Love Is an Orientation

October 30, 2009

Love Is an Orientation

Elevating the conversation with the gay community

Reviewed by Carla Evans Opinion & Critical Thought

While a university student, Andrew Marin discovered that three of his best friends were gay. As a conservative evangelical Christian and self-confessed “homophobe,” he was shocked and confused. He felt God prompting him to seek truth through relationship instead of running from his friends who had confided in him. God led Marin on a journey of discovery and love as he developed friendships with those he once rejected. He moved to a predominantly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (referred to as GLBT) neighbourhood and developed The Marin Foundation, which aims to build bridges between the GLBT community and the Church.

Marin's purpose in writing Love Is an Orientation is to challenge how the evangelical Church thinks about and relates to gay and lesbian people. He writes frankly from his experiences in “Boystown” in Chicago, giving personal anecdotes and sharing some of his friends' testimonies. Marin broaches issues of sexual identity, the history of evangelical/GLBT relations and outlines the gay church's interpretations of Scripture that refer to homosexuality, believing he can best represent Jesus by first understanding what gay Christians believe.

The author asserts that “the Christian community has only ever known one way to handle same-sex sexual behaviour: take a stand and keep a distance.” He doesn't expect all Christians to live in GLBT neighbourhoods, but he does want to see two divergent communities working together for the gospel. Marin introduces some practical ways we can move forward despite a history of hate and debate. He hopes that his readers will use his principles for more constructive conversation and build foundations and bridges where they have not previously existed.

Marin offers a fresh perspective on a topic that many Christians probably shy away from. He does not attempt to change anyone's theological views or condone same-sex sexual behaviour, but seeks to direct us back to an orientation of love that is rooted in Jesus. Says Marin: “We're called by Christ to be different by being loving—by choosing humility over hostility, by braving the unknown rather than huddling in safe enclaves, by daring to face people whom we've offended and who have offended us, and inviting them into a reconciled relationship with God and one another.”

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Comment

On Tuesday, June 15, 2010, Karen Osborne said:

Doug said, "Once a person is saved, they still sin, but they no longer identify with sin. Their identity is IN CHRIST. Our temptations do NOT define who we are. Our relationship with Jesus defines who we are, and we would not insult Him nor His name by claiming to be that which we are delivered from."

It is true that we must no longer identify with the sin from which we have been saved.

We must also remember that Jesus loved the sinner and hated the sin. It is a difficult thing to do and only asking Him to put His love for the sinner within our heats so that we can love the sinner with His love is it even possible to follow His example. Jesus certainly abhors sin, since He is God and God abhors sin. However, His name is forever associated with sin since He died to save us from sin.

As for me, I am a sinner saved by grace. Hallelujah! This truth changes the way I look at other sinners, by they saved by grace or unsaved. I cannot judge them or heap contempt upon them. How could I? I AM a sinner, first and foremost, and the more purifying work God does in me, the more I see how totally depraved I am! There is NO good within me except where God has cleansed me. The Salvation Army happens to agree with me doctrinally.

Thank God Jesus associated with sinners! If He didn't, I would be forever damned. Praise His holy and glorious name!

On Saturday, June 12, 2010, Rob said:

I've not read the book so I can't comment directly on it, but I'm curious Doug as to why you have such a strong aversion to the subject of the book. Why do you take exception to the author's attempt to reach out to the gay community and show them the love of the Saviour. Is this not what we're called to do?

You said that Jesus abhors sin, and indeed he does. But in the Gospels do we not see a Christ who seeks out the marginalized and the unclean? In fact, was it not the Pharisees and other religious elites who criticised Jesus becase of the folks he hung around with: "Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!" (Lk 7:34) It's also wise for us to take note of Jesus' words in Matthew 21:31 "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you." Just worth mentioning I think.

You claim that The Salvation Army's standards have been lowered by this book review which you see as a full-on endorsement. Then you wonder if we're even a Christian church anymore. I'd encourage you to read up on the old-fashioned Salvation Army that you appear to be pining for. In the old days, our Founder William Booth spent most of his time working, talking, serving, and befriending the outcasts of his day. I would say the author of this book is trying to do much the same. I believe we as a Salvation Army must be willing to dialogue with all people, regardless of their faith status or commitment, and and try to love them like Jesus did. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do this, while maintaining our scriptural holiness.

Thank you for yor honesty though in posting your reaction to the book and getting a conversation started.

On Friday, June 11, 2010, Doug Fullerton said:

This is not elevating any conversation. It is reducing holiness and the Biblical Christian walk to a level of the liberal lost who choose to define God based on those living in darkness like Oprah and Dr. Phil which is called idolatry.

It is not surprising that a total heretic like Brian McLaren endorses this nonsense. His name on the book should be a clear indication that it is not worthy of reading if you are an authentic Christian.

Not all people who are happy (gay) are homosexuals. For the reviewer to even use the phrase "gay Christian" when they really mean "homosexual Christian" ... is a perversion of the saved person's identity in Christ. Jesus abhors sin, and to associate His name with sin should be abhorrent to those who love Him and it is certainly blasphemous.

This unGodly term is an insult to every ex-homosexual Christian living a God-honouring regenerate life. You cannot be a Christian and still claim to identify with any sin. There is no such thing as a "homosexual Christian" any more than there is a "adulterous Christian" or "fornicating Christian" or "pedophile Christian".

Once a person is saved, they still sin, but they no longer identify with sin. Their identity is IN CHRIST. Our temptations do NOT define who we are. Our relationship with Jesus defines who we are, and we would not insult Him nor His name by claiming to be that which we are delivered from.

How did the Salvation Army's standards become so low that they would even advertise this anti-Biblical nonsense on their website? Is this even a Christian church any more? Do we reach out to sinners with the Gospel any longer, or just pat them on the head and not even care if they are headed to hell?

What a disgrace to see this promoted here.