Here is a recent interview I did with New Man Magazine.  Click the link for the full interview.

Dealing With Homosexuality in the Church

Last month the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted to allow its congregations to hire clergy who currently are involved in homosexual relationships. The news came at the end of a summer that saw other mainline denominations dealing with the same issue. To get some perspective on these developments, we talked with Jeff Buchanan, senior director of church equipping for Exodus International. Exodus is the world’s largest interdenominational Christian organization promoting the message of freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ. Buchanan works with pastors and church leaders to teach local churches how to love people who deal with same-sex attraction, while maintaining a biblical worldview in the process.  Click here for entire article.

The verdict is in. The California Supreme Court has ruled and the voter’s voice on marriage has been preserved, at least, for the moment. I must confess, though, that while I’m relieved, I’m a bit fatigued. Watching Miss USA contender Carrie Prejean assaulted for stating her views on marriage has been brutal. Hearing actor Sean Penn admonish supporters of the California law, Proposition 8, at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony to “sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes” was ugly.  Reading about how Proposition 8 opponents were circulating Google maps detailing the locations of Proposition 8 supporters’ homes to harass them was insidious.

I’m sure I’m not alone. Many Christians may be hesitant, if not completely resistant, to engage the culture on issues that contradict their values and beliefs the next time around. But we must ask ourselves – as the church, what should our response be? The answer for me comes in looking back at how the early church responded to similar opposition. They were committed to stand for what they knew to be truth, even if it meant the ultimate sacrifice. Many were sent to their death in the jaws of wild beasts in front of a coliseum of eager spectators. Today rather than facing the lions, the church now faces the merciless jaws of litigation. Instead of an audience of robed spectators, there is now a virtual coliseum of media correspondents, magazines and talk shows ready to voice their particular perspective on the events. The attitude against the church is the same but the venue for persecution has been modernized. As a result many churches have gone underground on this issue of homosexuality and are fearful to engage the topic at any level. Some believe there is too much to risk and besides; gay marriage will eventually be federally legalized so why fight it?

But wait a minute. Who is the real victim in this scenario? Is it really the church?

Click here for entire article in Charisma Magazine

I realize that recently I’ve made a few posts about the recent developments regarding Ted Haggard.  This isn’t to elevate one particular situation or give it undue and unnecessary attention.  As with any situation involving a previously or presently influential leader, the way they respond has the potential to define or distort crucial issues that face the church today.  Ted Haggard’s fall continues to impact and influence not only those within the church but our current cultural climate today.

On Thursday, Ted & Gayle Haggard made their anticipated appearance on Oprah.  I watched and processed with mixed emotions.  I was planning write my viewpoints on the interview until someone sent me an excellent overview by Joe Dallas (one of my favorite speakers and teachers).  I don’t want to reinvent the wheel so here is what Joe had so say:

Ted Said: AfterThoughts on Ted Haggard’s Interview with Oprah

Guest Post by Joe Dallas

Rev. Ted Haggard broke his two year silence on Oprah’s show yesterday, his first media appearance since a catastrophic fall from the pulpit of New Life Church in 2006, when his longstanding relationship with a male prostitute was exposed. The details are still fresh: Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, was condemning gay sex publicly while paying for it privately, until accusations from male escort Mike Jones cracked the dam of Ted’s denials (“I neverhad gay sex!”) and trickles of half-concessions leaked out (“Well, yeah, I bought some meth from a gay escort, but threw it away”) followed by voice mail recordings irrefutable as Monica’s blue dress, and the inevitable confession, contrition and exit. It was as tawdry as it was achingly familiar in this era of public falls, and many of us hoped the story was played out.

Enter the sequel. An HBO special titled The Trials of Ted Haggard premieres Thursday January 29, and by way of promotion, Ted granted interviews to Larry King as well as Oprah, revisiting those dark days with his own insights and explanations. If there’s a redemptive twist to all this, it lies in what can be gleaned from the Reverend’s experience and, to an extent, his statements about Christianity, homosexuality, church life and human nature. A typical spectator, I cheered and booed throughout the Oprah interview, shouting criticisms or praise while knowing nothing of what it was like for the man under the bright lights being grilled about his worst failures and private agonies. So I’ll concede, a la Roosevelt’s famous observation about the man in the arena, that it is indeed the guy in the ring whose performance matters far and above the critic who wishes he’d done this or said that.

From that deferential position, then, let me offer some thoughts on what Ted said, what I wish he’d said, and what still needs to be said:

Ted said: “I’m a heterosexual with homosexual attachments.”
What prompted it: Oprah’s predictable but relevant question: Are you gay, straight, or bisexual? (read more)

Ever have one of those weeks where it seems that if it can go wrong it will?  Well, welcome to my week.  It’s like attending a cow pie skeet-shoot and everyone yells “pull” at the same time and you’re left without an umbrella (get the picture?).  I’m talking about situations that range from the usual daily drama to the legitimately justified crisis all the way to the “you’ve got to be kidding me” ridiculous scenarios that can only be resolved by pharmaceutical intervention (and no, I don’t mean me). 

I certainly don’t want to make light of legitimate situations that are truly unavoidable and unintentional, it’s just the things that are unnecessary and can be prevented that are most challenging.  But these things do happen and believe it or not, they have a purpose. 

A few weeks ago, I felt that God was telling me to get ready for some stormy days ahead.  Not exactly what I typically like to hear.  But I realized that He was telling me so that I could focus and not become distracted.  As I was considering all of this, I was reminded of the potential benefits that storms can bring (I realize I’m changing metaphors but this is a little . . . ahem . . . less delicate to work around). 

Sometimes storms leave behind damage and destruction along with heavy rain.  In the midst and aftermath of a storm, you can feel disoriented, confused, and depending on the situation, a sense of loss.  However have you also noticed how clean the air is afterwards and how months of filth and dirt that have accumulated have been washed away?  You often see on the evening news how, in the midst of wreckage and debris, people begin to come together to provide relief and assistance.  There is a sense of unity that begins to form between people who were once strangers.  There is a common purpose that moves beyond people’s preferences and provides an opportunity for their character to be revealed.  It is during the rescue and rebuilding that heroes are made or discovered.  Challenging situations that seem insurmountable can give us some of our greatest stories of faithfulness, loyalty, provision and friendship.  No one likes going through a storm and having to wait it out.  But you have to remember, they don’t last forever.  They can just seem like they do.  Next time you see storm clouds on the horizon, just remember that they can also bring great opportunities with them. 

And as for things hitting the fan, . . . well . . . I’ll just leave it at that.

On Tuesday, after much controversy, Rick Warren gave his invocation for President Obama’s inauguration (for a transcipt of the prayer, click here).  I thought he did an excellent job and delivered it with uncompromised conviction. (I thought the four different references to the name of Jesus was brilliant.)  However, it seems that everyone wasn’t pleased.  There were complaints that he used Jesus’ name and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.  A professor of American religious history at Columbia University who claims to be a friend of Warren says “To lead the nation in saying the Lord’s Prayer, which is so particularly Christian was a mistake.” (click here for reference)

Huh?

You’ve got to be kidding. 

I understand being sensitive and diplomatic in order to respect others from different cultures, religions, and points of view.  I just find it interesting that all religious and socio-political expressions outside of a biblical worldview seem to come under a special protected class in our culture and find safe harbor in the name of diversity.  But when a biblical world-view is presented, it is considered intolerant, prejudiced, and antiquated.  It seems that when it comes to Christianity, everyone wants to use the mute button.  This is a battle I’m afraid so many are all too familiar with. 

So I wonder what would have been acceptable for this event.  I know it’s a little campy, but maybe something like this would have been more palatable: 

“Our existential one whom we acknowledge as a higher power,

Politically correct be your name,

Your rule at bay,

Our will be done,

On earth, as it is in our personal concept of heaven

Give us this day what we desire,

And forgive those who sin against us

By imposing the oppressive notion of sin

And lead us into opportunities for the gratification of our proclivities and passionate indulgences

For this is our kingdom, power, and glory.  Amen.”

I think I may try this one out on Sunday morning.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

This is a commentary I wrote for Ministry Today, January 20, 2009. 

 

Ted Haggard is using an upcoming HBO documentary to chastise the church for how it handled his sex-and-drugs scandal in 2006. Read one pastor’s take on why he may have a point.

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Ted Haggard is at it again. The former pastor of a Colorado mega church who admitted to a sexual relationship with a male escort in 2006, is now sharing his story in a documentary called The Trials of Ted Haggard. On January 29, the film premieres on HBO and will re-examine the scandal that rocked the evangelical world. For many, this film will reopen old wounds and stir up feelings thought to be dead and buried.

I question why Haggard chose this particular outlet to voice the pain and frustration of his private journey. While I can only imagine the suffering Haggard has endured over the past two years, I cannot excuse some of his choices. And now, once again, it seems the church will have to deal with another reminder of those choices. But maybe there are some things worth being reminded of.

In recent news reports, Ted Haggard chastised church leaders for missing an opportunity to use his scandal to “communicate the gospel worldwide.” Despite how we may feel about the circumstances surrounding Haggard, I believe we have the responsibility to ask: Is he right? Did we, the global Christian church, somehow miss an opportunity to respond to those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction with the gospel of truth? While these are valid questions that demand our attention, I believe there is another question that addresses an issue just as important, if not far greater:

What if Ted had told the truth? (click here for the entire article)

Yesterday at the inaugural welcoming ceremony, Bishop V. Gene Robison offered an invocation for the nation and the president-elect.  The openly-gay bishop is the subject of much controversy and has come to serve as a representative for the inclusion of gay clergy within the church.  In his inaugurate prayer, Robison prays the following:

“Bless us with anger – at discrimination, at home and abroad, against refugees and immigrants, women, people of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.”

“Bless us with freedom from mere tolerance – replacing it with a genuine respect and warm embrace of our differences, and an understanding that in our diversity, we are stronger.”

While there are other issues that I have in his complete prayer (to read Robinson’s entire prayer click here), these two points are the ones that challenge me the most.  For clarity, I will begin by stating that I do not agree with Robison nor do I support the principles and theology he stands for.  I believe that he is misleading so many who are desperately trying to reconcile their faith with their same-sex attractions and he will be held accountable for his actions.  The theology and philosophies he promotes is one of the most critical frontline issues that the church faces today.

His prayer for tolerance confirms what we’ve known to be true all along.  It is not tolerance that is being asked for, but unfettered acceptance.  Of course, I can and will extend the respect that any creation of God should receive.  This is necessary as a mature believer.  However, to ask that I “warmly embrace” a teaching and belief that so counters the truth is unacceptable.  I’m afraid we will not be united on that front so I won’t belabor this point.

But this is what I find most interesting:  “Bless us with anger.”

Really?

While I do not desire to see anyone treated with disrespect, I will not ask the Lord to “bless me with anger.”  I ask that He will guide me and give me discernment and wisdom in the midst of righteous indignation.  (If I am pursuing God’s will and what pleases Him, I won’t need to ask for righteous anger, it will come naturally.)  I will ask for guidance and compassion when I see a gay-identified person (or anyone else) treated with contempt and disrespect.  And, I will also ask for guidance and compassion when I see religious liberties attacked and compromised under the category and agenda of gay rights.

If Gene Robison truly means what he says in his prayer, then I ask how that anger will be received when it finds its expression through those who, based on religious conviction, have been discriminated against and denied their religious freedom.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ gives us several scenarios in which we can be “blessed.”  Too often, we perceive blessings as those things which make us happy.  We cannot pray; “Bless us with these things so that, in the end, we will get what we want and be justified in what we believe to be truth.”  In the Beatitudes, “blessed” does not mean ‘happy’ but rather it describes a state that is achieved when we embrace the responsibilities, qualities, and character of being a citizen of God’s Kingdom.  We will be in a state of being “blessed” when we walk in humility before God and each other; when we passionately pursue righteousness on every level; when we are utterly sincere in our thoughts and motives towards God and there are no idols that contend against Him (pure in heart); and when we constantly acknowledge our spiritual poverty and are dependent only on Him and upon nothing else that we believe will bring us satisfaction and happiness.  We will be “blessed” when we pursue the agenda of God’s Kingdom and no other.

So, I’m afraid that I cannot join Robison in his prayer for anger and discomfort.

I’m still working on that overdue character-study that Jesus assigned a long time ago.

Alexandra Pelosi, daughter of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has recently directed “The Trials of Ted Haggard” set to air on HBO January 29th. This is not just a media montage of the 2006 scandal involving Mike Jones but a reality-based documentary in which Ted and Gayle Haggard are active participants. According to recent news releases, Haggard states in the film that he experienced same-sex play in the second grade and currently continues to struggle with same-sex attraction. He also states that it was therapists and not the church that helped him to understand his sexuality.

Already the media is slanting the story to their various perspectives. Fox News reports that Haggard talks about a lifelong battle with his sexuality and that “he never claimed to be heterosexual.” However, The Gazette of Colorado Springs brings clarity and context to the statement when they report that after Haggard quit the restoration program, a pastor friend was the one that declared that Haggard was “completely heterosexual.” The truth is that Haggard was attempting to clarify his friend’s statement. Unfortunately once again, facts have been obscured or omitted in order to promote a preferred perspective.

The general review by Mark Bama of The Gazette depicts Ted Haggard as indulging in self-loathing, self-aggrandizement, and self-pity. It also reveals Haggard’s bitterness and resentment towards New Life Church epitomized in his statements “The church has chose not to forgive me” and “The church has said go to hell.”

For me personally, this documentary is already raising more questions than answers. I do not know the details surrounding Haggard’s personal experience during the scandal and the restoration process. I can only imagine the intense pain and suffering that he has experienced as a result of his choices. However, I do know the torment of hiding the truth of his condition and the fear of revealing his struggle to those within the church. I lived the façade of pretending to be someone I wasn’t because that’s what I thought I had to do in order to be accepted and loved. It was self-inflicted solitary confinement with no hope for release. For many, this fear is legitimate and they must live a life of denial in order to survive in their church culture. I hear too many stories like this and it truly grieves me. The homophobic ignorance of some leaders within the Body of Christ can contribute to the destructive demise of men and women and their families. It is on this point that I agree with the gay community; the church must be willing to lovingly embrace the homosexual and extend the love of Christ to all.

However, I have to ask if this is truly the situation that Ted Haggard faced? Was there truly no one in New Life Church that was willing to stand with him in his restoration process? (I find this unlikely.) Were the leaders on his restoration council able to devote the time and effort required to see him completely through? I don’t doubt that people have rejected and abandoned him and to some extent allowed him to serve as a scapegoat representing the failure of evangelical leaders past. Perhaps much of this loss of relationship is due to the feeling of betrayal and loss rather than contempt for Haggard’s actions. So many have been impacted by Haggard’s homosexuality and the resulting casualties are overwhelming. The aftershock of this event continues to be felt to this day.

But can Haggard really justify the means he is using to voice his pain and objections? Can we expect Alexandra Pelosi to present a fair, unbiased, and redemptive perspective on this issue of Ted Haggard and his homosexuality?

I have my doubts.

I must confess that I’m frustrated that he is just now, after two years, openly confessing his ongoing struggle with same-sex attraction which has been an issue throughout his life. When asked why he didn’t come out about his sexuality, his response was “My responsibility was to get worked out.” What kind of culture have we created that says our leaders must be perceived as having it all together and beyond such carnal baseness? If only Haggard would have risked being honest when it was most critical. What an incredible opportunity to be one of the most influential evangelical leaders in the world serving as a model of transparency and vulnerability. This could have been an outstanding message of hope to so many impacted by homosexuality! But instead those who struggle within the church have to face the question; “If Ted Haggard can’t overcome this, what hope is there for me?”

My greatest concern is that the church won’t know how to answer.

The Body of Christ must own this situation and accept responsibility for all who are impacted, including Ted Haggard. We have created a culture where “celebrity” leaders are placed on pedestals and expected to be absolved of the messiness of humanity and its fallen nature. We provide the venue, set the stage, and then serve as brutal critics of the actors who have the audacity to answer the casting call.

I can’t come to a fully educated conclusion on this situation until everything has played out. I can only hope that Haggard will not use this as a means to retaliate and bring further damage to the Body of Christ. The fact that it does not appear that his leaders were involved in his decision to participate in this venture is not very encouraging. Regardless of the outcome, the church must let this serve as another reminder that we must redemptively respond to this issue of homosexuality that is so sharply dividing our society.

The Colorado Springs Gazette

Fox News

Once again another leader who has the influence to shape the minds and theology of this next generation has drastically compromised the truth of the Gospel.  Tony Jones is an author and leader in the Emergent Village movement, which in my opinion, is one of the most dangerous movements facing the church today.  Tony has finally stated that he believes “‘gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and queer’ individuals can and should live out their sexuality in – and blessed by – the Christian church.”  Emergent authors such as Tony have been saturating the publishing world with books that are marketed to the teenage to twenty-something demographic.  Their message is clear, today’s Christianity needs to be redefined for a more relevant generation and its theology reframed for current culture.   

In this article, Jones states “all the time I could feel myself drifting toward acceptance that gay persons are fully human persons and should be afforded all of the cultural and ecclesial benefits that I am.”  Here is the key; of course homosexuals are fully human people that should be treated with the basic respect that is afforded to everyone.  The Church, unfortunately, has missed this mark dramatically in the past and we are now reaping the consequences of our actions.  However, this is not an excuse to throw away 2 millennia of sound church doctrine and the unmistakably clear statements of scripture on this issue because of the Church’s irresponsibility to display the love of Christ in all situations.  The point is that the perception of homosexuals being anything less than fully human is tragically false and this is where Jones made his first mistake.  Had he initially seen them as creations of the Heavenly Father who are intended for a divine purpose and loved unconditionally, he would have been able to navigate and interpret Scripture without the compromise of “his experiences and feelings leading him toward a different conclusion.”  

Many have made the mistake of seeing those impacted by homosexuality as something less.  This perception instantly removes us from a Biblical foundation and misrepresents the heart of God.  We are, therefore, left with no alternative than to be led by experience and emotion in order to find our way.  If we initially see each person as a divinely created being intended for relationship with the Father, then we have our compass to guide us in the correct interpretation of Scripture that leads to a Biblical response of mercy and truth to all who will hear.  

via Emergent church leader says gay can be biblical lifestyle

It appears that this year we had an undercover reporter at that Exodus Freedom Conference which is not unusual.  In the normalcy of mainstream media, the reporter presented her own personal bias and perception as fact.  There are so many errors in this article that I don’t have the time to dissect and address each one.  Neither did she attempt to communicate with anyone on Exodus staff but rather consulted gay activists for an interpretive opinion.  I find it interesting that I’ve posted two comments on the article respectfully challenging the veracity of this reporter and her article and they have yet to post the comments on the site.  There are however over a hundred comments supporting the article and its point of view.  Oh well . . . just another day in post-gay paradise. 

 The camp that cures homosexuality -Times Online