Should a christian attend a homosexual wedding
I have never attended, or even been invited to a same-sex wedding. If I were, I would feel very conflicted, especially if it were of a close family member. Would I go?
This is a reality facing an increasing number of Christians who are committed to biblical orthodoxy and firmly believe that marriage can only be between one biological man and woman.
Alistair Begg, a Scottish pastor ministering in America, recently caused controversy over pastoral advice given to a grandmother invited to join her grandchild’s wedding to a transgender person. He said it was matter of wisdom. Many contain criticised him, and he has been cancelled from some ministry opportunities.
In an episode of his ‘Truth for Life’ podcast, Begg gave this advice: “Well, here’s the thing: your adore for them may grab them off guard, but your absence will simply reinforce the fact that they said, These people are what I always thought: judgmental, critical, unprepared to countenance anything”. He added that, as long as the grandson knew she was not “affirming” his life choices, “then I suggest that you perform go to the ceremony, and I suggest that you buy them a gift.”
After Begg refused to retract h
As Kevin DeYoung, one of my favorite bloggers, attests, the question of whether a believer should join a homosexual wedding is now frequently asked. (I&#;ve addressed the question previously in a video, and also shared some ideas for how someone could lovingly decline attending such a wedding.)
I&#;m well attentive that my response to this issue will not only offend unbelievers, but also many believers. I&#;ve received pushback before and will again. But for what it&#;s worth, I have honestly tried to find a biblical way to conclude that cherish and grace, which I feel in my heart toward the people inquiring to be married, means it is good to demonstrate friendship by joining in the celebration. But partly because love needs some reference point in truth to be right love, I&#;ve simply been unable to come to this conclusion.
I have talked with a number of people, including some pastors from good churches, who advocate saying yes to attending homosexual weddings. Their argument centers on the fact that Jesus was and is a companion of sinners and is full of grace. So true. But I contain never seen a unattached wedding invitation that doesn&#;t request people&#;s presence to join in celebrating th
Should a Christian attend a gay wedding?
Answer
First, a pos of encouragement: if you are the kind of friend that a queer couple would invite to their wedding, then you are probably doing something right. When Jesus ministered, those who were despised by society, the tax collectors and the sinners, drew near to Him (Matthew ; Luke ). He was a ally to them.
Further, no one sin is greater than another. All sin is offensive to God. Homosexuality is just one of many sins listed in 1 Corinthians that will keep a person from the kingdom of God. We all sin and fall short of God’s glory (Romans ). It is only through Jesus Christ that we may be saved from sin’s eternal consequences. (Please notice What does it intend that Jesus saves?)
Some would contend that a Christian should have no qualms about attending a homosexual wedding and that one’s presence at a lgbtq+ wedding does not necessarily indicate support for the homosexual lifestyle. Rather, they view it as extending Christ’s love toward a friend. The thought is that one’s presence at a wedding ceremony is an act of cherish and friendship toward the person—not toward the lifestyle or spiritual choices. We do not hesitate to support friends an
The Case Against Christians Attending a Gay Wedding
The case against Christians attending a gay wedding is relatively straightforward. We can lay out the case in three premises and a conclusion.
The Argument
Premise 1: Male lover “marriage” is not marriage.
No matter what a government may sanction, the biblical definition of marriage (see Gen. –25, Mal. –15, Matt. –6; Eph. –33) involves a man and a woman. I won’t belabor the point, because I assume in this post that I’m speaking to those who assent with the Westminster Confession of Faith when it says, “Marriage is to be between one bloke and one woman” (WCF ). Gay “marriage” is not only an offense to God—sanctioning a considerate of sexual activity that the Bible condemns (Lev. ; ; Rom. –27; 1 Cor. –10; 1 Tim. –10)—gay “marriage” does not actually exist.
Premise 2: A gay wedding celebrates and solemnizes a lie.
Whether the service is done in a church or in a reception hall, whether it is meant to be a Christian service or a secular commitment ceremony, a queer wedding declares what is false to be genuine and calls evil good.
Premise 3: Attendance at a gay wedding bears universal witness to the purported goodness of what is taking .