Biola University has released a statement on human sexuality, which was in preparation over the last 18 months, along with a letter from President Covey (dated May 10, 2012). It is reported that this statement is (in some sense) a response to a group known as The Biola Queer Underground, a group which describes itself as “a group of like-minded LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) students and allies who have formed a private underground community in which we share our life struggles, as well as our love and support for one another.”
The group has responded to this statement with a request for dialogue and some questions.
This is a dicey issue and one that I think many Christian universities are (or will be) facing.
I appreciated the video discussion between Mark Dever and Albert Mohler, particularly from about 14:00-21:00. Dr. Mohler wisely made the observation that we need to acknowledge that there are Christians who struggle with same-sex attraction. Every fallen human being is a jumble of sexual brokenness, Mohler noted, not just those with same-sex attraction. For some the struggle is massive — and they can be some of our best church members, people who (as Dever said) otherwise have a vital love for Christ.
To those with same-sex attraction, the world says this is “who you are” and you should just “embrace it” and “live it” — as if our desires determined our identity and our destiny. They don’t — we all must mortify our sinful desires, whatever they may be (Col. 3:5). But it’s also unhelpful for us to tell them “you choose this” — they know they did not choose it; rather, it is how they have come to know themselves as postpubescent adults.
I applaud both the tone and clarity of Biola’s statement.
What do you think?
HT: Ardel Caneday