2008 Woodie Awards
RE: Student Examines Homosexuality on Campus
Issue date: 5/11/07 Section: Letters to the editor
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Are we preparing Christians who can bear witness to the truth in this post-modern culture where every man has become a law unto himself? I believe we must examine ourselves (II Cor. 13:5) and ask, "Are we?" as in are we followers of Christ. I don't mean have we mentally ascribed to the idea of salvation, but rather have we "come after" Jesus Christ the Lord.
This seems to be the real question facing Southwest Baptist University. The issue of sexual purity (irrespective of the particular perversion) is deemed by some as divisive, but perhaps it is the calling out for public declaration before men for those who are not ashamed to clarify with the Word of God instead of pacifying with the word of man (Matt 10:32-34).
The decisiveness of this hour goes far beyond this campus to the effectual witness we at SBU have in a world that is radically opposed to following Jesus Christ. To further the question outside a university policy, I think it necessary to begin by questioning our premises concerning this debate and addressing the issue of sexual purity v. homosexuality on the idea of creative design and the concept of moral choice.
1. Does man have a created design? Or is man simply a product of impulses, and impersonal forces which shape man?
2. Does man have the ability to be free (moral choice) from the "law of his members," or is he subject to be ruled by them; destined/ fated to fulfill the passions of the flesh without recourse or ability to subject his passions to the laws of creator God?
I choose (exercise my freedom/ liberty) to believe that man has a created design, that man is of immeasurable worth, bearing the image of the creator. Thus, as regenerated, new creations in Christ Jesus, we bear not the image of man, but rather of God (Mark 12:16-17). Further, that because of that creative stamp, I must adhere to the creative authority, accepting both the privileges and responsibilities that separate conscience driven humans from instinctive driven animals. To do otherwise is to determine human worth based upon humanistic criteria and to hold as paramount individual authority, a supposition which leads to lawlessness. In essence, we are imitators of Jesus the Christ, and as such we have the ability to choose to follow the commandments given us within scripture. Some will say, I can follow my own desires and still be a follower of Christ. In contrast, Jesus said he bound himself to the commandments of God and that those who loved him would likewise obey the commandments (John 14:15-31). Some will argue that this premise is arguing for the law; I would encourage the reading of the "law of faith" (Rom. 3:27), and the "law of liberty" (James 1:25) in deed we are "dead to the law" while being alive to live as Christ (Rom. 13:8-10); (Gal 5:14-21).
This seems to be the real question facing Southwest Baptist University. The issue of sexual purity (irrespective of the particular perversion) is deemed by some as divisive, but perhaps it is the calling out for public declaration before men for those who are not ashamed to clarify with the Word of God instead of pacifying with the word of man (Matt 10:32-34).
The decisiveness of this hour goes far beyond this campus to the effectual witness we at SBU have in a world that is radically opposed to following Jesus Christ. To further the question outside a university policy, I think it necessary to begin by questioning our premises concerning this debate and addressing the issue of sexual purity v. homosexuality on the idea of creative design and the concept of moral choice.
1. Does man have a created design? Or is man simply a product of impulses, and impersonal forces which shape man?
2. Does man have the ability to be free (moral choice) from the "law of his members," or is he subject to be ruled by them; destined/ fated to fulfill the passions of the flesh without recourse or ability to subject his passions to the laws of creator God?
I choose (exercise my freedom/ liberty) to believe that man has a created design, that man is of immeasurable worth, bearing the image of the creator. Thus, as regenerated, new creations in Christ Jesus, we bear not the image of man, but rather of God (Mark 12:16-17). Further, that because of that creative stamp, I must adhere to the creative authority, accepting both the privileges and responsibilities that separate conscience driven humans from instinctive driven animals. To do otherwise is to determine human worth based upon humanistic criteria and to hold as paramount individual authority, a supposition which leads to lawlessness. In essence, we are imitators of Jesus the Christ, and as such we have the ability to choose to follow the commandments given us within scripture. Some will say, I can follow my own desires and still be a follower of Christ. In contrast, Jesus said he bound himself to the commandments of God and that those who loved him would likewise obey the commandments (John 14:15-31). Some will argue that this premise is arguing for the law; I would encourage the reading of the "law of faith" (Rom. 3:27), and the "law of liberty" (James 1:25) in deed we are "dead to the law" while being alive to live as Christ (Rom. 13:8-10); (Gal 5:14-21).
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Joe Crain
posted 5/11/07 @ 1:22 PM EST
I don't know who this guy is, but I think he hit the nail square on the head. Don't get me wrong, we have to show love to the members of the Homosexual community, but there is a very clear distinction made in scripture about the morality of this lifestyle. (Continued…)
Nielsen
Ben Nielsen
posted 5/14/07 @ 10:14 PM EST
Dear Readers,
I apologize to Dr. Chuck Lentz, the author of this letter, for not confirming that his name was included in his post. This is my error. (Continued…)
Brett Miller
posted 5/15/07 @ 10:52 AM EST
Wow. Re-introduce the law. Be careful what you ask for, Joe. Hope the weave in your garments is correct. Hope you haven't eaten any shellfish lately. Hope you have no sin in your heart. (Continued…)
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