Posted by Pastor Steven on December 08, 1999 at 00:37:48:
In Reply to: Walter Wink posted by Donner on December 06, 1999 at 20:00:04:
: Dear Pastor Steve,
: A friend of mine suggested to me that I read Dr. Wink's article re: Homosexuality and the Bible. I found it very interesting indeed and it gave me something to think about. But I am really mailing you to say thanks for having the guts to post this for others to read and have their "norm" challenged. I am 44 yrs old and grew up all my life in an independent fundamental church. Through the years I have gone to church, quit going to church and finally have gone back to church. I have stood for straight friends as they got married in the church and have visited other friends churches. Yes I have even sat under your teaching and have eaten Pizza in your home. Through the years I have come to an understanding of my own sexuality but can admit to you that in all that time I have always understood who I belonged to and never doubted it. Jesus it not just a Savior but he is MY Savior. It is not easy trying to understand that my identity is in Christ not in my sexuality. The struggle is one that seems to never end. And sadly enough, I believe there is many a gay person searching for that light in their life and have thrown the baby out with the bathwater because there is "no room" in the "Christian Inn".
: I have said all this to again say thanks, because you have had the guts to post such an article a little light may have been shed on a subject that really is not easy to talk about.
: In Him,
: Donner
Thank you for your encouragement. I must confess that I need it. Criticism leaves me discouraged sometimes.
Yes, I am afraid that there is often no room in the Christian Inn. However, there is always room in Christ, thankfully. I am not gay personally, but have gay friends who are Christians. Their individual stories are very different from each other, just as they are all very unique as persons. There is no mold that they all fit into, nor is there a common explanation for their sexual orientation. There are more questions than answers regarding the "theology" of it all. I am still searching for revelation to shed God's light on this subject more perfectly. Until that happens (if that happens), I will remain a bit confused, but I will also remain committed to loving and accepting people, especially those seeking Christ, gay or straight.
I am not exactly sure who you are, but I wish I knew. Thank you again!