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Same Sex Relationships and Homosexual Relationships - A Distinction

The Bible and Same Sex Relationships

The Parable of Heterosexual Marriage

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

We intend to update this page as more feedback is received, and more questions are asked. If you have a question, please don’t hesitate to contact Christopher Maddocks at this address:

chris{at}christadelphian.uk.com

1. What is the purpose of this website?

The purpose of this website is to counter and refute another website by an ex-Christadelphian which appeared as a sponsored listing on Google, advocating Homosexuality as acceptable behaviour for believers in Christ. This website demonstrates that the usual Christadelphian position is based on the Bible, whereas the new position is not.

2. You are openly opposing another Christadelphian – have you spoken directly to the brother concerned?

Firstly, the person concerned is an ex-Christadelphian, who publically announced his departure from the body (under his real name) on the afternoon of 4th May 2005. Secondly, he does not believe what Christadelphians believe. Neither does he believe clear Bible teaching (which is the same thing). Therefore, we do not recognise him to be a Christadelphian. But yes, “GC" was counselled to re-think his conduct both privately, then again privately by his ecclesia - but he refused. In his response to the present writer, "GC" has made it clear that he is not willing to discuss either the site or its contents. We wonder why, if his case is as strong as he claims? We very much hope that he will provide some form of response to our refutation, either publicly or otherwise, in order that we can more fully address and counter his position from Scripture.

3. Why are you opposing the website publicly – isn’t it best to deal with such issues within the Household? Why do you insist on airing dirty laundry in public?

"GC" is publicly advocating a form of behaviour for Christadelphians which the Bible condemns. It is important therefore, for folk to see that each of his points can be countered by Scripture, and that the Christadelphian position is firmly founded upon Scripture. We have dealt with “GC” in a proper manner, by making private entreaties first. To this he was unrelenting, and so the matter has been elevated to an ecclesial level - and we feel it is important that other Christadelphians who may be wavering are not deceived into a course of action which may exclude them from the coming Kingdom. As to the analogy of dirty laundry – this is not a Scriptural analogy, and does not accord with the example of Scripture, which itself provides an open and public condemnation of false teaching.

4. What do you have against same-sex couples; aren’t you being homophobic?

We have nothing personal against any individuals, whether they be homosexuals or otherwise. Scripture lists many forms of behaviour as excluding entry to the Kingdom of God (see Mark 7:20-22; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). We don’t view one of these behaviours as being particularly worse than another – the only reason why this website exists, is because it is being contended that one of these prohibited behaviours (practicing Homosexuality) is acceptable to God, and is advocated as acceptable behaviour for followers of Christ. Whilst it is true that under the Law of Moses this practice was punished by death, we must emphasise that in this dispensation we do not advocate any form of violence or attacks against Homosexuals - rather, we believe the Bible teaching that Christ will judge responsible offenders at the time of his return. We are not expressing an individual personal opinion on this site; we are merely demonstrating what the Bible states. It is then for the individual to exercise their free-will, and decide whether or not to live by the Bible.

5. Doesn’t the Bible contain examples of same-sex relationships?

The Bible does not condemn same-sex relationships per se. Yes, it does contain wonderful examples of same-sex brotherly love, sisterly love, maternal love, and paternal love. These are all endorsed and encouraged by the Bible. However, the Bible does decry Homosexual same-sex relationships in the strongest possible terms. For more information on this aspect, see the following studies: Same Sex Relationship and Homosexual Relationships – a Distinction and The Bible and Same-Sex Relationships

6. The Bible doesn’t directly refer to loving mutually consensual Homosexual relationships – how then can you say that the Bible condemns them?

Firstly, as we show here Homosexuality does not fit the Bible model of Marriage, as sanctioned by the Master, Jesus Christ. Secondly, Homosexual acts generally are condemned by the Bible – see here. It is true that Homosexual relationships such as those described find no place in Scripture – this is itself a good reason why they should find no place in the lives of those who seek to follow Scripture.

7. People can’t help the way they are – it’s not their fault that they are attracted to members of their own gender, rather than to the opposite sex – God made them that way, so why condemn them?

The Bible condemns homosexual acts, just as it condemns many other forms of sin. But men have all kinds of lusts and desires – it is part of the human constitution. The apostle Paul describes this as “sin which dwells within me” (Romans 7:17). It is true, that a person cannot help feeling those lusts and desires – but they can help whether or not they act on them. Once a person becomes enlightened by the Gospel, and they learn what is acceptable behaviour in the eyes of their Maker, they must abstain from unacceptable behaviour, whatever that might be, despite having sometimes strong urges and desires to do those things. It is important to make this distinction: the Bible does not condemn involuntary thoughts and desires, but it does condemn acts of sin.

The ecclesia at Corinth had members in it who were previously homosexuals. Whilst 1 Corinthians 6 tells us that those who practice this - and other sins - shall not enter into the Kingdom of God, verse 11 goes on to say:

"and such were some of you: but you were washed, but you were set apart, but you were declared right in the Name of the Master Jesus and by the Spirit of our God"

Some of them, therefore, had been Homosexuals, but finding a new life in Christ Jesus, they became washed from their sins and the defilement of their previous way of life, and were declared right in His Name. They were no longer under condemnation. Why? Becaused they ceased from fulfilling their natural lusts and desires - as all who seek to follow Christ must strive to do.

8. I am a Christadelphian, and I understand and accept the clear Bible teaching that Homosexual sex is not acceptible behaviour for believers. However, I have sexual feelings towards others of the same gender as myself. What help is available to me?

There are resources within the brotherhood, including professionals who are used to helping others to deal with this problem. If you need help in this area, please contact me in total and absolute confidence at this address:

chris{at}christadelphian.uk.com

And I will put you in touch with those who will be able to offer help and support to you. I can guarantee that all cases will be dealt with in total confidence.

9. Who are you?

My name is Christopher Maddocks, and I am a member of the Thanet Christadelphian Ecclesia (Central Fellowship) in Kent, UK. I have constructed this website, having taken counsel and advice from a number of concerned brethren and sisters, in order to “reprove” the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11), and demonstrate the standard of Morality as taught by Scripture. You can contact me at this address: chris{at}christadelphian.uk.com