Anti-Gay Hypocrisy?

Recently, Minneapolis Lutheran pastor Tom Brock was "outed" by a pro-homosexuality magazine calling the pastor a hypocrite for teaching from the pulpit that homosexuality is a sin to be repented of while attending a gay support group. Setting aside the controversy over the journalism methodology (which makes the undercover expose appear to be backfiring for the author), I just don't see this as a case of hypocrisy.

Tom Brock led a church that was part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). After many years of opposing the organization's liberal, gospel-denying tendencies, his church decided to leave the ELCA after last year's decision to allow self-identified gay pastors. Brock, who has a daily radio show on the Twin Cities AM Christian talk radio station KKMS, has spoken often about the drifting away of the ELCA and every church's need to stay faithful to the truth of the Bible. Publicly, Brock has consistently emphasized his committment to Scripture, including the truth of the sin of homosexuality. While I disagree with Brock on various theological issues, I believe he has stood firm on the gospel; including the reality of sin.

Because of his consistency in proclaiming that homosexuality is a sin to be repented of, I don't see how his attending a Christian support group for those struggling with homosexuality is hypocrisy. He is admitting his struggle with sin and seeking out help to turn from it. Many Christians need support in overcoming their bondage to various sins. Homosexuals aren't a special breed of sinner that cannot be saved. The cross of Christ covers all who turn from sin. This case appears to be an example of someone who recognizes his sin and is calling out to God for cleansing from that sin. This is not hypocrisy; it is actually quite consistent with the gospel Pastor Brock preaches.

NOTE:
For a gentle, biblical treatment of homosexuality, check out Matt Chandler's Seminar.

Book Review: Reasons We Believe

If you’ve spent any time defending your faith or even simply listening to popular media, you have heard many objections to the Christian faith. These objections become so common that it is likely that you even here the same few repeatedly. Instead of seeking out answers that are available in a plethora of formats, they continue to promote the same, tired excuses not to believe in order to ease their conscience. But simply answering questions isn’t going to regenerate the soul in bondage to sin. Even with truth clearly presented, people will continue to “suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18). Only the Holy Spirit through the power of the Word of God can soften a hard heart and regenerate the soul.

From this perspective, Nathan Busentiz writes his book Reasons We Believe: 50 Lines of Evidence That Confirm the Christian Faith. Throughout the book he simply presents what the Bible says and how it applies to a Christian defense. Too often in our apologetical zeal we are led down rabbit trails and forget that our aim is to present Scripture and proclaim the gospel. We get trapped in defending against insignificant claims or present “evidence” that has no bearing on the gospel. Busenitz does a nice job of using Scripture and letting the Word of God speak; trusting the Spirit to do the work on the heart.

Reasons We Believe is organized into six sections; the first as an introduction to faith that uses reason and five sections dealing with the evidence. The five sections include Reasons We Believe in God, Reasons We Believe the Bible, and Reasons We Believe in Jesus, and they are broken down into ten short sections explaining each piece of evidence to consider. Most of the chapters are only a few pages long, but they guide the reader to all he needs to know on the topic. Busenitz introduces the line of evidence, presents the Scripture that applies, and reasons through the effect the evidence has on our understanding of Christianity. Throughout its pages the book references a broad spectrum of Christian sources and cites them in footnotes that are helpful for further study.

While Reasons We Believe isn’t an exhaustive source for apologetics, it is a great place to get a summary of important evidences for the Christian faith and a good starting point for those who want to dig deep. Nathan Busenitz has written the book in a way that a person can either read a few pages to pick up helpful information or spend hours researching the concepts he presents.

The Trellis and the Vine Giveaway

Boy do I need to get back to this blog. I have fallen behind with a busy spring and planning our adoption. This summer looks to be a lot more open to get back to posting and reviewing books.

One book I hope to review soon is The Trellis and the Vine. As of right now my book buying budget is sitting hopelessly at ZERO. Then along comes Mike Leake, and his blog Borrowed Light, offering to give on away for free. Enter the drawing and see if you can win (please let me borrow it to write a review for our church).