Virginia-Highland Baptist Church
Atlanta, GA
It is sad indeed that the issue of homosexuality has become, as Tony Campolo
has called it, one of the "hot potatoes" of the church today.
It has particularly become a lightning rod for the so-called "mainline"
churches. The problem is one of ignorance and fear, it has little to do
with the biblical smokescreen in which it is veiled. Sexuality has always
been difficult for the church to relate to, to understand and to embrace
with a healthy attitude. And this is within and among a predominantly heterosexual
society. Add homosexuality to the mix and it is more than most folk want
to talk about.
Mainline churches must, however, deal with the issue of homosexuality.
Despite vague and culturally archaic scriptural references, the Gospel is
clear about how all persons are to be treated. Jesus' silence on periphery
issues such as homosexuality is a resoundingly loud statement about their
irrelevance. The Church when it is at its best is the Church that embraces
the principles of Jesus. At its worst, the Church compartmentalizes persons
and exhibits narrow and hermeneutically poor prejudices. When the Church
engages in the business of establishing social status, it is no longer the
Church, but is rather a country club.
While there is still much to discover and learn about homosexuality in
reference to its scientific origins, enough is known for the church to enter
the 20th century. The time to welcome and encourage, at all levels of church
life, is here and now. There can be no second-class citizens in the kingdom
of God. Jesus said it best: "Come unto me all you who are burdened
and heavy laden" and "whosoever will..." That should be
enough.