Published in Letters to the editor / Opinion on 09/14/11 in the Post and Courier, Charleston, SC.
God’s standards
Do homosexually tolerant churches believe there are behaviors which are morally wrong — theft, for example? I assume so. If they accept the thief but teach that theft is sinful, don’t thieves feel “shut out” or “unwelcome” and “judged”? This Sept. 4 article, “Gays find spiritual home,” describes traditional churches as unwelcoming and judgmental. However, saying that a church is “judgmental” of human behavior is like saying a court is “judgmental” of criminal behavior.
Many churches are sensitive to the feelings of homosexuals. Homosexuality has been embraced by most of our culture as acceptable. Those of us who maintain that homosexuality is sinful are seen unfavorably. The issue is not whether homosexuals are welcome in traditional churches — they are, as are others who live outside of the church’s teachings.
The issue isn’t whether homosexuals feel unwelcome. The issue is their insistence that the church change its beliefs to the secular standard — so that they won’t feel uncomfortable. Heterosexual thieves, liars and gossips are also uncomfortable since such behavior is identified as “sinful.” Everyone is sinful — which is why we need repentance and forgiveness.
If the church’s teachings are merely reiterations of society’s constantly changing opinions, what is the point of the church? Morality is an absolute standard. An unchanging God who will be judgmental using His standards is what makes all sinners uncomfortable. “Amen” to the church that teaches truth, accepts sinners, identifies sin and encourages people to live to God’s standards.
Joe Brinson
Maple Street
Hanahan
postandcourier.com
