Tony Campolo Responds
A letter to Drew Dyck, New Man Magazine
Dear Drew,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to respond to your open letter. I hope you give my response as much space in your magazine as you gave to the questions you raised about me, since you probably are aware that what you had to say will have serious consequences for me and for the missionary work to which I am related.
It seems to me that the first obligation which, according to Matthew 18, is that when you have some serious questions about a brother that you are to go to that brother directly and only after things are clarified and there is no way to set things straight should you be going to the larger community of Christians with your concerns. You could have prevented a lot of damage had you lived up to Biblical requisites.
First of all, I have always made clear that there is no salvation apart from the grace of God given through Jesus Christ and his sacrificial work on the cross. In accord with Scripture, I’ve always held that there is no other name given under heaven whereby a person can be saved except in the name of Jesus.
What I have said, though, on various occasions, what you must have heard me say, is that while Jesus is the only savior, I am not convinced that Christians are the only ones that are saved. In reference to Muslims, I have specifically referred to men like Al-Hallag, one of the leaders of the Sufi sect of Islam. This man, while maintaining his Muslim identity, affirmed Jesus as the living WORD of God, and was so into what Christ did on the cross that his fellow Muslims accused him of becoming a Christian and put him to death by crucifixion. In my book, Speaking My Mind, I raise the question as to whether or not a Muslim such as Al-Hallag is saved through the cross of Christ even though he never identified himself as a Christian. I have said over and over again that think it is best for Christians to leave the judgment of who will be received into heaven and who will not be received into heaven to God. I have heard Billy Graham say exactly the same thing on multiple occasions.
Concerning homosexuality, I have contended that no one knows what causes a homosexual orientation. But as a sociologist, I know from my colleagues in my field that research indicates that people do not choose to be homosexuals. Whatever it is that creates that orientation occurs so early in the physical/social development of the individual that decision-making on this matter is never an option. Furthermore, while believing that God can do anything, I have strongly pointed out that sexual orientation does not normatively change even for those who have had deep spiritual experiences and who have had extensive counseling. It is interesting to note that even the leaders of the EXODUS ministries have recently declared that while it is possible for homosexuals to change their behavior and enter into heterosexual marriages that the tendencies towards same-gender attraction is likely to continue throughout the lifespan of gay and lesbian persons.
If you read my books, (i.e. Speaking My Mind), you will find that I have no easy answers for my gay brothers and lesbian sisters. I call them to celibacy but point out that the church, which is quick to affirm this call, is reluctant to provide the emotional support and the prayerful encouragement that is essential for those who would enter into a celibate lifestyle. This is because in most instances, any person who “comes out” as being homosexual is likely to find that the church reacts with rejection and hostility. Hence, our congregations are filled with closeted gays and lesbians.
You are quite right when you point out that I believe that the church should be open to gays and lesbians. It seems strange to me that the church has become so open to people who are divorced and remarried even though Jesus speaks directly against such relationships but will have little if anything to do with people who are in gay and lesbian relationships.
I am a conservative on the issue, but I believe that our arms should be open to all who want to receive Christ and be a part of the fellowship of believers in which they can be nurtured into lifestyles that are in accord with Scripture.
I hope this letter provides adequate answers to the questions you raised in your “open letter.” I think it is important for Christians to hold each other accountable; it’s just that I think that we should do this in private before going public.
May our friendship continue as brothers in Christ.
Sincerely,
Tony Campolo
Eastern University
St. Davids, PA
Read Drew Dyck's "Open Letter" to Tony Campolo
Read the original interview with Tony Campolo that sparked the debate
posted by Drew Dyck at 8:22 AM
35 Comments:
I think that Drew Dyck should have voiced his concerns personally with Tony Campolo instead of publishing them in the public domain.
This type of public criticism does not build up but pulls down and is only useful to one being, the enemy, Satan.
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Tony raised a very important point in saying that we (and that means me!) need to first go to our brother alone, then with witnesses, before we going public with an offense. It is Biblical (Matt 18:15-17) concept that we all need to follow. This is not only for Drew, but applies to everyone of us who have ever grumbled about what someone at church (brother, sister, pastor, or elder) is doing.
We all need to hold Matt 7:3 close as we point our fingers toward Drew or Tony.
I agree with TC about the Death Penalty. Ever since Jesus prevented the capital punishment of the woman caught in adultery, by the authority afforded to him through the fact that he personally would willingly die for her and for us all.
I agree with TC about bringing challenges to your brother in private before going public (Obvioulsy I cannot know for sure that NMM didn't do this).
I find TC's clarification on whether or not he believes you can be saved any other way but Christ, somewhat re-assuring after being concerned by his initial comments.
In abortion I feel what TC has said is somewhat of a fudge. If someone whom TC loved was murdered "for financial reasons", I think TC would not be satisfied with "we need to address the financial needs of the killer". Abortion is wrong and TC should not being trying to pander to the left on this.
I feel TC is wrong with regards to homosexuality. There is no evidence to prove that homosexual tendancies is a result of nature, whilst there is stacks of (albeit circumstantial) evidence that points towards nurture being the cause. I've personally heard testimony of a number of Christians who used to live a homosexual lifestyle, and I don't think they'd be happy with the message TC is putting across. There is more hope, both spiritually AND pyscologically than TC appears to be implying for people with homosexual tendancies. TC's message of how the Church must show love towards this section of society is a good one, however I feel it is being used as a smokescreen to avoid the bigger issues that I've mentioned above.
Just my thoughts as another falible human being.
In Christ,
Will
I THINK ALL OF YOU GUYS HAVE GOOD POINTS.......BUT.......I HAVE ANOTHER ! THIS WHOLE THING HAS BEEN GOOD FOR THE READERS OF "NEW MAN"......IT`S GOTTEN US TO THINK, TO WATCH TWO CHAMPIONS OF THE FAITH
DEBATE, AND THE OUTCOME IS MORE DIALOGUE OUTSIDE OF THE DENOMINATIONAL WALLS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH !!
SO, "CARRY ON, MEN".......BE WELL, DO GREAT WORK FOR THE KINGDOM AND KEEP IN TOUCH,
HARRY STINSON
kcaviationltd@gmail.com
I do believe the initial “open Letter” should have been sent to Tony in private, but it wasn’t and now it is out there. I have read all three, the interview, open letter and response. I must say I am shocked and applaud at the answers that Tony Compolo gave in his response. In his response he wrote “What I have said, though, on various occasions, what you must have heard me say, is that while Jesus is the only savior, I am not convinced that Christians are the only ones that are saved.” This is a total shock to me, to say that Christians are not the only one who will be saved is paramount to blasphemy. The name Christian was a God given name (Acts 11:25-26) and means “the ones who belong to Christ” or “Christ followers” if you don’t belong to Christ and do not follow Christ you are bound for Hell, period. Am I being too narrow in my understanding, only as narrow as the scriptures.
Also to say that Homosexuality is not a choice is beyond belief. The scripture call homosexuality an abomination before the Lord. God is not going to “make” someone to be in a way that is an abomination in his sight. People who believe they have been made this way by God are sadly mistaken and have been duped by the devil. I do believe the Church of Christ should be more accepting of all who have sinned by any means. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. It is not a sin to “think” you are a homosexual but it is a sin to act on it. Anyone who is in a homosexual relationship is living in sin and in danger of the fire of hell. Unless they repent of their sin (just like the liar, robber, adulterer) and turn to Christ for forgiveness in faith and obedience they are in the danger zone.
Tony Compolo should be ashamed of himself for saying that he is a conservative on these issues and then not stand on the Word of God. Tony Compolo Repent and turn to God and maybe he will forgive you of this horrid evil you are preaching.
Since the open letter is in response to an open and published interview that TC gave, I can't see that this letter is outside the stricture of Matthew 7. I, too, believe you should go to a person one-on-one first. BUT TC initiated an open interview, so an open letter is acceptable. The letter put the issues to TC very nicely and not with vindictiveness. Also, those who read the open interview surely had questions that the open letter helped to answer.
I disagree that Drew Dyck should have voiced his concerns privately because Tony Campolo's comments were made publicly. Private words should remain private, but public words should be explained and clarified publicly.
In regards to the "Muslim" cleric who confesses that Jesus is Lord, I would consider him a Christian whether he calls himself that or not. According to Romans 10:9 and 10, he is a Christian.
I do not agree with Tony Compolo on the issue of the death penalty. If Jesus felt the death penalty was wrong, He may have still died for our sins, but let the two thieves on the cross go free. He did not.
I also agree that homosexuality is something that must be dealt with for a lifetime, unless the Lord completely and miraculously delivers the person. But so is alcoholism, gluttony, and other sins. But that is the battle we face when we become Christians, the battle to resist the temptations of our flesh.
I am happy to see leaders called on the carpet and challenged to explain themselves. I am tire of sloppy agape and greasy grace.
Seeing both sides of these issues has really helped me to grow in my faith and understanding of Christ. Thank you both for sharing this as a public debate!
My humble opinion is that Tony Campolo is trying to do a song and dance routine. He speaks from both sides of his mouth on the salvation issue. He is doing nothing more than trying to shift the focus by pointing out that this should have been done privately. First, I disagree. His statements were public and millions heard and read his words. This must be confronted openly. When Peter was behaving in a hypocritical way, Paul confronted him openly. This is what must be done when there is doctrinal error that can harm so many.
No Tony, I don't buy your routine. You've been doing and saying stuff too long that brings reproach on the Body of Christ. It was time you were confronted, and your response to this is not acceptable.
I find it interesting that the same people who find homosexuals unacceptable usually also believe in the death penalty, are more than likely racists and definitely sexists!
My question to Tony is this. Is Al-Hallag someone who in another country might profess to be a Christian? Is he someone who is saying, "Yes, I believe that Christ is the WORD of God, but not the saviour?
How can one remain a Muslim and profess to be a follower of Christ?
Ghandi followed many of Christs teachings, but never claimed to be Christian.
Are these people denying Christ to save their own skin? If they are, then I submit that they are no different than a Sunday Christian.
As far as homosexuality goes, it is considered an abomination by God, and that is more serious than a sin, as we see by the Old Testament consequences.
I believe homosexuals can change.
I also believe after talking to many, that the root cause is emotional and spiritual, whether it be abuse sexually or emotionally.
If you really sit down and discuss, you will find this out.
To hate a homosexual is wrong, but to coddle them is just as wrong.
To help and guide them is what is needed without accepting the behaviour.
God divorced a whole generation of Israelites due to their hard hearts, and if someone is not willing to change, then rejection is the only option.
Its funny his stance on divorce. He would be wise to listen to a teacher like James MacDonald talk about divorce. I am going through one of his lessons right now.
When it comes to going to a brother in private, well think about this.
Tony Campolo does not keep his beliefs private or within the confines of a church. They are very public, so I don't think Drew did anything wrong.
But to pull the "that's not very Christian of you" card out is what is always done when heretical beliefs are displayed publicly.
Similar to any other liberal gospelist or liberal for that matter.
As far as the death penalty goes, Yes, Jesus did take the death penaly away from the individual, but He did not take it away from the government.
To say that Drew Dyck should have addressed TC privately shows the writers' lack of knowlege of scripture... When a brother is caught in a private sin, that is the way to approach it.
When heresy or unorthodoxy is involved, it is a public issue, particularly since TC in public statements as a Christian leader may have led weaker brothers astray.
Paul publickly rebuked Peter in the Jerusalem Counsel. Paul also often mentions names in his epistles as those who are not teaching the true gospel.
When speaking of correcting leaders, I Tim. 5: 19 & 20 tells us to "rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear."
Thank God for men like Drew Dyck who are concerned enough about the gospel to be willing to speak out in the face of criticism.
I think Mr. Campolo is an apostate. I think his appeasement attitude proves him to be a false convert. Jesus wasn't an appeaser. He loved the lost but he was the one that said he was the only way to the father. The Bible says we must turn from our sins, and although we can be saved out of our sin we cannot stay in our sin. The Bible shows that homosexuality is a sin.
Jesus reached out to us sinners with his life. We have no right to say that his love goes farther than he said it would. Every person must make his own decision of salvation. Jesus does love the homosexual but if you say that he will go against his own nature to allow them in to heaven while they are yet in there sin then you are a liar and an apostate.
Taking one Muslim, that somehow felt inspired by Jesus' life, does not give license to say that he or any other Muslim would be accepted in to heaven by there “good works”. The Bible says we cannot see heaven by our works alone. Unless we accept that Jesus was the Son of God, died on a cross, and was raised from the dead we cannot be saved. These members of the “Emerging Church” need to stop taking liberties with the Gospel. When you go about trying to change who and what Jesus really is you create your own God and that is idol worship. Check out the first commandment.
Tony Campolo has sold his soul so that he can feel better about what he purports to believe. No one wants to see anyone go to hell when they die but everyone makes their own decision to accept Christ or not. Lying to them and telling them that they can be accepted into heaven while living a life of sin is cruel and Mr. Campolo will stand before All Mighty God and answer for it someday.
I was struck by the fact that so many readers find it distinctly offensive when TC admits he isn't sure what causes homosexual orientation. It's as if uncertainty is the same as sexual sin. It isn't. Each of us SHOULD be mindful about those tempted by homosexual sin --- and should strive to keep an open mind on how we will best serve anyone how comes to the church door.
Instead, the church kinda does the same thing that the President of Iran did recently "no, we don't have any gay people here." the PreMamnat we keep
I had to say "OUCH" when I read his point about how Jesus spoke against divorce -- and how the church today does not. Let's be frank, most divorce involves sin of one type or another. Just so I'm clear on this ----I think the church needs to be open to those who admit past sin --- and have pledged to make a new start. But his point about a difference in how we treat "our wounded" --- rang true for me.
Nickatnight
Seems to me like "open letters" and malicious gossip come from the same mother. Maybe you should rename the mag NewMale because going public before speaking with Tony first was NOT the act of a real man, I have unsaved friends with more integrity. Sad to see NM sink to the depths of a London Tabloid for the sake of selling magazines or creating 'discussion'.
My admiration to Tony Campolo for being so gracious in reply.
I just wanted to possibly clarify what Tony was saying when he spoke about homosexual tendencies remaining.
First of all, I am a Christian who loves the Lord but who has also in the past struggled with homosexual tendencies. I will say right here and now that, as the Word, states, homosexuality is a sin and this is something I stand by 100%. That being said, those who either struggle with homosexual desires or who have gone as far as to live the lifestyle, sin out of a choice to accept a lie that Satan has whispered to them all their life.
I will use my own life as an example. I have never involved myself with the lifestyle, only struggled with the desires. I did not suddenly wake up years ago and decide I was a homosexual. This is a condition that breeded on a number of circumstances out of my control eg. absent father, being unable to be affirmed in my masculinity through identifying with another male. This can happen for various reasons, but if the male (or female) identity is not affirmed during childhood, then one grows up looking for that same affirmation in members of the same sex at young age, and going into adolescence, a genuine need for affirmation is then eroticized. It is at this point that one decides "I must be a homosexual if I feel this way" For the homosexual, sexual desires often mask the real need for love and affirmation in the gender role (male or female) and the person grows still looking for this affirmation, more and more assuming the identity of a homosexual. Now am I saying that homosexuality can be condoned? No. What am saying speaking from my own life, is that healing from it can take a long time. Its roots is in an emotional defficiency that can be met through the loving affirmation of brothers and sisters in the Lord in a non sexual way.
The point of what I am trying to say is that what Tom was saying is that while active homosexuality is a downright sin, it is a complex tangled string that took years to be weaved into the person and will take time, patience and love from the Church to help heal this deep wound, as far as the person under it wants help.
I think this is a really intereting topic. It's honest and deals with real issues. I don't think it was wrong for Drew Dyck to write the initial letter. He was responding to a public interview and he wrote the letter in a spirit of love.
I also appericate hearing Tony Compolo's response. I'm glad to hear that he believes in the exclusivity of christ. His original interview left some questions.
I really like Tony Compolo though he pushes the envelope and makes you think. I'm supprised he got upset with Drew Dyck for doing the same thing.
Powerful thoughts from Drew and Dr. Campolo. Even though Drew could have called Dr. Campolo privately, it helps me understand Dr. Campolo's thought progressions and what he really thinks. Dr. Campolo intrigued me back in 1981 @ a conference and now i know that at least what he really means and thinks as opposed to "what we think he said." Love in action must be our mottos.
This is a great discussion and most of my comments would just mirror many already made, but I do want to reaffirm this one.
Tony Campolo does have a voice that influences many, so when he makes public statements, I believe a public letter is appropriate.
I agree that private words or actions should remain private, but there is nothing private about what we are teaching others.
This type of public criticism exposes the truth, and if that hurts what Tony is doing, then maybe he should review just what he is doing, or how he is going about it.
Can i have the verses to affirm that the bible speaks out against homosexual behaviour? i've seen the references you guys talk about about confronting your brothers... but where specifically does it say in the bible about homosexual sin. Sodom talks about a city. How about the individual? Just need a reference. thanks
Great response Tony. Drew, shame on you for not talking man to man first. Tony hopefully Drew will make it up by saying something nice about you. I'll drop my stones now!
I truly believe Tony should have been approached in private. This burdens me and I pray that Tony's ministry will not be harmed. One negative thing said in the open can harm that person's calling and ministry
By no other name shall man be saved and that includes mine. i have opinions and thus conclusions, however...Jesus died for everybody. Period! Whether they must in this life become a christian or not is not the forgone conclusion. at least it better not be or we are usurping Jesus, His authority and subsequently God Himself.
We as christians are sometimes misinformed. Jesus did not come to establish christianity, He came to redeem every person ever created. though many will not for differing reasons experience that redemption, He came for everybody.
We will find ourselves surprised by who gets in and who doesn't. that is a surety.
We observed Jesus's life and in our attempt at replicating His ministry established christianity. maybe if we were just a little more focused on gods forgiveness than whether or not we have followed the rules of any religion...more unbelievers and or back slidden believers would experience Jesus alive and well...in the Body of Christ.
His church that he allowed us to create in the hopes of causing redemption.
Frankly as a late bloomer into the loving arms of my savior this is the second time in less than a year that this ministry's online blog has flustered me. The last time it was attacking Becky Fisher.
Can we as a body quit being a cancer and start being as together as possible? and can people have opinions and ministries without being drug through the mud.
Our ministry is not "what" we do but a mear reflection of what Christ has done in us.
Brothers and sisters take off the gloves! we all have and will at times fall short in our ministries, our theologies, and our intentions. Love do not lambaste at the end of it all movements and annoinings that are not of God will prove themselces so.
Mr. Campolo,
i have yet to read what has caused so much controversy, but God Bless You and your efforts. Keep on keepin on my friend, the world needs people out there making a difference, and you must be or what you are doing would go off without a hitch. and at the end of it all, Jesus will sort out all our doctrines and forgive every single one of my shortcomings therin. Peace.
What Drew Dyck said and did was perfectly alright. If we are going to apply Matthew 18 to the world and not just inside of a church setting, then we could not even have this discussion. No one could say anything about anyone in any forum. No opinions could be expressed in a newspaper or a magazine (or even on radio or TV). Everything would then be swept under the rug. Tony Campolo was and is wrong in what he said, and Homosexials do choose to be homosexials just as alcoholics chose to drink. No a Muslim is not a Christian. Christ said that if a person is ashamed of Him, He would be ashamed of us. When a Muslim is saved they are no longer a Muslim. They can not serve two masters. Lots of people believe that there is a God and some of them also believe that Jesus walked this earth, but that does not make them saved. This time, I'm will have to say that Drew Dyck was correct in what he said and did.
There are many issues in the original open letter from Drew and in Tony’s response that I could discuss but the one that concerns me the most is the response of many in the Church to gays and lesbians. I would like to center my comments on this single issue.
Unequivocally, homosexual sex is sin - but not loving the homosexual in a Christ like manner is equally sin. Scripture makes it very clear that ALL sex outside of marriage is sin no matter if it is adultery, fornication, homosexual or even just lustful thoughts. What perplexes me is the fact that many in the Church seem to have set up a grading system for sin and have assigned degrees of sin to their grading system. I am perplexed because I can’t find a grading system listed anywhere in the pages of scripture. All sin, both the ‘large’ and ‘small’, were the reasons Jesus was nailed to the cross! I can’t even find a single reference to the size of sin – only the penalty for sin; death! Sin is a heart issue and not a size issue.
Jesus gave us a perfect example of how to deal with sexual sin when the Jewish leaders brought a woman before Him who was caught in the act of adultery. They wanted Jesus to condemn her so they could proceed to stone her to death. (By the way, where was the man who was involved with her?) Jesus stunned them by saying the person without any sin could cast the first stone. After all the accusers, one by one dropped their stones and departed, Jesus looked up at the woman and asked where were her accusers. He went on to say He didn’t condemn her either and told her to go and sin no more.
I am not suggesting that open sin is to be tolerated within the church.
However, do we dare add more requirements to those seeking salvation than what the scripture instructs us to teach? Is confessing Jesus with one’s mouth and believing in your heart that God as raised Him from the dead not sufficient? Is come as you are only for a select few? Straight is the gate and narrow is the way so lets not add more restrictions that God hasn’t ordained. Lets throw the doors of the Church wide open and invite all who will come to come – even the homosexual. Lets love all that come as Christ loved us. May the world see us and know us for the love that can only come from God! Let us not confuse our work with the work of the Holy Spirit. We are to ‘GO’ so that the Holy Spirit can invite the seekers to come just as they are. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit – not ours.
obbxbI agree with Eagles, as for one who struggled with the homosexual lifestyle. I lived with an absent father, and an overbearing mother. My father never once affirmed me in my manhood. My father never once told me I was good enough. So I went looking for that affirmation from other men. And I kept looking for it, not knowing what I was looking. Only that there was something absent from my life. And what happened when I went to the church for help, I was turned away. Told to repent of my sins, and then come back. So I left the church. Imagine me thinking that the church would accept just as I am. Man, what a concept! But after reading, Wild At Heart, by John Elderidge, and realizing the father wounds, I was able to finally accept what happened, and find a church and a small men's group who were willing to accept me just as I was, and then help me to grow in the love of Christ. The church needs to open its doors and show the love of Christ to all. Just as Christ did with the both adulterous woman, the one who was brought before to be stoned, and the woman at the well. Christ loved them both, and showed compassion on them. Shouldn't we be doing anything less?
Mr. Campolo's assertion that Drew Dyck should have come to him privately is really irrelavant. Campolo's commentary was in the public square, and it is appropriate that Dyck's was as well. The format of "an open letter" is simply a forum - a style - not really a personal question. Mr. Dyck is simply informing his readers, and inviting them engage in this discourse. Perfectly healthy.
I honestly didn't see any name-calling on either man's part. In fact, Mr. Dyck was adamant in his praise for all the good and strong teachings of Mr. Campolo's years of ministry. Bravo to both of you for keeping this debate positive and about the issues - not about each other.
Now ... regarding the issues: while I think I understand where Tony Campolo's reasoning is coming from on homosexual orientation, I just can't agree with him. Human circumstances may give you a predisposition to such behavior, but God does not make some people to be homosexual, and others heterosexual. You choose regardless of your background. For some, those choices are much more difficult ... but it is a choice.
And on the Muslim issue ... wow, this is kind of a new concept that you can be a Christian without being a Christian! There are certainly different "flavors" of Christianity ... some more liberal or conservative than others ... but in all cases a Christian is a "Christ follower". I don't see how you can be Muslim and Christian at the same time ... and I don't see how you can have eternal life apart from faith in Christ ... the definition of a Christian. Hey, I could be wrong ... I just don't see it.
Keep up the good work, Drew!
As a brother in Christ, I have some food for thought for Mr. Campolo. He says that no one knows what causes a homosexual orientation, and that some research indicates that people do not choose to be homosexuals. Perhaps so, but does that justify homosexuality as a morally acceptable lifestyle? Let me put it another way. What if someone has a natural-born tendency towards heterosexual lust, as I do? Or a natural-born tendency towards pedophilia, or kleptomania, or alcoholism, or anger, or laziness, etc.? Shouldn't we then also justify that sort of behavior as morally acceptable, too? Of course not! Each of us struggles to a greater or lesser degree with various temptations than others do. The fact that I struggle with heterosexual lust more than some other men doesn't justify submitting to my urges, any more than another man's struggle with homosexuality justifies submitting to his. Sin is sin, and we should hate the sin, but love the sinner. The bottom line is, the Holy Spirit is more than powerful enough to help each of us resist our temptations. We just have to trust and submit to Him instead of our sinful desires.
I agree with TC; the Church is looking the other way when Christians divorce and "remarry"; Jesus was definitely clear it would be adultery. Paul says to either be reconciled or be alone.
The Bible is clear that "homosexuality is an abomination" to God. So is adultry, fornication and other sexual sins. The abomination is the behavior or the sin. Just as a single heterosexual MUST avoid fornication, a homosexual MUST NOT engage in the "sin" of homosexuality acts. Otherwise, as a Christian I have no more animosity toward the homosexual than the straight person who lives in the sin of fornication. It's NOT the orientation... It IS the behavior the Bible condems so the argument on orientation is not something the Church needs to debate. It is the SIN that the Church should condemn.
It amazes me that even "pastors" are saying that this matter should have been talked privately. Please read the scripture in Matthew and consider the context. What do you guys preach in your pulpits? Have you an idea of what basic Hermeneutics is? The scripture in Matthew only applies if Campolo had sinned AGAINST Drew, which he didn't it.
I think that's one of the reasons people like Campolo and others like him can get away with trying to please both sides (the world and the church) in order to be profitable in both.
I guess enough replies have been made regarding this issue. But I just read it and feel compeled to reply. I have been a Christian for more than 50 years. I realize that doesn't make me some kind of expert or give me enough expertise to refute Tony Campolo. But this I know, Jesus's Words are true. It doesn't matter what Mr. Campolo says or thinks. There is one door, there is only one way, and that is being born again by the Spirit of God. But first we have to be convicted of our sin and repent.
Thank you for allowing me to have my to say. Stanley Lamb, Sayre, OK. 73662
Tony Campolo's views on sodomy (homosexuality) are nothing more than "high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God." (2 Corinth 10:5) And his statements that he should have been approached in accordance with Matthew 18 principles do not surprise me. For God says everyone practicing evil hates the light. (John 3) He goes public with "another perverted gospel." Why shouldn't he be reproved in public forums? Any professing Christian group that has him speak for the National Day of Prayer(2009) is helping to spread a perverted gospel also.
"Ditto" to what G. Jorge Medina said. (above)
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