In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says something profoundly interesting. In the fully redeemed creation, says Christ, “people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” The passage doesn’t explicitly tell us very much. However, it IMPLIES something of critical importance for the discussion on homosexual relationships. It hints that human relationship and sexuality have not yet reached their final destination.
The scriptures say that God created and it was good. They say that this creation was broken somehow. They tell us that God is redeeming that creation. Do not misunderstand this point. Redemption does NOT mean that God is returning creation to its original state. In fact, the unity of God and humanity in Christ shows us that redemption is moving us to something BETTER than the original creation.
I would be lying to you if I said that I understand same-sex attraction. I just don’t. I don’t even understand what makes me attracted to the opposite sex. Maybe it’s genetic. Maybe it’s psychological. I suspect it is of divine purpose, intended to drive the principle of multiplication - of species preservation and propagation. A fundamental religious opposition to homosexuality is that it goes against this divine purpose. Abstinence, celibacy and birth control in all its forms, all of these function in opposition to that purpose. This is not a sustainable argument.
Portions of the scriptures speak against homosexuality. No intelligent person would argue against this point. Larger portions of the scriptures also speak against gluttony, pride, wealth, hatred, inequity, eating shellfish, tattoos and sewing different fabrics together. Portions of the scriptures also affirm slavery, infanticide and genocide. I don’t base my faith on any of these components of scripture. I base my faith on the redeeming, gracious, life-giving love of Christ. I practice my faith in hopeful anticipation of the Kingdom that bears the name and character of that same Christ, Jesus.
What will sexuality mean in that Kingdom? Christ didn’t see fit to tell us. I am of the humble opinion that it will mean more and less than anything we find in the crumbling remains of this present kingdom. One thing, however, is certain. Redeemed human sexuality in the coming Kingdom will be infused with the elements of grace, forgiveness, humility, truth, hope and selfless love that characterize Christ himself. To the degree that any relationship embodies those elements, it participates in the redeeming work of Jesus here and now. We do more and better good by fostering such relationships than forbidding them.
An important decision was made today. I agree with that decision. I don't agree with it because "everyone else" agrees with it. I don't agree with it because I "want to avoid conflict." I don't agree with it because I have a "vested interest." I agree with it because I believe in Jesus. Christ summed up all the Law in two commandments: 1) "love God with everything you are" and 2) "love others as you love yourself.” In the Gospel of John, Jesus said, “If you love me, follow my commandments.” This is the essential ethical principle of Christ’s teaching. I choose to follow Jesus.
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