Hot Potato (I) - Homosexuality

There are two hot potatoes that have been jumping around recently. So here I am to “think-out-loud” on them. This is not a scholastic attempt, nor a defense on my position (hmm.. not sure if there is a solid one). Rather I have taken the liberty that this space affords, to process my views on the matter.
Before I begin, I must recognize that my stance has evolved over the years- I am sure that they will continue to change as God works in me. And as I talk with others about them, I realize that there is so much that I do not know or much that I have not considered. So I pray that you will hear me out with an open heart, converse with me as you are willing, and sharpen me!

This first hot potato relates to President Obama’s “endorsement” of gay marriages recently.

Do I think homosexuality is wrong? Yes! The sin is clear as daylight in the Bible.
Am I shocked that President Obama “supports” homosexuality? Sad, but not at all. With the direction that morality in this world is heading, is it so surprising that we have come to this?
Should President Obama be burnt for making that statement? I am not sure… Actually, I don’t think so.

I am not him, so I am not entirely aware of what made him declare his “support”- is it motivated by politics (as he gains some voters, he would also lose some)? Or in attempt to curb oppression on that population (as he so said)? Or perhaps a bit of both?

The GLBT population and their supporters had been so loud in the recent decades, I had honestly been annoyed at them- be it repealing Article 377A in Singapore, Glee, Brad and Angelina not getting married till homosexuals can as well… I could not understand why they had to “fight for their rights” incessantly. Their protests for acceptance flaunt their sin- they ought to be judged twice over!
The church can hate the sin, but still demonstrate Christ’s love to the sinner. Hopefully, they can be won over by the Gospel and repent. If they are unable to change their orientation, they can at least try to exercise self-control and not actively practice sexual behavior. BUT the sinner must be in a position of humility, silent and definitely NOT assertive! Their loud demonstrations left me no sympathy for them.

What I had completely been blindsided by, is the oppression that this population faced. If I had not taken my multicultural class this semester, and be challenged by the injustice that had been afflicted on this group and my own discriminatory attitudes, I might have had no qualms to “cast the stone” at President Obama.

The GLBT populace faces rejection by family and friends, the refusal of medical care and treatment, public assault, etc. GLBT couples were denied hospital visitations to their partner because the hospital would not recognize their relationship. The professional standards are trying to not discriminate- like by telling counselors that they cannot refer clients out simply due to their sexual orientation. But students are clearly struggling with wanting to help or counsel them.
How could they not feel the attack on their worth and rights as a person? Are they wrong to desire the “normal” rights as any other person- medical treatment and professional help? By desiring for their silence, am I not invalidating the oppression that they have felt for so long as a minority? And why should their sin be judged more severely by the general public or suffer worse consequences than say- the adulterer?

I desire for the sinners to come out of the closet, as a first step towards Christ’s light. But is the environment truly safe enough? If I see injustice being directed at them, will I stand up for their rights? What can I do?

No doubt that marriage is first of all a spiritual institution- given by God to a man and woman. So to that extent, the church should not and cannot endorse, support or solemnize a gay marriage. How that plays out is a separate topic altogether (will the church turn away a gay couple who wants to attend pre-marital counseling?).
But marriage in today’s cultural context is also a social, cultural and legal phenomenon, and the society has given certain rights only to married people. Are marriages that are not sealed by a vow before God sacred? Should they hold the same significance as that of a marriage among Christians? Is there a distinction between a marriage endorsed by the church vs. one that is endorsed by the state? I think there is!

The US Constitution promotes the separation of the church and the state, and a role of the government is to protect the rights of the minority so they do not suffer under the hands of the majority. If “the only” way to alleviate certain discriminatory actions against homosexuals is to recognize their relationship socially by giving them certain legal rights, should this last resort be damned?

Some argue that President Obama is setting a bad example as a leader, and his actions seem to promote sin. But I am not persuaded that President Obama’s support has done anything dramatic to change the GLBT scene. They have always been there- they might have hid in the closets, but they are there! Will there be more GLBT couples as a result? Perhaps, more might feel free to come out but not in actuality.

I am not saying that the end justify the means. And it is easy to bemoan and judge President Obama’s action as a trade of his faith in return for political chips. But, I’m really not sure I have a right to point the finger. For a man who is trying to do right by a marginalized group, his efforts and intentions ought to weigh something before burning him on a stake. How shall the Christian react to the oppression placed on the sinner? How can we stand up for/ do something about injustice whilst not condoning the sin? Does anyone have a better idea or louder voice than the President?

Finishing Well

For all my prayers for all the students to “finish well and strong this semester”, I did not hold up my end of the equation. The semester is over, but my terrible attitude still haunts me.

Sure, I was tired. After writing 14 pages, I was about done with my paper. I edited the paper once through, and could bear to read it no more. So I turned it in with a bunch of embarrassing mistakes- 5 days ahead of the deadline. Even the professor came back with “your proof-reading was not as good as the first time”. OUCH.
Why could I not have waited and re-read it 3 days later, and I am sure I could have spotted and fixed the errors?!

Sure, I was ready to be done. I want to get over the test, that’s all that mattered. So I could not be bothered to read through my notes once more, nor go over my answers again before submitting the answers. And there! With 35 minutes on the clock, I submitted the test. 9 mistakes out of 60. I’m not sure if I would have answered any of them differently, I might have.
But what eats me is that- I could have put in more effort: review the notes one more time, review all my answers once through- why didn’t I?!

It makes it all the harder, when I loved the classes, and to not put in that last ounce of effort to finish well? ARGH!!!
It’s not so much the grades that agonize me.
It’s knowing that I could have done better, and did not.
It’s knowing that my impatience caused me to fail to honor the class, the professor and God (!!) the way they deserved.
It’s regret that is teaching me this painful lesson now.

The fruit is for God to give, but as long as I have done my duty to plant and water, I have no regrets.
God taught me half of the equation last time around- to leave the results to Him and not personalize every success or failure.
I guess it’s time to learn the second half of the equation- to be faithful in whatever I do, no matter the circumstance. Planting, watering or sowing- do it all for His glory. Gotta have perspective and patience!

Nevertheless, thank You Lord for all that You’ve taught me this semester, thank You for this break, and thank You for the semester to come.

Till then, Summer holidays, here I come!

A little reminder...

1. It is possible to pastor a huge church and not love God.
2. It is possible to design and preside over perfectly conceived and executed worship services and not love God.
3. It is possible to preach insightful, biblical, Christ-exalting sermons and not love God
4. It is even possible to write books that deepen others' love for God and not love God.
---Kent Hughes

And indeed,
It is possible to go to church and not love God.
It is possible to engage in the worship service and not love God.
It is possible to listen to the sermon and not love God.
It is even possible to read books about deepening my love for God
and not love God.

How am I loving God today?
Have I thought of Him of late?
Do I just know His Book?
Or how loving Him looks?
Is my heart knitted with His?
And my mind in His restful bliss?
Whether I sit or eat or talk or pray,
May I not forget to love Him every step of the way.