Here we go again...we're not hateful, we just disagree!

In light of the conversation regarding San Antonio's proposed amendment to its anti-discrimination ordinance, there are some throwing around the phrases "hateful" and "bigot" to describe those of us who hold biblical views of marriage and human sexuality. I'd like to repost some comments of mine from an earlier conversation that arose when Chick-fil-a president, Dan Cathy spoke out on the subject.  I hope it helps bring some understanding...

In the aftermath of Dan Cathy’s comments in support of the biblical definition of a family and the massive groundswell of support that his company, Chick-fil-A, experienced on August 1st, the terms “bigot” and “hateful” are being thrown around like ketchup on waffle fries. One thoughtful, enlightened individual referred to the supporting crowds lined up outside a Chick-fil-A as bigots, and wondered why they left their white hoods at home. I was one of those people and I don’t have a white hood. No, this person doesn’t know anything about me except that he suspects I may disagree with him. Therefore I am a dangerous, hateful, clan member. I want to challenge those of us who support a biblical ideal of marriage and family not to take the bait. Don’t allow the ad hominem attacks (attacking your challenger and calling them names rather than analyzing and addressing their position) to distract from the real issues at the core of this debate and the real people impacted.

For many of us, there is definitely a religious aspect to the conversation. The bible clearly lists homosexuality among the sins that God wants us to be free from (See Romans 1:21-27 and 1 Cor. 6:9 for examples). So how we view God, creation, truth, the bible, mankind, and morality greatly informs our views of marriage and family. However, at a more basic level, this really comes down to how we view sexual behavior. A great number of us consider equating sexual behavior or appetites with race or nationality (like being white, black, Hispanic, or Jewish) as simply offensive. We all know that there are lots of sexual appetites that we don’t condone or validate with marriage status. Why not? If homosexual tendencies are a genetic inevitability, then why not every other sexual desire? It seems fairly well established that sexual appetites can change or be influenced by developmental factors. There are sexual addictions that we deem harmful and that we help people overcome. Suffice to say, there are a lot of questions to be answered before we equate sexual urges and choices with race and skin color. You see…we simply have a different view of sexuality and of marriage. We don’t hate people who disagree with us…we just disagree.

A very large number of people in this country believe that sex is a gift from God for the procreation of the human race. We believe that it is designed to be enjoyed by a man and a woman who have committed to one another in marriage so that the children who result from the union have a family to be raised in, where they can have the love and support of both parents and role models of male and female adulthood. (I understand that this stems from my religious views, but it also seems to be reinforced by anatomy and sociology.) We believe that, while there are other types of families that experience God’s blessing, this union is the cornerstone of civilization, and it always has been. We also believe that anything less than the biblical ideal of sexuality eventually causes hurt to the people involved and the community around them.

It is very important to understand that, while I obviously can’t speak for everyone who shares my views, I think I am very safe in saying that, we don’t hate those who disagree with us! In fact, we want the very best that God intended for all of us. We believe that acting according to God’s design is a key to the joyful and fulfilling expression of our sexuality. You may disagree. In fairness, you may even think we are deluded and totally wrong! But you can’t say that we are hateful for sharing what we believe to be a gift for everyone. In fact, if we really believe these things, how cruel would we have to be to not share our message?

It is truly sad that, while these views are widely held by many people, and have been since the beginning, the things I just wrote are considered dangerous and hateful. We can’t even really have a discussion about this without being called bigots, Nazis, and haters. This seems wrong…especially for people who claim to hold tolerance as a virtue.

We’re not hateful…we just disagree.

Great time with some serious leaders

A few of us have been in Fort Wayne, Indiana this week for what is called the "Shift" conference. Every two years the pastors and leaders from the Missionary Church (our fellowship of churches) get together to conduct some business and be equipped and encouraged. This was an amazing conference as we got to hear from and interact with leaders like Francis Chan, Alan Hirsch, and Don Cousins. It was very cool! I had the opportunity to lead an interactive interview time with each of these leaders, which was extremely interesting. It's one thing to hear someone's talk; it's another to be able to sit down and ask questions. It was a great week of being challenged to rethink how we approach ministry in a rapidly changing world. 

This weekend we'll continue "C3" with a look at the scripture’s take on how we interact with each other. The Spirit of God working in our community will either be our biggest draw, or its absence will be our most daunting hurtle! This is going to be some powerful truth! Don't miss what The Lord has to say to His body. 

I'm really looking forward to being back together. It's going to be a great gathering!

Uganda Team

My son, Ryan, is a part of a team from River CIty that is in Uganda serving with one of our mission partners, J-life, Uganda.. I love that they are serving the people of Uganda and the ministry of J-life!  I also love how their eyes are being opened to the bigger world and God's work in it!

Here is a blog written by, team member, David Mcginnis.  

http://blogs.reallife.org/rccc/?p=1670

 The first thing you notice about Uganda isn’t the weather, or the smell, or the landscape, but how friendly and smiley everyone is. In Dubai they weren’t mean, per se, but they weren’t happy. Ugandans are.

Anyway, we were met at the airport by James and William from J-Life. They were extremely happy to see us in spite of having waited for 2 1/2 hours.

The ride through the city was remarkable. So many people just walking, a lot of motorcycles, and no one driving with any regard for lanes. There were some hair-raising moments.

Banana Village is very different from what I expected. There are a number of round huts and cabins. There’s no AC, but it gets cool enough at night. The shower has a bucket in it. The water is cold.
The best part of yesterday was Patrick and Samuel. These are two boys about 9 years old. They don’t live in Banana Village, their parents don’t work here, I’m not even sure if they HAVE parents. But they took to Ryan & I, he with his iphone and me with my twizzlers. We talked to them for a while, but they didn’t say much back. They just wanted to follow us around.

Eventually Jayna and Andrea came out and we played some games. Hide and seek, and baseball with an orange and a slice of tree bark. We all had fun, and explained that we’d be busy during the days, but I think we’ll keep seeing them around.

As advertised, monkeys are everywhere, especially around the entrance. They love climbing on cars and fighting each other, but they having let us get too close. I’ve already taken way too many pictures of them.

James’s four daughters are named Joy, Fever, Blessing, and Victory. Aged 7, 5, 2, and 4 months. They’re all adorable, especially Blessing, who reminds me so much of Chelsea it physically hurts.

We walked from Banana Village to James’s house, which led us through the neighborhood. The sights are very hard to describe. Half-finished buildings, kids (so many kids!) playing in the street and the alleys, or completely naked getting a bath.

We had to stop at one point because the neighborhood’s cows were being driven past. I say neighborhood’s cows because a couple guys are paid to drive them out together, and then back to their respective homes.

We met other members of James’s team, all around 30. I’ll be doing computer classes with William, a painter who I like a lot even though he’s hard to understand, and a girl named Agnes who just got her degree in graphic design. Granted, we’re just doing the most basic of computer training, but it’s nice to not have to be THE expert.

After some delicious African tea, we walked back in the dark, which was an eerie experience. We’d have to suddenly flatten to the side of the road as motorbikes went by. I hope none of us get run down this week.

Remember how I said the water was cold? It’s FREEZING. Ryan and I were miserable, couldn’t even get all the way in, and agreed that we’d simply be showering less this week…

…and THEN I discovered the wall switch that turns on the heater. Oops.