An Aversion to Labeling Sin: Pastor Smith

Image via Wikipedia

Pastor Smith and Robert, the young man struggling with his sexuality, met again in Pastor Smith’s office. Robert came about fifteen minutes late in basketball shorts, a sweaty t-shirt, and new Air Jordan’s. He said, “Sorry about being late. I got into a three-on-three game at State’s gym. Sorry about stinking, too.”

“Don’t worry, Robert. It’s good to see you. I’ve had a few good games in my life, too. I’m glad you’re here.”

As Robert put a towel under his sweaty shorts he said, “I’ve thought a lot about our talk a couple weeks ago. I really don’t know why I’m so afraid of going to church. I guess I was programmed that way by my parents. They never went, and they only said how dumb and hypocritical church made you. You’re different, though.”

“I’m not much different than most of the Christians I know, Robert, but thank you for the compliment. It wasn’t Rodney King who started the phrase, “Can We All Just Get Along.” Jesus and the Apostle Paul said something like that 2,000 years ago!”

“That’s funny. I’m not sure if all Christians think that way, though.”

Pastor Smith leaned forward in his chair. “I think most Christians forget a fundamental doctrine of Christianity. We are all sinners, Robert. We get to feeling morally superior over other people all the time. In the 1500’s the Reformers had a phrase, ‘Total Depravity.’ to explain how we don’t have the ability to do much, if anything, perfectly. ”

“But Pastor Smith. That’s what I’ve been saying. Christianity is negative and rude. It labels people. “Good people.” “Bad People.” “Sinner.” “Saint.” “Homosexual or heterosexual.” How can you talk about someone else’s sin when you’ve got sin, too?

“Robert, the Bible doesn’t just condemn sin, but gives the answer to everyone’s inability to live perfectly in a chaotic world. In fact, I think that most people think they don’t sin, including Christians. I had an old Christian tell me once that most days he didn’t sin at all! He couldn’t remember the last time he had sinned. His only problem was that he couldn’t see his pride and indifference to any possible negative effect he had on people in his life.”

“But the Bible constantly talks about sin, doesn’t it?”

“Yes and No. In the Old Testament for every sin or list of sins mentioned, God restates his desire for relationship. He always shows people how he wants to forgive sin, from animal sacrifices to giving His Son as a substitute for our sin.”

“God didn’t say much about homosexuality, though!”

“That’s a good point. He doesn’t except for a few laws against it in Leviticus, which, I might add, are constantly questioned by my friends who do not believe homosexuality is a sin, and three places in the New Testament. Did you know that?”

“Not really, but I did hear some friends talk about how the Bible was twisted by homo-phobic translators, and a few of the translators were gay or lesbian. Wasn’t King James queer?”

“There is some evidence he was effeminate and possibly had male lovers, but his translators didn’t hold back any forceful translations against homosexual behavior, including Leviticus, even though King James used his power to get a translation favorable to his politics. Most modern translators understand that Jewish sexual behavior outside of marriage was due to cultural pressure, not because God allowed it. David had at least six wives. Abraham had a child with his wife’s servant. In the Promised land, the Israelites married Moabite women which God condemned, but we have no record of any man or woman lying with another of the same sex. It just wasn’t part of their mentality. Many wives? Yes. Same sex? As the King James Version says, ‘Abomination.’ I know this sounds hard, but that’s the cultural understanding of the context of the Bible. And it’s the same for the New Testament.”

“I think I’m done here. You’re just as prejudiced as anyone I’ve met.”

“You are welcome to go Robert, but one thing I must say. I’ve made a promise to be your friend, and even, to love you no matter what you do or say. You need to know that. I know we may differ, but if it’s love and acceptance you want, you’ve got it! Remember, I do the same for all my members, but it doesn’t stop me from talking about  sin and God’s tool he has for helping us become what he wants. If only I could help you see that God isn’t condemning because he’s hateful or prejudiced. I think this is the hardest part of the whole Christian doctrine to see, but it’s fundamental to hearing about God’s love, too.”

“Well, I’ll stick around for one more talk, but I don’t get it. I’m happy where I am, and so are most of my friends.”

“Robert, thank you! My goal is to talk freely with you, and if we can talk freely together, then we can see the most powerful of all the Christian beliefs. What time is good to meet next week?”

Related articles

• Come as you are (media4lifeministries.wordpress.com)
• Scripture and Homosexuality: Romans (six11.wordpress.com)
• Why Is Homosexuality Singled Out? (reneamac.com)
• Homosexuality (conservapedia.com)

Post Chastity Sunday Continued: Pastor Smith Almost Uses the “S” Word, and Robert Slings the “H” Word

Pastor Smith wanted to find out why his new, friend, Robert, had never been asked to go to church before. Robert said, “I guess I didn’t look like the church type. I didn’t fit in.”

“You didn’t think you’d fit in? Can I offer a suggestion to you?”

“You aren’t going to invite me back to church are you?”

“Not yet. How about meeting with me regularly. Would you?”

“Why should I? You aren’t going to accept me. I’m gay!”

“Robert, we have so many people in our church who don’t meet up to other’s expectations or God’s.”

“That’s what I mean! You put me down. You don’t accept my sexuality!”

“Robert, what I mean is that we all have something that, if we let it, makes us think others put us down. About half of our congregation has had a divorce. That’s over 100 people! Some of our members are recovering alcoholics. An elder is an ex-felon. Are you always going to use your sexual preference as a barrier to others who are different from you? Isn’t that what you feel Christians are doing to you?”

“You didn’t hear me! You put me in the same class as felons, addicts, and failed marriages. I am NOT a failure!”

“We are all failures, Robert. We have all sinned and failed to meet God’s standards. It’s easy to forget that we are all in the same boat. The difference between you and me is that I think your choices lead you into more trouble than is necessary, just like getting a divorce is a painful and crazy experience.”

“But that’s what makes you so ignorant. God gave me this gift. You still don’t get it. I’m gay. I’ll never be straight. I am attracted to other men!”

“Are you attracted to me? You met with me today.”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you feel a sexual attraction to every man you meet?”

“Well, not always, but a lot of the time.”

“That’s what I’m talking about. Every person has to make choices. We are not just a pile of impulses and instincts. We can control our impulses. We use wisdom and logic. Unfortunately, most people make up their decisions as they go along. They are never sure. This is what I’ve found talking to other gay men or lesbian women. They tend to blame me or others for their insecurity, and only feel secure when they are around other people who agree with them.”

“So, you’re saying my sexuality is a choice? You just don’t get it. You’re homophobic!”

“I’d like to talk some more about how you make all the choices in your life, Robert. I promise that if you agree to meet with me, I won’t condemn you for your choices. I won’t agree with you on all your choices, but I won’t condemn you. We all need someone to help us think through life as objectively as possible. Would you be willing to meet with me? I’m just letting you know you’re welcome as a friend, anytime!”

Chastity Sunday Continued: Robert Tells All

The turbulent events since Chastity Sunday kept Pastor Smith from many of his normal tasks. Since homosexuality and the church is such a hot topic, the town newspaper wanted an interview. Someone on Dateline and 20/20 called about filming. Vice President Biden or was it, Congressman Frank, sent a letter affirming his hug at the end of the sermon of the gay young man.

Mrs. Closett and Mrs. Jewett began to withhold their tithes. The Church Pastor Relations team met with concerned members. Four members of the 200 in Christ Church actually sought out Pastor Smith to talk.

Pastor Smith began meeting with the young man. The elders thought it was a good idea since they trusted Pastor Smith’s convictions about chastity. They trusted his ability to love and affirm people who had questions of faith and pain. Most of them had met for lunch or coffee several times a year with Pastor Smith who wisely counseled and cajoled each of them to further discipleship.

In his office, Pastor Smith and his new young friend, Robert Hornbeck, began to talk. “So, Robert, how has your interviewing with the media gone?” Robert was now an internet and network sensation. His yelling at the worship service three weeks ago brought him hero status in the media.

“I’ve had an interview a day, and sometimes two. Next week I go on SNL and reenact the Sunday morning with you, except this time, Kenan Thompson plays you dressed up like a giant prune. (Robert laughs).”

“Robert, I’m surprised by all the attention, even at the level of SNL!”

“Christians have to be exposed as mean and heartless.”

“Have you met many mean and heartless Christians?”

“I’m going to the Community college. I overhear students who go to church talking about how disgusted they are about gays or lesbians. They don’t sound too nice. I’m afraid to be myself or I might get ridiculed.”

“Some Christians probably are mean to you. So, why did you agree to talk to me?”

“You seemed different. I didn’t expect a hug after ruining your church.”

“What did you expect?

“I expected you to call the police or someone would punch me.”

Pastor Smith chuckled. “I don’t expect our eighty-five year old deacons had a chance against you, Robert! You shocked and amazed us. Most of us felt sorry for you that you had to go so far to get that kind of attention. Tell me some more about your background.”

Robert began to talk about his abusive father, and his rough childhood. An uncle molested him when he was eleven. He wasn’t good at sports because his family didn’t have money to play. At seventeen a gay friend invited him to a gay bar where he felt accepted for the first time.

“Robert, why didn’t you think about coming to a church?”

“Nobody asked me.”

Pastor Smith said, “We need to talk about that problem!”

(To be continued)

Sexual Chastity Sunday! XoXoXo!

Pastor Smith declared last Sunday as “Sexual Chastity Sunday! XoXoXo!” His sense of the Spirit’s direction caused him to throw caution to the wind. His wife warned him.

Mrs. Jewett started the gossip train Monday morning. She had that “spiritual gift.” She told her hairdresser, Violet Presser, that Pastors should never grope around the subject of sex. The Baptist preacher’s wife was in the next booth, her hair lathered in soap, but she heard every word. Violet went to “That Orn’ry Bar and Grill” for line dancing that night, and when she told her table of eight girlfriends, they hooted and hollered at the out-of-touch-with-reality church morons. Violet counted the number of marriages around that table, but lost count at 26, to even more laughing and toasts.

By Tuesday morning, the local paper caught wind of the town gossip. The local beat reporter and photographer called Pastor Smith for an interview. He politely declined saying, “I don’t usually finish my sermons until Sunday morning…” The paper ran the story anyway, quoting Violet, Mrs. Jewett, and a couple of town pastors. In the first paragraph, the reporter wrote these damning words, “Pastor Smith of Christ Church declined to comment.”

Sunday, to a packed church, Pastor Smith began his sermon with, “God gave us chastity to benefit the community and families.” At the 4:33 mark. a young man, about twenty, walked up the aisle shouting, “You hate homosexuals. God gave me this gift!” He faced off with Pastor Smith. Sweat beaded on Pastor Smith’s forehead. He whispered to the young man who yelled back. At the 8:02 mark, Pastor Smith started to weep, then grabbed the guy in a bear hug. The angry, young man hesitated, but hugged back ending his rant.

Frozen by the intensity, the congregation now wiggled in their seats. Not once had an elder or deacon even flinched up to this point. Mrs. Jewett now threw a knowing glance to Mrs. Closett, the other member with the spiritual gift of gossip, who nodded back with a wink.

At the 8:49 mark, Pastor Smith turned to the congregation, saying, “Nobody here can boast of sexual purity. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. This young man’s anger and response is why I knew I needed to speak about Chastity today.”

Mrs. Closett caught Mrs. Smith’s eye two rows up, but only stared.

“It seems chastity got everyone’s attention. We need to live out the benefits of chastity as a gift from God and not make all kinds of negative statements about people who choose otherwise. Now you see how disruptive sexual promiscuity is, and enraging to those who don’t like Chastity. I whispered words for this man’s ears only. He can share them if he wants, but I cannot.”

Pastor Smith prayed a quick closing prayer, and dismissed the congregation with this benediction:

May the God of creation bless you;

The Prince of Peace sustain you;

The Lover of our souls restrain you.

And will you love this young man, as Christ loves you!

Mrs. Jewett rushed over to Mrs. Closett. They whispered to each other…

(I highly recommend reading Lauren Winner’s book, Real Sex: The Naked Truth About Chastity)

Pastor Smith Chews a Few Butts: NOT!

Mrs. Bewley saw Pastor Smith talking to himself after Sunday night’s “Love Feast.” He didn’t look like he was praying out loud! Mrs. Bewley approached him from the side hall near his office and knocked on his office door. Pastor Smith turned to Mrs. Bewley and put on his best face for her. A little twitch at the corner of his mouth showed an inner conflict. Mrs. Bewley knew he worried that only 8 of the possible 223 people affiliated with Christ’s Chapel came for the “Love Feast.”

“That was a great worship tonight,” Mrs Bewley said.

“Yes, thank you for your inspiring words and prayer. I wish more people could have heard it.“

“Pastor Smith, God doesn’t care how many can hear it.”

“But they could have had the same blessing we had tonight.” As soon as he said it he knew God had ordained only eight to gather. His gut wrenched right then! A small voice in his head said, “Is church about numbers or wanting more people to grow through having freedom to worship and pray?”

“Joe Wisely gave a great message tonight,” Mrs. Bewley said immediately. “I think some people miss hearing you speak, but we are all growing so much now that we can pray and speak freely. Listening to just another sermon on Sunday night makes too many of us educated way beyond our level of obedience.”

“Ha! That’s funny. Where did you hear that?”

“Oh, it’s a phrase Joyce Meyer always says.”

“I didn’t know you listened to Joyce Meyer?”

“She’s quite encouraging. I wish more people watched her.”

Pastor Smith’s gut wrenched again. He thought, “I wonder how many people watch her or that Joel guy instead of me?” But he said, “She has that stadium really full on Sunday nights?”

Mrs. Bewley gave Pastor Smith an affirming “Don’t worry. She’s not you. You’re exactly what we need here!”

“Thanks, Mrs. Bewley. I know God is working.” But he thought, “Joyce Meyer has people who’d come out to hear her in a blizzard in Acapulco!”

Running on the treadmill the next morning, Pastor Smith listened to a Joyce Meyer podcast. Sure enough, he felt better after listening. She hit another positive-message-home run. He said out loud, “How does she get all that out of one verse? Maybe we ought to listen to her on Sunday nights? Nah, Frank Viola says to let people take responsibility for their spiritual worship of Christ and more growth will happen than any other method.”

As Pastor Smith wrote out the bulletin for that Sunday he included this announcement:

Better than Joyce Meyer. More growth than a St. Patrick convert. Bring an appetite, a dish to pass, and a heart-felt urge to worship the Risen Christ on Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. at our own “Love Feast.”

Then, his secretary, Julia Whiteout, overheard him talking to himself…

“What I should really say is ‘Get your butts out here. God wants more than eight of us to grow closer to him!’”

Pastor Smith Does Twitter

At the last church growth conference, Pastor Smith discovered that most of the speakers had twitter accounts. Upon further investigation, he discovered that Twitter is not a church member’s doodling game to play during sermons, but something on the internet. Just last year, Pastor Smith got a Facebook account so he could keep up with his son and daughter AND his wife who seemed to adapt more readily to these modern changes. Twitter looked promising.

He began to read about hash marks (#), using the @ sign, and the incredible resources that could be found through Twitter. He discovered his favorite author, Dr. P. J. Sleepover, had a Twitter account with over 1,000 Tweets. His Baptist friend down the street had a Twitter feed, too.

Pastor Smith signed up right then and there. If his Baptist friend could do it, and the congregation hadn’t split over the pastor delving into modern technology, then surely he might find some use out of it!

He found the Twitter website, signed up using “OldPastorSmith” for his ID, and  jumped into writing. Pastor Smith likes long introductions, but at 140 characters, and not having said anything more than,

 

…he realized that he hadn’t said anything. He said out loud, “What a moron I am! How can I write anything important in this box?”

With some research he learned to abbreviate to (2), I am (Im), and (&), get rid of vowels, and get rid of spaces by capitalizing first letters of words (PastorSmith). Pastor Smith took thirty minutes to write his first Tweet.

As soon as he pushed the “Tweet” button, Pastor Smith knew his life had changed forever. First FACEBOOK. Now TWITTER. What’s next? A Cell Phone? He could hardly imagine learning how to use one of those things!