Should We Rethink Homosexuality?
A news headline caught my attention recently: "Evangelical Lutheran leader suggests Bible not the final authority." The presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Mark Hanson, conducted a town hall meeting in early December. He was asked about a variety of subjects, from the church's finances to moral issues.

I viewed a recording of portions of his town hall meeting. I was impressed with Hanson's speaking ability; he was articulate. Nevertheless, his eloquence did not make up for the error he spoke on certain matters. Personally, I would rather hear the truth spoken with a stuttering tongue than smooth words of destruction.

In the meeting Hanson said: "The understanding we have of homosexuality today does not seem to be reflected at all in the context of the biblical writers." He went on to suggest that Lutherans should consider more modern views on sexual orientation. There is a schism in the ELCA presently over this subject. In August, the ELCA lifted its ban on partnered gay and lesbian clergy, prompting some traditional congregations to withhold funds and begin forming a separate denomination. Hanson has insisted, however, that the ELCA can accommodate both views. He believes that "God is still speaking to us." He also believes that more homosexual-friendly policies will help the church to grow.

I understand the Bible to teach that homosexuality is wrong, period. We have proven such in prior lessons (cf. the two feature lessons entitled: "The Sins of Sodom" from 04/16/05 and 04/23/05). Homosexuality was punishable by death under the Mosaic law. Today, those who practice such will not inherit the kingdom of heaven (cf. I Cor. 6:9,10). Homosexuals who repent and cease their perverted behavior can be forgiven and saved. Why isn't Mr. Hanson proclaiming this message from God's word? Why, if God is still speaking to him (as he alleges), would God reveal something today that is contrary to what He revealed through the apostle Paul (cf. Gal. 1:6-9)? I could never follow Hanson (or any other man) who suggests that God's word is incomplete or not modern enough for mankind today. There is no need to rethink homosexuality, as some who worship the idol of political correctness are bent on doing. The Bible contains the truth of what we need to know about the matter (cf. II Tim. 3:16,17). Homosexuality is wrong, period. There is no room for compromise. Justifying immorality as an attempted means of producing numerical growth is tragic indeed. I can't help but think about Isaiah 5:20, which reads - "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Mr. Hanson (and anyone who shares his perspective), I plead with you to abandon your manmade views on homosexuality (and a host of other topics) and cling to the Bible alone. There is no hope in the errors of denominationalism! Salvation is in the word of God, not the so-called wisdom of men. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Prov. 14:12).