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Local Church Sports Outreach Ministry & Gender Issues #7 - The Relevance of Leviticus 18 & 209/16/2015 Local Church Sports Ministry and Gender Issues
The blogs in this series are excerpts from Dr. Linville’s yet to be released book. They explore the realities occurring in local church Sports Outreach Ministries in relationship to an evolving culture and shifting trends within sport, The Church and society in general. This blog examines Leviticus chapters 18 & 20 as they specifically relate to homosexual activity and same gender marriage. The end goal of this Biblical exegesis is to aide local church Sports & Recreation Ministers comprehend, and proactively structure, their outreaches with theological clarity, relational love and cultural sensitivity to all involved. The Process The process for this series of blogs consists primarily of reviewing the work of others (scholars, apologists, preachers, thinkers) in reference to the selected passages and articulating the relevant issues with an end goal of encouraging readers to study the resources listed below and draw conclusions that can assist them in conceptualizing and implementing a Christ-honoring sports outreach ministry that is relevant, sensitive and loving. Leviticus 18 & 20 The difference in opinion continues between the revisionist and traditionalist camps. This time it is focused on the interpretation of Chapters 18 & 20 of the book of Leviticus. The revisionist view states the Leviticus passages are not relevant to today because they were part of a “holiness code” that only applied to the specific time and culture of ancient Judaism. In addition, this view stresses the overall message communicated in “holiness code” has more to do with perceiving God than sexuality. Those offering this view also downplay the emphasis on the word “abomination” when it is uniquely applied in both of the Leviticus passages to homosexual sin. The revisionist believes abomination is also used to describe an action or activity restricted to a specific time and place, and are, highly offended when it is wrongly (often mean-spiritedly) used to egregiously harm well-meaning homosexuals. One point of divergence from prior points of the revisionist argument has to do with the absence of one of the main planks in the ongoing case to prove the biblical defense of homosexual activity. Prior (and yet to come) passages which deal with homosexual activity have been interpreted by revisionists to state the biblical condemnations only apply to violent homosexual rape, not loving and respectful homosexual activity and relationships. In regards to this, revisionists are demonstrating prudence in their biblical interpretation because neither the Leviticus verses nor their context warrants such a rendering. The traditional view offers a decidedly different perspective. Traditionalists agree with revisionists that the holiness code found in Leviticus 17.1-27.34 is ultimately more about God than sexuality. However, they strongly disagree with the revisionist view that the holiness code should be thus relegated to an ancient time and summarily dismissed. They believe revisionist’s views are based upon poor biblical interpretation and fallacious logic. Traditionalists argue the holiness code is very much concerned with how God perceives and prescribes many things, including sexuality; and it is both foundational and relevant for Christian ethics for all time, not just ancient Judaism. Furthermore, traditionalist point out the vital significance of the holiness code is affirmed by the harsh punishments (including at points, death) for not following the code. This view also very strongly disagrees with the interpretation of the word abomination, showing how it is uniquely associated with both verses concerning homosexual sin and moreover, how beyond the passages in question, it is used throughout the bible in conjunction with particularly disturbing sin, including homosexual sin. To these and other relevant points, Kevin DeYoung’s discussion of the Leviticus verses is very convincing. Identifying the Issues When this section of scripture is added to the two previous passages (The Creation Narratives and Genesis 19) the result is decidedly in the traditionalist’s favor. The revisionist’s “arduous uphill battle” has been dealt a significant blow. A blow that could only be overcome by a decisive counter found in the teachings of Christ and/or the Apostles or a compelling a priori. The overwhelming weakness of the revisionist view is in at least two areas: a) it summarily dismisses the entire holiness code as being irrelevant for any other time and culture than ancient Judaism; and b) the traditionalist view also points out there is nothing in these chapters which could be construed as justifying a loving, consensual homosexual activity as compared to condemning violent homosexual rape which has been a large part of the revisionist argument up to this point. However, there are still a few important passages needing to be interpreted and the consideration of the afore-mentioned a priori before a final assessment can be made. Then, there is the still further journey on how to apply the interpretations and assessments in sensitive and loving ways within a local church Sports Outreach Ministry. Next week’s blog will begin to explore Romans Chapter 1. This blog is an excerpt from Dr. Linville's yet to be released book. All rights reserved. For any reproduction right, including copying, computer reproduction, etc. contact: Dr. Greg Linville at CSRM International C/O The World Outreach Center 5350 Broadmoor Circle N. W. Canton, Ohio – USA 44709 or glinville@csrm.org Other blogs and articles on Local Church Sports, sports theology and ethics written by Dr. Greg Linville are archived at: www.csrm.org A Plea For Grace This set of blogs discusses the most socially charged issue of the current day. The author seeks truth; desires to provide both questions and answers to further the discussion; engage in civil discourse; and most importantly provide a haven for love and grace. I encourage all readers to: “know your mind, but not have your mind made up.” As Martin Luther stated, I believe we should be open to being persuaded by Holy Scripture and evident reason (logic). I start by asking for grace when I don’t use the right term to describe something or someone, and I plead for forgiveness when I offend someone due to my own fallen nature which may lead to unintentional insensitivity, ignorance or hurtful language. My intent is not to hurt or injure anyone, but rather, it is to seek Christ’s will for all of us who are attempting to follow Jesus as we travel this path together. Recommended Books & References consulted for this series of Blogs – A select list…
Local Church Sports Ministry and Gender Issues
The blogs in this series are excerpts from Dr. Linville’s yet to be released book. They explore the realities occurring in local church Sports Outreach Ministries in relationship to an evolving culture and shifting trends within sport, The Church and society in general. This blog examines Genesis chapter 19 as it specifically relates to homosexual activity and same gender marriage. The end goal of this Biblical exegesis is to aide local church Sports & Recreation Ministers comprehend, and proactively structure, their outreaches with theological clarity, relational love and sensitivity to all involved. The Process The process for this series of blogs consists primarily of referencing the work of others (scholars, apologists, preachers, thinkers) in reference to the selected passages, articulating the relevant issues, and drawing a few conclusions. Readers are highly recommended to read the resources listed below for a far more in depth look at these passages. Creation Narrative Accounts –Genesis 19 Once again, there are two diametrically opposed views about the narrative of Genesis 19. Mel White and others argue for what might be considered a revisionist view, whereas DeYoung, Stanton, Stott and others hold to the historical traditional view. These are both neutral terms to differentiate between the two different communities and are not meant to elevate or denigrate either group. The revisionist view claims the main issue for God’s condemnation of the city of Sodom has to do with the arrogance exhibited by its inhabitants…an arrogance that led to deep ungodliness on many fronts beyond human sexuality. This viewpoint also believes that the sin of the people of Sodom being referred to as abomination in Ezekiel was the sin of arrogance, not homosexual activity per se. However, White and others do acknowledge there was a specific homosexual activity condemned in Genesis 19. This specific type of homosexual activity is akin to rape and other abusive actions towards victims. Thus, White and others emphasize this passage does not condemn all homosexual activity, but rather only the victimization of another, be it homosexual or heterosexual rape and other forms of evil mistreatment and abuse. The traditional view offers a decidedly different point-of-view. Traditionalists appeal to one main opposing argument: a Biblical a priori argument. They maintain the rest of the Bible consistently condemns all homosexual activity (rape or otherwise), and this passage does nothing to counter that a priori. They do find common ground with White’s assessment that the sin of Sodom encompassed much more than homosexual evil, and God’s condemnation was levied for more than homosexual sin. They would further agree with White that any kind of rape or abuse is thoroughly condemned throughout the Bible be it hetero or homosexual. However, they very much counter White’s belief about what the word abomination refers to. They believe White uses a very faulty translation of Ezekiel 16.44-50 to substantiate his view that abomination refers to the arrogance of the men of Sodom. They claim the word abomination referred to by Ezekiel in verse 50 is clearly referencing any/all homosexual activity as an abomination – not arrogance. The main point of the traditional argument is again based on the totality of what the Bible teaches in reference to God’s condemnation and destruction of Sodom. The consensus of a traditionalist view is that the overarching teaching of the Bible, as found in many specific passages, states clearly that homosexual activity is a sin, and in yet additional passages, the Bible assumes (does nothing to counter the teaching) the sin of Sodom included the sin of homosexual activity, not just homosexual rape. The traditionalist community also maintains that all extra-Biblical references support the belief that the sin of Sodom was homosexual activity. I believe those holding this view would agree this passage cannot be used to defend homosexual activity as being Biblically defensible, and that while not clearly condemning homosexual activity in and of itself, it does not in any way support a revisionist view. Identifying the Issues When this passage is added to the previous passage (The Creation Narratives) the result is not much ground is gained by either side of the debate. Revisionist’s arguments still face an arduous uphill battle and traditionalist’s arguments remain inconclusive, although Genesis 19 would certainly fall in line with many other of the traditionalist views. As will become apparent over the next blogs in this series, what a local church determines to be biblical (Level #1 Theological Truth) will greatly inform how they organize (Level #2 Philosophical Principles) and eventually expedite their Sports Outreach Ministry (Level #3 Methodological Models). This organization will be guided by what a church believes about homosexual activity and those who claim to be homosexuals. Next week’s blog will begin to explore Leviticus 18 & 20. This blog is an excerpt from Dr. Linville's yet to be released book. All rights reserved. For any reproduction right, including copying, computer reproduction, etc. contact: Dr. Greg Linville at CSRM International C/O The World Outreach Center 5350 Broadmoor Circle N. W. Canton, Ohio – USA 44709 or glinville@csrm.org Other blogs and articles on Local Church Sports, sports theology and ethics written by Dr. Greg Linville are archived at: www.csrm.org A Plea For Grace This set of blogs discusses the most socially charged issue of the current day. The author is seeks truth; desires to provide both questions and answers to further the discussion; engage in civil discourse; and most importantly provide a haven for love and grace. I encourage all readers to: “know your mind, but not have your mind made up.” As Martin Luther stated, I believe we should be open to being persuaded by Holy Scripture and evident reason (logic). I start by asking for grace when I don’t use the right term to describe something or someone, and I plead for forgiveness when I offend someone due to my own fallen nature which may lead to unintentional insensitivity, ignorance or hurtful language. My intent is not to hurt or injure anyone, but rather, it is to seek Christ’s will for all of us who are attempting to follow Jesus as we travel this path together. Recommended Books & References consulted for this series of Blogs – A select list…
Local Church Sports Ministry and Gender Issues
The blogs in this series are excerpts from Dr. Linville’s yet to be released book. They explore the realities occurring in local church Sports Outreach Ministries in relationship to an evolving culture and shifting trends within sport, The Church and society in general. This blog examines the Creation Narratives as they specifically relate to homosexual activity and same gender marriage. The end goal of this Biblical exegesis is to aide local church Sports & Recreation Ministers comprehend, and proactively structure, their outreaches with theological clarity and relational love and sensitivity. Introduction to the Process The process for this series of blogs in terms of contemplating each of the passages, consists primarily of referencing the work of others: scholars, apologists, preachers, thinkers and then articulating the issues and drawing a few conclusions. Creation Narrative Accounts –Genesis 1 & 2 There is a definite difference of opinion about the Creation Narratives when it comes to determining a biblical ethic regarding homosexual activity. Dr. Mel While states the narrative accounts say nothing about homosexuality and therefore can’t be used to condemn homosexual activity and relationships. Kevin DeYoung has a completely different take on the Creation narratives. I believe DeYoung would agree with White to the point that the word homosexual is not used anywhere in the passage yet his main rationale for determining the passage condemns such activity is based on a much more significant biblical/theological foundation. In essence, DeYoung utilizes a valid theological principle in regards to hermeneutics (bible interpretation) called biblical apriori. This means the bible communicates doctrines, and the ethics that emerge from such doctrines, in overarching themes which are found throughout the bible. For DeYoung, the Creation Narratives clearly establish the foundation for the broader biblical support of hetero-sexuality and marriage being reserved for one man and one woman. On the importance of biblical aprioris, I believe White would agree with DeYoung, although not as DeYoung interprets this passage. As I understand White, he uses the apriori strategy to support his position for love being the highest ethic (see below). White would not agree Genesis 1&2 support traditional hetero-sexual marriage. I would encourage everyone to read DeYoung’s clearly articulated 5 rationales for believing Genesis 1 & 2 support marriage to be reserved only for one man and one woman, and also read White’s equally clear articulation of the Creation Narratives in his 5th premise of his apologetic for homosexual activity and marriage. The stark contrast could not be more apparent. Identifying the Issues If the Creation Narratives do in fact provide the foundation for hetero-sexual, monogamous marriage and activity as DeYoung believes, then White’s argument faces an arduous uphill battle. If White’s argument is irrefutable then at best, it leaves room for his main rationale for homosexual activity and marriage….which rests significantly on his 7th premise which raises the biblical apriori “love ethic” above all others. As will become apparent over the next weeks, what a local church determines to be biblical (Level #1 Theological Truth) will greatly inform how they organize (Level #2 Philosophical Principles) and eventually expedite their Sports Outreach Ministry (Level #3 Methodological Models). Next week’s blog will begin to explore Genesis 19 in regards to homosexual activity. This blog is an excerpt from Dr. Linville's yet to be released book. All rights reserved. For any reproduction right, including copying, computer reproduction, etc. contact: Dr. Greg Linville at CSRM International C/O The World Outreach Center 5350 Broadmoor Circle N. W. Canton, Ohio – USA 44709 or glinville@csrm.org Other blogs and articles on Local Church Sports, sports theology and ethics written by Dr. Greg Linville are archived at: www.csrm.org A Plea For Grace This set of blogs discusses the most socially charged issue of the current day. The author is seeks truth; desires to provide both questions and answers to further the discussion; engage in civil discourse; and most importantly provide a haven for love and grace. I encourage all readers to: “know your mind, but not have your mind made up.” As Martin Luther stated, I believe we should be open to being persuaded by Holy Scripture and evident reason (logic). I start by asking for grace when I don’t use the right term to describe something or someone, and I plead for forgiveness when I offend someone due to my own fallen nature which may lead to unintentional insensitivity, ignorance or hurtful language. My intent is not to hurt or injure anyone, but rather, it is to seek Christ’s will for all of us who are attempting to follow Jesus as we travel this path together. Recommended Books & References consulted for this series of Blogs – A select list…
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