Regarding World Vision's decision to hire Christians in same-sex marriages, and the more recent reversal of that decision on the 26th: I think it's such a shame that so many people have stopped sponsoring children through World Vision because of this. These destitute children are becoming pawns in our culture war. This is so wrong! Your sponsorship of an impoverished child should NOT be dependent on whether or not a homosexual person is working in some aspect of the company. Politics aside, these children need sponsors. World Vision is a humanitarian effort. It would be great to see unity in the Christian community on this issue.
Having grown up in the Christian community, I completely understand the controversy. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the church to take a public stand on same-sex marriage and homosexuality. To deny the definition of marriage as expressed in the Bible is a denial of the authority of scripture. The basis of the Christian faith rests on the scriptures. If the scriptures are somehow imperfect or inaccurate, then the Christian faith is severely flawed and therefore the faith is invalid. The absolute truth of the Bible cannot be disputed among Christians. Many people struggle with different interpretations of Biblical concepts - myself included - because, as imperfect and sinful humans, our interpretations are subject to flaws and faults. However, the concept of absolute truth lays the groundwork for many Christian principles. For instance, there is right versus wrong. Without a concrete definition of right and wrong, humanity would not need a savior. In a culture of relativity, Christians are generally looked down upon for having a distinct belief in absolute truth. Instead of the "do whatever makes you feel happy" philosophy, Christianity strives to exemplify the life Jesus lived while he was on earth. Oftentimes this means doing things that do not make us immediately happy, like blessing our enemies instead of cursing them. But I digress. The important point I'm trying to make is that Christianity is not relative. There is a difference between right and wrong. The Bible is absolute truth. And because the Bible says homosexuality is wrong, it is wrong. But take special note of the message of hope in verse 11:
"Don't you realize those who do wrong will not inherit the kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people - none of these will inherit the kingdom of God.
Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy, you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
Many "Christian" denominations are giving in to cultural pressures to be "tolerant" (of course, this tolerance is extended to everyone except practicing Christians, who are viewed as a threat to equality). These denominations support homosexuality and same-sex marriage. In their support of the LGBT community, these denominations reject the authority of the scripture and do not recognize the Bible as God's divinely inspired word. If you're a Christian but don't believe the Bible is absolute truth, what is the basis of your faith? How do you determine right and wrong? Do you use your feelings, which constantly change and are subject to unreliable emotion?
Despite the fact that Christian denominations no longer share many core values based on the authority of the scriptures, World Vision is one example of an attempt to unify the Christian community. I believe president Richard Stearns' initial decision to hire Christians in same-sex marriages was a positive thing, not because I support homosexuality, but because I believe in unity and the humanitarian aspect of World Vision. There is so much dissension in the modern church, and so many negative stereotypes center on Christianity's "intolerance." I think that, in order to break down those negative stereotypes (which are often misrepresentations of Christianity), we need to reach out and take steps towards the communities that feel marginalized, even if we don't actually support their lifestyles.
When World Vision made the initial decision, there was a public backlash from traditional Christian groups. Even the Assemblies of God denomination (which is not exactly traditional) released a statement asking their members to stop sponsoring children through World Vision, which absolutely blows my mind. What a horrible example of Christian love! How dare we make our own discomfort with the LGBT community a higher priority than the precious lives of impoverished children. I hate to sound cliche, but this is NOT what Christ would do... Another bad example of Christianity, brought to you by the American church. I am literally seething as I write this. THIS IS WHY PEOPLE HATE CHRISTIANS.
In this day and age, if we want to survive as Christians, we have to adapt to the culture. That doesn't mean we compromise our belief in absolute truth and support same-sex marriage/the homosexual; it means we learn how to love these people and include them in our mission. We're not preaching the gospel in their faces and condemning them to hell... and maybe that's just what the world needs to see in order to repair the negative image of Christianity that so many people have in their minds.
I hope this doesn't come off as a rant. Truthfully, I am very passionate about this subject. I have seen so much hatred from my Christian family/friends towards the LGBT community and it makes me sick. Hopefully we can work together to be more Christ-like and extend compassion instead of hate!
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