For the record, Brian McLaren and Al Mohler could not be further apart on the issue of homosexuality. But this is precisely why I wish that Dr. Mohler had made his point differently. This is just one of the unintended consequences that I had hoped could have been avoided.
Dr. Mohler is right to contend that evangelicals should not treat the homosexual choice differently than it does any other sinful choice. The problem is that the homosexual choice is somewhat different in that it demands acceptance from evangelicals. That is the the crux of the problem and it is why many evangelicals have been so adamant and perhaps even rigid in their treatment of the subject. On the one hand, maybe we could do a better job expressing our view that it is no different from adultery or lying or any other sin. On the other hand, these other sins do not have groups representing them lobbying evangelicals to cease and desist when it comes to classifying their behaviors as sin. That is the elephant in the room. Homosexuals don't want to be treated with respect and dignity by evangelicals. They don't even want to be treated with love. What they want is approval. You see, anything less than approval of their chosen lifestyle is, to their way of thinking, unloving, disrespectful, and bigotry. Hence, the hostility between the two groups will remain until those who choose the homosexual lifestyle give up or until evangelicals approve of their choice. Until then, this battle will rage on.
I hope Dr. Mohler will issue some clarifying statements around what he has said. In particular, I hope he explains what he meant by the statement that homosexuality is more than just a choice. I really do not understand what he is getting at with this remark and I don't think I am alone.
Dr. Mohler is right to contend that evangelicals should not treat the homosexual choice differently than it does any other sinful choice. The problem is that the homosexual choice is somewhat different in that it demands acceptance from evangelicals. That is the the crux of the problem and it is why many evangelicals have been so adamant and perhaps even rigid in their treatment of the subject. On the one hand, maybe we could do a better job expressing our view that it is no different from adultery or lying or any other sin. On the other hand, these other sins do not have groups representing them lobbying evangelicals to cease and desist when it comes to classifying their behaviors as sin. That is the elephant in the room. Homosexuals don't want to be treated with respect and dignity by evangelicals. They don't even want to be treated with love. What they want is approval. You see, anything less than approval of their chosen lifestyle is, to their way of thinking, unloving, disrespectful, and bigotry. Hence, the hostility between the two groups will remain until those who choose the homosexual lifestyle give up or until evangelicals approve of their choice. Until then, this battle will rage on.
I hope Dr. Mohler will issue some clarifying statements around what he has said. In particular, I hope he explains what he meant by the statement that homosexuality is more than just a choice. I really do not understand what he is getting at with this remark and I don't think I am alone.
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