Christian Faith and Sexuality.

Few issues cause so much controversy and confusion in the church today than the issues of sexuality and sexual ethics. If you have difficulty discussing issues like this, or find them extremely upsetting, you might wish to stay off this page. You will find several controversial topics that are mentioned here, and you are likely to encounter points of view you will not agree with. Relax. Trust God. You’re okay. Just think about it. (That’s all that’s being asked of you.)

Because the Wesleyan approach to the Christian life speaks of the possibility of a the life of Perfect Love, I believe that a Wesleyan approach to the issue yields some important insights. Human nature is not inherently sinful just for being human. It is the power of love (devotion to God’s will and devotion to the best interests of others) that frees us from our sinfulness. This alone, and not legalisms, can set the heart free from its (otherwise) sinful intentions.

We do not need to be ashamed of our sexuality or our gender identity. But, the Christian faith has always upheld a high standard (a strict standard?) for sexual morality — only clearly affirming the sexual act within the confines of the marriage of a man and a woman. What does that mean for the many and various issues of sexual morality that are raised today?

I’m not absolutely sure I know. But, that doesn’t mean I don’t have some opinions.

Please Note: Off Site links are indicated with an asterisk. They will open in a new window or tab.

General Articles on Sexuality Issues
A Wesleyan Perspective on Human Sexuality
Reflections on the Song of Solomon
Why I (Sometimes) Post on Sexuality Issues

Homosexuality
Homosexuality: Why Perceptions are Changing
Why Christian Opposition to Homosexuality Never Dies
What Would It Take to Convince Me I Am Wrong on the Gay & Lesbian Issue
Transforming the Christian Conversation on Homosexuality (VIDEO: Ron Belgau & Justin Lee at Pepperdine University.)
Some Things Christians Could Agree Upon Even If They End Up Having To Agree to Disagree (About Gay Issues)


The Church and Homosexuality by Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker* (SideB)*
Was Sodom into Sodomy? by Ben Witherington III (SideB)*
What the Evidence Really Says about Scripture & Homosexual Practice by Robert A. J. Gagnon (SideB)*
Does the Bible Regard Same-Sex Intercourse as Intrinsically Sinful? by Robert A. J. Gagnon (SideB)*
Writings on Sexuality Issues by Peter Ould (Side B)*

DEBATE: Justin Lee vs. Ron Belgau @ the Gay Christian Network*
DEBATE: Luke Timothy Johnson vs. Eve Tushnet @ Commonweal*
DEBATE: Brauch vs. Hertzog @ Bridges Across the Divide*
DEBATE: Is the Homosexual My Neighbor? Campolo vs. Campolo*

Homosexuality and Christianity by Jeramy Townsley (SideA)*
A Defense Theory: An Analysis of Six Critical Texts Used To Condemn Homosexuality by Royce Buehler (SideA)*
Homosexuality and the Bible by Walter Wink (SideA)*
Inclusive Orthodoxy — Justin R. Cannon (SideA)*
Posts on GLBT Persons in the Church: A Case for Full Inclusion by Michael L. Westmoreland-White (Side A)*


Gender Identity
On Transgender Issues
By the Grace of God by Lee Frances Heller & Friends (edited by Julie Ann Johnson)*
Still Standing: Musings of a Christian Transsexual by Cindy Martin*
TransFaith Online*
Chrysalis Mission (blog)* (inactive)

Off Site Links

From: BRIDGES ACROSS THE DIVIDE
“A cyberspace initiative providing models and resources for building respectful relationships among those who disagree about moral issues surrounding homosexuality, bisexuality and gender variance.”

Recommended DVD Curriculum for Study & Conversation:
Bridging the Gap: Conversations on Befriending Our Gay Neighbors produced by New Directions Ministries of Canada. $32.99.

JUNE 24 2009 BRIDGING THE GAP SYNCHROBLOG. This is a large list of posts from many bloggers, representing many different perspectives: all seeking understanding & dialogue. This effort was initiated by New Directions Ministries of Canada. Their intention in this project is revealed in these words: “Our prayer is that this synchro-blog would model an opportunity for multiple conversations, from multiple perspectives, with a commitment to hear one another with grace, humility and respect.”

Other Off-Site Links from various points of view.
Disputed Mutability*
An Exercise in the Fundamentals of Orthodoxy (Peter Ould)*
Paradoxy*
Odd Man Out*
New Direction Ministries of Canada*
Bridging the Gap (New Directions blog)*
The Gay Christian Network*
Justin’s World*
Ex-Gay Watch*
Warren Throckmorton*
Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity*
The Marin Foundation*
Christian, Gay and Confused*
After Thoughts On A Whirlwind Journey*
Adventures of a Christian Collegian*
Pursue God*
Musings On*
More Musings On (blog)*