Part of what has always bothered me in discussions of faith and human sexuality is the word traditional. For many, it denotes “what we legislated circa 1972” (the year when many Western, Christian denominations added specific language pertaining to LGTBQIA+ people to their constitutions, usually restrictive in nature and sometime even derogatory). For others, it symbolizes a particular belief about biology and the “natural order.” Yet others mean a common consensus of cultural belief since the late 1940’s when the word homosexual was first introduced in the English translations of the Bible. And, for some it may pertain to the past centuries where either public silence about sexuality or, ironically, public humiliation/punishment of LGBTQIA+ persons was the status quo. And finally, it also can connote the intertwining of church and state in the term marriage, which is used in both political and religious contexts. Usually, the word conservative is a better fit, because the term tradition is ambiguous at its worst, and imprecise at its best.
Nuance is the key to fruitful and meaningful dialogue surrounding faith and sexuality because it values details, questions, and listening. I am consistently perplexed by the fear (and often anger) that is visible in the animated facial expressions and audible in the strident voices of conservatives who vehemently oppose any discussion of these topics. Life-giving and life-changing conversations are shut down with harsh words in a public display of dominance and power. How often do we miss glimpses of the Holy Spirit’s workings because our minds and hearts are focused on reinforcing absolute certainty of belief? How often do we stifle the Holy Spirit because we are wary of embracing the divine mystery? Why do we forego the peace of God and instead feed upon anxiety and fear-mongering?
One of my favorite passages in all of Scripture reminds us of God’s omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence:
You hem me in behind and before,
Psalm 139: 5-10
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
1even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
As Christians, we literally pray for God and the Holy Spirit to be at work in our hearts, minds, and souls. Why then is fear so rampant in Western Christianity? God tells us that his Holy Spirit will always be working within and around us as believers. Actively listening to the testimonies and witness of LGBTQIA+ Christians will be difficult for those who hold to a more conservative set of beliefs, but the discomfort is absolutely necessary. Privilege is one of the most difficult things to deconstruct because it requires willing, chosen vulnerability by those in the majority. Distrust and dismissal of those different from us are far easier choices because they protect the dark recesses of ourselves that we would rather not acknowledge and explore. But, these choices come with a cost: they push LGBTQIA+ Christians out of the church and further away from God.
Most LGBTQIA+ Christians have complicated questions lurking in the deep recesses of their souls that warrant thoughtful consideration by those in the heterosexual majority. Simply hearing the answer “No” from conservative voices leaves LGBTQIA+ Christians confused and often feeling hurt, isolated, and unwanted. These questions, often related to faith and interpersonal relationships, deserve to be heard because they often prompt deep self-reflection by those who have never had to ask any questions at all. Part of the function of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life is conviction and sanctification – will we trust God’s work in our lives and also in the lives of those who are different from us? Or shall we stubbornly fight to remain the same, hurting the vulnerable around us in the process?
On the Wings of the Dawn 