RICK BRENTLINGER OF GAY CHRISTIAN 101 AND KEN SILVA

I’ve pointed out many times now that as a general rule, and a courtesy, we do not publish email without the permission of the sender. However at the same time, all email sent to AM and Christian Research Network is considered the property of Apprising Ministries so we may indeed publish unsolicited email for the purposes of edification.

Earlier in Not So Gay Writing On Wall Of Apostatizing Evangelicalism I had mentioned that Rick Brentlinger of Gay Christian 101 was kind enough to send me, on his own, his 390 page gay affirming textbook of the same name. I also said, should the Lord allow, I would hope to do some pieces interacting with Brentlinger’s very in-depth book of “Spiritual Self-Defense For Gay Christians.”

As I also said previously, we’ve since had a few amiable discussions; and the one below, from today, is published with permission:

Hi Ken-

As I read your website almost daily, I often marvel at how frequently you decry homosexuality.

The August, 2009, Christianity Today, had an interesting article about evangelical marriage by Mark Regnerus, which deals with heterosexuals and sex.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/august/16.22.html

This quote from the article jumped off the page at me.

“Indeed, over 90 percent of American adults experience sexual intercourse before marrying. The percentage of evangelicals who do so is not much lower.

In a nationally representative study of young adults, just under 80 percent of unmarried, church- going, conservative Protestants who are currently dating someone are having sex of some sort.”

The 80% figure astonished me and raises questions about why conservative evangelicals spend so much time decrying homosexuality when in their own churches, “just under 80 percent of unmarried, church-going conservative Protestants who are currently dating someone are having sex of some sort.”

If almost 80% of unmarried, heterosexual, conservative evangelical Protestants are having sex outside of marriage, isn’t that a far bigger problem than homosexuals being welcomed in some liberal and emergent churches?

How can the conservative evangelical church win homosexuals to Christ when almost 80% of their unmarried young people are living a sexually immoral lifestyle?

Your brother in Christ,

Rick Brentlinger
http://www.gaychristian101.com/isnt-it-all-about-sex-for-you-gays-and-lesbians.html

Hi Rick,
 
Please for give the delay in getting back to you. Now if you read my site daily then should already know why I have brought up the subject of homosexuality so often; and “decry” would be a stronger word than I would use, because through the subject of homosexuality I’m illustrating just how far from Sola Scriptura the visible church has become. The Bible is very clear that homosexuality is sin.
 
Ok, as far as other forms of sexual immorality, I’ve worked much with youth, and so it doesn’t surprise me that in this nearly sex-mad society that we human beings as sinners will sin in that area. You wonder: “why conservative evangelicals spend so much time decrying homosexuality when in their own churches, ‘just under 80 percent of unmarried, church-going conservative Protestants who are currently dating someone are having sex of some sort.’ ”
 
No doubt that’s a serious problem and the subject of homosexuality is obviously close to you; but again, I think “decry” is way too strong. 1) I’m personally not an evangelical and 2) unfortunately “conservative Protestants” covers a pretty wide spectrum; as far as I’m concerned, the semi-pelagian message preached by so much of evangelicalism is producing too many false converts. Therefore, as those who’d still be in the flesh, they would continue their sin; and of course, even the regenerate will still struggle with sin (e.g. see-Romans 7:14-25).
 
Then you ask: “If almost 80% of unmarried, heterosexual, conservative evangelical Protestants are having sex outside of marriage, isn’t that a far bigger problem than homosexuals being welcomed in some liberal and emergent churches?” Rick, the problem is, “homosexuals being welcomed in some liberal and emergent churches” are not being told that those having same-sex sexual relations, which will always be outside of God’s design for marriage, are also committing sin. So yes, I would say that’s a bigger problem; and one that comes with a possible eternal consequence in hell, unless one repents and accepts the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ.

And finally you ask: “How can the conservative evangelical church win homosexuals to Christ when almost 80% of their unmarried young people are living a sexually immoral lifestyle?” First of all, let me ask you a question: How will homosexuals, unrepentant in their sin, be won to Christ if they are affirmed while still in their sin; and if the genuine Gospel of Jesus Christ is withheld from them? The truth is, Jesus died even for the sin of homosexuailty; and the Good News is, whomsoever will come to Him for forgiveness, is invited to come.
 
Rick, as a rule I don’t publish emails without permission; that said, as a pastor I do so on occasion when I feel led it’s good for edification. In this case I’d like to publish your complete letter as you sent it, as well as my response here, if you’d consent. In my opinion it would make a really good conversation starter concerning these issues. Obviously you and I don’t agree; however, this exchange will provide some serious food for thought. Just let me know my friend.
 
Sincerely,
 
Ken Silva
https://www.apprising.org/2009/07/the-sin-of-homosexuality-is-different/

See also:

GAY CHRISTIAN

ELCA BISHOP MARK HANSON SAYS BIBLE NOT FINAL AUTHORITY

GROWING GAY AGENDA IN EVANGELICALISM

EMERGING CHURCH AND ADELE SAKLER TRANSFORM GAY AGENDA IN EVANGELICALISM

ADELE SAKLER AND KEN SILVA

EX-HOMOSEXUAL FRIEND OF APPRISING MINISTRIES

QUICK WORD ON SIN OF HOMOSEXUALITY