Posted on 06/29/2015 8:24:16 AM PDT by OrangeHoof
Then it’s on the church to deny them membership in the first place. Church membership is based on the person’s ability and willingness to lead a Bible-based life. Homosexuality disqualifies them from the start.
And if they are not openly homosexual until time to have their union blessed by the church?
Actually, homosexuality does not, of itself, disqualify one as a Christian. However, continuing to be homosexually active does.
membership in the church “in good standing” mean following church doctrine, doubtful that sexually active homosexuals will meet the adherence to Biblical doctrine standard based on their lifestyle and professed belief
even now divorced Catholics may be parishioners but they cannot be married in the Church, nor can they marry partners of different faiths
I believe however that there will be churches that sanctify sodomy so there will be denominations and congregations for diverse beliefs, if they will live and let live for those who differ
Let our Maker sort that out
I understand; but I have no doubt that for “the good of the cause” a couple of homosexuals could remain closeted long enough and tightly enough to be deemed “members in good standing”, then have the civil ceremony immediately upon acceptance....and bingo! you have a lawsuit.
1) Insist that every wedding that takes place at your church must first be screened by the elder board or a marriage consultant who is affiliated with the church. Many hetero couples are not ready for marriage and this screening body is already in use at many churches for the means of advising couples if they are not suitable yet to become spouses.
2) Document hetero cases where this consulting board has turned down weddings based on the church's belief that the couple are not ready.
Thus when the gay test case comes to your church, your answer can be: "Our church screens all prospective marriage couples for their suitability and compatibility in marriage and we decline to marry those we believe do not meet our requirements. We have already turned away hetero couples we felt were not a good prospect for marriage. We invite this couple to go through our Bible study and take our counseling classes like any other prospective couple and we will evaluate them for compatibility with the tenets of our church."
These are good ideas. On another thread, another FReeper had also suggested that the church only marry individuals who have been active members of their congregation for at least a year. I know of a couple who were turned down use of a church facility for membership reasons, and it makes sense IMO.
Well and truly said, ShadowAce! You can't witness for Christ if you start playing by the corrupt rules of the other side. STAND in our Lord instead, and faithfully hold your ground. I don't see how it is possible to defend religious liberty if you don't do that.
I agree with those who say lying is not the answer. Getting some guy and gal to pretend to want to get married, while purposely acting out negative behaviors just to be rejected, is lying and deception.
I say, make it similar to baptism. No one can just walk into a church and say, “baptize me.” At least in my church, you have to actually attend the church, take the beginner’s class, and have a testimony that you declare at your baptism.
Well, it should be similar for HOLY matrimony. Tell gay couples that they must be members in good standing of the church, that they must take and agree with the beginner’s class, have testimonies, and be baptized before they can marry in the church. Most gays are not going to want to go through all of that. And even if they try, they will be forced to hear the gospel in the beginner’s class!
I think my church has it down pat. We believe homosexuality is a sin. That said, we marry sinners. If you want to get married in our church then the pastor might give you a lecture on sin....be prepared.
And when the attempt to have their “union” blessed by the church, what does that say about their membership in that church? It says “false pretense.”
They only want to attack Christianity because they know it's safe.
Sure it does, but do you think that will prevent a lawsuit, or a ruling against the church for discriminating against gays?
The entire strategy has been to pretend a desire or intent that does not exist - a gay person has no honest desire to be catered by a fundamentalist Christian - they DO have the desire to put that person out of business. They will use the same tactic here - and a claim of “false pretenses” will not protect the church, because such a claim will be ignored in the courts. The courts will look for two things: “Good Standing” and “Civil Marriage”. Just as the courts ignore the meaning of marriage, they will ignore the meaning of good standing. It will be seen as a stamp of approval, given by the church. Once given, it cannot be rescinded based on a member’s attempt to pursue their “constitutional” rights.
The courts will not see “Good Standing” as the agreement it truly is, between member and church, able to be nullified by or because of a member’s behavior or deceit.
Set up a screening body that counsels prospective couples before approving their weddings
You can do this until the cows come home...all it’s going to take is one corrupt pastor and two homos from the flock, looking to make social statements, to render it all useless...it then is up to the powers that be within the particular church to take the next step...
Punishment...or acceptance...
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