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January 16, 2013
Steve Chalke Stuns British Evangelicals By Coming Out in Support of Same-Sex Relationships
(Updated) Evangelical leader makes controversial argument in latest Christianity magazine.
Update (Feb. 5): The British parliament voted today to "[authorize] same-sex marriages but also exempts religious organizations from having to perform them," reports the Los Angeles Times. The bill, which passed by a 400-175 vote, has several more hurdles to clear before becoming law.
Update (Jan. 25): Associated Baptist Press reports how British Baptists are debating Chalke's position on homosexuality and how the Baptist Union of Great Britain should respond.
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Steve Chalke, one of the most prominent evangelical leaders in the United Kingdom, has publicly announced his change of belief that monogamous same-sex relationships are not sinful, and makes an argument for why churches should support such relationships in the latest issue of Christianity magazine.
Released yesterday, the magazine's February issue focuses on "The Bible and Homosexuality." It follows columnist Chalke's article "calling for a new Christian understanding of homosexual relationships" with ones by theologian in residence Greg Downes "unpack[ing] the traditional evangelical understanding of homosexuality" and editor Ruth Dickinson "tak[ing] the temperature of evangelical opinion on the subject."
Chalke, whose strong views on atonement theology broke up one of Britain's biggest Christian conferences, writes:
I feel both compelled and afraid to write this article. Compelled because, in my understanding, the principles of justice, reconciliation and inclusion sit at the very heart of Jesus’ message. Afraid because I recognise the Bible is understood by many to teach that the practice of homosexuality, in any circumstance, is a sin or ‘less than God’s best’.Some will think that I have strayed from scripture – that I am no longer an evangelical. I have formed my view, however, not out of any disregard for the Bible’s authority, but by way of grappling with it and, through prayerful reflection, seeking to take it seriously.
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It’s one thing to be critical of a promiscuous lifestyle – but shouldn’t the Church consider nurturing positive models for permanent and monogamous homosexual relationships?
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Tolerance is not the same as Christ-like love. Christ-like love calls us to go beyond tolerance to want for the other the same respect, freedom and equality one wants for oneself. We should find ways to formally support and encourage those who are in, or wish to enter into, faithful same-sex partnerships, as well as in their wider role as members of Christ’s body.
Chalke offered a fuller explanation of his shift in thinking on his charity's website.
In an editorial, Christianity magazine explained why it "felt now was the right time to tackle the issue" and why it gave Chalke a platform to make such a controversial argument.
"Firstly, Steve has been a contributor for a long time, as well as a prominent evangelical. He spoke at Spring Harvest for many years and appeared with Billy Graham at Mission England. We wanted to let him have his say, rather than for rumour and hearsay to dictate the conversation," wrote Dickinson. "Secondly, opening up the issues is what this magazine does. We’re evangelical in conviction, but our approach has never been to suppress what others think, whether within or outside of evangelicalism. Steve’s is not the only voice."
In his follow-up essay, Downes writes "Those who say the Bible does not teach homosexual practice is wrong are simply engaging in hermeneutical gymnastics," and notes, "my fear is that any shift to embrace this new interpretation is nothing short of a denial of the authority of the Bible itself.”
Dickinson expects Chalke's reversal to reverberate for years. “Chalke is going against the majority of U.K. evangelical opinion. Furthermore, many see this as a primary issue, not a secondary one and one for which liberals will suffer grave consequences," she told Christian Today. "Others, of course, will welcome his announcement, seeing it as an opportunity to make the Church more open and welcoming to homosexual people.”
Reaction by the British media and Christian bloggers was swift.
"[Chalke] was well aware that his announcement would be a bombshell, not only on the British scene, but would have ramifications for evangelicals around the world," notes Tony Campolo, who received a phone call from Chalke prior to the news breaking in the British media. "For somebody with Steve’s high profile to stand up in favor of lesbian and gay partnerships is indeed shocking news."
Campolo, who "remain[s] conservative on the issue," claims that Chalke's essay "represents the first time that a major evangelist and leader in the Evangelical community has come out in support of same-sex relationships. ... Both those who support same-sex partnerships and gay marriage as well as those who oppose such developments will look upon Steve’s declaration as a watershed."
Steve Clifford, general director of the U.K.'s Evangelical Alliance, noted in an open letter (full text at bottom) that Chalke is a friend and believes "when the history of the Church in the U.K. is written, Steve's contribution over the last 25 years will be recognised as profoundly significant," but said, "While I understand and respect Steve's pastoral motivations, I believe the conclusions he has come to on same-sex relationships are wrong."
"Generations of Christians have faced the challenge of making the gospel relevant within their cultural settings," writes Clifford. "The danger we all face, and I fear Steve has succumbed to, is that we produce 'a god' in our own likeness or in the likeness of the culture in which we find ourselves."
By contrast, he promotes the EAUK's recent "Biblical and Pastoral Responses to Homosexuality," a resource which "expresse[s] regret for the Church's past and present failure in relation to the lesbian and gay community" while upholding what the EAUK believes to be biblical teaching.
CT reported when Britian's biggest Christian conference broke up in 2007 over the atonement debate and whether or not Chalke should speak. Chalke has been an outspoken critic of the penal substitution theory of atonement; his 2004 book The Lost Message of Jesus prompted rebuke from the U.K.'s Evangelical Alliance, which in turn prompted more controversy. He supports the Christus Victor model instead.
Full statement from Evangelical Alliance general director Steve Clifford:
Steve Chalke is a friend of mine. We go back many years. I am convinced that when the history of the Church in the UK is written, Steve's contribution over the last 25 years will be recognised as profoundly significant. So with this as a backdrop I am writing my response to Steve's article in Christianity magazine. While I understand and respect Steve's pastoral motivations, I believe the conclusions he has come to on same-sex relationships are wrong.It is with both sadness and disappointment that I reflect on how Steve has not only distanced himself from the vast majority of the evangelical community here in the UK, but indeed from the Church across the world and 2,000 years of biblical interpretation.
Steve has raised issues which touch on deep areas of human identity. At a Soul Survivor seminar last summer, a Baptist minister who lives with same-sex attraction introduced his talk to a marquee full of young people by indicating that he would love to find a theology in the Bible which would support a sexually-active gay life. But, he said: "I've come to the conclusion that it is not there and I don't want to live in rebellion to the one that I love."
This pastor is just one of tens of thousands of Christians who have come to the conclusion that sex was designed by God to be expressed within a committed relationship for life between a man and a woman - we call this marriage - and have chosen to live a celibate life.
Steve Chalke's challenge to historic biblical interpretation is in danger of undermining such courageous lifestyle decisions. Last year, the Evangelical Alliance produced a resource for leaders entitled Biblical and Pastoral Responses to Homosexuality - put together by a commission of eight and peer reviewed by 40. I trust this resource reflects a considered, gracious and mature response. It follows on from the highly respected Faith, Hope and Homosexuality book produced some 14 years ago, combining a clear and succinct statement of biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality. It expressed regret for the Church's past and present failure in relation to the lesbian and gay community. Realistically and honestly, it engages with real-life scenarios to help Christians, and especially pastors and others in Christian ministry, discern how we can speak and live the truth in love. It can be downloaded online www.eauk.org/current-affairs/publications/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=25152 and hard copies can be purchased for £7 via our website.
Generations of Christians have faced the challenge of making the gospel relevant within their cultural settings. The danger we all face, and I fear Steve has succumbed to, is that we produce 'a god' in our own likeness or in the likeness of the culture in which we find ourselves.
Steve's approach to biblical interpretation allows for a god in the likeness of 21st century Western-European mindsets. His call for "Christ-like inclusion" is not radical enough in its inclusiveness. We all come to the gospel in our brokenness, with an attachment to things, self-centeredness, addictions, fears and pride. We all need a saviour in every area of our lives, including our sexuality. We all live with pain. The radical inclusiveness of the gospel means we are all welcomed. In a wonderful grace-filled process we find repentance and forgiveness and Christ commits himself through the work of the Holy Spirit to bring transformation to our lives - a life-long process.
This is the radical inclusiveness I believe the gospel offers to all of us. God doesn't leave us on our own, He promises to work in us, to bring us into our ultimate goal which is His likeness.
Inevitably Steve's article will open again the conversation on human sexuality. But as we have this discussion let's remember that Jesus requires us to disagree without being disagreeable. We must listen honestly and carefully to one another, being courteous and generous. In 1846, our Evangelical Relationships Commitment was created to guide us in our relationships with other Christians - especially those we disagree with.
Comments
With humility and love,
If this man has any Christian friends, they shoul earnestly pray for his salvation. I was disturbed by his stance on the homosexual marriage issue but when I read that he rejected the penal substitutions of Christ for our sins then I knew where the problem was. May God have mercy on him - no matter how high profile he may be!
In Christian love,
J. Clifton Brown
Posted By: Clifton Brown | January 16, 2013 9:40 AM
We are truly in the end times! We must guard our salvation with fear and trembling, looking unto Jesus (and Him ONLY) as the author and finisher of our faith. When supposed 'great men of God' start to lead the world astray then we really need to be afraid, pray and embrace tightly God's eternal truth.
God will not change His truth because we want to be politically correct. We must refuse to be spiralled into silence, afterall, the Church is supposed to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth.... Selah.
Posted By: Utang | January 16, 2013 12:48 PM
His theology (giving up penal substitution) influenced his moral understanding of sin. He is departing from the faith. What will it be next?
Posted By: Dan | January 16, 2013 1:01 PM
Should we be shocked when this man, who wants so much to be liked by the world, turns against the Word of God? This is simply part of his being (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17). His passion is to be a people-pleaser and not honoring God.
Posted By: Roy | January 16, 2013 3:11 PM
The Bible has stern rebukes and dire warnings for those who approve of sin or encourage others to sin (Leviticus 19:1; Isaiah 5:20; Malachi 2:17; Matthew 5:19-20; Matthew 18:6; Romans 14:22). Note that two of these warnings (Matthew 5:19-20 and Matthew 18:6) are from Jesus’ own mouth. Anyone who approves of a homosexual lifestyle will answer to God for it.
Posted By: James Aist | January 16, 2013 5:52 PM
I have known of Steve for years - have several friends connected with his ministry. I almost took a position with him years ago. I ordered his book to study. I suspect he will be using all the traditional arguments defending same sex marriage.
I think that in the pursuit of justice and equity, some evangelicals have found it hard to reconcile what their heart feels and what traditional conservative Christian theology has taught about human sexuality. It will be interesting to see what the repercussions will be. Chalke and Oasis will probably endure some fall out from conservative groups and churches who will draw the line on this issue. Their loss, since Oasis and Chalke have been doing some of the greatest work in justice and compassion issues, globally.
Posted By: Santosh Ninan | January 16, 2013 5:53 PM
Time for Mr Chalke to stand down from any form of Christian leadership. He's put his foot in it too many times now to be able to continue in leadership.
This stance, his stance on penal substitution and seeing God as a child abuser by allowing His son Jesus to die means he has lost the plot in a big way.
Posted By: Gordon B | January 16, 2013 6:48 PM
I can somewhat understand how same-sex relations would make sense to seculars and non-believers. But I find it absurd for a believer of the Christian God to claim that God would bless sexual relations other than man/woman relations.
Christians say that God is revealed through Scripture and nature. In Scripture we can read about God's intended design for sexual relations, and see evidence of this design in nature. Some animals in nature are unisexual or asexual, but obviously God designed designed humans to be male and female. Look at the human anatomy and you see male and female organs were designed to fit each other. Both male and female are required to procreate. The female tends to be more relational and emotional. The male is more sensible and often times lustful. The woman's relational nature balance out man's lustful side so that long term relationships could be formed.
Now if you believe the reality that humans are male/female is just coincidence of an accidental, purposeless universe, then the human reproductive organ could be used for whatever its owner desire, because there was never a design and purpose for it. But if man/woman was put in this universe purposely, then the reproductive organ was intended to be used in ways which were explicitly revealed in Scripture and implicitly designed in nature. And use of the sexual organ in ways for which it was never intended is abnormal according to the Creator's design.
Posted By: vic jones | January 16, 2013 11:46 PM
It seems to me that wherever we turn Biblical truths are being overturned by people who want to turn God into an image of themselves, rather than seek to be an 'image of God'.
This is predicted by Peter:-
"Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires." (2Pe 3:3 NIV)
I am glad that I currently live in a country where a biblical view of homosexuality is promoted, and the practice is discouraged and I am free to teach abstinence from sin in any form.
Posted By: Alan | January 16, 2013 11:54 PM
I knew Steve in the 1970s when he was doing a fine work among young people at a Baptist church in South Ashford. He also preached at my home church in Sheerness a number of times and I was impressed with his soundness of doctrine and clarity in preaching the Gospel.
However, it saddens me to note that he has moved away from the Word of God in recent years and I now believe he has apostasised.
We need to pray for his salvation.
Posted By: Bob Hutton | January 17, 2013 2:57 AM
I pulled down Chalke's 15 page article on this this-morning. Cruising down through it proved it to be an exercise in hermeneutical relativism. Chalke makes much of monogamy from Scripture and argues that monogamous same-sex relationships are of a different order and therefore permissible--as long as they loving, consensual, and monogamous. Oddly, Chalke conveniently omitted the gender distinction mandate (Gen. 1:27) which was reaffirmed by both Christ and Paul (Matt. 19:4-6; Mk. 10:2-11; Eph. 5:22-32). He never even mentions the gender distinction as prescribed from creation itself. Christ made it clear that the hallmark of a marriage as God intended from the beginning was to be characterized by gender distinction and life-long monogamy. Chalke dispenses with the one and adopts only that part of the marriage equation that supports his beginning presupposition, which is that same-sex unions are acceptable. My question for Chalke is simple, are other relational combinations like incest, pedophilia, and polyamory (group marriage) acceptable as long as they fit your culturally relativised values of "loving", "consensual", and "monogamous"? If not, why not? Given that the UK Guardian published an article just 2 weeks ago promoting and justifying pedophilia by using the SAME RELATIVISTIC ARGUMENTS used to normalize homosexuality, I wonder how long it will be before Chalke begins his biblical rationalization for inter-generational relationships? After all, the Bible does not explicitly address pedophilia. In light of that Chalke should have a field day.
Posted By: Pedalingparson | January 17, 2013 6:01 AM
I am an evangelist, have been since I completed the Teen Challenge programme over 20 years ago. I'm committed in a local. Church, married and happy. I lived as an addict and alcoholic for over 20 years, I CHOSE to stay in that lifestyle, I had a lot of fun and adventure during the early years of substance misuse. But I ALWAYS knew it was wrong. I eventually called out to God and was saved. My church loved me but always pointed out that my lifestyle habits needed to change. After struggling for 3 years as a christian I realised my powerlessness to change. Once again I called out to God and was set free. I see a parallel between an addicts lifestyle and that of a homosexual lifestyle. Indeed with any lifestyle based on sin. God can and will set anyone free if they will seek Him.
I read Steve Chalks piece last night and was greatly troubled to see such a prominent evangelical leader write such lukewarm inclusive untruth. I fear for his people and for the younger generations.
I hope and pray that Christianity magazine will reign in voices that can only produce confusion and sin.
I believe that these days ministers need to seriously get back to Gods Word and proclaim it's Truth from the rooftops while practicing true agape love. I thank God for the Christians who lovinglyt told me that my old lifestyle was not acceptable as a christian. They stood with me for the three years that it took me to truly repent and allow God to change my ways. Let us do the same for anyone who is living in ungodly, sinful and unbiblical lifestyles. Whether they be gay, addicted. Eating disorder. Porn, adultery etc etc. John 3v16 says it all. John Edwards.
Posted By: John Edwards | January 17, 2013 4:04 PM
It is disturbing that Steve used his interpretation of the bible to justify what the Church has stated is objectively disordered for 2000 years. Evangelicals need to reign folks like this in, but who has the authority to do so? May God's grace cause him to see the Truth.
Posted By: russ rentler | January 18, 2013 7:10 AM
Beware of the seeker friendly church leaders that promote community and casually refer to the bible. I bet it did not come as a surprise to those that have sat under his ministry. Jesus said He will build his church and the gates of hell will not prevail against. We believers need to pray.
Posted By: Olu | January 18, 2013 3:51 PM
At last a major evangelical leader has started speaking Biblically based sense and has had the courage to do so publicly. Well done Rev. Steve Chalke.
Posted By: Denzil | January 20, 2013 8:27 AM
I heard Steve Chalke speaking with Dan Damon on BBC World Update this morning and noticed his arguments are based on messing with Scripture. He said God doesn't condemn homosexuality, that's not true. He says people who are disabled are forbidden to be in the congreation, but that's not what God says. The Lord says a person who has a deformity isn't allowed to offer sacrifices at the altar as a priest. That person is still allowed to be part of the priestly family, but not a priest. Daniel predicts this kind of immorality at the end of time. It's important for believers to know what God's Word says so we can't be hoodwinked. Daniel says we're going to be abused by the bad guys till God's time comes. It's important to know what Scripture says and means so Satan can't seduce us into immorality. Sincerely, Kathy in Kalispell, Montana
Posted By: Kathleen Maloney | January 21, 2013 1:29 PM
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables"(2Tim4:3-4).
Steve Chalke has unfortunately turned "away" his ears "from the truth" and is "turned unto fables." He has departed from the faith and the King of glory would classify him as a false prophet on tragically on his way to an eternity in hell if he does not repent, trust the Lord Jesus Christ by faith alone for his salvation(Matt7:15-20;Lk13:3;Jn3:3).
The Bible clearly condemns not just homosexual behaviour(1Cor6:9-11), but also homosexual lusts, & desires of the heart(Rom1:24-28) also to be sin, and an abomination in the sight of the Lord Jesus Christ(Gal5:24), that will certainly lead to eternal damnation in hell unless one repents, and receives God's love, mercy, forgiveness and salvation through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ.
We are in an age of apostasy as recorded in 2Thess2:3;2Tim4:1-8;2Pet3:1-22;Jude1-25, and Steve Chalke, Tony Compolo, Brian Mclaren, Rob Bell, Carlton Peason, Al Sharpton, & others, are leading multitudes of precious homosexuals, along with themselves to the Lake of fire if they do not repent & trust he Lord Jesus Christ by faith alone for their salvation(Lk13;3;Jn3:16;1Cor6:9-11;Rev20:8).
Please friend do not believe the lies and deceptions of Satan believe the Word of God and "...Be not deceived..."(1Cor6:9-11).
Evangelist Rev. Sean Bonitto
www.internationaldeliveranceministries.org
Posted By: Evangelist Rev. Sean Bonitto | January 25, 2013 2:20 AM
Thank you Steve. Your path to changing your view on same-sex relationships mirrors my own. You are not asking others to agree with you, but only that the Evangelical world opens up a conversation about this topic and examines the scriptures honestly - not fearing what the Scriptures might really be saying. I pray that you do not suffer at the hands of your Christian brothers and sisters, who may have a tendency to judge and condemn rather than face the challenge posed by the fact that it is God who creates gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, gender queer people. Some of these people are also Bible-believing Christans despite years of rejection and judgement by some in the Church. Jesus' light shines in and through them - and I for one am pleased to call them my friends.
Posted By: Mazzer | February 3, 2013 4:36 PM
Sadly Mr Chalke has lost the plot and has wandered off the narrow way. God does not lower his standard of righteousness to accommodate our sin. He is not concerned with political correctness and never will be.
None of us are perfect, we constantly need to correct our thinking and keep on the Christian way by measuring our lives by the bible, under the guidance of God's Holy Spirit.
'Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor abusers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God'. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Posted By: Bible Geezer | February 16, 2013 6:49 AM
FOR GAYS ONLY: Jesus predicted that just before His return as Judge, there will be a strange, spontaneous, mind-twisting fad - a global steamroller notable for its speed, boldness, violence, and impudent in-your-face openness. In Luke 17 He called this worldwide craze the repeat of the "days of Lot" (see Genesis 19 for details). By helping to fulfill this worldwide mania quietly coordinated by unseen spirit beings, gays are actually hurrying up Christ's return to earth and making the Bible even more believable!
They've actually invented strange architecture: closets opening not on to bedrooms but on to Main Streets where kids can see naked men having sex in "Madam" Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco Brothel District. We wonder how soon S.F.'s underground saint - San Andreas - will get a 10-point jolt out of what goes on over his head (see the dire prediction about cities in Revelation 16:19)!
What's really scary is the "reprobate mind" phrase in Romans 1:28. A person can sear his conscience so much God turns him over to S, the universal leader of evil who can turn such a person into Mr. Possessed with a super-human strength that many cops together have trouble restraining.
Remember, gays don't have to stay bound to their slavery. Their emancipation is found in a 5-letter name starting with J - no, not James or Julia. As soon as they can find out the all-powerful J name, gays will really start living!
Posted By: Irv | April 10, 2013 2:11 AM
Steve is right in his commencing this conversation the Jesus I know and love is accepting of everyone I am so pleased to have some sound honest Christian loving messages to pass on to my teenage children
I grew up with Steve in a humble south London baptist church in the early 70's we were loved and encouraged by our Christian elders. Thank The Lord for their Christian teaching it has guided me well in my social work efforts for the past 30 years
Listen intently to Jesus and you will come to know Steves urging for the fair and true loving conversation and response are the same as Jesus would urge
Gill Townsend Cairns Australia
Posted By: Gill Townsend | April 30, 2013 7:43 AM
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