Posted on 02/24/2020 6:54:56 AM PST by Kaslin
According to a new Lifeway Research survey, while 47 percent of “mainline” pastors now support same-sex “marriage,” only 8 percent of evangelical pastors do. More specifically, “Presbyterian or Reformed (49%), Methodist (47%), Lutheran (35%) and Christian/Church of Christ pastors (20%) are more likely to see nothing wrong with same-sex marriage than Baptist (3%) or Pentecostal pastors (1%).”
None of this is surprising in the least.
First, as noted by Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research, “The movement we see among pastors’ views of same-sex marriage has less to do with their denominational tradition than their view of the Bible.”
Accordingly, those who hold most faithfully to the authority of Scripture will be the least inclined to change their views on homosexuality. Put another way, those who believe the Bible to be God’s inspired, unchanging Word will be the least likely to compromise their convictions based on societal changes.
“An evangelical distinctive,” McConnell continued, “is the ultimate authority the Bible has over one’s beliefs despite changing cultural perspectives. It is not surprising then that evangelical pastors across different denominations continue to view same-sex marriage as wrong through this lens.”
That’s because the Bible is unambiguous in its condemnation of homosexual unions. Under all circumstances, regardless of how much love or commitment is involved, they are sinful in God’s sight and contrary to His established order.
At the same time, mercy and forgiveness are offered for all, including practicing homosexuals. The Word is equally clear on this (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
That’s why, when I had a mini-debate with “gay Christian” poster boy Matthew Vines, he could not offer a single Scripture verse in support of his position. (For a graphic illustration of the scriptural bankruptcy of the “gay Christian” argument, see here.)
When it comes to “mainline” pastors, which these days primarily refers to “progressive” or “liberal” pastors, they are more inclined to interpret Scripture through the lens of contemporary culture than to evaluate contemporary culture through the lens of Scripture.
As a result, they are more likely to disbelieve fundamental, biblical truths, including: the Bible as God’s infallible Word; salvation coming only through Jesus; the virgin birth and the resurrection; eternal reward and eternal punishment.
That’s why it’s no surprise that these same pastors, who have waffled on the most foundational issues, will waffle on things like gay “marriage” too. What else could we expect?
Ironically, it is the Pentecostals, who are often derided for their belief that the Spirit continues to speak today, who are the most conservative of all, with only 1 percent of their pastors affirming same-sex “marriage.”
But that, too, should come as no surprise. That’s because the reason Pentecostals believe that prophecy and tongues are for today is because they believe that the Word of God means what it says. That’s also why they reject same-sex “marriage.”
Pentecostals also emphasize the importance of the new birth and life in the Spirit. This means that the vast majority of their adherents will have a greater devotion to the Lord and His Word than those of “mainline” churches, which often downplay the concept of personal relationship with God.
All this would be in keeping with a 10-country religious survey published in 2006, titled, “Spirit and Power – A Ten Country Survey of Pentecostals.”
The survey indicated that, “In addition to their distinctive religious experiences, renewalists also stand out for the intensity of their belief in traditional Christian doctrines and practices. For instance, in eight of the 10 countries surveyed (all except the U.S. and Chile), majorities of nonrenewalist Christians believe that the Bible is the word of God and is to be taken literally, word for word; but this view is even more common among pentecostals than among non-renewalist Christians. Similarly, large majorities of all Christians, renewalists and nonrenewalists alike, believe that miracles still occur today as in ancient times. But this belief tends to be even more intense among pentecostals and, to a lesser extent, charismatics than among nonrenewalist Christians.”
It is true that, according to the recent Lifeway Research survey, the more educated the pastor, the more likely he (or she) was to accept same-sex “marriage.” Specifically, “Those with a doctorate (27%) or a master’s degree (32%) are more likely to support same-sex marriage than pastors with a bachelor’s degree (9%) or no college degree (6%).”
But, once again, it is also more likely that many of those who pursued more advanced degrees view the Bible through a more modernist lens than those who chose not to pursue such degrees. Education, in and of itself, does not guarantee orthodoxy. This is especially so when the seminaries attended are themselves liberal.
Interestingly, “Pastors of churches with fewer than 50 in attendance are more likely to see nothing wrong with two people of the same gender getting married (33%) than those at churches with 100 or more in attendance (19%).”
This would confirm what I have written about numerous times, namely, that “progressive Christianity” is doomed to fail.
That’s why, while 47 percent of “mainline” pastors now affirm same-sex relations, they represent an increasingly small minority of American pastors as a whole as their congregations are dwindling. In stark contrast, Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity is exploding around the globe.
One group adheres more faithfully to the Word and relies on the Spirit’s power. The other does not.
The results are as expected.
Segregate out UCC from other Churches of Christ.
Matthew 7:22-23
The article is unfair in that it lumps the orthodox and liberal denominations with the same origin together. I am certain, for example, that you would find 90% of ELCA Lutheran pastors supporting homosexual marriage, but only 1 or 2% of LCMS, just like the evangelicals; throw the two denominations together and you get 45%.
Thank you!
Those denominations that allow women in the ministry are in favor of other aberrations of doctrine.
I go to a Christian church. I don’t know of a single member there - including staff - that is pro same-sex marriage.
I don’t know that you’d call us “evangelical” though. I don’t really know what that label means any more.
At the same time, mercy and forgiveness are offered for all, including practicing homosexuals. The Word is equally clear on this (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
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It is? I think this person needs to re-read (and take seriously) Scripture. If you want to integrate practicing homosexuality with Christianity, then just admit you’ve created a new religion.
My opinion doesn’t matter - “What sayeth the word of God”?
I’ll go as far as saying “If there is anything in your life that would cause you to abandon your faith, you don’t really have that faith”.
I keep hearing people say “I left the faith because someone criticized....”. If someone can say something that causes you to “fall from grace”, you are the problem
The irony is that churches which try to “go with the times” are the ones losing membership, the exact opposite of what the “reformers” predict.
A number of years ago we had a senior female leader from the Synod come to the church to discuss homosexuality at our Uniting Church in Australia. The parishioners were split up into discussion groups. Mitch5501 opened up the bible to read from it. Her reaction was “Well I’d we are going to bring the Bible into it we may as well stop now”. Never a truer word spoken but not for the reasons she thought. God’s word is clear on this matter. End of story
Those with a history of being an established State Church all tend to go along to get along with whatever the secular authority says and does as well.
Forgiveness is there for practicing homosexuals if they repent and cease practicing, same as for every other sinner and we all are.
Interestingly, “Pastors of churches with fewer than 50 in attendance are more likely to see nothing wrong with two people of the same gender getting married (33%) than those at churches with 100 or more in attendance (19%).”
In other words, if you want a Christian church that follows the Bible (which should be a given for Christians), go Baptist or Pentecostal.
I wouldn’t go so far as to give a blanket approval to all Baptists. Most are grounded in scriptural truth but there are significant outliers. Baptist churches are independent. This is good if for instance whatever central authority they have (such as the SBC) goes off the rails on something, but it’s bad when smaller groups or an individual church goes off the rails.
Bump for later
I agree, but the wording was vague. It wasn’t clear whether the they to get to continue practicing. The way mainline churches are drifting today is that they get to remain a practicing homosexual AND attain salvation through faith.
Same with “Prebyterian and Reformed.”
PCUSA and RCA have jumped the rails.
There are conservative offshoots that are sticking with Scripture.
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