What is the theological justification for my pastor friending gay men on Facebook?

Upvote:0

Theological justifications for behaviors are odd things. Often there are many possible justifications for any single behavior, with different claims to validity on different bases that would be interpreted differently by different communities. A question like this gets tricky because it depends on the theological assumptions that you, your pastor, and your church hold in common and as individuals.

That said, it sounds like you and your pastor hold in common a theological assumption about the sinfulness of h*m*sexuality, although it sounds like the actual nature of that agreement may be up in the air. For instance, it's possible that, even though you broadly agree that h*m*sexuality is sinful, you may differ in particulars such as whether or not that applies to identity or only to behavior, or whether orientation is chosen or predetermined—h*m*sexuality is not just one question, but a subject about which one might hold a range of beliefs on a number of questions. So perhaps you and your pastor share some views, but differ on other points.

The reason this is important to providing an answer to your question about whether or not it is hypocritical is because accusing someone of acting hypocritically means to claim that their actions do not match up with their proclaimed beliefs. In this case, it may very well be hypocritical if the pastor is in fact acting out things that he is preaching to the church. However, what seems more likely is that your pastor is trying to act out his beliefs , which are in some nuanced way, slightly different than your interpretation of his beliefs. Perhaps by some conversation, you can learn more about what it is specifically he does believe on the subject, and then weigh for yourself how that relates to your own views.

That said, I am certainly disposed to agree with what Affable Geek said on the subject in the earlier answer.

Upvote:1

Am I being judgmental?

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5 that we should be judges within the church: “Do you not judge those who are within the church?” (NASB). He doesn't mean that we are to judge their hearts—which only God knows—but we certainly should judge them “by their fruit” (Mt 12:33) for the sake of the honor of God (i.e. Christians are supposed to be his ambassadors to the world) but also to help other Christians by holding them accountable so that they will turn away from sin.

Paul’s advice to “remove the wicked man from among yourselves” is supposed to be a kind of “tough love” so that the person will consider the gravity of the situation, change, and return to the fellowship. Paul’s aim is always to lead people to Jesus.

Galatians 6:1-2 (NASB)
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one 4in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Upvote:7

There is an implicit suggestion in your question that ordained clergy should not be associating with sinners in this question. Theologically, that implicit suggestion is nearly impossible to square with the example of Jesus.

As one example of many, consider Mark 2:

15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of[a] the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat[b] with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Jesus angered the religious establishment of his day by hanging out with prostitutes, tax collectors, and other sinners. Jesus' mission was precisely to these people.

As a pastor, I have friended gay men on Facebook. On Facebook, I friended a man who was caught embezzling $500,000, and then shot himself. In prison, I have made real-world friendships with murderers, drug dealers, and one man who molested his own daughter for years. In practice, I have found it very difficult to share the Good News with people that I am unwilling to associate with. And yet, these seem to be the same people Jesus loved and went to first.

Do these things detract from my witness? If by that you mean, "Do they project an air that somehow I am less than perfect?" then I hope so! If by, "Do they make me less like Jesus? Well, the Jesus I know would have done the same thing.

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