I’m growing more fond of the characterization of the Christian life as akin to being drawn and quartered. Previously, I’ve talked about this in terms of theology (the sovereignty of God vs. the responsibility of man). However, the metaphor has applicability beyond simply Christian beliefs.
For example, recently a friend of mine wrote a well-crafted call for the church to be the church for Christians who struggle with same-sex desire. In it, he wrote poignantly of the loneliness that accompanies the life of faithful Christian celibacy in the face of same sex attraction, as well as the need for communities of supportive Christians who can walk with someone in the fight of faith. In reading it, I was awakened afresh to the desire to be a part of a church where sinners are welcome.
But the need for the church to embrace Christians who struggle against same sex desire is not the only need. There is also the need for faithful witness to the sinfulness of homosexual behavior in the face of rising politically correct sentiment. In some countries, it is illegal to preach on the sin of homosexuality. Therefore, the church must be winsome and bold as we continue to plead with sinners to flee from the wrath to come.
So then, we’re pulled in two directions. We must love those who are struggling while simultaneously resisting calls to approve homosexual behavior. In other words, we must be drawn and quartered.
For an excellent example of the kind of thing I’m talking about, read this interview of David Powlison. He describes perfectly the balance of seeking to live at both extremes.
March 20, 2009 at 1:40 am
Oh how I can feel this tension! How should a Christian interact with someone who seemed to have a genuine conversion, a complete change of heart and lifestyle, who also then led others to Christ, but then suddenly returns to their previous lifestyle of homosexuality?
This is the predicament which I have recently found myself in. Unfortunately, I often find myself on the judgmental side of Christianity, but in this case, having known the person well and seen them continually grow in their faith in the Lord, I find my heart breaking. More than ever I am realizing the importance of understanding what it means to love the sinner while hating the sin. Thanks for this post, it is definitely helpful to me as I wrestle through these issues.
March 21, 2009 at 9:41 am
From my perspective, the greater church culture has done a phenomenal job of letting homosexuals know we think they are sinners (and usually far worse). So, because of what I see as the consistent picture painted of the christian which is largely based on law and condemnation (sometimes rightfully so, sometimes off), I tend to think we should focus wholly on “loving the sinner.” It’s very doubtful that any behavior which is foreign to those of us as not just christians, but heterosexuals, will find it difficult to continue to see homosexuality as wrong- simply because human beings reject that which is different (not to say this is not sinful, just going psychological here). What IS difficult (because of cognitive dissonance), is to love someone that vehemently disagrees with our thought and action. That requires something counter to the human way, something divine- an encounter with the cross.