A Living Alternative

Many of you will have recently read about the lawsuit filed against Zondervan by Bradley Fowler, demanding $60 million as recompense for the suffering caused by what he sees as a misinterpretation of Scripture.  MSNBC reports here:

“His suit centers on one passage in scripture — 1 Corinthians 6:9 — and how it reads in Bibles published by Zondervan.  Fowler says Zondervan Bibles published in 1982 and 1987 use the word homosexuals among a list of those who are “wicked” or “unrighteous” and won’t inherit the kingdom of heaven.  Fowler says his family’s pastor used that Zondervan Bible, and because of it his family considered him a sinner and he suffered.”

I am by no means a legal expert, but I highly doubt that this lawsuit will stand up in court.  First, the publisher is printing an interpretation of an historical document.  If anything, the lawsuit should be filed against the interpreters (though, again, it is doubtful this case has much merit).  In truth, the more accurate translation would likely has resulted in the conclusions and treatment by the people the plantiff cites.

However, aside from the legal merits of this case, I believe the issue Fowler raises- that is the misuse of the word “homosexual” in Bible translations- is a very valid one.  While the meaning behind the terms in the pre-translated text might ultimately parallel with the meaning most Christians attach to the word “homosexual”, the translation is both inaccurate and inappropriate.

The question is this: Does “homosexual” mean someone who practices homosexuality or does it mean someone who primarily or exclusively attracted to those of the same sex?  Is there a difference between these options?  A man in prison might have sex with other men, but have no sexual attraction for the same sex, while someone (like myself) might live with same-sex attraction their whole life, but never act on it.  By some definitions I am a homosexual and the prisoner is not, others say I am not, but the prisoner is, while still others say that neither example are homosexuality.

My point is not to suggest that this Scripture is ambiguous about the issue of same-sex relationships (though it is, perhaps, far less clear than some Christians would like to believe), but rather that the term “homosexual” comes with such loaded meaning in our era that it is irresponsible to use it in these context without going beyond translation into interpretation.  Obviously, all translations inevitbaly makes this over-step on some level, but especially so in this situation.  I believe we will better preserve the authentic message and meaning of Scripture by avoiding terms that, in our own context, mean something different than originally intended, even if only by small degrees.

Again, I do not believe that Bradley Fowler has a case, either with the publishers or the translators, in respect to his alleged suffering.  However, I do believe he raises a valid concern about the reliability of culturally loaded translations of Scripture.

What do you think?  Is it just semantics?  Please let me know what you think.

UPDATE: For clarity sake, let me reiterate that in this post I am not arguing the morality of homosexuality, or even trying to establish a firm definition for the term “homosexual”.  Rather, I am arguing that the term has too much baggage to be used in a Biblical translation.  This is NOT suggesting that the Bible doesn’t address the issue of same-sex attraction/involvement, but simply that the word itself (not the meaning we attribute to it) is inaccurate in that context.

Zondervan Homosexuality Homosexual Bible Christianity Lawsuit Bradley Fowler

Since I wrote my very personal post on homosexuality at my old blog, I have received hundreds of emails and phone calls with questions, comments and (sometimes) reprimands from people all over the world. Sometimes they are from others who live with same-sex attraction, while others are from pastors and Christian leaders. From the latter group, there are many questions that come up again and again. One of those questions is invariably: Where do we start?

While the church has failed in its treatment of the issue of homosexuality and even more so with those who live with same-sex attraction, we must acknowledge that there is a change for the better happening. A fair number of Christians are becoming more informed and sensitive to the realities surrounding this issue and are work to be more faithful to the example and teachings of Christ in respect to love, grace and compassion. However, many do not know where to start, which is why many end up writing me.

First, there are many people out there who are far better equipped to serve the church in this respect. That being said, I want to give one answer that I think is critical. It is important because it translates into many other areas where the church as failed in the past. The lesson is this:

You cannot start with a clean slate.

No matter how understanding we might be, no matter how sensitive and aware of the realities we have become, when we as Christians reach out to those with same-sex attraction we are carrying the baggage of centuries of failure along with us. Fair or not, we cannot expect to start the dialogue (and it must be genuine, mutual dialogue) without being aware of these things. They will be both explicitly addressed in questions, accusations and judgments, but also implicitly present through attitude, emotions, and experiences. It will come up again and again. We will make the same apologies over and over.

And so we should.

You will find it frustrating. You will be tempted to say enough is enough. You will want to disavow any connection between yourself and those harshest of examples of Christian failure. Be that as it may, resist those impulses. Regardless of your moral and theological stance on the issues, the treatment of homosexuals at the hands of the church is inexcusable. We cannot expect centuries of woundedness and injustice to be cleared up in short order.

We have earned much of the abuse we receive at the hands of the wider culture, and no matter how “unfair” or wrong the treatment may be, it is time to turn the other cheek. Not out of the moral superiority of a martyr, but as penitent human beings who refuse to disqualify their repentance with secondary excuses. We may get kicked around by some, but it is well worth the price if we can build real dialogue and relationships.

Put simply, if you genuinely want to be missional representatives of Christ to same-sex attracted people, you cannot expect to do it on your own terms. I am not advocating compromise or being mistreated beyond what is reasonable. Rather, I am saying that we have sown the seeds of discord that brought us to this place, so we must be willing reap the consequences accordingly. This approach will take more time, energy and emotional strength. Then again, when following Christ, that should be expected, no?

Homosexuality Missional Reconciliation

In the (nearly) three years that I have been blogging, without question the post that has drawn the most attention was when I shared about my own life long struggle with homosexual orientation. It has almost been a year since I wrote that post and I still receive comments and emails from around the world, the vast majority of which are positive. I am still working on my book, in which I explore in more detail my experiences.

One unexpected result of this post has been the number of letters I have received from people, mainly men, from all over the world who share with me very personal struggles with their own sexuality. I am humbled to be trusted with such intimate information and nervous when asked for advice. However, it has been deeply rewarding to be able to be a catalyst for openness and healing for some.

There are two common factors in almost all of these emails: first, that they do not feel at all safe sharing their struggles with their church community, even to specific friends and leaders (and be aware, some of these men are pastors themselves). Many believe without hesitation that it would be career and relational suicide to make such struggles known. Each time I read this I break a little bit inside.

The second point is desperate questions about what they can do to overcome or even survive the daily struggle. These questions are always most difficult, in part because I am not always qualified to speak to such complex issue and contexts I am so distant from, but also because the answer runs square into the wall of the first point above. What people need is the support, understanding and love of the Body of Christ. Sadly, this is often the very thing that is most unavailable and dangerous.

What is your experience with sexuality and the church community? Do you have a community where there is a safe and natural place for you to share your struggles, uncertainties and failures? Even if they are open, are they equipped to help you with the specifics of the issues? If you wish to reply anonymously, please feel free to do so. Of course, anyone demonstrating what I feel is insensitive or off topic comments will be deleted.

Let’s talk.

Missional Homosexuality Church