In a recent Wall Street Journal article, buried near the end, was a succinct quote which makes the source of the current conflict in the Church of England (CofE) over same-sex marriage crystal clear. Rev. Andrew Foreshew-Cain, a partner in a same-sex marriage, and chaplain of Lady Margaret Hall at the University of Oxford said, \u201cWe can hope that the constant looking over their shoulders by the English archbishops will stop and they will, finally, start actually listening to the people of this country and the CofE and move toward full affirmation and welcome for LGBTI people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key phrase is \u201cstart actually listening to the people.\u201d That\u2019s the issue in six revealing words. The issue underlying this debate is authority\u2014what is the source of truth that sets the standard for moral behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The common cry today is \u201clet the people decide; give the people what they want.\u201d Individuals, families, companies, and countries are making decisions on polling numbers, trending topics on social media, promotions by cultural influencers, and what search algorithms prioritize. What\u2019s popular becomes what\u2019s right. People are shamed for having contrary opinions, attacked for violating cultural norms, and warned about being on the wrong side of history. We are encouraged to follow our truth, meaning truth however we define it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In contrast, Christians stand up for truth\u2014personified in Jesus who described himself as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6) and communicated through the Word of God (the Bible). We believe in absolute Truth, not our truth as we might define it. While none of us interpret God\u2019s truth accurately all the time, we nevertheless affirm the ideal of God\u2019s truth revealed in Jesus and Scripture and endeavor to live accordingly. Our flawed efforts at obedience do not invalidate the timelessness of God\u2019s eternal truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While some parts of the Bible may be difficult to interpret, what it says about morality and marriage are not hard to understand. The Bible is crystal clear on these issues. Marriage is between one and man and one woman for life. Sexual expression and fulfillment are found within marriage\u2014not fornication, adultery, homosexuality, or any other alternative lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The issue driving so much of this debate is not really sexuality; it\u2019s accepting God\u2019s truth as foundational to behavioral standards. The question first posed by Satan to Eve echoes throughout history, \u201cHas God said?\u201d The answer then, and now, is the same. Yes. God has spoken about marriage and morality\u2014clearly, articulately, plainly, openly, and without duplicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We all have a choice to make\u2014and the choice is getting harder every day. Will we \u201cstart actually listening to the people\u201d or will we listen to God. While the pressure builds to do otherwise, love for God and for others mandates holding to his standards about marriage and morality. May God give you grace to do so in your family, your church, and your community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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