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December 4, 2006
To the Editor, the Anniston Star:
James L. Evans, in his article “Bacon eaters and greedy
gossips” (December 1, 2006), takes to task his brethren in the North
Carolina Baptist Convention for adding to their creed a statement
condemning the homosexual lifestyle, rejecting any church from the
convention that affirms a homosexual lifestyle. In making a perhaps
valid point in questioning why they select this one sin to condemn, Mr.
Evans makes light of sin.
To his mind, it is only “a certain reading of the story of
Sodom in Genesis” which would lead anyone to oppose the affirmation of
the homosexual lifestyle. Evans recognizes that the practice of
homosexuality is an abomination in God’s eyes, but makes light of this
by suggesting that eating pork is just as serious a sin to God today.
Besides the fact that the Old Testament food laws are no longer binding
on the Christian (Galatians 3:24-25; Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 8:6-13;
9:15-17), saying that greed and gossip (or other sins) are serious sins
does not lessen the fact that the practice of homosexuality is a
destructive lifestyle condemned by God.
Inspired by God, Paul condemned many sins, including homosexuality.
“Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor
abusers of themselves with mankind … shall inherit the kingdom of God”
(1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Evans suggests we should simply love everyone.
Is it true love to encourage people to remain in sin? Some members of
the church in Corinth had been involved in those sins Paul condemned.
“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified,
but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of
our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Mr. Evans must know that the actions of his brethren in North Carolina
are in large part a reaction to the push for acceptance of the broad
homosexual agenda. True love would call for us to urge men to give up
all sin, including gossip, greed, and homosexual practices, and to be
washed in the blood of Christ.
December 4, 2006
Letters to the Editor
by Bob Prichard
www.oxfordchurchofchrist.com |
