To our readers: Difficult, necessary discussion

We can’t avoid tough faith questions. Our responses often shape the way a lost and dying world sees Jesus — reflected through us. 

This month, The Christian Chronicle launches a three-part series, “Bridges & Barriers.” We gather viewpoints inside and outside our fellowship, asking how we, as disciples of Jesus, can relate to those with whom we disagree. Can we build bridges and relate to each other without compromising the truth?

This month we explore how believers might respond to the homosexual community. At Christian universities and in church pews and social institutions, this is an increasingly challenging and relevant discussion. In our next installment, we will report on Islam — a growing faith around the globe and in the U.S. We will highlight dialogues between Christians and Muslims in our society.

Finally, we’ll report on interaction among Churches of Christ and other Christian religious groups. We’ve heard from church leaders about declining “brand loyalty” to Churches of Christ, particularly among young believers who want to be “Christians only.”

We do not court controversy by reporting these stories. We believe these are necessary, though difficult, discussions that our fellowship must hear.

As always, we encourage thoughtful, respectful discussion and feedback. Leave a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].

• Feedback
  Love the sinner hate the sin. Let us not weigh sin. How would we respond to a liar or thief that comes in our doors? We do not change the sermon for the day or the Bible class. We simply teach the word. Our problem is we know how to teach but do we teach in love? And do we remember we all have sin? Let us not treat one sin
  more than another. Teach, then teach, then teach, but in love — agape.

  Andrea lorick

  Inner City Church of Christ,Baltimore

  baltimore, Maryland
  USA

  August, 3 2013

  I believe that we as Christians should view, treat, and consider homosexual sin the same way we treat heterosexual sin–that is, we should treat these sins (and indeed all sins)in whatever manner God has instructed us to treat it!

  Dee James

  Church of Christ

  Oklahoma City, OK
  USA

  July, 29 2013

  I know this is a very sensitive subject; we all want to do what is morally right and also loving toward all people. We’ve already addressed this subject in an adult Bible class. People are naturally interested and also concerned about the future. I look forward to reading your reporting and hearing various Bible-based viewpoints. Thank you for responsibly engaging in this, and other, matters.

  Chris Stinnett

  Church of Christ at Seminole

  Seminole, OK
  USA

  July, 29 2013

  When there is someone in your family or circle of friends with has had a long battle with same sex attraction, you feel at a loss to help them in part because you want to “fix” them. You want a magic change in the way they feel; that is not going to be reality. God’s truths can work to cause them to be celibate, and I can support my friend and walk with them while God does his work in their hearts. It is the same for all of our imperfections and sins.

  Ron Haker

  Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ

  Arlington, TX
  Tarrant

  July, 29 2013

  Again, you are doing the right things by addressing these issues with a spirit of healing, not condemnation. To respectfully discuss an issue like homosexuality is not to condone it, but embrace the pattern of loving people that Jesus Christ established.

  Gary Villamor

  Woodward Park C.O.C.

  Fresno, CA
  USA

  July, 29 2013

  A very good resource is :
  Strengthinweakness.org
  This is an International Church of Christ group that has done a very good job putting together resources on same sex attraction….

  Charlie Eaton

  North County

  Escondido, Ca
  San Diego

  July, 29 2013