try and change their orientation with no effect. None of this means that its a choice but i do agree that its complex.

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