A major article on the transgender controversy over restroom access was posted during the Easter weekend by my local newspaper, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. As is typical of most media, it was couched entirely as an LGBT rights issue. No scientist or conservative cultural commentator was quoted on whether to allow restroom access for whichever[…]
Sometime ago I ran across two articles with advice to parents who may have gay children. Both authors identified themselves as pastors. Both appealed to specific Scriptures and to biblically based principles. The first pastor listed promises he would make if his children came out as gay. We could learn from his compassionate heart, as[…]
“You’re on the wrong side of history.” I’ve heard this quote often in recent months particularly in regard to views on gay marriage. It is intended to leave the impression that the world has moved on and those who disagree with the popular sentiment have been left behind. It also removes any possibility for rational[…]
For centuries evangelicals have been relatively united in their belief that homosexual behavior is not God’s best for His children. Exodus International, founded in 1976, provided support to ministries advocating that view through personal counseling, support groups (many sponsored by churches) and in the broader culture. In 2012, however, some in the leadership of Exodus[…]
After British singer-songwriter Vicky Beeching announced her homosexuality earlier this year, some Christians reacted angrily, others defensively regarding an artist whose compositions have been sung in their churches for years. Some have posted letters, articles and blogs to prove her wrong. For the record I have no doubt her theological beliefs regarding homosexuality are flawed.[…]
It has been over 60 years but I still remember Jimmy M. My family was going through a time of turmoil and a long string of moves necessitating yet another new school. I don’t remember the name of any other classmate nor the name of my teacher, so why do I remember Jimmy so vividly?[…]
Comments on the issue of homosexuality made by Southern Seminary President Al Mohler have been a hot topic recently. Having listened carefully to his comments several times and then read his explanation of those comments in Baptist Press, I must confess I’m a little mystified. The views he expressed seemed perfectly consistent with his previous[…]
The Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Orlando will mark the third year since the establishment of the Southern Baptist Gender Issues office. While we have seen some significant gains, the road before us is filled with challenges. Too often we hear of the church’s failure to effectively address the issue of homosexuality. A LifeWay[…]
“It’s just a choice,” the respected pastor said to me confidently when I told him that God had led me to minister to people struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction. While I was surprised and saddened to hear this from an experienced pastor, it also reminded me of the great need among our churches to be[…]
“It’s just a choice,” the respected pastor said to me confidently when I told him that God had led me to minister to people struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction. While I was surprised and saddened to hear this from an experienced pastor, it also reminded me of the great need among our churches to be[…]
“Could I talk to you?” Those who have served in the booth for the Convention’s Task Force on Ministry to Homosexuals have heard this question many times. This year was no exception. In fact, during this year’s meeting in Louisville, we heard this not only from those who “happened” upon our booth, but also from[…]
When I first realized I needed more information on ministering to people who struggled with same-sex attraction, I really didn’t know where to turn. Conversations with friends revealed that they didn’t know much more about the subject than I did. I looked in Christian bookstores but at that time they had very little on the[…]