Many are talking about the controversy in Arizona. A baker considered it against his right of religious freedom to serve a homosexual couple. I'm not a theologian and don't believe the Bible is the infallible word of God. Even Jesus said He wasn't the definitive teacher; He said the Holy Spirit would fulfill that roll. Common sense says no human possesses the perfection to police or judge all wrong doing.
Bible Passages
Judgment is a slippery eel. It's easy to lose your grip on it. Matthew 7:1-5 says you will be judged in the same way you judge others. James 2:13 says mercy triumphs over judgment. All have sinned and fallen short of God's teachings and all sin separates people from God until forgiven. "Evil doers" shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Romans and I Corinthians, written by Paul, state numerous ways to be wicked: envy, murder, deceit, thievery, gossiping, greed, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and adultery. For the last one, Jesus said the only legitimate reason to divorce is if your spouse is unfaithful--what about abuse?--and those who marry someone else after divorcing for any other reason commit adultery. Want to admit to sex outside of marriage? Makes you a wicked sinner according to the Biblical teachings--no better or worse than any other sexual immorality.
Spiritual and Government Law
Romans 13:1-7 discusses the Christian's duty to man made law and God's authority in establishing them. Rebel against the human authority and you rebel against God, and bring down judgment on yourself. Not much the way we Americans think, is it?
Who is Sufficiently Wise?
I love the fourteenth chapter of Romans. It recommends that we accept those whose faith we deem lacking and don't pass judgment on matters we may disagree about. Instead, work hard toward peace and mutual enlightenment. Note the word mutual--means learn from one another. Paul states that what's "right" for one may be "wrong" and therefore a sin for another and both may be okay with God because they truly believe their position honors Him, and He will honor both intentions. Paul was mostly talking about food rules, but it transcends to many issues.
Who has the wisdom to be an impartial judge of those in sin? Who lives up to every precept? Jesus taught that even thinking adulterous, envious, etc. thoughts is sinful. Causing strife - heated, bitter conflict - is also sinful. Being right with God is a life-long endeavor.
The Human Condition
The characters in my progressing novel "The Devoted of Imshalel" struggle with many of these issues, so my interest and curiosity are sincere. I wonder, do you think straight people who harbor such strong feelings about homosexuality may do so because to them the thought of relations with someone of the same sex is a big turn off? Do homosexual people feel this way about sex with the opposite gender? Something to think about.
Till the next post.
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