I don’t get many comments on this blog, which may be a good thing (remembering Thumper’s  advice in Bambi: “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all”). Ironically, sometimes the negative comments I get here inspire interesting fodder for blog posts. And a comment last week from someone called Gay Christian has made me think about my foundational reasons for beginning this blog ten months ago.

Although I responded to Gay Christian in the Comments Section of the post in question, the attitude (or should I say the assumption?) that I suspect motivated the comment prompted me to consider writing an expanded essay on why I persist in confronting various topics (including homosexuality) from a conservative Christian perspective. I believe we benefit from periodically clarifying our reasons for whatever we do. In the case of The Outspoken TULIP, I believe it helps both my readers and me to make such a clarification.

In essence, Gay Christian sought to shame me for my pejorative tone toward homosexuality. Having known many people who struggled with homosexuality throughout my life, I’m not as insensitive to the pain of homosexuality as some might suppose. I do sympathize with people who experience same sex attractions, and I understand that (on one level) such attractions feel involuntary. Therefore I can see how my stance on the sinfulness of homosexuality hurts those who, believing same sex attraction to be “who they are,” take offense at my denunciation of that sin.

As much as I do sympathize with the anguish of believing that one is inescapably gay, however, I cannot permit my sympathetic feelings to adulterate my commitment to accept Scripture’s condemnation of it. Frankly, it would be ever so much more pleasant for me to adjust my theology to the culture’s acceptance of homosexuality. It would, for that matter, be easier to adjust my theology to accommodate Beth Moore, Holy Yoga, seeker-sensitive church growth strategies, contemplative prayer or any of the other compromises that present-day evangelicals make. It really appeals to my flesh to write a fun blog that makes everyone comfortable and happy.

I’d probably get more readers if I did that sort of blog.

And I could have stayed on Blogger, saving $99 a year, writing about my digital art projects and excursions into Boston with my wonderful husband John.

But I started this particular blog because I actually believe the Bible, as nothing less than the very Word of God, means exactly what it says about all these issues–including homosexuality. Even though my commitment to Scripture results in writing things that offend those who prefer a more liberal approach to Christianity, I can’t make that type of compromise. Not when I know that the Lord Jesus Christ holds me accountable to represent Him accurately.

Since last June’s Obergefell decision (and maybe even before), I’ve known that Bible-believing Christians in America have little time left to freely proclaim the Gospel and   biblical doctrine. People enslaved to homosexuality need to hear the good news that Christ can free them to live holy lives. That may not mean that He’ll eradicate their homosexual desires. Like their heterosexual counterparts who never get the opportunity to marry, they will need God’s grace to live celibate lifestyles.

Having been single until a month before my 49th birthday, I genuinely understand the frustration of celibacy. But I also firmly believe God’s Word must be proclaimed and obeyed…even at the expense of earthly happiness.

So again, I write The Outspoken TULIP to honor Christ, even when doing so means going against popular opinion. Gay Christians, Beth Moore fans and others, if they choose to read my articles, should expect to read things that challenge their presuppositions. And it’s fine if they respectfully voice their disagreement in my Comments Section. If they can properly use Scripture to correct my errors, I welcome such correction. But don’t imagine that you can bully me into compromising God’s Word just because it makes you as uncomfortable as it makes me.

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