![]() ![]() If the box is opened then discerning the will of God will be relegated to subjectivity and eisegetical interpretations of biblical texts. ![]() While an important issue in its own right, the most concerning issue at hand is whether the church will possess the keys to the kingdom of heaven or the keys to Pandora’s Box. The concern is over more than human sexuality. The end result is virtually two opposing views on how we understand truth and morality through God’s revelation. More liberal-minded Christians tend to adopt a low view of Scripture and therefore appeal to other means of authority, namely experience and reason. For traditionalists that has always been Scripture divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit which is known as a high view of Scripture (not to be confused with pejorative views of biblicism). To be sure, what is at stake for the denomination is how we determine the authority of God. What is transpiring in the United Methodist Church is merely the tip of the iceberg. That being said there is much more at stake than a single doctrine. Moreover, it should be said that the Book of Discipline already has a longstanding position on the matter and thus those who believe we are wasting time are welcome to stop putting forth resolutions and pushing for change at any time. One can only be caviler in the debate if they have accepted homosexuality as a moral good. ![]() If it were suggested that these issues should be disregarded for the larger mission of the church then advocates for so called inclusion would sing a different tune. Take for example a scenario where the same assertion is put forth regarding the movement to end racism or pursue women’s rights. The problem is that such an assertion is misguided at best and flippant at worst. Usually someone advocating for a change in the church’s position will suggest that people have missed the forest for the trees by becoming obsessed with one doctrine instead of working together for the mission of the church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Thus the trajectory seems to be reaching a boiling point as some anticipate a possible resolution in the 2024 General Conference scheduled to take place April 23 – May 3 in Charlotte, NC.Īt first blush it may seem like a colossal waste of time and energy to debate the sinfulness of lived-out homosexuality for so long, but there is more than meets the eye. Notably, the Global Methodist Church separated and formed in order to uphold traditional Wesleyan doctrines and announced its launch on May 1, 2022. In other words it has been a swelling issue for the past fifty yeas and continues to gain steam due to pressure and influence from secular society. The United Methodist Church has been in debate over changing its bylaws in the Book of Discipline in order to allow for the ordination of gay clergy and the right to officiate weddings for homosexuals since the 1972 General Conference in Atlanta. ![]()
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