Should Chrsitians Depart Denominations That Affirm Homosexuality Now?

Yes they should

 

I think it is clear that these denominations should have been abadoned a long time ago. Personally, I think Machen and others waited a little too long to abandon the Presbyterian Church. Spurgeon, when he left the Baptist Union, felt he had waited too long.

Homosexuality is not the issue, the issue was the liberalism that eventually led to abandoning the Biblical view of Marriage.

 

My immediate answer is yes.

But I do wonder what would have happened to Southern Baptists if all the conservatives had left. Some did, of course, and simply became Independent (or, Non-Convention)Baptists.

The Conservative Resurgence in the SBC succeeded precisely because the majority of conservatives did not leave. And, conservatives still made up a majority of SBCers.

The Conservative Resurgence succeeded, in my opinion, because conservatives discovered how to use the existing machinery. It took ten years to complete wresting the denomination from the liberal and moderate leadership.

I'm not sure the machinery of other denominations would lend itself to that kind of resurgence. Nor do I know if there are enough "people in the pews" who want such a resurgence.

So, I guess the question is, can this church (or denomination) be saved?

If the answer is no, then I go.

 

Tom,

I understand your post. The SBC is a radically different and unique situation. Having thought a lot about this, my conclusion was:

A Pastor is called to Pastor the church and that means to do what is best for the church, not a denomination. If you fail, history has shown the denomination will pull churches down with it. As well, Spurgeon taught us that when we finally realize the depths of their liberalism, then the denomination was too far gone.

I am not criticizing you as I have some very close friends who have stayed in more liberal denominations to fight. Yet, for me I was called to Pastor a flock not fight a denomination.

 

I suppose, but one thing we have learned is that leaving the denomination can sometimes be a very sticky situation. There are many entanglements with property and personnel. Some have found ways to "purchase" their ways out others have graciously been "turned loose". Still others look to the court for relief.

For better or worse people are very attached to their denominations so there is also an emotional cost. In the end I think that it is most always best for churches and denominations to separate and go their own way once it is clear they two can't be unified in purpose, faith and practice.

I have found it is easy for me as a Baptist with a core of independence to unsympathetically say, leave already. I have came to have a special regard for those I have encountered that feel their place is stay as a clear thinking voice in their particular denominations which is sliding toward heresy, if not their already.

 

Like Tom, my knee-jerk is yes! What is important though is that when a decision of this type is pressed on us, we need to follow God in prayer and then do as He leads.

 

NO Christian should support homosexuality or any other sin. God does not condone sin and neither should we.

 

There are conservative resurgences taking place in the UMC and the ELCA. Not big or successful at this point, but hey, you gotta start someplace.

 

If a denomination distances itself with or holds to a teaching clearly against the Word of God, I would leave.

I must admit that I do think that the point some have made about staying may have merit, though. Some battles are worth fighting.

 

Local Baptist churches operate under "don't ask, don't tell?" Or do the elders make surprise inspections, checking for alcohol and pot?