Personal Reflections :: The Ministry of Pastor R. D. Weekly

Personal Reflections

Beware The Reprobate Mind
May 12, 2009

I've recently published my second book, Homosexianity, which gives a detailed look at homosexuality from a biblical perspective. Despite the side of this issue an individual falls, revisiting the biblical witness and letting it speak afresh is an important thing to do.

That being said, I've come to realize something. With so many Christians, our opinions on the subject are so ingrained into our thinking that it doesn't much matter what biblical testimony is uncovered. We've decided what to believe, and nothing much matters beyond that.

Wow! That's a horrible, but present reality. Whether one affirms homosexuality or condemns it, it seems it will take nothing short of a divine intervention to get us to shift gears.

But why? Why would God have to come knocking on our door in person in order to get us to open our minds and hearts to this issue? Do we think that such stubborn convictions actually serve godly ends? How could closing our mind to the notion that we could possibly be wrong be pleasing in the sight of the Lord?

I submit that it doesn't matter which side of the issue you fall on if your attitude is that you can't be wrong. Doctrine must never become a Christian's master. Humility and sincerity must be our faithful companions. The moment we stop taking them up as shields against doctrinal idolatry, we lose!

Quite ironically, this whole problem reminds me of a passage of Scripture that is often hurled at homosexuals--Romans 1. People often read verses 26-27 only; but in verse 28, Paul makes a very important point.

"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient..."

A major problem God had with the people being condemned in these passages was that they didn't want to "retain God in their knowledge." They had no interest in the truth, only in believing what they wanted to believe. In fact, verse 25 expressly states that they "changed the truth of God into a lie."

Many Christians--whether opposed to or supportive of gay affirming theology--are in this horrible place. They left the journey for the truth, and are only interested in upholding their present beliefs. But, how can Yahweh be a person's God when he has dethroned God's word in preference of his own worldview?

Oh, my friend, don't fall in this category of people. Don't lull yourself into a false sense of security, believing that there's no way you can be wrong on this issue.

Humble yourself, open your mind and heart to the leading of the Holy Spirit (as informed through God's word), and let the truth speak to you afresh. Only then will you really be in a position to declare, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done!"

Other Reflections
No More Others	September 26, 2009

Comments

On May 15, 2009 4:08am, Ryan said,

Congratulations on the publication of your book. May your work in this controversial area bring truth and healing the world over.

On May 15, 2009 4:14am, Ken S said,

At last a scholarly examination of the scriptures. This is true Christian leadership.

On May 15, 2009 9:24pm, Fluffy Ehiask said,

I am seriously considering buying this. While I have very few gay friends (I think 1, actually...), I do have a few friends who say they're bisexual.

I would get this to help them... if the time comes for that... and also, to help myself understand.

I, personally, consider myself homophobic. Gay guys creep me out and send chills down my spine, while gay girls ignite anger in my heart.

Of many of the people I associate with on a daily basis in my school, as far as I can remember at this exact moment, there may be one or two other straight guys who disagree with lesbian activities. I seriously enjoy talking to those people, because they have it right. I am a guy with a past and present that constantly deals with a pornography addiction, which started 4 years before I became a Christian, and I cannot stand what is simply referred to as, "girl-on-girl." While I do choose to delve into the sin of lust and jealousy often, it is hardly ever lesbian, and certainly never gay.

I feel that I've put out too much information, but the world needs to know that there are people who do agree that these acts are immoral. Maybe some people are afraid of "coming out of the closet" of fear (not homosexuality, just thought it might be a funny pun) of peer pressure...

One of my personal problems is dealing with homosexuality in a loving manner. As Christians, we are supposed to hate the sin and love the sinner. I have trouble with that, and from what I've read about the book from the description page, I believe it will help shed some light.

Something that just came to mind is a verse connection I'd never thought of before...

Leviticus 18:22

" 'Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman...' "

and

Leviticus 19:18

" 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD...' "

I mean... it's just plainly laid out, y'know? God wants us to be pure, but he also wants us to love our neighbors, even if they mess with us. LOVE THE SINNER. HATE THE SIN. It all makes more sense now... and I haven't even read the book yet!

God bless.

On May 15, 2009 9:31pm, Pastor Weekly said,

Well, I do hope that you get the book. If you love God, and are striving to be as best a servant and follower of Christ as you can, I know that this book will help you, at least as it pertains to homosexuality.

On May 15, 2009 9:44pm, Doris said,

God bless you greatly Pastor Weekly, and I will be reading the book. Continue the good work. God is well pleased with you

On May 15, 2009 10:11pm, drobb said,

We have a book:THE BIBLE!!Being Gay nis a sin.We all are sinners.Hence being saved.You cannot keep living in SIN.

On May 15, 2009 11:08pm, Pastor Weekly said,

Drobb, did you bother to read my reflection above? It's obvious from the existence of so many denominations that people read the Bible and interpret it differently. This book revisits the issue and formulates doctrine from the ground up, rather than from presuppositions down. Get the book.

On May 16, 2009 6:46pm, Pam said,

Congratulations Pastor, on being willing to delve deeply into this very controversial, but increasingly popular issue.
With opposing factions currently battling over gay marriage in so many states and therefore pushing homosexuality into the spotlight more than ever before, your book is certainly of timely issue.
I hope that it proves to be biblically educational for many people on this oft-argued topic.

On May 16, 2009 7:25pm, Pam said,

One more comment. I hope your book covers the phenomenon of people who willingly point out the sins of others and raise them on a pedestal, but take no thought of the sins of their own. In other words, they apparently see their own sins as being "lesser" sins.
People rally in the streets against homosexuality, but no one is rallying in the streets against pornography, fornication, adultery, lying, stealing, etc.
This unequal weighting of sin and judging of people needs to be pointed out.

On May 16, 2009 10:29pm, Pastor Weekly said,

Hi Pam.

Actually, I don't deal with that very much in the book; although I do mention the Haggard scandal, and how poorly the Christian world responded to that issue. So, the point does get across, even though it doesn't have a major emphasis.

God bless.

On May 18, 2009 3:32pm, ricinsac said,

Hello-- I am disappointed that you admittedly chose not to deal directly ,in your book, with the hypocrisy that runs rampant in the "christian " community in regard to homosexuality as the commentor "pam " talked about in her response .By you not directly dealing with this issue in your book --it is like the polka dotted purple elephant in the room no one wants to talk about because they just dont want to deal with it or make waves . I think this issue is a huge problem regarding the entire thought process many "christians " have when dealing with the subject of homosexuality in regard to their religious beliefs . This one particular topic has far reaching ramifications and goes to the root issues , and to not address it properly in your book could be percieved as purposefull on your part since its such an obvious major issue in relation to this subject. - Many , many people seem to elevate homosexualy --in their own minds --and by their actions in handling this subject --others minds ---that homosexuality is the worst of the worst possible sins . They seem to view it as worse than other actions or sins that people fully CHOOSE to do -such as adultery -stealing --murder -etc . I do not believe that people wake up one day and decide they are going to be gay --no more than someone wakes up one day in puberty and says to themselves "I think I will be straight " People sometimes need to be reminded of their own hypocrisy --and imperfections so maybe they will be less apt to point fingers and make judgements against individuals or worse --an entire group based on the beliefs and guidelines they have chosen to TRY to live their lives by --and more than often NEVER live by --OR up to .

On May 18, 2009 6:23pm, Pastor Weekly said,

Ricinsac, I understand your disappointment, but you have to understand where I was coming from in this book. My aim was to deal with the theology regarding homosexuality. Hypocrisy, while relevant to the overall discussion, didn't have a place for major emphasis in this particular book. I do deal with it, but I don't devote a large amount of time or space to the subject.

I think that if you read the book, you'll see where it was unnecessary to really focus on that particular aspect of the debate in this particular book.

On May 18, 2009 9:45pm, ricinsac said,

Thank you for your response --and yes I'm sure your correct that if I read the book it would shed more light on your intent for the book . However --isn't the overall intent for the book to try to attempt to clarify theology for people on the specific topic of homosexuality ? I think writing about how people use theology today in a hypocritical way in regard to homosexuality would have been very helpfull in shedding light on this all too common occurence within many so called Christian peoples lives -and their communities . And maybe cause them to re examine their thoughts on this --and in turn make it possible for more people to engage in a productive way about homosexuality and not in a destructive -noninclusive -pious way .

On May 18, 2009 10:10pm, Pastor Weekly said,

I appreciate your returning to the site and responding. We'll make great leaps forward as a corporate Christian body if dialog such as this one on this issue can be engaged in Church-wide.

Regarding your concerns, I do believe that they would be practically completely assuaged after reading the book. I know that sounds like an enticement to buy, but it's not. I only mean to assure you that the content of the book does satisfy your concerns, even though the specific issue isn't majored on therein. Chapter 6, Reexamining the Culture of the Church, is of particular relevance in addressing your concern.

God bless.

On May 31, 2009 7:02am, Melanie Weekly said,

Brother Teacher,

I have not yet completed the book but I am finding it to be a 'page turn' thus few. When I pick it up, I can't put it down. There is a lot to be said about homosexuality. I simply hope that people around the world take a moment before they get married to find out what life style they really desirer in their heart. This way no one will get hurt in the process. Love is love and it endures all things. Seek God in all that you do first. I try not to pass judgment because that is the work of the Lord. We all most study the bible for ourselves one page at a time. Nevertheless it would be good to have a copy of this book on your desktop when you are trying to understand homosexuality in its fullness.

May God Bless,
Melanie

On Jun 4, 2009 7:07pm, David158 said,

Fluffy Ehiask. You have quoted Lev 18:22 and 20:13 to condemn homosexual practice. There are many passages in the New Testmt which say the Old Testmnt no longer applies. All of Galatians, Acts 15, Phil 3:2 where Paul calls people "dogs" for doing it. Rom 10:4 and many others.

If you want to ignore all these just because the topic is homosexuality, then Lev 19:37 says you must obey ALL the OT law. Paul said the same thing in Gal 3:10 and 5:3. Please tell us how you will obey every OT law including Lev 20:9 where you must kill children who curse their mother or their father. God Himself says you can't pick and choose which parts of the law you like and which parts you don't.
In Him
David
Retired Baptist Pastor

On Jul 23, 2009 12:53am, Georgia said,

To David, retired pastor,
I am a little confused. Are you defending homosexuality? I do hate the sins that go against Gods Word as well as my own and I ask God to forgive me as I continue to sin. Because of my human nature, but I do pray for the sinner as well as the sins of myself. That would include those who practice homosexuality.

On Jul 23, 2009 12:58pm, Pastor Weekly said,

Well Georgia,

I'm not David; however, I'm actually glad that you are confused because it means that I have accomplished my goal. My goal is not to form a conclusion on this website, because Christians on BOTH sides of this issue are so allegiant to what they already believe that if they knew what the book espoused and it disagreed with what they already felt, they would REFUSE to read it altogether.

As Jesus said, we who have ears must be OPEN to hear, because it could be the Spirit speaking. We should not just automatically assume that we're always right in what we believe. Isn't that the VERY thing that ALWAYS pitted the Pharisees against Jesus in EVERY encounter?

In the end, if won't matter if you wound up right or not. Do you think God will be pleased that you didn't honor His word enough to at least remain humble to hear something concerning His word, just in case it was right?

So, whether you believe homosexuality should be condemned or celebrated, you need to get this book. I guarantee you that whatever side of the aisle you find yourself presently, it will open your eyes to a great many things concerning the biblical witness on this most controversial subject.

God bless.
Pastor Weekly

On Aug 14, 2009 3:22am, Jonah said,

Your last post is dross to be blunt. Many people have commentated on the Bible who thought they were right when in fact they were wrong. So you are saying it is wrong not to read someone's new book. The 'Good Book' does in fact teach against homosexuality. Your responses to people have been very similar to those of the 'emergent' movement (slippery). Your use of the Hebrew and the Greek is poor and makes me wonder if you have ever studied either language. This issue is not controversial...

On Aug 14, 2009 3:29am, Jonah said,

...as at least 5000 years of Judeo-Christian history has labeled homosexuality as a sin. This is just another case of the world creeping into the church. I was a drug addict & alcoholic before meeting Christ and my sins were no different to homosexuality. We must confess our sins and turn away from them. 1 John 2:15-17 sums up the situation nicely for ALL who live. We must all do the 'will of the Father'. Is 5:20: Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil...

On Aug 25, 2009 12:04am, Traci said,

So proud of you and your success. You've really grown in the spirit and it shows in everything I've read about you (and I have kept tabs now and then on you). Looking forward to reading the book. Hope all is well with you.

Post Comment

Copyright © 2008. R. D. Weekly Ministries.