The Moral Compass Series ostracizes those committed to traditional readings of Scripture.
By Justin Kerr
Staff Writer
This past week, Pepperdine University invited theology scholars, reverends and other intellectuals to discuss if homosexuality is biblically right or wrong. Labeling this discussion the “Moral Compass Series,” faculty and administrators have “open-mindedly” pointed us to the future of homosexuality within the Christianity. This future focuses little on Scriptural conviction; it instead centers on the belief that each individual church will dictate doctrine based on the will of its members.
Because I belong to the “close-minded” regime, and I believe in the infallibility of the Bible, I disagree.
The Word of God is not subject to a worldview; rather, its objectivity unites every believer under the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, God does not change relative to contemporary culture. In Scripture, God follows a simple pattern of judgment and redemption on behalf of his people. Beginning with Adam, God cursed man for his sin, yet he promised a savior.
In Israel, God handed his chosen nation to its enemies, but he heard their cries and restored their land. Even in the New Testament, God punished the disobedient (Ananias and Sapphira), but he redeemed the sinner (the prostitute who washed Christ’s feet with oil).
Despite our attempts to categorize God as either all-vengeful or all-loving, both extremes are insufficient to explain the depths of our Creator. On our own, we do not know God, for he declares that “our thoughts are not his thoughts, nor are our ways his ways.” Therefore, I ask, how we can know God without the objectivity of the Bible?
Relating to the topic of homosexuality, how could a Christian make an accurate assessment about God’s views concerning this lifestyle if he only chooses the verses with which he agrees? Leading to the last question, which comes first, an understanding of the Bible that allows homosexual relationships, or a belief in homosexuality that conforms Scripture to the homosexual agenda?
To be fair, every Christian makes the mistake of altering the Word of God to fit his own desires, while discarding the verses he does not want to obey. Homosexuality is but one example among thousands that describe this depravity of man. When Christ came to this Earth, he did not come to distinguish our sins as more or less evil; he came to expose us all as the enemies of God. Therefore, no man can boast of good deeds, because he is like every other: lost.
The Moral Compass Series reflects one petty issue, which will create confusion and division rather than awareness and unity. Dr. Rick Marrs, last Tuesday, attempted to reveal both sides of the homosexual argument by displaying original Greek and Hebrew text. He finished each verse with foggy interpretations that have been introduced in the last 30 years. These interpretations reveal that male prostitution or sex between an adult male and a young boy is sinful; however, the 2,000 to 3,000-year-old belief that describes sex between two males as an abomination, no longer pertains to our views on universal love.
Furthermore, last Wednesday, one-liners replaced arguments as both sides applauded statements that agreed with their worldview. Out of spite, students and faculty rose to their feet and praised rhetoric that insulted the opposition’s agenda. I concluded from this demonstration that only the people who held the same views were worthy of Christian love and respect.
This Moral Compass Series was a terrible idea. Created by individuals who claim open-mindedness, this discussion has actually framed the Word of God into their worldview. Instead of embracing truth, they have molded doctrine that has been preserved for thousands of years into their narrow belief system. They have justified rebellion by describing their opposition as close-minded, angering myself and others.
The Moral Compass Series is pointed in the wrong direction. As the Word of God directs us to repentance and salvation, this series has paved the road toward self-justification. While God has requested humility, I witnessed pride and arrogance in the homosexual debate. Finally, in the life of a Christian, such a “Moral Compass” is not needed. We already have the compass in God’s Word that will lead us to the only place we need to go: the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, as a sinner, I cannot judge my peers, whether they are homosexual or heterosexual. My ways are no better than theirs: This is to live in sin. However, Christ came not to lower the bar of righteousness but to raise it from our grasp. Instead, he pointed to himself as the only direction to perfection and salvation.
This Moral Compass Series leads not in the direction of Christ but to the world’s justification of sin. In the end, the Bible tells us that our excuses will mean little to God as judge, only the grace of Jesus Christ will be sufficient for our salvation.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Next week in Perspectives, Meagan Butler and Brent Russo will discuss the growing need for dialogue on homosexuality at Pepperdine.
October 23, 2003