There are at least two sides and lies to gay Christianity. These two systems are used by sympathizers to accept LGBTQ+ in the church.
Perhaps the first self-styled-Christian I’d heard condoning homosexual practices was Bishop John Shelby Spong. While he was an apostate who I considered to be curious at the time, in fact he was an influencer. See Albert Mohler’s article.
The next person coming under my radar was ELCA minister Barbara Rossing (The Rapture Exposed). Rossing’s premises and arguments, and her treatment of The Book of Revelation perplexed me. I became interested in understanding her bias. This led me to a paper she’d written (circa 2008) for the ELCA, and several church newsletters, which blatantly condoned gay and lesbian practices in the church.
Their argument centered on a particular hermeneutical approach to the Bible which adapted to the preferred narrative. So to fully understand Scripture, it was argued that the church needed more diverse minority voices (women, LGTBQ+ etc).
Since then, the condoning of LGBTQ+ has become pervasive and more mainstream. What’s going on here? How is this justified by professing Christians?
A new book (Five Lies of our Anti-Christian Age) by Rosaria Butterfield has shed light to the LGBTQ+ growing acceptance issue among church groups. Even post-conversion, Butterfield has shown remarkable humility by her willingness to admit fault on occasion. You can visit her website HERE.
In the first section of her book Butterfield split “Gay Christianity” into Side A and Side B. I found it very helpful.
Gay Christianity Side A
A famous proponent of this side is Matthew Vines. It is “gay-affirming.” Butterfield writes that it “invents biblical support for gay marriage and full inclusion of people who identify as LGBTQ+ in the leadership and membership of the church.” So, essentially, they affirm the Bible while denying that it condemns homosexuality.
This side twists Scripture to force it to say what it wants.
Gay Christianity Side B
On the other hand, Side B proponents are non-affirming of gay marriage. Butterfield notes that it heartily embraces homosexual orientation. She writes,
This…places some cognitive dissonance within the unstable category of Side B theology. On the one hand, it wants to be seen as biblically traditional, but on the other, it wants to participate in gay culture (including gay Pride parades) and bring gay culture to the church. (p73)
This side errs in handling matters of sin, repentance and salvation. Butterfield notes that it redefines gay sin merely as sexual attraction, denying that it acts with affections, feelings, and desire (p 74).
I’d note that there is, perhaps a third category: some groups unashamedly play both sides as convenient. A classic example of this double-mindedness in America is the ELCA.
Side B places emphasis on identifying with a sin rather than being in Christ. Among other things, in doing so it denies the process of sanctification. What a shame!
Butterfield’s Five Lies of our Anti-Christian Age is an important and insightful book. This isn’t a review per se, but I heartily recommend it to all Christians.
Maranatha!
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Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age
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