I have long argued that my evangelical colleagues often appear to have more integrity than colleagues within my own liberal tradition. Rick Warren and Bill Hybels, (mentioned in With or Without God) have been hanging out since forever on the wrong side of the fence, in my opinion, but they have done it because the things they believe are on that same side of the fence. They haven’t talked as though they believe one thing – the Bible is The Authoritative Word of God for All Time (TAWOGFAT) – and then acted in ways that would suggest otherwise. They have preached what they have preached because they have truly believed it. Clergy in liberal traditions may be preaching what they believe, too, but they use language that obfuscates and hides their true beliefs about the god called God, about the divinity of Jesus, about what the Trinity really means, etc., to the point that no one even questions that they believe the same things that Rick and Bill believe albeit with a slightly softer edge.
One side of the fence conservative evangelicals share is the side that condemns homosexuality. Conservative evangelicals preach against homosexuality because their text tells them that homosexuality is wrong. I argue with them about that, not because their interpretation of the text was wrong – as many of my liberal colleagues are wont to do – but because the text is not TAWOGFAT and shouldn’t hold sway in twenty-first century contexts. We should not be using documents written in completely different cultural settings and times to condemn whole segments of society. Even though I disagreed with them, I had more respect for their argument than I did for liberal apologists who argue the human construction of the Bible but then refer to it to prove their side of the argument.
Now, I’m doubly impressed. On a blog posted today, Tony Campolo has come out as a supporter of same-sex marriage. He has risked being maligned by all of his peers in order to stand in solidarity with some of the most maligned people in the Christian tradition. And it isn’t because he has had a scriptural revelation, or accepted the interpretations of liberal, critical scholarship. No. It is because he has recognized that, along with so many other issues about which the church finally shifted its opinion, discrimination based on sexuality is wrong. That’s it. And that’s everything.
“It has taken countless hours of prayer, study, conversation and emotional turmoil to bring me to the place where I am finally ready to call for the full acceptance of Christian gay couples into the Church.”
[Tweet “I am finally ready to call for the full acceptance of Christian gay couples into the Church. Campolo”]
When the church assesses its choices based on what is right given the accumulated wisdom of the ages and is ready to revise its stated positions even to the point of going against previous interpretations of biblical injunctions, it is often too little and too late. I hope that this very public statement will encourage others in the evangelical world to do what we must always do, bring the best of our own clarity of thinking to whatever document we may consider authoritative, take what is worth keeping, and place the rest, very publicly, in the archival record.
Thank you, Tony, for your integrity.
Thanks for this excellent piece, Gretta. Of course, i particularly love your, ‘but they use language that obfuscates and hides their true beliefs about the god called God.’ Did you get round to reading Andrew Parker’s book? I’m not sure i’d agree with Mark Twain, though. If anything, i think the Bible is more meaningful once you realise it contains the insight of a truly remarkable people.
Thanks so much for your wonderful emails, Gretta. When I read your comment and opinions I’m always impressed and today my heart shouted YES. I have a niece who is beautiful, intelligent and gay. So many people only see GAY and dismiss the human being in front of them…there loss, but so sad. I Watched a man on stage telling an audience of the difficulty of growing up as a black child where, just because of his skin colour, he had to subdue his childhood behaviour! So sad! I Love what you are trying to do for the church. I no longer go because of the dogma. I Know I should go and try to inspire change, I ju don’t know how
I am so glad, Pat. Thank you for letting me know it was helpful. There is so much pain out there and LGBTQ people within the more conservative reaches of Christianity will now feel less judged and more able to seek the support they and their families may need.
You inspire change every time you hug your niece! Keep on doing that; it may seem small but I’ll bet it isn’t felt that way!
Belong to the First Grantham United Book Group in St. Catharines, ON. I am classed as an adherent. I was an active member until Grantham United Church had a huge falling out with the minister. Presbytery came and removed him. It surrounded the gay issue for me. A wonderful member went and committed suicide via setting himself on fire, in his vehicle out in the country.
This was the turning point for me. I have three males; two of them are gay and nine years apart. I am so blessed to have experienced the journey. Some of us came to see you at the church after we had read a book by Rev. Spong. Do not know what happens when death invites us. Sure would like to know.
Dear Ruth,
How tragic that horrific death must have been for the congregation and how beautifully you have loved beyond it. I am glad you were able to visit West Hill. We are now meeting in Mississauga on the third Sunday of the month at 4:30. It would be lovely to have you join us if you are able. We’re doing it for people who, like you, are on the west side of the city. We meet at the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre, share a meal, and have a meaningful conversation. It is so rewarding. Please do consider joining us. I will add your name to our mailing list if that is alright with you. Just let me know.