Exodus International, a 37-year-old ministry helping people overcome
homosexual behavior, announced it is closing down yesterday on the same
day its president, Alan Chambers, issued a public apology to those who
have been hurt by its efforts.
"We're not negating the ways God used Exodus to positively affect
thousands of people, but a new generation of Christians is looking for
change—and they want to be heard," shared Tony Moore, an Exodus board
member. The question must be asked: Is this the Bible's approach to dealing with same-sex attraction and activity?
Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary told Baptist Press "Sadly, it appears that this rethinking has
resulted in something like a surrender to the cultural currents of the
day." Indeed, in a year when the Boy Scouts of America have changed
policy regarding gay members and conservative Republican politicians are
announcing a public embrace of same-sex marriage, many are concerned
that the historic Christian view of marriage and family is in jeopardy.
A look at both social science research and Scripture affirms the ideal
design for family, marriage and sexual ethics. A 2012 University of
Texas study conducted an, "Analysis of 3,000 Americans raised in,
'different types of family arrangements.'" The study found that, "...A
person is more likely to get molested in a household led by two lesbians
than in a traditional two-parent household. They are also more likely
to have STD's, to identify as a homosexual, to be on public assistance,
to have thoughts of suicide, and to have been forced to have sex
unwillingly."
US census data confirms study done by Mark Regnerus, leader of the New Family Structures Study:
"Kids raised by homosexual parents are more likely to suffer from a
host of social problems. Among them are strong tendencies, as adults, to
exhibit poor impulse control; suffer from depression and thoughts of
suicide; need mental health therapy; identify themselves as homosexual;
choose cohabitation; to be unfaithful partners; contract sexually
transmitted diseases; be sexually molested; have lower income levels;
drink to get drunk; and smoke tobacco and marijuana."
Biblically, Jesus made clear his view of marriage and sexuality. When
asked about divorce and remarriage, he noted, "Have you not read that he
who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and
said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold
fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no
longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let
not man separate" (Matthew 19:4-6).
This affirmation of Jesus regarding the marriage relationship of Adam and Eve—one man and one woman in lifelong marital partnership—represents
the view of Christianity's founder and the history of the
Judeo-Christian tradition. Those who argue for evangelicals to accept
and embrace "marriage equality" propose a redefinition of family in
direct conflict with the religious teachings of the Bible.
How are evangelical Christians to respond to this latest "surrender" to same-sex activists? First, we must continue to speak the truth in love
(Ephesians 4:15). This teaching from the apostle Paul provides the
proper perspective of standing firm in one's belief without resorting to
name-calling or animosity toward those who embrace unbiblical
alternatives.
Second, evangelicals are called to live pure lives as an example to others.
Much of evangelical Christianity's credibility has been tarnished
through unloving attitudes toward those different from us, whether gay
or otherwise, high rates of divorce and infidelity among Christians and
other visible contradictions between faith and action. Those who oppose
biblical beliefs need to both hear and see a message of light from those
who claim to follow Christ.
Third, Christians should consider it a privilege to stand firm for truth that others oppose.
The apostle Peter instructed, "It is better to suffer for doing good,
if that should be God's will, than for doing evil" (1 Peter 3:17). Many
do and will oppose the biblical view of family. We should not be
surprised, but rather expect opposition and even consider it an honor
that others would attack us for standing for biblical truth.
These days, opposition to God's revelation on sexuality comes well
packaged, impressively marketed, and with the endorsement of celebrities
and cultural icons. Must formerly trustworthy organizations to
capitulate simply to placate the demands of well funded idealogues?
Should this daunting cultural tide against truth and morality force
Christians to betray their convictions? Should the souls of millions be
imperiled because we resign ourselves to tell people what they simply
want to hear? The answers must be, "No, no, and no!"
While same-sex marriage activists will continue to mobilize to pursue
their particular agenda, the priorities of Christian believers are
clear—to love the Lord and to love others. This includes a clear stand
for God's truth as related to sexuality and marriage, communicated in a
gracious, civil manner, as Christians seek to oppose the redefining of
morality in our time.
About Alex McFarland
Author, educator, and speaker Alex McFarland has spoken in all 50 states and internationally. He is the founder of Truth For A New Generation, the nation's largest conference on apologetics and evidence for the Christian faith.
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