It’s no longer news that Western culture has undergone a dramatic sea change in its attitude toward homosexuality. Less often noted is where a key impetus for this change has come: the power of narrative.
In countless films, novels, articles, interviews, songs, TV shows, and real-life scenarios, the same broad outline has been reinforced time and again. People become aware of their sexuality; they embrace it as their true identity; they live it out; and, despite the presence of those still unable to affirm them, they flourish. The power of narratives has changed whole societies.
As Christians we need to respond, of course. But to respond to narrative with propositions (even biblical ones) misunderstands our culture’s discussion. It’s like bringing an excellent stir-fry to a bake-off.
We must respond to the secular narrative with a Christian one. This is the rationale behind LivingOut, and behind this video. The world needs to hear same-sex attracted Christians like me share their experiences of God’s goodness in this issue. The culture needs to know there is a different calculus for measuring human flourishing. There is another, better script available.
But the church needs to hear these stories too. We can so easily question whether God’s Word on this issue really is good. True? Sure. But good? That can be a harder question.
This talk is one attempt to outline some of the key lessons for the whole church that those of us with same-sex attraction are learning. Here are five:
- Your identity is in Christ.
- Discipleship is hard.
- God’s Word is good.
- The church is vital.
- The future is glorious.
I hope it’s a blessing.
Related:
- Isn’t the Christian View of Sexuality Dangerous and Harmful? (Sam Allberry)
- How Can the Church Help Those Battling Same-Sex Attraction? (Sam Allberry)
- What Christians Just Don’t Get About LGBT Folks (Rosaria Butterfield)
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