The Generational Issue

About two weeks ago, I attended the annual SECSOR (Southeastern Conference for the Study of Religion) conference in Atlanta, GA. As I waited to present my paper, I listened to an individual present on the difficulties for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgender) advocates in reading Lev. 18:22 and 20:13. To sum up the argument presented, these passages are descriptive of a specific action and prohibition, and because these passages are restricted by their socio-historical context and fail to resonate with a contemporary understanding of homosexuality, these prohibitions are not immediately applicable to contemporary culture. Subsequent to this paper, I overheard a group of young aspiring scholars discussing the ascending prominence of LGBT churches. Their positions were clear. They understood this ascendance to be a good thing and they were excited about the developments of the future.

It has been said before, but it is worth repeating—the issue of LGBT inclusion (whatever this means…consequently it is a discussion for another place and another time) is the theological issue for my generation (at least as things currently stand). Indeed, it has already influenced mainline denominations, and so what I say here is nothing new or groundbreaking. [For example, see my colleague MattO’Reilly’s conversations with the United Methodist Church. The reality is that there are many people who are more intelligent and more theologically astute than me that have already weighed in on this topic.] However, stemming from that weekend I am more convinced than ever that this issue will transcend mainline denominations. The issue is at the forefront of the media, and it will only gain further ground as the topic fits within the framework of the cultural movements of political correctness and anti-discrimination. For any denomination not to address it will essentially indict it of theological "duck and cover."

Fundamental to this discussion is a determination of Scriptural dynamics. In the case of the paper that I heard, the prohibitions of Leviticus are 1) restricted and 2) fail to consider a contemporary understanding of homosexuality. Thus, while not explicitly stated by the presenter, Scripture’s relevance on this topic ostensibly can only be discerned after a historical meaning is run through the ringer of a host of considerations. More importantly, in cases where a historical meaning confronts modern sensibilities, the paper suggested that its statements may be pacified or jettisoned all together. I have serious problems with this line of thinking, particularly the notion that a historical meaning may be disregarded in places where it directly confronts modern sensibilities.

As I see it, the crux of this entire debate is a hermeneutical one, specifically the role of a text’s historical meaning. The Bible is clear that homosexual behavior is an abomination and the lifestyle violates the divinely ordained expectations of marriage. However, is this perception merely a product of an ancient worldview, which incidentally was largely “anti-Canaanite” in posture, and thus incapable of properly speaking to the nuances of a contemporary issue? Indeed, I recognize that the dynamics of a contemporary context present obstacles for theological discourse and the application of Scriptural principles. Application is rarely “nice and neat.” Furthermore, I also recognize that good theological discourse and application must move beyond a historical meaning. However, it is my conviction that a historical meaning cannot be jettisoned…it must play a role in the formation of our theological paradigms and discourse.

For arguments regarding LGBT  inclusion to even register with a large portion of Evangelicals, advocates must wrestle with the texts of Scripture that clearly speak against its lifestyle and do so in a way that does not merely explain such passages away as socio-historically restricted and unenlightened to contemporary issues. Indeed, this is not to say that all Evangelicals will agree with every aspect of their interpretations.What it will ensure, however, is that a beneficial debate will ensue within the Evangelical community, which in turn will put Evangelical denominations on the path of trying to understand the specific dynamics of LGBT inclusion moving forward.