What does the United Methodist Church Think About . . . Human Sexuality & Homosexuality?
As we prepare ourselves for considering these topics, I think it is important to consider how we use the Scriptures.
What makes us cling to particular teachings in the Bible while we overlook others?
Consider these:
- In the United Methodist Church, we affirm the role of women in ministry despite the fact that there are several passages of Scripture that prohibit women speaking in church or having any authority over a man. Why are we willing to overlook this? What is our justification for allowing them to serve as clergy if the Bible says. . . ?
- Leviticus 19:19 says (with God speaking): “You shall keep my statutes. You shall not let your animals breed with a different kind; you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed; nor shall you put on a garment made of two different materials.”
What about mules? Hasn’t science proven that it is better to rotate crops in a given field? How many of us have polyester/cotton blends for clothing? Even cotton socks have elastic – another material. What is our justification for our not paying attention to these since the Bible says. . . ?
- Many affirm the death penalty, quoting “eye for an eye” passages such as Exodus 21:23-25. What about Jesus saying in Matthew 5:38-39: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer violently. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.”
Jesus – the source of Christianity – is here refuting the use of that passage. Why do we cling to it when Jesus and the New Testament call for another way? The Bible says. . .
- When looking at the Pauline letters of the New Testament, we see that “greed” or being “greedy” are not virtues we should adhere to. In ten (10) different verses or eight (8) passages (with the word being repeated in two passages) we see Paul speak to this. Yet, where do we check potential church members or clergy for being greedy? The Bible says. . . .
- Gluttony has long been seen by the church as one of the seven deadly sins. The book of Proverbs says nothing positive about gluttons. Deuteronomy 21:18-21 says that parents can ask for such a son as this to be stoned to death. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul decries the church for some eating and drinking too much while others in their church are going hungry. Gluttony is a major issue in our country, and I know of many clergy and church members who struggle with this (as I do). Why is this not seen as a major issue? The Bible says. . . .
For similar thoughts and questions about human sexuality and homosexuality in the Bible, I encourage you to read this document by Walter Wink a United Methodist clergy person, New Testament scholar, and theologian.
Biblical Perspectives on Homosexuality
I look forward to reading your thoughts below and seeing you Sunday!
Some solid suggestions for beginning a session on such an important topic in our day!
I would like to share a prayer, titled A Social Litany, written by Walter Rauschenbusch in 1913…please note the date, almost 100 years ago.
From the sins that divide us, from all class bitterness and race hatred, from forgetfulness of thee and indifference to our fellow-men [sic}: Good Lord, deliver us.
From the corruption of the franchise and of civil government, from greed and from the arbitrary love of power: Good Lord, deliver us.
From the fear of unemployment and the evils of overwork, from the curse of child-labor and the ill-paid toil of women: Good Lord, deliver us.
From the luxury that enervates, from the poverty that stultifies: Good Lord, deliver us.
That the watchword of the Christian State, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” may become a command with power: We beseech thee to hear us, Good Lord.