But later on he says, “It would not help pro-gay liberals, he said, because Paul and his readers clearly agreed that homosexuality was “as obviously immoral as idol worship or disobedience to parents.”
Deceptive article. The author seems trying to leave the impression that Williams thinks “anti-gay” Christians are wrong. Homosexuality and Idol worship both lead to spiritual death.
I think this was confusing, too. While I believe we are not to judge others, which is clearly taught in Scripture, and I am a firm supporter of that, we are also to guard the Truth. To allow anyone in as a church leader who does not hold to the Truth is to allow Satan in. When he gets a toehold, it is over for that church. Besides, listen to the admonishing of gay pastors towards non-gays. Not exactly non-judgmental, either. They clearly misinterpret Scripture to hold their lifestyle as being a saintly one. Salvation is more than showing love towards others. I know some wonderful people who are gay, and I am friendly with them. If they ever asked how I feel about their lifestyle, I would have to be honest that I don’t feel that God sanctions that lifestyle. But I do feel that God is the One who must convict them in their heart of right or wrong. But to hold up gays in the clergy is to openly say that homosexuality is okay, according to Scripture, and that is not possible.
I fear the ABC’s idol is unity at all costs.
That's true. OTOH, Williams is correct in saying that Romans strongly cautions Christians against self-righteousness, which is the same sin of which the Pharisees were guilty.
Yes, homosexual activity is sinful. But so are the things we do. For whatever reason, we cannot help sinning, and all sinfulness leads to spiritual death. Our only recourse is to confess, repent, and ask for His forgiveness again, and again, and again -- whether our sin is homosexual activity, or something else.
Look at Romans 1:26-32. It's a plain fact that there are those who wield Romans 1:26-27 like an axe. The problem is that they forget to see their (our) own failings within the rest of the passage. Romans is not about homosexuality, it is about the fact that all people sin in many different ways.
The greater sin of homosexual activists is to insist despite the clear meaning of Scripture, that their actions are "moral." And the greater sin of people like us is to forget to love the sinners as we bash them with Romans 1:26-27.