BiblicalInsights.net

     The Episcopal Church is undergoing a split due to differing views on the Bible, gay relationships and other issues.  The theologically conservative Diocese of Forth Worth voted recently to split from the liberal Episcopal Church.  This is the fourth diocese to do so.  The others are Pittsburgh; Quincy, ILL; and San Joaquin, based in Fresno, CA.  About 80 percent of the clergy members and parishoners in the Texas disocese supported the break in a series of votes at the diocesan convention.  The vote is the latest fallout from the 2003 consecration of the first openly gay Episcopal bishop, V. Gene Robinson (www.dispatch.com –Texas Diocese splits from Episcopal Church, by Rachel Zoll).    
     Is it possible that what is happening in the Episcopal church will happen in other religious groups?  The answer is, yes!  The gay issue is a moral issue for many religious people.  This moral issue, like others, tests us as to whether or not we will walk in God’s Ways.  The apostle Paul clearly identifies homosexuality as “unrighteousness.”  He writes, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?  Be not deceived:  neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”  (I Cor. 6:9-10).  Paul lists ten classes of sins in these passages.  The phrase, “abusers of themselves with mankind” refers to sodomy or homosexuality.  Homosexuality is unrighteousness.  Paul also identifies homosexuality as uncleanness and as vile affection in Romans 1:21-27.  If we uphold God’s truth, we identify homosexuality as a sin against Him.  As with any sin, it can be overcome and forgiven by God.  In I Cor. 6:11, Paul states, that some in Corinth participated in these sins in the past, “but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”  They were converted, changed, and transformed by the power of God.  Consequently, they ceased these sinful practices and enjoyed fellowship with God and the spiritual blessings in Christ. 
     Does the gay issue threaten to split churches of Christ?  Recently, David Lipscomb University hosted the Christian Scholars Conference (June, 2008).  During this conference, Jared Cramer presented a paper.  Cramer is currently affiliated with the Anglican (Episcopal) movement (working toward priesthood).  The paper was titled, “One New Humanity: Reconsidering Homosexuality in Light of the Ecclesiology of Ephesians.”  Cramer affirms that there is nothing “wrong about a faithful, loving, monogamous same-sex relationship” (www.christiancourier.com  –David Lipscomb University and the Christian Scholars Conference, by Wayne Jackson).  Now, each of us is confronted with a test of truth.  Is Cramer or Paul correct?  What will you believe?  Who will you follow?
     As homosexuality becomes more pervasive in our society, it will become more divisive.  Whether or not it becomes a divisive issue in the churches of Christ remains to be seen.  Hopefully, Christians will stand upon the truth of God’s Word and reject homosexuality as a moral evil.