Thoughts on Methodist LGBTQ issue.
Modified May 14, 2024
Conclusion
This may seem to be a backward way of stating my thoughts. However, if you the reader are interested, I am including notes I kept while considering this issue.
Actions
What should we do? My opinion!
Restrooms
Where organizations have public restrooms, there should be one for biological male and another for biological females. If the organization wishes it may, in addition to the previous, supply any combination of LGBQ or T designated bathrooms. To express our opinions, I recommend we boycott organizations that do not provide restrooms determined by biological sex but provide LGBTQ restrooms only.
Sports
Organizations that "oversee" sports like the NCAA should restrict "trans" men from participating in women's sports. Their bylaws should cover restricting biological mixing in sports where one sex clearly has an advantage over the other. We should boycott performances where such mixing occurs.
Public
My commitment to "Freedom of Speech" requires me to support a Public Libraries inclusion of an LGBTQ section and/or books, even though I don't care for taxpayer funding of the same.
I do not believe LGBTQ principles should be taught in public school in grades 1-7 or earlier. Further, counseling of students by teachers or staff without parental approval, should be prohibited. If LGBTQ courses are available in later grades, whether required or optional, corresponding anti-LGBTQ courses must be provided.
When appearing in public, including TV, Radio, or public internet sources, members of the LGBTQ must conform to local norms.
Members of the LGBTQ community may not hold recruitment events where children up to 13 years of age may attend.
As long as above rules are observed by members of LGBTQ, membership may not be used as the singular reason for rejection from employment.
Notes
First Impression
Who is the Methodist Church that they should be able to restrict any of God’s children access to organizations professing to be followers of Jesus Christ? The notes below include the “Confession of Faith” of the Methodist Church. I suggest readers review that “Confession” and add a comment to specify what there restricts membership of anyone in considered to be in LGBTQ.
Jesus, by his words and actions, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” demonstrated his acceptance of all of God’s children.
What should Methodist’s do about the LGBTQ issue?
The United Methodist Church has taken action regarding restriction of participation of Gays in the church. "With a simple vote call and without debate, delegates to the General Conference removed the ban on the ordination of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals". Where, on the surface this appears to be the Christian thing to do, the term "practicing" homosexuals is disturbing! As the definition below suggests, practicing is in violation of several Biblical "Laws" (see "Anti-LGBT" below) even calling it a sin. The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well gives us clear direction. His final direction is "Go and Sin No more". Where I don't believe the church should deny gays and transsectuals across the board (in fact we should welcome them to our services), the word "practicing" should restrict them from being allowed to become ministers, part of the education system, or officers in the organization.
Firstly, separate the parts. The definitions below suggest that at least the LGB, T, and Q are separate and can be separated in their treatment.
Secondly, add statement to prohibit Transsexuals being admitted to the ministry, teaching, or any official position of the church.
Thirdly, make changes to the Discipline that place restrictions on or advantages to persons of one of the two biological sexes except where they concern the Transsexual members.
Fourthly, establish changes that recognize only two sexes, established by human sex chromosome configuration, as male or female.
Fifthly, establish restrictions on Transsexual participation where one sex has a natural advantage over the other (eg. sports, and the like)
These changes, I believe, are consistent with what Jesus wants his church to be. They do not, except in the case of what Transsexuals want, restrict access to the church while recognizing the right of all of God’s children access to the fellowship of other Christians.
Definitions
L - Lesbian: 1. a gay woman, 2. relating to a gay woman. 3. from Lesbos where Sappho expressed affection for women in her poetry.
G – Gay: 1.
"Practicing" Gay: 1. a person having sexual relations with a person of the same biological sex.
B – Bisexual: 1. sexually or romantically attracted not exclusively to people of one sex or gender.
T – Transsexual: 1. a transgender person, especially one whose bodily characteristics have been altered through surgery or hormone treatment to bring them in alignment with their gender identity.
Q – Queer: Today, the word queer is more commonly used as an umbrella term for anything that is not heterosexual.
Sex: either of TWO main categories (male and female) into which humans and most other living things are divided on the basis of their reproductive functions. “In humans, sex determination is the process that determines the biological sex of an offspring and, as a result, the sexual characteristics that they will develop. Humans typically develop as either male or female, depending on the combination of sex chromosomes that they inherit from their parents. The human sex chromosomes, called X and Y, are structures in human cells made up of tightly bound deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, and proteins. Those are molecules that contain the instructions for the development and functioning of all life forms, including the development of physical traits and body parts that correspond with each biological sex. Humans who inherit two X chromosomes typically develop as females, while humans with one X and one Y chromosome typically develop as males.”
What does the Bible Say?
The following scripture is provided for reference.
Anti-LGBTQ
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Leviticus 18:22
You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
Leviticus 20:13
If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
1 Timothy 1:9-10
Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Romans 1:18-27
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth. 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse; 21for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. 22Claiming to be wise,they became fools, 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man or birds or animals or reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever! Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. 27 For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Jude 1:7
Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
Hebrews 13:4
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
Deuteronomy 23:1
“No one whose testicles are crushed or whose male organ is cut off shall enter the assembly of the Lord.
Mark 10:6-9
But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Jude 1:7-8
Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones.
1 Corinthians 6:9 ESV / 7 helpful votes
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
Leviticus 18:22-26
22You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. 23And you shall not lie with any beast and defile yourself with it, neither shall any woman give herself to a beast to lie with it: it is perversion.
1 Corinthians 7:2
But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
1 Corinthians 4:7
For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
Matthew 19:4
He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,
Deuteronomy 23:17
“None of the daughters of Israel shall be a cult prostitute, and none of the sons of Israel shall be a cult prostitute.
1 Timothy 1:8-11
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, en-slavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
Romans 8:1-39
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ...
Romans 1:32
Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
Deuteronomy 22:5
“A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
1 Timothy 1:10
The sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,
Romans 1:26
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature;
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life
What did Jesus Say?
The list above seems overwhelming. However when you look at what Jesus said, one might conclude there is a case for LGBQ’s acceptance>
Mark 10:6-9
But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Matthew 19:4 E
He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,
Matthew 6:1-18
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ...
Note that Jesus does not, in his own words, condemn anyone in the LGBTQ.
Consider Matthew 9:38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
From the above scripture and its sources, I believe that Jesus is more inclusive than exclusive. The actual history referenced by old testament law is different from what the conditions are today.
Why do we have to deal with LGBTQ?
As I was researching the scripture, it occurred to me that we are trying to deal with problems associated with an organization or pseudo-organization. Way back in my career history I learned that problems can best be solved by breaking them into their parts. I believe the same is true here. Therefore I would like to deal with the components rather that the one overall problem.
Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual
As the definitions above, this segment is about homosexuals of the human race. The problem exists primarily because of Old Testament Law. I did not find that, (short of Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”) Jesus emphasizes the law, but rather draws sinners to Him. Read the story “Woman in Somaria” John 4:. The story in Luke 18:9 about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector also illustrates the dichotomy of Jesus’ thinking. Again, Matthew 18:20.
Other Issues
Generally, the transsexual issues are more extreme than the LGB defined ones. However, the following issues, along with covering LGB instances, cover those when Transexuals are involved. A basic rule followed is that no group has “rights” than another.
Bathroom Accommodations
I suggest that bathroom accommodations be determined by physical sex of the attendee as determined by either the reproductive organs or the configuration of the human sex chromosome. Such separation is recommended for parents of underage children who prefer they remain separated. Angela Markwalter writes in her article (https://artwench.wordpress.com/2016/04/23/target-transgenders-in-womens-bathrooms/) “that one in five women been violated by a man and who will forever suffer psychological and emotional damage.” and asks are we “supposed to inflict further damage by inviting men into the women’s restroom? “
Competition
Where physical attributes by sex make a difference in the ability of competitors, competitions must be separated by sex. (Eg. track and field sports, swimming, usually give the advantage to males). A complete list should be developed by governing bodies of the sport.
What does the Confession of Faith Say?
Article I - God
We believe in the one true, holy and living God, Eternal Spirit, who is Creator, Sovereign and Preserver of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of men, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as the : Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power.
Article II - Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, truly God and truly man, in whom the divine and human natures are perfectly and inseparably united. He is the eternal Word made flesh, the only begotten Son of the Father, born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. As ministering Servant he lived, suffered and died on the cross. He was buried, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven to be with the Father, from whence he shall return. He is eternal Savior and Mediator, who intercedes for us, and by him all men will be judged.
Article III - The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who proceeds from and is one in being with the Father and the Son. He convinces the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He leads men through faithful response to the gospel into the fellowship of the Church. He comforts, sustains and empowers the faithful and guides them into all truth.
Article IV - The Holy Bible
We believe the Holy Bible, Old and New Testaments, reveals the Word of God so far as it is necessary for our salvation. It is to be received through the Holy Spirit as the true rule and guide for faith and practice. Whatever is not revealed in or established by the Holy Scriptures is not to be made an article of faith nor is it to be taught as essential to salvation.
Article V - The Church
We believe the Christian Church is the community of all true believers under the Lordship of Christ. We believe it is one, holy, apostolic and catholic. It is the redemptive fellowship in which the Word of God is preached by men divinely called, and the sacraments are duly administered according to Christ's own appointment. Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit the Church exists for the maintenance of worship, the edification of believers and the redemption of the world.
Article VI - The Sacraments
We believe the Sacraments, ordained by Christ, are symbols and pledges of the Christian's profession and of God's love toward us. They are means of grace by which God works invisibly in us, quickening, strengthening and confirming our faith in him. Two Sacraments are ordained by Christ our Lord, namely Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
We believe Baptism signifies entrance into the household of faith, and is a symbol of repentance and inner cleansing from sin, a representation of the new birth in Christ Jesus and a mark of Christian discipleship.
We believe children are under the atonement of Christ and as heirs of the Kingdom of God are acceptable subjects for Christian Baptism. Children of believing parents through Baptism become the special responsibility of the Church. They should be nurtured and led to personal acceptance of Christ, and by profession of faith confirm their Baptism.
We believe the Lord's Supper is a representation of our redemption, a memorial of the sufferings and death of Christ, and a token of love and union which Christians have with Christ and with one another. Those who rightly, worthily and in faith eat the broken bread and drink the blessed cup partake of the body and blood of Christ in a spiritual manner until he comes.
We believe man is fallen from righteousness and, apart from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, is destitute of holiness and inclined to evil. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. In his own strength, without divine grace, man cannot do good works pleasing and acceptable to God. We believe, however, man influenced and empowered by the Holy Spirit is responsible in freedom to exercise his will for good.
Article VIII - Reconciliation Through Christ
We believe God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself. The offering Christ freely made on the cross is the perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, redeeming man from all sin, so that no other satisfaction is required.
Article IX - Justification and Regeneration
We believe regeneration is the renewal of man in righteousness through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, whereby we are made partakers of the divine nature and experience newness of life. By this new birth the believer becomes reconciled to God and is enabled to serve him with the will and the affections. We believe, although we have experienced regeneration, it is possible to depart from grace and fall into sin; and we may even then, by the grace of God, be renewed in righteousness.
Article X - Good Works
We believe good works are the necessary fruits of faith and follow regeneration but they do not have the virtue to remove our sins or to avert divine judgment. We believe good works, pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, spring from a true and living faith, for through and by them faith is made evident.
Article XI - Sanctification and Christian Perfection
We believe sanctification is the work of God's grace through the Word and the Spirit, by which those who have been born again are cleansed from sin in their thoughts, words and acts, and are enabled to live in accordance with God's will, and to strive for holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Entire sanctification is a state of perfect love, righteousness and true holiness which every regenerate believer may obtain by being delivered from the power of sin, by loving God with all the heart, soul, mind and strength, and by loving one's neighbor as one's self. Through faith in Jesus Christ this gracious gift may be received in this life both gradually and instantaneously, and should be sought earnestly by every child of God.
We believe this experience does not deliver us from the infirmities, ignorance, and mistakes common to man, nor from the possibilities of further sin. The Christian must continue on guard against spiritual pride and seek to gain victory over every temptation to sin. He must respond wholly to the will of God so that sin will lose its power over him; and the world, the flesh, and the devil are put under his feet. Thus he rules over these enemies with watchfulness through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Article XII - The Judgment and the Future State
We believe all men stand under the righteous judgment of Jesus Christ, both now and in the last day. We believe in the resurrection of the dead; the righteous to life eternal and the wicked to endless condemnation.
Article XIII - Public Worship
We believe divine worship is the duty and privilege of man who, in the presence of God, bows in adoration, humility and dedication. We believe divine worship is essential to the life of the Church, and that the assembling of the people of God for such worship is necessary to Christian fellowship and spiritual growth.
We believe the order of public worship need not be the same in all places but may be modified by the church according to circumstances and the needs of men. It should be in a language and form understood by the people, consistent with the Holy Scriptures to the edification of all, and in accordance with the order and Discipline of the Church.
Article XIV - The Lord's Day
We believe the Lord's Day is divinely ordained for private and public worship, for rest from unnecessary work, and should be devoted to spiritual improvement, Christian fellowship and service. It is commemorative of our Lord's resurrection and is an emblem of our eternal rest. It is essential to the permanence and growth of the Christian Church, and important to the welfare of the civil community.
Article XV - The Christian and Property
We believe God is the owner of all things and that the individual holding of property is lawful and is a sacred trust under God. Private property is to be used for the manifestation of Christian love and liberality, and to support the Church's mission in the world. All forms of property, whether private, corporate or public, are to be held in solemn trust and used responsibly for human good under the sovereignty of God.
Article XVI - Civil Government
We believe civil government derives its just powers from the sovereign God. As Christians we recognize the governments under whose protection we reside and believe such governments should be based on, and be responsible for, the recognition of human rights under God. We believe war and bloodshed are contrary to the gospel and spirit of Christ. We believe it is the duty of Christian citizens to give moral strength and purpose to their respective governments through sober, righteous and godly living.
Conclusion
The conclusion is included at the beginning of this article. If you get to this paragraph, I would be interested in your thoughts on the subject.