In Their Own Words

by T. C. Pinckney, editor                                                                                   Vol. XI, No. 5, May 1998

This is the inaugural appearance of a new feature, “In Their Own Words.” Whereas “Heritage” presents the words of well-known Baptists (usually Southern Baptists) or other widely respected Christians, and “Anti-Heritage” brings you quotes of Southern Baptist liberals, “In Their Own Words” will offer quotations of leaders in other denominations in order that readers may see just how far some of these have strayed from biblical truth.

You can help me here at The Banner desk! As you do your normal reading, just keep The Banner in mind. If you run across something you believe would be of interest and help to your fellow readers (along the lines of “In Their Own Words,” “Anti-Heritage,” “Heritage,” or anything else), please send me a copy and include the bibliographical reference so I can give proper credit or seek permission if necessary. Thanks for your help. My address in Alexandria in on p 2 of every issue in the “Statement of Purpose” column.

Now to our first selection. The following letter to the editor was printed in The Washington Post of 1 April 1998, p A10. It is quoted in its entirety.

“The story about the Nebraska minister on trial before a church court for marrying a lesbian couple [front page, March 13] is in error on two points. (The minister since has been acquitted.) It says that no major Protestant denomination has officially sanctioned the ordination of open, practicing homosexuals, and that the United Church of Christ is silent on the issue.

“We are far from silent and have had a national policy since 1973 recommending to all our associations that homosexuality not be a bar to ordination but that associations consider a candidate's total view of human sexuality and its moral expression. We regularly celebrate the spiritual gifts of our gay and lesbian clergy and laity, and our many clergy who perform same-sex commitment services stand in solidarity with the Rev. Jimmy Creech of Omaha.

“THE REV. JAY LINTNER

Director, Washington Office

Office for Church in Society United Church of Christ

Washington”

I have read elsewhere that Mr. Creech was acquitted because a majority of the church court believed the rule he broke by marrying the lesbian couple was technically not a church law. Be that as it may, there can be no doubt that the Bible clearly includes homosexual practice as an “abomination” before God. And consequently, there can be no doubt that those who hold the views and follow the practices upheld by Reverends Creech and Lintner are trying to place themselves in positions of authority higher than God, denying His sovereignty, His right to rule. Equally regrettable, by refusing to confront the sin of the homosexual, they condone the sin and ignore opportunities to speak the best news possible to these poor lost souls.

We should be alert to and discerning of the attempts by Southern Baptist counterparts to Creech and Lintner to spread into our own pulpits and congregations the politically correct toleration of every view except that which is biblical. Further, we should pray for and witness to those poor lost souls enmeshed in the lie of homosexuality. When you have cancer, you do not want a doctor who is so “tender hearted” that he will not tell you the hard truth. When you are bound for hell, you do not benefit from a pastor who smiles, claps you on the back, and tells you everything is great. We should also pray for the salvation of such pastors.