Biblical Studies on Homosexuality. 1

Getting a Start on the Positions of Homosexual Exegesis

Ed Welch begins his booklet with opening questions intended to set out a biblical approach in taking up discussion with the homosexual community.

He says:

Because of our unity with the Christian church as a whole, there are corporate sins in which we share. Has the church been, at times, self-righteous toward the homosexuals? Is there homophobia in some of our congregations, fear, or even hatred? Do we tend to think of homosexuality as worse than the gossip and private idolatries that are rampant in the church? Has the church been unwelcoming to spiritually searching homosexuals? The answer to these questions is certainly, Yes, we have sinned.

On the basis of self-examination before God and the Word, then and only then, do we take up talks and discussions with homosexuals. It seems like Matthew 7:5 guides us at this point: “...first remove the plank from you own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” Self-examination is key; also, just because we about self-examination, it does not mean that Scripture is in error about it's message to homosexuals. Welch cautions us that we shouldn't apologize for Scriptural truth, and we shouldn't shrink back from the Bible's authority. We're to own up to our own sin, and all the while stand on the firm ground of truth as we engage in conversation with homosexuals. In sum, this is Welch's starting point: godly self-examination and standing on the Word.

Right alongside of self-examination, Welch is successful at helping us to take up a right approach on doing faithful Bible study with respect to the homosexual positions. He first asks us to clear away some older approaches.

He writes:

Don't rely on your biblical study on homosexuality from a decade ago. Don't assume that being familiar with some of the criticism of recent biological research on homosexuality means that you are prepared. Today new interpretations of Scripture and sophisticated medical studies are challenging us to think more clearly. People smarter than ourselves are becoming persuaded that committed homosexual relationships are biblically permissible. In response, either we must repent and say that we have misinterpreted Scripture or we must offer a position that is compassionate, biblically sound, and able to account for the observations of current research. Also, if we maintain that homosexuality is sin, then we must not only defend that position, but we must develop a strategy where we pursue homosexuals to urge them to repentance.

The booklet offers great insight and practical help. We'll try and offer more help on this soon. Welch has my attention.

G. Mark Sumpter