Sexual Revolution in the Methodist Church

The General Conference of the United Methodist Church is meeting this week in Charlotte, N.C. to enact new legislation which will separate sexual relations from the marriage union.

In an post by Mark Tooley on the Juicy Ecumenism website and reposted on World.org he writes, “delegates by wide margins are disconnecting sex from marriage or even monogamy. Until now, the United Methodist Church officially taught that “sexual relations are affirmed only with the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage.”

“But the proposed revision,” writes Tooley, “OK’d by 75 percent in committee, says we “affirm human sexuality as a sacred gift and acknowledge that sexual intimacy contributes to fostering the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of individuals and to nurturing healthy sexual relationships that are grounded in love, care and respect.”

There’s no mention of marriage or monogamy as taught in the Bible. Nor is there even a reference to heterosexual relations. Instead the amendment says sexuality can be celebrated and “expressed in wonderfully diverse ways.” Furthermore, they affirm “ the rights of all people to exercise personal consent in sexual relationships, to make decisions about their own bodies and be supported in those decisions.”

Furthermore, the legislative committee has also recommended removing as cause for dismissal of their “clergy” “immorality including but not limited to, not being celibate in singleness or not faithful in a heterosexual marriage.” If passed homosexual behavior will no longer be a chargeable offense.

Our objections to some of their doctrinal beliefs not withstanding, it’s sad to see this denominational body, like too many others become “progressive,” and “inclusive.” They have become “conformed to this world,” instead of being “transformed” by Christ and the Gospel (Rom. 12:1-2).

There was a time in our country that even among good religious folks who disagreed about doctrinal practices, they could be in agreement about basic Biblical values, ethics, morality, as well as the sanctity of marriage and the sexual union. However, that day is no more.

Where is the respect for the Biblical teaching about marriage and morals? What about these scriptural edicts?

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4).

“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband” (1 Cor. 7:2-3)

“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body” (1 Cor. 6:18)

Tooley says this rift within the Methodist Church has in resulted in 7,670 churches that have exited the Conference, “most of which are joining the new Global Methodist Church, now carry the torch of traditional Methodism.”

Here’s a thought. Why not completely leave human doctrines, creeds, conferences, and legislative bylaws and return to the Bible as the source of authority in matters of morals and religious practices?

By implication and application the apostle Paul affirms that no other source is either necessary or authoritative.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Additionally, for those who identify as belonging to independent churches belonging to Christ, be advised that it’s not enough to give lip service to God’s plan for marriage and morals, we must practice it. As one writer quipped, “It’s possible to be straight in creed, but crooked in character.”

Our profession of faith must issue itself in denying the lusts of the flesh and living righteously, godly and morally upright in this wicked world (Titus. 2:11-12)

Preachers, pastors, parents, and religious leaders are called to hold forth the Word of life in a culture that has lost its way, as well as so many churches who have strayed from the straight and narrow way.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman