Editorial

What follows is an exchange of e-mails with a reader who initially objected to my Oct. 2 editorial, "‘Baptistipalians’ compromise biblical truth." It is published here—with the permission of the reader—in the hope that it may be helpful to other readers who may share the same concerns about an important issue which increasingly faces our churches. At my suggestion and with his approval, I have changed the reader’s name in order to protect his anonymity.

James A. Smith, Sr.
Executive Editor

 

Dear Mr. Smith

I had initially planned to send this as a "letter to the editor," but decided that maybe it would be best to discuss the issue directly with you. Please note that the format is that of a letter to the editor, but I will leave it that way.

Please know that I am curious about your viewpoint and welcome you to challenge and potentially change my opinion, as I hope you will do the same. I look forward to hearing from you.

As I sit here continuing to ponder James A. Smith Sr.’s October 2 editorial, "‘Baptistipalians’ compromise biblical truth," my heart is grieved for Christians so consumed with "religious ritual" that we seemingly ignore Christ’s command to love. Just love. Regardless of the person—love. Regardless of the sin—love. Both before and after the biblical sin confrontation process—love!

Mr. Smith clearly implies that he is opposed to allowing open homosexuals as church members. He goes on to suggest that allowing homosexuals as church members is the first link in a chain reaction like that which led to the Episcopal Church USA’s approval of the election of a homosexual bishop by the ECUSA.

Mr. Smith, do you care if an open homosexual goes to hell? If yes, then where do you suggest a homosexual should go to learn about the Kingdom of God?

While I vehemently oppose homosexuality, we know that God’s grace is sufficient to cover that sin. Fortunately, His grace also covers the sins of gossiping, overeating and even harboring ill feelings regarding worship styles. Isn’t all sin the same in God’s eyes? How about our church culture’s opinion?

Mr. Smith goes on to refer to 1 Cor. 6:9-11, and "that homosexuals—like all sinners—may seek forgiveness and freedom from their sin." Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to the Church at Corinth—a message to resolve internal struggles. The Scripture is Paul’s God-inspired instructions for dealing with sin within the church. These are not policies for addressing sexual sins outside of the Bride of Christ.

Admitting homosexuals as members in SBC churches is not a "compromise." We are to follow the Bible’s confrontation process just as with any continual sin among members. I would rather a homosexual learn of God’s love and restoration through my church body than know that he was once again looked down upon by one of those "hypocritical so-called Christians."

Sincerely,
John Doe

Mr. Doe:

Thank you for your e-mail responding to my Oct. 2 editorial, "‘Baptistipalians’ compromise biblical truth."

In response to your question, yes, I "care if an open homosexual goes to hell." That’s why the loving thing to do is to tell unrepentant homosexuals that they cannot inherit the Kingdom of God—that’s the message of Scripture, including 1 Cor. 6. Contrary to the biblical witness, you seem to define "love" as welcoming homosexuals into the membership of our churches. It’s not loving to condone an immoral behavior that will lead to eternal punishment.

While it is indeed the responsibility of churches to welcome homosexuals—like all sinners—to attend our churches in the hope that they will be transformed by the preaching of the Gospel, it is contrary to Scripture to welcome them into membership. Indeed, in 1 Cor. 5, the apostle Paul teaches us how to respond to unrepentant sinners within the church (or, as you put it, "The Scripture is Paul’s God-inspired instructions for dealing with sin within the church"). Paul notes that although Christians must indeed associate with immoral people of this world (vv. 9-10), he goes on to declare that the wicked must be removed from the church (vv. 11-13).

Following what we believe Scripture teaches, baptism and membership in a Baptist church is reserved for those who have recognized their sin, agreed with God about the nature of their sin (repentance) and have turned to Christ for forgiveness. The Bible does not teach sinless perfectionism (1 John 1:5-10), but it also does not permit us to condone what God rejects. And, it’s clear that accepting an unrepentant homosexual into membership will indeed condone that sin, especially given the very public nature of this sinful practice.

Candidly, I cannot understand how you can "vehemently oppose homosexuality" and yet accept as fellow Christians those who unrepentantly practice it – for that is indeed what we are calling those who have been baptized into the membership of our churches. This is especially surprising since you seem to agree that homosexuality would qualify as a sexual sin putting someone "outside the Bride of Christ."

Further, in today’s culture which is continually pressing the church to conform to its standards rather than God’s, it’s troubling to me that you fail to see the "compromise" inherent in accepting unrepentant homosexuals in Southern Baptist churches (read Romans 12:1-2).

I appreciate your willingness to engage me in a discussion on this matter with the prospect that one of us could change his views. My conviction concerning the biblical mandate on this matter has not been changed. I sincerely hope and pray that you have been challenged to reconsider your views on this matter.

Thanks for taking the time to write and for reading Florida Baptist Witness.

Blessings,
James A. Smith, Sr.

Mr. Smith:

I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your response to my concerns. After taking the time to sit down and study your response along with the Scripture, you will be pleased to know that I agree with you! The Holy Spirit has worked through you to convince me that the Word teaches against admitting homosexuals as church members.

Thank you; thank you.

Sincerely,
John Doe