by: Montgomery Granger
The United Methodist Church (UMC), not to be confused with the traditionalist offshoot who call themselves the Global Methodist Church, in its General Conference, in Charlotte, NC, last week finally codified in writing their belief that homosexuality is not a sin, taking out language in their Book of Discipline that made homosexuality a bar to membership, clergy, and marriage. The condemnatory passage in its Book of Discipline that says the practice of homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching,” was removed.
At their conference, the UMC also redefined marriage, which used to state that it was only between one man and one woman, which is Biblical, traditional, and natural. The new definition states that marriage can be between “two adult persons of consenting age.” This opens the door to homosexual marriage and also establishes a bar to approving child marriages, which was a concern for the African delegation.
The vote to make the changes was not unanimous, with fully one-third of the delegation voting to keep the ban on what the bible says is an “abomination.”
Leviticus 18:22 (KJV):
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is an abomination.”
The Winding Path of the Methodist Church
How did we get here from there?
Slowly.
It took over 50 years of lobbying and defying the Book of Discipline for it to happen in the Methodist Church. Several years ago, the Conference voted to keep the phrase, “homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching,” supported by almost all of the international delegations, especially those from Africa, where over two dozen countries list homosexuality as a crime, some punishable by death, which would put the lives of Methodist clergy in those countries in jeopardy if the official teachings accepted homosexuality as a normal human condition.
Defiant gay and liberal clergy and parishioners defied the vote by continuing to allow admitted, active, openly practicing homosexuals to receive blessings, and communion, and to marry within the church. Some clergy were excommunicated or banned from the pulpit for these transgressions, but many remained.
The liberal defiant clergy held the two-thirds majority this time and got their way, but fully 25 percent of United Methodist Churches have split over the past several years from the now gay fold to form a traditional sect of Methodism (Global Methodist Church or GMC), obeying the previous Book of Discipline and honoring God’s intended purpose for Adam and Eve, claiming as part of their vision statement, “the inspiration and authority of the Scripture.”
How Scripture Shaped the Way
Scripture has always been the safe space for traditional religious practices, God’s armor if you will, against false prophets and liberal progressives within the church. But this time, modern society’s hedonistic practices have won out, thanks in large part to what some call, “The Four Horsemen of Psychology.”
Carl Jung, Charles Darwin, Sigmund Freud, and Karl Marx’s influence on modern psychology, psychological manipulation, sociology, and anthropology (evolution), have had their impact on the left’s interpretation of Christianity, unsupported in scripture.
For example, nowhere in the Bible does it say anything about non-traditional relationships/marriage other than to say it is not allowed. Homosexuality is an “abomination,” behavior seen as contrary to divine laws, deserving condemnation or punishment, and highly offensive to God. The consequences are damnation to hellfire.
Sinners must repent to receive God’s grace or forgiveness. Repentance is a sincere admission of guilt, that one’s behavior was wrong and sinful, and then a promise not to repeat the sin. In fact, repentance is a “conversion.”
Acts 3:19 (KJV):
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
Where Does This Leave Me As a Methodist?
Liberal, or “fake” Christians say in defense of homosexuality, that “God loves everyone.” Which is not the point. Of course, God loves everyone, we are made in His image, but God also gave us free will, temptation, and also forgiveness, and guidelines for life. God’s love alone is not an excuse for defying His word and His expectations for salvation.
The Four Horsemen of Psychology have taught modern humans that nothing is our fault; that we are the way we are, and that’s OK. We evolved this way, and we are perfect just the way we are. We have no choice in who we are and shouldn’t try to change the way we feel about ourselves.
This point of view is Pagan, not Christian: “If it feels good do it.”
This point of view is Utilitarian: “If it’s useful to me, it’s good.”
This point of view is humanistic: “We don’t need God for human progress.”
Liberal Christians also say that homosexuality is natural, as some species of animals have same-sex behavior. That’s a false argument because these instances are rare and represent abnormal behavior or a mutation. The point of all life is to reproduce or a species dies out.
Homosexuality adds nothing of value to society. Personally, as a Libertarian, what two consenting adults do in the privacy of their own home is their business, not mine as long as it’s legal and doesn’t interfere with the rights of others. But converting a Christian denomination to an abomination I cannot condone.
I have been a lifelong Methodist, since birth, christening, baptism, born again through water, marriage, five children through Baptism, Sunday School, Confirmation, weddings, funerals, church Trustee, etc., for over 60 years. And now, sadly, it may be time to move on.
I can worship with anyone who accepts Christ into their lives with sincerity and an appreciation for sin, repentance, and salvation. But I will not choose to worship with unrepentant sinners. Don’t come to me or my church, proud of your sin, wearing it in colors upon your clothing or with symbols.
Matthew 7:6 in the King James Version says:
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
This Bible verse gives me encouragement to use discernment in sharing important or sacred things with others, recognizing that some people might not be receptive or respectful, and could respond with contempt or aggression. It underscores the importance of sharing valuable things with those who are ready to receive and appreciate them.
Liberal Christians also like to say those of us who do not accept unrepentant sinners (homosexuals) are being judgmental, and that the Bible teaches us not to judge others. They are wrong. In fact, many places in the Bible tell us to beware of false prophets, and for this, we must discern evil from good.
Matthew 7:15 (KJV):
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
Clearly, this verse assumes one can tell the difference between a sheep and a wolf if one looks hard enough. That is judgment, based on words and deeds.
Matthew 16:3 (KJV):
“And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?”
In this verse, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for their ability to predict the weather based on signs in the sky but their inability to understand or interpret the spiritual signs and events occurring around them. He uses the term “hypocrites” to indicate that they claim to have knowledge or wisdom but are missing the deeper, more significant truths. This criticism highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and not focusing solely on external signs while neglecting internal or more profound matters.
Homosexuality is a sin. It’s always been a sin, and to say otherwise gives false witness to the Word of God.
The United Methodist Church is now full of false prophets who, according to Matthew 7:16 (KJV), “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” Jesus warns that the actions or “fruits” of these false prophets will ultimately reveal their true nature. They might present themselves as genuine spiritual leaders or teachers, but their behavior and impact can be damaging or deceptive. The metaphor of the fruit points to the outcomes of their teachings and actions, suggesting that discernment and careful observation are necessary to identify false prophets.
Homosexuals are bold in their efforts to normalize their behavior to children. The rainbow symbol for homosexuals is attractive to children, which sexualizes them when they ask about or are told about what it means, which is grooming, which is child sex abuse, which should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. What may seem innocent or innocuous is existentially evil.
Another false argument liberal Christians try to make to excuse homosexuality is that God’s grace (forgiveness) is universal and free, even though the Bible clearly states in many places that to receive God’s grace one must repent. With this logic, even if homosexuality is a sin, God will forgive it, if necessary over and over again without consequences.
1 Timothy 4:1-3 (King James Version) says:
1 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”
In these verses, the Apostle Paul warns that in the “latter times,” some people will depart from the faith, following deceptive teachings or “doctrines of devils.” These false doctrines may include prohibitions against marriage and certain foods. Paul describes those who spread these teachings as having their conscience “seared with a hot iron,” suggesting a lack of moral sensitivity or an inability to discern right from wrong. These verses are often understood as a caution against false teachings and the importance of staying true to the principles of the Christian faith.
Matthew 7:13 in the King James Version (KJV) says:
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat (that place).”
This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus instructs His followers to choose the “straight” (or narrow) gate rather than the wide gate. The wide gate and broad way symbolize the easier, more popular path that ultimately leads to destruction. In contrast, the narrow gate represents the more challenging and less-traveled path that leads to life.
The significance of this verse lies in its emphasis on choosing the right path, even if it’s difficult or unpopular. It serves as a metaphor for making moral and spiritual choices that align with God’s will, suggesting that the right path may not always be the easiest or most popular. The verse encourages believers to be discerning and to follow a course that leads to spiritual growth and eternal life, even if it requires sacrifices and a commitment to a higher standard.
Christianity and the true church are still the number one target of liberal progressive ideology. The progressive left does not mind if the family and procreation system are destroyed. They will attack those who call them out. Like the story of the “Emperor with No Clothes,” more fault is assigned to the boy than to the naked emperor!
I think if the liberal progressive leftists who pretend to be Christians and split the United Methodist Church had been sincere about their faith they would have tried harder to find common ground vis-à-vis their sin. But these unrepentant sinners cannot see clearly.
Matthew 7:3-5 (KJV) says:
3 “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”
4 “Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?”
5 “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”
These verses are part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus uses the metaphor of a mote ( speck) and a beam (large piece of wood) to illustrate the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring one’s own faults. The passage teaches the importance of self-examination and humility, reminding believers not to criticize others without first addressing their own shortcomings.
The liberal left in the UMC failed to see clearly the consequences of their selfishness which caused the dissolution of the faith. They judged their faithful brethren falsely, and accused us of all manner of hatred and bias, when in fact it was they who were hate-filled and prejudiced against God and God’s Word.
The path to righteousness is indeed narrow but will allow those who truly believe God’s Word to pass.