To Judge or Not to Judge
Talking About Faith and Homosexuality
Laniaya Alesia Hoofatt
Issue date: 4/12/07 Section: News
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"I have a moderate position of welcoming homosexuals, but not condoning homosexual practice," said Dr. Brewer.
His basic argument is to show that there are two dimensions to this issue, theoretical and practical. Using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral to address the issue of homosexuality he concluded that every reference in scripture is negative and Christian tradition has been against the practice until the 1960s. The reason is mostly due to science that has spoken clearly on the issue. Brewer states that he has met practicing homosexuals, both Christian and non Christian, who are happy with their orientation and those who are unhappy. He states that he is not trying to overturn scripture and tradition based on insufficient evidence from reason and experience in his discussion.
"More important for me, however, is that gays have been hated, mistreated, misunderstood and unwelcome in the Christian church. I welcome any student struggling with gay orientation to conversation and ministry. This sin and resulting brokenness is no greater than other sins and brokenness. Jesus can and wants to heal the sexually broken. Jesus offers wholeness to all, including gays. So then, let the sexually broken come to Jesus. Just like other brokenness, healing of the homosexual soul takes time and will include much grace and much love. It is my dream that the Christian church would be a healing haven for gays and lesbians," said Dr. Brewer.
His basic argument is to show that there are two dimensions to this issue, theoretical and practical. Using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral to address the issue of homosexuality he concluded that every reference in scripture is negative and Christian tradition has been against the practice until the 1960s. The reason is mostly due to science that has spoken clearly on the issue. Brewer states that he has met practicing homosexuals, both Christian and non Christian, who are happy with their orientation and those who are unhappy. He states that he is not trying to overturn scripture and tradition based on insufficient evidence from reason and experience in his discussion.
"More important for me, however, is that gays have been hated, mistreated, misunderstood and unwelcome in the Christian church. I welcome any student struggling with gay orientation to conversation and ministry. This sin and resulting brokenness is no greater than other sins and brokenness. Jesus can and wants to heal the sexually broken. Jesus offers wholeness to all, including gays. So then, let the sexually broken come to Jesus. Just like other brokenness, healing of the homosexual soul takes time and will include much grace and much love. It is my dream that the Christian church would be a healing haven for gays and lesbians," said Dr. Brewer.
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