rejecting-gay-theology

Same-Sex Unions and the PC (USA):

A Biblical Response

to the

Gay Theological Agenda

By Brad Long

Executive Director

Presbyterian-Reformed Ministries International

P. O. Box 429

Black Mountain, NC 28711

Summary of the Argument

1. Questions concerning homosexuality and same-sex unions have been brought into focus for Presbyterians by two factors: The May 2000 ruling by the Permanent Judicial Commission authorizing ministers to bless same-sex unions and three overtures coming to this General Assembly that would prohibit such blessings.

2. The debate about homosexuality and same-sex unions must be grounded in Scripture as the Word of God if we are to be true to the Constitution of the PC (USA) and to our Reformed faith. This is established in the Book of Order.

3. In making these decisions on the blessing of same-sex unions, Word and Spirit must be held together. This is the position of the 1978 Definitive Guidance.

4. To be true to our Reformed faith and to uphold the PC (USA) constitution, a Reformed hermeneutic must govern our interpretation of those passages of Scripture that deal with homosexuality.

5. Positive analogy – that is specific texts, and general analogy – the over all scope and import of Scripture - both uphold that homosexual sex is sinful.

6. The Conclusion of the 1978 Definitive Guidance - No Scripture permits or condones any form of homosexual practice.

7. Rejecting Scripture as the basis for decisions regarding homosexuality and same-sex unions will have profound and terrible consequences for the PC (USA) and for future generations. The church will become indistinguishable from the world.

8. Various arguments against the role of Scripture by the gay movement are rejected.

9. Having established the importance of Scripture in the debate, first the teaching of Jesus and then other passages of the Bible – both Old and New Testament are examined. All are found to uphold the basic principle that homosexual sex is a sin and the Church cannot bless same-gender unions.

10. Various passages of Scripture dealing with homosexuality are carefully studied. Not only is homosexual orientation seen to be the result of fallenness, but homosexual sexual expression is a sin along with other behaviors that are contrary to God’s law.

11. It is shown that the gay interpretations of Scripture, that do not uphold this traditional interpretation of homosexual sex as sin, do not hold up either to the Reformed principles of Bible interpretation nor to common sense. They twist or distort Scripture to support the gay agenda.

12. The consequences of accepting the gay misinterpretations of Scripture will be to not only distort the teaching of the Bible in regards to homosexuality, but to redefine other behaviors such as adultery and having sex with animals as no longer sinful. This will open the door to immorality in society and apostasy in the church.

13. As a logical result of the Bible’s teaching that homosexuality is a sin and that it flows from our fallen nature, as well as the positive revelation that God’s established context for sexual expression is marriage between one man and one woman, same-sex unions cannot be blessed by the Church.

14. The Bible promises that people whose sin is homosexuality – like all sinners may be forgiven and transformed by the grace and love of Jesus Christ. This is the good news of the gospel.

15. Basic Christian doctrine based on both positive and general analogy of Scripture, affirm that repentance, in which one turns away from their sinful behavior, is a condition for the grace of God to be effective within us.

16. The gay lie that one need not repent because homosexuality is no longer a sin is shown to be inconsistent with fundamental Christian doctrine.

17. What will happen if the PC (USA) affirms the blessing of same-sex unions? There are a number of consequences that are all bad if the Church should accept the gay misinterpretations of Scripture.

18. Some of these are: a loss of biblical authority, the loss of the power of the gospel, and schism in the PC (USA).

19. Being faithful to Jesus Christ, standing firm on biblical truth, witnessing to the transforming power of the gospel, and doing the work of prayer are all given as the best ways for Christians to walk through this crisis.

Table of Contents

I. Homosexuality And Same-Sex Unions 6