Posted on 05/26/2015 7:06:25 PM PDT by ReformationFan
Some of our deepest challenges as believers involve dealing with the sins of others, particularly those whom we love. Whether it is a relative struggling with addiction, a best friend unfaithful to his spouse, or a loved one embracing sexual perversion we often feel caught between our genuine love for the sinner and our genuine revulsion at the sin. The bromide “Hate the sin, love the sinner,” while at least infused with a touch of wisdom, doesn’t typically answer all the hard questions.
When confronted with tough moral calls it’s often wise to slow down and define our terms. First, let’s consider what it means to attend a wedding. Attending a wedding is not at all like attending a concert, or going to a movie. First, when we attend a wedding we are endorsing it. There is a reason for the “publishing of the bans”- that part of marriage ceremony wherein the officiant asks for reasons the two should not be married. If we “hold our peace” we are in fact affirming the legitimacy of the wedding. Secondly, when we attend a wedding we are there to serve as witnesses of the vows. We are a legal party to the proceedings, with a call to see that the vows are kept. Is that something Christians should be doing?
It is true enough that there are plenty of reasons why Christians are called to object to some heterosexual marriages. Those unbiblically divorced are not in fact free to marry, and Christians should not attend such weddings either, for the same reasons. The argument isn’t that both parties are sinners, and therefore we shouldn’t go. All those who marry are sinners. The question is, is the wedding itself biblical?
Which brings us to our second term, “wedding.” One could argue that my original question is moot for the simple reason that there is no such thing as homosexual weddings. You can no more witness a homosexual wedding than you could draw a square circle. Weddings are between men and women. That said, those participating in these events believe they are participating in a wedding. Our attendance, no matter how well intentioned, encourages them in their delusion. Which is one key reason why they so object to our not attending their weddings, or our not beautifying them with cakes and flowers. If we won’t admit that the naked emperor is dressed to the nines, the state will be called and we will be ruined.
Homosexuality is at one and the same time like other sins and unlike other sins. It is like other sins in that it is forgivable, and a sin for which Jesus died. After all, such once were we (I Corinthians 6:9-11). While the behavior is rightly revolting, those caught up in it bear God’s image and are not beyond the reach of grace. It is unlike some sins, however, for two reasons. First, it is gross and heinous sin. The folly that all sins are equal has done great damage in the church and in the world. All sins are cosmic rebellion and are due the eternal wrath of God. But that doesn’t mean they are equal. Second, unlike most other sins, this is a sin that its practitioners insist is no sin at all. Greed is wicked, but we don’t have parades celebrating it. This is a sin that in our day glories in its shame. Do we really want to join in that glory by attending their “weddings?”
I know it is difficult. I know it is painful and can divide families. I know it makes us look to the world like bigots and haters. But that, friends, is a shame we truly can glory in, for He promises us blessing (Matthew 5:10-12). This doesn’t, of course, mean we abandon homosexuals, or have nothing to do with them. Jesus often met sinners where they were. But He always called them to come to Him. He calls us to do the same.
Should Christians attend the marriage of divorced persons?
That wasn’t the question.
Should Christians attend the marriage of divorced persons?
That’s the next question. And the one after that is, should Christians pick and choose what parts of the Bible they will follow? I think not.
The first major blow to traditional marriage came with the legal passage of no fault divorce, and the social acceptance of remarriage after a divorce. It’s been one long downhill ride since then.
My 19 year old recently “came out” as being bi-sexual. She brought it up again last night and I told her I wasn’t going to sugar coat it- it’s sin, there is a real spiritual battle we engage in daily, demons and angels are both real, and she needs deliverance. If she felt she was born that way, then she was under a curse of the generations that needed to be broken. I was in deliverance ministry before I was married and there was no chance she was changing my mind on her situation. I’ll always love her, but sin is sin. No, I would never attend her wedding to a same sex partner, and that person would not be welcome in my home- those demons aren’t being brought under my roof with my permission. She plans to change her name. I told her, “you could tell me you think you’re a martian named Dave....” Aside from deliverance ministry, I’m also an RN and I was taught in psych nursing you don’t feed into someone’s delusion. This is the new challenge of teenage rebellion- homosexuality, and there is a multitude of validation for it and makes them someone special, not just an average teenager. I won’t accept homosexual behavior any more than I’d accept drug/alcohol use, straight sex outside of marriage, or any other practice of continuing wantonly in sin.
I’m so sorry.
I am as God made me, sickened by homosexuality.
No.
Will there be an open bar???
No
Especially since there is no such thing.
There are occasions where people put on costumes and speak lines.
They are no more "weddings" than a performance of Henry V is really the Battle of Agincourt.
Depends. Do you live next door to Ted Cruz?
:)
We were invited to a gay wedding. I sent the RSVP card back with a small gift. Done.
Good point, but I suspect that most Americans will be willing participants at such events when called upon.
That the question even needs to be asked is a sign just how far many have fallen. It’s a no brainer.
Next question: Would a Christian attending/endorsing a fake ‘wedding’ risk his salvation?
That might have been me. Weddings involve so much hypocrisy, mendacity, tackiness, and snobbery I just prefer to avoid them, even family weddings. I refuse to send gifts as I view invitations as a demand for a gift and people today can pretty afford to get what they need without the extra help.
So my feelings are that folks just avoid all the drama, go get married and put that money you would have blown on a wedding in a sensible mutual fund and invest it for the long haul.
I believe yours is the best answer—I feel the same way.
The most recent weddings I have been to (going back let’s say 5-10 years) the couple lived together before they married; sometimes one (or both!) were divorced; sometimes one (or both!) had a child (or a few) ... The brides (to my memory) all wore white (expensive gowns, veils, etc) and whether a “church” or civil ceremony, there were at least a half dozen attendants, thousands in flowers, limos, horse drawn carriages...you get the picture. They were visual productions of excess not necessarily the forming of a union to last all the ages...
I’ve also seen weddings go from “gift registry” to “Honeymoon” registry...I mean who doesn’t want to chip in so the newlyweds can snorkel in the Gulf of Mexico?
Sadly, two grooms, brides, etc seems the (in)natural progression in the Industrial Bridal Complex.
Heh, if it was you, I loved the post!
All so true...
No.
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