In the Constitution of the Southern Baptist Convention, Article III, it states that a church can only be a member if it is in friendly “cooperation” with the Convention. Cooperation is defined as those churches that do not “act to affirm, approve, or endorse homosexual behavior.” There is no prohibition against churches that act to affirm or endorse slavery, pedophilia, adultery, murder or anything else, just homosexuality. In addition, the SBC has adopted over 40 resolutions condemning homosexuality. Every year a new resolution is presented condemning homosexuality. The strongest unified message of the SBC is that homosexuals must convert to heterosexuality or else God’s judgment will fall on America. Why is this same statement not made concerning adulterers? Our churches are filled with adulterers yet we never single them out, just homosexuals.
I am often told, “homosexuality is an abomination to God.” Yet, so is eating lobster (Leviticus 11). Why is it we quote Leviticus 20 to prove homosexuality is an abomination but forget that same passage also calls for their execution? Why do we not see that entire passage is addressed to the “children of Israel” and not to the Church? Why do we focus so much on interjecting ourselves into the personal matters of others even to the point our church messengers are threatened with expulsion if they say anything in defense of homosexuals? One wonders if this all out war against homosexuals is nothing but a smokescreen to cover up something we wish to remain hidden. What other reasons could there be to focus so much energy and attention to ensure no homosexual ever be allowed to participate in Southern Baptist life. Please do not tell me they “love the sinner but hate the sin.” Help this Southern Baptist pastor understand these things.
Because the SBC has lost site that homosexuality is an attempt to deal with brokenness just as is every other sin.
It's easier to point the finger at the sin of others as the cause of the downfall of society than it is to deal with the wickedness coming out of the Church that's being justified as Godly.
p.s. Welcome to BB. But I think this thread is against board rules. :laugh:
The issue is that in our culture, it is illegal to have slavery, murder, deal with pedophilia and all those other things.
Adultery is not illegal but it is definitely frowned upon.
However, homosexuality is embraced as a legitimate lifestyle and the church is backwards for saying that it is a sin.
However, in the New Testament, we are told that nothing that we eat is unclean - so lobsters are now OK to eat.
However, homosexuality as a sin is reinforced in the New Testament.
Because we do not execute most people for sin anymore unless the civil law supports the execution for certain laws being broken.
Jesus Christ has paid the penalty of sin and our job is to introduce people to Christ.
Again, homosexuality is a sin.
Plain and simple.
If we were to ignore it, we'd be disobeying God who calls ALL men to repentance.
We need to deal with homosexuality just as we would any other sin - but we are getting ramrodded to accept it because it's "good" according to the world.
Let me ask you this:
What defense would you use for homosexuality?
IMO, a lot of the language concerning homosexuals is in there at the advice of Christian lawyers that see what is coming.
I know churches that have changed their Christian schools and church constitutions and rules because they see the big push being made to make homosexuals a race, and not people that sin against God.
So, to offset lawsuits, the language is in there to keep the church and schools from being sued should they try to remove someone, or keep someone from working in the school or joining the church.
I don't see pedophiles, which you used as an example, lobbying Congress nor trying to normalize their acts.
I have dealt with homosexuals firsthand on a personal level and they are ruthless in their attempt to normalize themselves and have others accept them as normal.
You are correct Ann, homosexuality is a sin.
That is not the major problem with homosexuality in my opinion.
I believe they would like to see the world dominated by homosexuals and are working toward that goal.
They are one sick group of people! And then they always have some to help them achieve their goals and some of those are posting on this Board.
I believe that "alvin's" motives are dishonest.
He is gathering information for a dissertation so "Check out the Bigots on Baptist Board"!
Wonder if he is pulling the same stunt on other denominational Forums.
God, when He made Adam, made him by himself. He saw that it wasn't good for him to be alone, so He put Adam into a deep sleep, and took a rib, closed him back up, and made him a help mate. God made Eve, and not "St"eve, for Adam. All you have to do is look at the basic anatomy of a man and a woman and see that a woman was made for a man.
Now, God then told them to be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth. Two males and/or two females can not be fruitful and multiply. All they can do is recruit.
Read Romans 1 and that will tell you all you need to know.
Alvin, if you want your questions answered, the answer those posed to you.
I asked you two questions that you have ignored.
I posted an answer to you that you ignored.
You say you are a Pastor, so you should know how to dialogue with people.
Why do you insist they live their lives in shame and guilt until they become the one approved expression of sexuality? Is that not cruel? I get tired of officiating the funerals of the gay community who committed suicide because some have convinced them they are an abomination to God.
Of course I am being honest! Pastor of SB churches for 40 years, evangelist, I have seen far to much misery and pain because of those who are more concerned with being in line with SB doctrine than healing.
Then I suggest you 1} move out of the "Sodom by the Sea" part of the country or 2} get out of whatever ministry you are in or 3} perhaps get to those who are apparently sick of their sin before they take their lives.
Are you getting good material for your dissertation.
Actually I believe this topic is contrary to Baptist Board Rules. I an sure you will not mind someone reporting this thread.