Wesley
Hill writes movingly about growing up in a Christian home and being taught
biblical views on sexuality. And yet, Hill writes, "Confusingly, I found
myself, just when all my friends were beginning to notice girls and become
interested in dating, having longings to be in that kind of relationship with a
member of my own sex." After receiving wise and loving guidance from
Christian mentors, Hill writes:
As I discovered more about Christianity's historic teaching, I found
myself convinced of the position which the church has held with almost total
unanimity throughout the ages—that although many people find themselves,
through no fault of their own, to have sexual desires for members of their own
sex, this is not something to be affirmed and celebrated but is, rather, a sign
that we are broken, in need of redemption and re-creation. Gay people are not
uniquely broken—that's a position we share with every other human who has ever
lived, or will live—but we are, nonetheless, broken. And following Jesus means
turning our backs on a life of sexual sin, just as it does for every other
Christian.
He
offers this advice to others who struggle with same-sex attraction:
If you're someone living with homosexual feelings, Jesus' message to
you … is not primarily a no to your deepest hunger. I do believe that
discipleship to him entails giving up gay sex and gay relationships. And that
may be more painful than you can imagine right now …. But, ultimately, Jesus is
offering you the kingdom. He is offering you eternal life. He is offering you
himself in the gospel. Sacrificing your sexual freedom … may seem like a high
price to pay—and it is a high price to pay!—but he promises you a joy so
stunningly great that if you felt the full weight of it now, you would literally
come undone.
Wesley Hill, "Leaving all, gaining all," Critique (2011:3)
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