A modern Apologetic of homosexuality and human sexuality

Logo essay on Apologetics of homosexuality and human sexuality

To my brothers and sisters in Christ and to all that stand in opposition to the position of the church on its position on faith and human sexuality. Over the past 30 years, it has been a much-debated theological and doctrinal issue for all of Christendom. To the point that it has divided churches and polarized secular and religious communities. For the first time in generations, we now see that the secular community has become extremely hostile toward anything associated with Christianity. Other religions and faith also take a doctrinal position concerning human sexuality, and yet Christianity is the target of much hostility. The main question we must ask is why has homosexuality and the LGBTQ lifestyle been the proverbial hot button that has been weaponized against anything associated with the church? I hope that a careful examination of God’s view on human relationships and human sexuality will help both sides to understand how we got here and where do we go from here.

While it is true that the LGBTQ lifestyle has been weaponized in modern days, it is by no means the first time that human sexuality has found itself at the crossroads of the faithful. In varying degrees of acceptance, the church has been willing to bend, accommodate, or turn a blind eye to many of God’s commands and guidance against the decadence of human sexuality. Over 100 times in the bible God warns us of the power the human sexual drive has. We can always find that power, greed, and sex are at the root of all sins committed. And throughout history sex has been intertwined with power and greed to control, dominate, and destroy people, nations, and kingdoms. You are right to challenge the line in the sand on homosexuality and yet often turn a blind eye to other sexual grievances that have also caused irreversible damage to the body of Christ.

Human sexuality has been going through varying periods of waxing and waning in the eyes of society. While not directly endorsed and supported by the church, it has often remained quite on its’ rebuke. One that comes to mind is society’s acceptance of concubines and prostitution at any given time in all societies across the world. Many of these men that have engaged in these practices have often been high-profile members of the church and at times been leaders in the church. God is clear on the impact and power of engaging in sexual relations with anyone outside the context of marriage. Paul tells the Corinthians that because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. He later begins to list not one, but several subcategories that can be seen as sexual immorality. 

In Leviticus 18 God dedicated an entire chapter of unlawful sexual behaviors and actions. He does not say one is worse than the other but says; You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the Lord. Yes, it is true that homosexuality is one mentioned, there are many times that general nakedness is highlighted as something to be avoided. God created and warns of the power the naked body has on men and the visual stimulation that the naked body has on him. And yet the church has often allowed varying degrees of sexually stimulating dress even within the congregation. Many times in history the church has tried to counter this and create rules and doctrinal laws forbidding such dress. Using God’s word to validate their legalistic laws imposed on their people. The outward enforcement of God’s law will only fuel the rebellious nature of the human soul. It is only through the inward workings of the Holy Spirit that will bring anyone to living a life of humility and chastity.  

In the 20th century, it has been seen as a single issue argument concerning the church and sexuality. This is due to the single line issue that has become front and center by civil rights activists attempting to subdue the church in today’s modern society. Which has forced the church to defend its position along those lines. The church has done a great disservice to itself in allowing society to drive the narrative. In the 80s and 90s, it was the debate over contraceptives and teen sexuality. The church’s campaign centered around abstinence and purity pledges. In the 60s and 70s, it was battling over the increasing number of divorces. Due in part to the no-fault divorces laws passed in 1970 and the sexual revolution of the 60s. The church found itself with increasing numbers of divorced laity and clergy. So they followed suit once again to the culture of the day, the church began to mirror society in the number of broken marriages. Families no longer saw the church as a central anchor for their families and began to seek the advice of therapists and lawyers rather than the church.    

I think a far great offense to God is how we have viewed the meaning and structure of the family. Of which all civil and eternal structures stems from. The family, being a foreshadowing of God’s eternal family and the relationship between God and His people. The destruction of the marriage vows has slowly eroded over the years. Even before the US became an independent nation, it began to get involved in the practice of marriage licenses. In part to control interracial marriage. Which continued through the 1960s. Now the state has taken control over marriage due to laws, regulations, and taxation, it could now define the definition of marriage. No longer tied to any moral framework. No moral restraints resulted in sexual relations outside marriage, to the unchecked abuse within the family. The church has become little more than a social venue and social tradition people do when they get married. 

While it did not happen overnight, as a linear timeline in human history. This is not the first time human society has had to confront the practice of homosexuality, pedophilia, and ramped sexual abuse. But it is the first time we have seen the convergence of the state and the church. In the past, we have seen the state church imposing what they perceived as church law. Now we see the church imposing state law. In all matters related to human sexuality and what is the legal definition of marriage and the relationship of the family. Since the recognition of gay marriage, we have also seen a push for lowering the age limitations on marriage without the consent of a parent or guardian. We have seen a push for plural marriages or other forms of polygamy. It is not so much as the recognition of gay marriage that is the single issue that has violated God’s laws. It is just another brick removed from the foundation by which a civil and moral society relies on. 

The church must be clear in its position on human sexuality and the institution of marriage. The church must be clear in its position. Marriage is between a man and a woman and sexual relations are to remain within that framework. Anything outside of that will slowly erode the very fabric of human civility and cohesive society. God’s commands are clear and do not operate within a vacuum. We see now in today’s society that the violation of these laws leads to broken families, abortions, and various physical and emotional diseases, and disorders. The burden on society is immeasurable. God’s plan for humanity is that of simple and harmonious relationships between and His God. Human sexuality has created gods and goddesses since the dawning of time. The first action after the fall was Adam and Eve saw that they were naked. The human body was now something that would require to be covered in order to hide the shame and the sins that have been committed.     

The tale of two prophecies

 

Over the years I have noticed that some denominations will preach on prophecy and the subject of eschatology. I think if we look at the beliefs and history of the denomination and their identity within the body of Christ, we may be able to uncover some insight as to why this may be. 

Historical churches, that is those that can trace back an unbroken line to the early church. Church such as Catholic, Protestant ( those coming out of the Catholic faith ) Orthodox, and Coptic to name a few see prophecy as an ongoing, never-ending part of who they are. They see prophetic signs in many parts of their lives and through world events. The gift of prophecy is not one given only to the major prophets of the old testament. They are not limited to the prophecies of the End Times. They can be as simple as a prophetic word of the upcoming needs of those around us. 

Those more modern churches, those offshoots from the reformation such as Baptist, Methodist,  Evangelical, and non-denomination can identify with a point in time when their founder had a revolution and started a theological understanding and began a new spiritual movement. They did not see themselves as reformers in that they are working within the framework of the established church. They disregard the past traditions and jump back to the bible. Many times disregarding any and all writings and traditions that may have occurred in the early part of the church. The time in which the New Testament was being written down and codified in what we now know as the NT. These denominations are more likely to be those that teach and focus on prophecy and the End Times. Due in part that they are less able to point back to the past, and more able to focus on future events. 

Please don't mistake my conclusions here. I am not pointing out that one way is right and the other wrong. I hope to only point out that these may well be only an understanding from verifying worldviews as understood by their understanding of their place in the body of Christ. I fear that this ongoing debate within the church ( even more so with recent events ) has become a point of contention that the devil has capitalized on. The world now sees the church-dividing from the world and the church again dividing within itself. The world sees the church debating and flaming one another on social media of understanding the times. 

In the end, we can all agree that there will be troubling times, each generation will have its moments of struggle and celebration. But know that Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings. And he promised that one day He will come again. Until then hold fast to the promises He has given that they who believe in Him will have everlasting life.

So what and why a deacon

After a 30-year faith journey, I have run the gambit of duties and positions in the church. From youth group to Sunday school, to Elder, to usher, to lay ministries, cell ministry, and small group leader. Been there done that. So when I approached my wife in becoming a deacon, her first question was; what is a deacon. Well, it's an ordained position in the church that assists in worship, teaches, and from time to time makes hospital visits and visits shut-ins. " You already do that, so why go through the process of becoming a deacon?" Well... because... it's more than just that. Like what? I am sure the puzzled look on my face said it all. I didn't know, what I didn't know. So off I went to the internet and looked at Youtube videos, read web pages, and even got two books on what it was to be a deacon. It was everything from groundskeeper, to assistant to the pastor, to business leaders in the church. So again the same question came up; "So why the who formal process of ordination?"

The biblical understanding gave a better understanding, but very broad in application. A deacon is a servant. A person appointed and called by God to be intentional in their living as a servant to the church and to its people. So what is the difference between a church volunteer and a deacon? It is about obedience, not obligation. A volunteer in the church is obligated for a term or a season to serve in the church. Once they get burned out they feel they have fulfilled their obligation, step down, and move on. They fall into the Pareto principle. Twenty percent of the people, doing 80 percent of the work. But a deacon lives a life of obedient intention. They are of the one-percenters. Actually, it's more like .131% of the population.  Those selected few that God has called to live a life in service to Him.  

I have tried to find inspiration in the history and traditions of the church. For me, my call to the diaconate was a paradigm shift when I began to study the life of a Friar. Friars, like monks, live a devoted religious life. The difference is that a friar lives and works among regular people in society,

while a monk lives in a secluded, self-sufficient group of monks in the monetary. They take a vow of poverty, only living off the alms and offerings of others. They live the life of a mendicant. The life of a beggar. They are called to a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They can serve as tradesmen, cobblers, tailors, and musicians. They are seen as more of a jack-of-all-trades rather than a specialist. But what would all this have to do with a married man with a family and a career? In the literal sense, one would see very little comparison, but in principle, a lot can be learned of a life of a Friar. 

When I meditate my call to the diaconate, and what has God called me to be, I look back on my life to see a pattern within my journey. A journey that can give me insights on what God has done in my life in order to see what God has planned for the future. He has prepared my way for such a time as this. I have been blessed in all that God has provided. After thirty years, I have been unable to obtain what I set for my career goals. I have spent the last 30 years building my career and continuing to grow in my knowledge to gain the skills to move up the corporate ladder. Chasing the dollar to some foreseen prosperity. Like chasing leaves in the wind, it is a never-ending cycle. 

Now I find myself in a paradox. With 10-15 years before I can consider retirement, how do I begin to scale back and run the race in reverse? How do I rethink my life in a fresh new way? Unlike the life of a philanthropist. Who spends half their lives making millions and the other half giving it away. I see my life as a want to be Friar. I have little wealth outside that which sustains my day to day life. I have raised my children and carry little debt. I don't go on high priced vacations that take years to pay off. I have not bought a car in over 12 years. I don't have enough unused junk laying around to have a yard sale. In today's world standard I live a pretty boring life. And yet I am at peace. 

In thirty years my family and I have endured many trials and setbacks. From hurricanes to tornadoes, to loss of a job, and major surgery that required months of rehab. And yet God has provided all our needs. We have begun to live a life of watching for the signs of things to come. And come they do. Our recent situation with the global pandemic is evidence of that. And yet God has provided. When major events occur, we simply sit back and ask; 'What does God have to do with this?' and 'I cant wait to see what he does with it.' Like watching a sculptor make a masterpiece from a solid granite block, we watch God make amazing things out of the most unlikely lives. So here I sit, listening to the heartbeat of God. Wondering what he will do next. I have little time to worry about what I will do in my retirement years. I didn't prepare early to save and invest to have millions in my golden year. But God has prepared my heart to answer His call for such a time as this. So the life of a Friar I shall have. Working hand to mouth until the day He calls me home. 

May not have an option

Romans 13:11 You know the times in which we are living. It’s time for you to wake up. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first became believers.

In 2017 I read a book that transformed my way of thinking. Until the recent events around the globe, I thought the contents of this book were meer fantasy and wishful thinking. This book is The Benedict Option by Rod Dreher. I had an opportunity to meet Mr. Dreher at an event we sponsored at my home congregation of Trinity Anglican Church in Lafayette, LA. At that time Mr. Dreher admitted the book was dated a bit because the US elections had just taken place a year prior and the outcome of the administration had yet to fully been realized. 

Now we are 3 1/2 years into Donald Trump’s presidency, in the midst of a global pandemic like never before seen, and a global uprising against oppression and assumed tyranny. What I find most interesting is you see the same form of riots and protest for very different reasons. On one side you see those in democratic and capitalistic nations fighting for socialism and freedom of the oppressed. Normally seen split across racial lines. Minorities joining together to battle their assumed oppressors. Both historical and current. On the other side, you see the populous of Socialist, Communist, and Totalitarian regimes fighting for their freedoms and rights. It becomes very obvious that the old saying in true. The difference between a terrorist and a freedom fighter depends on the side your on.

So what does all this have to do with The Benedict Option? After living this new normal for six months, I have begun to realize that in this polarized world right and wrong and good and evil, have become subjective. In Mr. Dreher’s book, he outlines the possible roots of the problem and a new kind of Christian politics. But with blurred lines, we can no longer just sit in the pews of the church and stick our heads in the sand and wait for the storm to pass. We quickly realized that in a matter of weeks our churches can be closed, our ‘normal’ can be altered, and our lives as we know it can all be changed. And many in society are more than willing to comply all in the name of public safety.

I now realize that The Benedict Option may not be an option. The time is now that ‘if’ we lived in community, raised our own food, limited our contact with the society around us, and looked out for the well being of the limited few in our inner circle, we would be compliant to the pandemic and social orders of the day. We have been given a forced trial run of what our world could be or should be. Should we get back to community living? The idea of a global society has proven to be unsustainable. Corporate farms are one decision away from breaking down the entire supply chain for a nation of 328 million people. Only those willing and able of supplying their own resources will fair much better than those living off the system. Those people that make a living corporate, nationally, and internationally are one decision away from being unemployed. Those who chose to live in the community of major metropolitan areas are one decision away from total lockdown due to safety and lawlessness. The megachurches of the day are one decision away of restricting thousands of people from public worship. But those smaller communities of faith can continue to worship in community and fellowship.

We have now realized that living in a small family community with one another will bring us sustainable living and safety from an unstable society built on a postmodern globalist utopia. Like a house of cards, our global society has crumbled. From the cities of the United States to the jungles of Panama, to the plains of central Africa, we have seen one pandemic and one voice of oppression to bring their society to their knees. The option is clear. The option might well be in the contexts of The Benedict Option.

How we got here

Over the past year, I have intentionally included a few individuals in my network circle. The first was Fr. Marc Omar. I first met Marc when he preached at our congregation prior to leaving for Panama. Fr. Marc shared with us how he felt the calling to the people of Panama. We sent him and his family off with a small offering and a few ministerial items. Over the past year, we have corresponded via messages and phone calls. The one-story that impacted me the most was his trip into the heart of the jungles of the Darien Province and his time with the Embera-Wounaan people.

To realize that in just a few hours drive you can go from a major modern city to a primitive tribe changed very little over time. They still live a primitive culture with very little impact from modern society. How much can these people of the jungle teach us today? Our friendship has only grown with every conversation and my heart has been moved to do more. Only God knows the work that will be done with the fellowship He has called together. 

The second came as a very random internet meeting with Fr. Gisore Jean. A priest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our connection was an answer to prayer as I have had a desire to connect with someone in Africa for several years. I was told many years ago that there will come a time when Africa will be sending missionaries to the United States. My friendship with Fr. Gisore Jean has given my heart that opportunity to be that mission field. He has shown me what it is to love the Lord with all your heart, with all your might, and with all your soul. Fr. Jean and his family live day by day in the very presence of danger. They rely solely on the Lord to protect them from the evils of genocide by warring tribes and factions.  Every day he ministers to the women and children most affected by this genocidal war against the Banyamulenge people. He and his family have shown me what it really means to trust God for all things. 

These men have been such a blessing to me in so many ways. They are living a life as an example of trusting God. Peacekeepers came about after reading Jesus’ words in John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” We too heed this call. We are to be the ambassadors for God’s word to the nations. We are to share this message of hope and peace of mind in the lives of others. Jesus said you WILL have tribulation...’ So here we stand in a promised world of strife and turmoil with the Good News that there is a way to have the inter-peace that surpasses all understanding. I hope this blog will bring you hope and peace in your life as it will for me to open myself to the words of the living God.