Is the Debate about Same-Sex Marriage a Primary or Secondary Theological Issue?
I hear this question quite often, and my response—which is frustrating to some—is always the same. What do you mean by primary and secondary, and how do you determine what is primary and secondary? People often sort out their theological convictions in terms of primary and secondary, or essential and non-essential, or gospel issues and […]
Eugene Peterson Believes in a Christian View of Marriage After all
What a weird week in Evangelicaland. Yesterday, Eugene Peterson was interviewed about his recent and final book, As Kingfishers Catch Fire, and somehow the interview was steered into a discussion about same-sex marriage. As I said in a blog yesterday, I found Peterson’s response to be fairly ambiguous and unclear. When asked a hypothetical question about […]
Eugene Peterson on Same-Sex Marriage
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already heard the news. Pastor, scholar, writer, and professor Eugene Peterson has apparently changed his view on same-sex relations and marriage. I’ll tease out what I mean by “apparently” below. But I first want to acknowledge that Eugene Peterson has had a massive influence in my life and will continue to do […]
What Should We Call the “Traditional” View of Marriage?
I really don’t like labels, but sometimes they are necessary. In the LGBT+ conversation, labels are particularly problematic. They try to stuff complex topics into a single word (or phrase), which usually diminishes various nuances of the topic they are discussing. For instance, what label do we use to describe Christians who believe that […]
Living in Terror as a Gay Christian
*The following post is by a friend of mine who wishes to remain anonymous. He’s a conservative Christian who experiences same-sex attraction. He grew up in the church, but due to his struggle he wasn’t welcome. He wandered from God for 23 years, but 6 months ago he returned to Jesus and has found a […]
How to Talk about Homosexuality: 6 Things Every Straight Christian Should Know
1. Avoid the phrase “the gays” and the term “homosexual.” If you’re a white male and don’t like to be called “white boy,” then you should not refer to gay people as “the gays.” And if you take offense at people calling African Americans “colored folk,” then you too should avoid calling gay people “the […]
A Celibate Same-Sex Couple?
I want you to meet a rather unique couple. Their names are Sarah and Lindsey, but don’t form your opinions too quickly. Yes, Sarah and Lindsey are partners. Yes, they are attracted to the same sex. But no, they are not married nor are they engaging in sexual relations. They are celibate. Now, before you […]
What Is a Mixed Orientation Marriage?
A “mixed orientation marriage” is where one spouse is straight while the other opposite-sex spouse is attracted to the same sex. History has seen many such marriages end in much pain and confusion—especially if kids are involved. Given their destructive potential, mixed orientation marriages are rarely viewed as an option for people who are same-sex […]