There are 2 groups of questions regarding homosexuality in the commentary section of Brian McLaren's new book, The Last Word and The Word After That. The book is primarily about hell and homosexuality is a very minor side point. These questions are McLaren's 'answer' to the gay question but they are not rhetorical so I'm going to give them a whirl.
One set is for the conservative and one for the liberal. Since some Christians call me liberal and some conservative, I'll answer both sets.
For the liberal:
How do you recommend we decide what is right or wrong sexually? Does "anything go," and if not, how do we decide how to identify any sexual behavior as wrong - on what basis?
I would base my decision primarily on whether the behaviour hurts the persons involved. I can limit it to the people involved because sex is a private thing. If it was a public act, then public sentiments and morals should be taken into account. One of our Prime Ministers said the government has no business in the nation's bedrooms.
What are the personal and social consequences of a lack of moral clarity on sexual issues, and how can those consequences be avoided or dealt with?
The same way we handle free speech. We all agree free speech is a good thing but we don't let people yell 'fire!' in a crowded theatre or make bomb threats or promote hate. We have laws against false advertising, slander, libel and perjury. We may have difficulty deciding what is pornography and what is art and what is just bad taste but we know when someone has crossed the line as in child pornography. Free speech serves our free society and we are able to regulate it so that it is helpful and not harmful. It's not a perfect situation but we do okay. I think we can trust ourselves to handle sex with the same common sense.
And if you accept and affirm gay people, how will you deal with those whose consciences will not allow them to do so? Does your acceptance of gays require a rejection of those who do not agree with you, and if not, how will the difference be dealt with?
I do worship and will continue to worship with those who disagree with me. Perhaps we may need to agree to disagree, to revisit hot topics only occassionally and dwell instead on our common ground, Jesus Christ, and all that means. Love covers a multitude of sins.
For the conservative:
How do you believe homosexual people should be treated? Should they be constantly shamed? Made to live in secret or hiding? Deprived of basic human rights, equal pay, housing, and so on? Accepted, but on some second-class status that would treat them differently from other people? And if you cannot accept homosexual people in your midst, can you accept those who do, or must you reject (on some level) both homosexual people and those who accept them?
It can not be denied that homosexuality is anathema in the bible. Paul said to avoid sexual sins and he had a Judaic idea of sexual morality. Our soul/spirit becomes attached to anyone we have sex with. C.S. Lewis said few things we do involve our whole person (spirit, soul & body) and sex is one of them. It is a powerful act that opens up gateways in the spiritual realm. It is this mysterious spiritual element to sex that makes it so wonderful when two people are in love and so devastating when it is forced on someone.
I also believe in social justice and Canadians believe in peace, order and good government. In our social contract, we approach each group and say we may not be brothers but we can live together as neighbours. Justice is not just for us and it is in all our interest to make sure every group is treated justly. For our social contract, I would propose that all rights enjoyed by members of our society - from protection against hate to marriage - should be extended to gay people. As in all social contracts, there are the opt out clauses. I propose that churches be allowed to opt out of performing or blessing gay marriages.
Would I prefer gay marriages be called same sex unions? Yes, I think that would be more palatable to Canadian society and yes I'm aware of the objections to that. Should Christian businesses (printers, caterers, wedding planners) be allowed to opt out? I say no. I know that will be extremely unpopular. But they can no more be exempt than Christian funeral homes, doctors and real estate agents. As part of the social contract, I hope gay people will agree it makes more sense to use gay friendly businesses especially for something as significant as a wedding!
___________
Having worked through this exercise, all I can say is that I'm glad I'm not as widely reaad as Brian nor am I a leader of a church and a movement!!! Phew!
Here's to blessed obscurity.
Comments