“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[c] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5.31-33
I read in the news today that my alma mater Baylor University is able to take a stand on human sexuality and be affirmed by the country for it. (Read more here.) In a recent ruling by the US Department of Education, “Baylor University’s request for exemption from Title IX’s sexual harassment provision after the private Baptist school asked to dismiss discrimination complaints filed by LGBTQ+ students that the university said were “inconsistent” with the institution’s religious values.” As a Christian University, Baylor is able to take a stand supporting traditional and Biblical view of homosexuality and gender identity. This is good news!
Whereas Baylor will be remaining Biblical and tradition in it’s understanding of sexuality, it will remain loving to all students. Baylors President, Dr. Linda Livingston said, “There will be NO CHANGES to Baylor’s current practices or policies related to sexual harassment and other forms of sexual and interpersonal conduct resulting from this assertion of our existing religious exemptions,” she wrote in the statement.” So while remaining traditional and sticking to it’s Christian views and values, Baylor will be fair and loving in it’s treatment of all people. I affirm this position which supports that homosexuality is inconsistent with Christian teachings, but which protects all people from any kind of sexual harassment.
I’m writing about this in light of Paul’s statement on marriage — “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” Not only is Paul supporting Biblical marriage, he is also talking about Christ and the church, v. 32. And following up on the controversial statement of “women submit to your husbands,” (which I explained in yesterdays blog) now Paul affirms “each of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
We believe in a plain and educated reading of Scripture. We believe, what Dr. Todd Still, Dean of Baylors Truett Seminary, says, and I am paraphrasing, “What most people at most times in most places believe about Scripture.” The traditional view of marriage, homosexuality and gender is consistent with Scripture and leads to happiness and wholeness.
Although the world is seeking to distort and dismantle God’s perfect plan for humanity, and in “the world” I mean all sinners (including me), God’s way is best. His way is pure and the light of Christ shines fully upon all who embrace God’s love. It’s often difficult to go against popular culture and accepted social norms, but Scripture must be our mainstay.
Today let’s pray for those who are caught in the confusing web of our culture and affirm those who stand firm with Scripture like Baylor University. Let’s love all people while promoting Christ and him alone for our salvation and our standard.
“O Lord God, you are good. When my love fails, you remains faithful. When I turn away from you, you receive me back. When I am weary, you give me rest. Come now Father, pour out your Holy Spirit upon me. Help all of creation say yes to you and so embrace the fullness of your love. I praise you Lord for saving me. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen