Church Voices

There was a time, not all that long ago, where expressing racist sentiments in a church would be politely ignored (if not agreed with) while expressing the idea that homosexuality can be compatible with Biblical principles would get you brained with a shovel. Now the circumstances have almost completely flipped (depending on the church). Even churches which strongly disagree with the compatiblity of homosexuality with Christianity the expression of such is likely to result in a tense discussion, while the expression of racist attitudes is likely to receive a strong, visceral, emotional reaction.

So why the differences here? Both homosexuality and racism are sins. Neither can be excused Biblically, and neither should be tolerated within our churches. So why is there a difference in the way they are treated? Why is one seen as acceptable to meet with vitriol and perhaps even violence, while the other is simply cause for concern? The answer is, of course, that we take our cues from our society at large when it comes to how we treat each sin.

Homosexuality is pretty much accepted. Laws have been struck down, sit-coms depict the delights of homosexuality, and courts are slowly forcing homosexual marriage onto voting populaces. On the other hand racism is explicitly outlawed, and there hasn’t been a positive racist sit-com character since Archie Bunker. Not coincidently the church has followed suit.

So how should the church be dealing with these issues? Matthew 18:15-20 is certainly a pretty good guide (depending on the situation). How else is heresy dealt with in scripture? Certainly removal from teaching is appropriate, especially given the harsh language of 2 Peter 3 concerning false teachers. Paul has equally harsh things to say about false teachers in Galatians.

But lets move this into a more personal arena. Racism is a sin. Virtually any other confession by a Christian in the churches I’ve been a part of would result in everything from expressions of sorrow to taking practical steps to help. Even confessions that a decade ago were scandalous, such as porn, or pre-marital sex get this reaction. But a confession from someone that they’re struggling with racism is met with nothing but outright hostility. This is a lousy way to deal with sin for a couple of reasons. First, it doesn’t cause the sin to go away, just go underground, and in some cases even fester and grow. Secondly, it ignores the fact that everyone is of value (thus the very basis for judging racism wrong) even someone struggling with racism. Reacting with vitriol towards someone who is sinning ignores wholly their value to God, and our own personal sinfulness.

I recall a column I read awhile back in which the commentator noted that the woman brought before Christ for adultry appeared without her, ahem, companion. Condemning one sin, and not the other is part of what makes the Pharisees such obvious foils to Christ who both condemned all sins, and loved all sinners.