Comments on: Can a Same-Sex Couple Receive Christ?

By: Claudia

Claudia — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:41:45 +0000

The Word of God is pretty clear. We can over complicate things, usually in an effort to justify sin. When we start looking to Christian history, the media, current cultural opinions, some liberal college professor, it is very easy to miss the mark. Coming to Christ should entail some lifestyle changes, i.e. bringing ourselves into alignment with His way. "This is love for God: to obey his commands." 1 John5:3

By: Claudia

Claudia — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:41:45 +0000

By: Christian Carnival CCXLIII « A True Believer’s Blog

Christian Carnival CCXLIII « A True Believer’s Blog — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:32:22 +0000

[...] Tatusko of Notes from Off-Center poses the question, "Can a Same-Sex Couple Receive Christ?" In the modern era, it's another question we'll have to face more and more [...]

By: dtatusko

dtatusko — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:35:47 +0000

I think the true spirit of Christ is found in relationships that promote human flourishing through mutual commitment. I look at the issue not unlike the vow of celibacy. Clearly many should not take that vow and it is better for them to marry as Paul also says. I look at same sex relationships no differently. The truth is that many homosexuals spend their entire lives on the brink of suicide fighting their sexual identity if they are not successful at killing themselves – which happens at a higher rate than the rest of the population. I have been witness to many same-sex relationships where their mutual commitment has made the love of God real in their lives to a degree that it was not before. So these relationships do exist. They can be sources of redemption and proper directedness out of perpetual self-loathing.

Why do any of us partner with someone for life as it is? I don't think it's only for pro-creation anymore. That's certainly true for infertile couples. For a same sex couple the answer is the same as a heterosexual couple. The only difference in the relationship is biological.

By: Kathy Langer

Kathy Langer — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:56:48 +0000

very true….very true….
I read through Romans 3 and Romans 8. That has helped…Thanks Drew!! Now back to the question….."same sex couple in a healthy relationship" My thought on that is it does not exist. It is not healthy. Maslow or no maslow…….anyways….accept Christ and go and sin no more. If they (the "healthy" same sex couple) had the TRUE Spirit of God in them, they would not need that type of relationship. Thoughts?

By: Bob MacDonald

Bob MacDonald — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:40:18 +0000

It is passing strange that we must argue from the apophatic point of view – defining the good by what is not good. So it is that the Psalms begin with the happiness based on what is 'not' done. Where 'false' satisfaction is indeed key – thank you, Christ as fully satisfactory is also key. Surely my Beloved is mine and I am his. Or as the Psalmist says – who do I have in heaven but you and who do I desire on earth but you (Psalm 73:25).

By: dtatusko

dtatusko — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:20:42 +0000

And I think the idea of false satisfaction is key. Paul is very clear, for example, that such satisfaction are sources of idolatry which is the primary problem here – esp. in Rom 1. I am following what Gaventa has argued here related to the centrality of idolatry as a source of conflict.

By: dtatusko

dtatusko — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:06:17 +0000

I think that this passage is referring to a dis-ordering of social roles and is not primarily to do with body parts if you will. The point is that the gentiles have disordered roles as a means to make the Christian diaspora distinct. Again, the issue here is why Paul made this reference and I also think that we have to look at it in conjunction with the claim in chapter 3 that we are all sinners and there is no distinction followed by the climax in 8 that there is also no condemnation in Christ.

By: dtatusko

dtatusko — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:02:40 +0000

I would say yes on all counts. Should a couple marry? Yes. Should they do so in undue haste and divorce? No. A 50% divorce rate also complicates the value of marriage. It's clear that it is not held in that high of regard and I think the source of it is a problem with relationships and not marriage itself. Hence the issue of healthy versus unhealthy relationships here.

By: Kathy Langer

Kathy Langer — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:31:37 +0000

What about Paul's letter to the Romans…chapter 1…..verses 18-32