Matthew 7:15-20. Hey Gays. Chew on This!
A post by Neil Hart on homosexuality, LGBT, lesbian and gay stuff and the Lutheran Church of Australia.
Matthew Vines is a young gay Christian who put together an hour long presentation examining and challenging the Biblical texts which are commonly used to support the traditional church view on homosexuality.
I used his presentation in a series of studies that I have just trialled with small groups in 2 congregations. The participants represented a broad spectrum of opinions from those sympathetic to the gay cause to those who were strongly opposed. Regardless of the views they held coming into the studies everyone found it impossible not to be moved by Matthew’s thoughtful presentation and honest and heartfelt reflections
Matthew said…
I may well find someone I grow to love and would like to spend the rest of my life with. But if that were to happen, following the traditional interpretation of scripture, if I were to fall in love with someone and if those feelings were reciprocated, my only choice would be to walk away- to break my heart- and retreat into isolation. Alone. And this wouldn’t be just a one time heartbreak. It would continue throughout my entire life.
Whenever I came to know someone whose company I really enjoyed I would always fear that I might come to like them too much, that I might come to love them. And within the traditional interpretation of scripture, falling in love is one of the worst things that can happen to a gay person because you will necessarily be heartbroken, you will have to run away. And that will happen EVERY SINGLE TIME that you come to care about someone too much.
So when you watch your friends fall in love, get married and start families you will ALWAYS be left out. You will never share in those joys yourself. You will Always. Be. Alone.
Both Matthew Vines and that other Matthew from a couple of thousand years ago remind us of the measure Jesus used to distinguish good teaching from that of the “false prophets” who have hearts like “ferocious wolves”. You will know them by their fruit. As Jesus said, “You can’t pick a bunch of grapes from a thorn bush”.
Well, for far too long the church has been handing the gay people in their midst a fist full on thorns and saying….
Chew on this! I know it hurts but its good for you!
Of course, there is an alternative.
Now THAT is one sweet bunch of grapes!
Hi Neil
You said that everyone who attended your sessions was moved by Matthew’s reflections. However were they moved enough to change their theology? I have seen too many Christians be moved by someone’s lot and then turn around and say: “BUT I just follow the Word of God. It is not me who is mean here, I am moved, it is God who is so harsh and cruel!”
Some of the participants were reflecting on how their attitude had radically changed over the 6 weeks. One person told me how he had never really understood just how homophobic he had been. A couple were discussing what they could do to help the Church change its attitude (the idea of a motion to the AGM came up). I was really encouraged to see the power of information and education. This is what will ultimately win through.
Some people are so hardenend over the years by what they have been taught by their ministers, closed off from listening to God’s will, that they cannot feel God’s love and compassion for the Gay community. They still cannot possibly get it, that gays had no choice in their sexual orientation. Really until they know a gay person, and open up to them, and try and understand, they never will. It is fear of what they do not understand, that hardens their heart, and causes this deceitful hate.
unfortunately there are a lot of christian people who do know gay people very well, members of their own family, and they still take a very hard, judgmental and hurtful line. as you say, this too shall pass but how much damage gets done in the mean time?
Forgot to add to the previous post. Then there are the pastors who preach anti gay messages, then turn around and say:” I do not believe this, but I have to follow church teaching!”
Sad really
This is the one that i really cant understand. I cant see how this one has any integrity at all.
What an inspiring video. What a wonderful alternative to the stories of men who have rejected and driven away their children. What a solid and correct, not to mention rewarding, decision this man made.
I have attended one gay wedding, of two woman in British Columbia, Canada. It was strange, but strangely normal with representatives of all the generations from grandparents to babies, uncles and aunts, friends and family, all sharing in a joyful occasion.
My wife also introduced me to another married couple, two women. Meeting them I was immediately impressed by the fact that they are a couple. They belong together, and the thought of them being forced to separate for any reason is… unthinkable.
This is the thing that opponents of marriage equality refuse to understand. With exposure to these people, and recognition of their basic humanity, all possible objections melt away. They in no way detract from my own marriage. Allowing others to have equal rights is only the right thing to do. That adds to the joy in this world, and that’s a very good thing.
When I read that the “companion” of Sally Ride will be entitled to none of the death benefits normally granted to the spouse of a national hero, I wonder how anybody can support such injustice.
Neil, again, thank you for your attention to this issue. You are doing important work.
Thanks again for the encouragement. The Sally Ride thing is a disgrace. I liked the posts that a couple of other bloggers made on the subject at the time. Chech out Northierthanthou and gretachristina
One question… I ask a little hesitantly… not wanting to appear ignorant or prejudiced or anything… and considering that my understanding of Canadians mainly comes from South Park…. ummmm…
Do they really have egg shaped heads, huge mouths and cars with square wheels?
Remember this: Churches once preached that it was ok to have blacks as slaves, and they used the bible to defend their actions. Churches once said women should be silent and not have the right to vote. Now the are ministers, and they vote. So all this rhetoric too shall pass, as people open their hearts and listen to what Jesus preached. Judge not, lest you be Judged…you who can throw the first stone.
love and support love 100%
agreed!