A WESLEYAN-HOLINESS POSITION PAPER ON GAY IDENTITY AND ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION
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A W E S L E YAN - H OL IN ESS POSITION PAPER
ON G AY I D E N T I T Y AN D EN TIRE SAN CTIF ICATION
wi th
R E S PO N S E B Y R EV. TIM OTHY CRUTCHER, PhD
The Ad Hoc Committee
on Entire Sanctification and Identity
Commissioned by: Love Wins.: LGBT
A ministry of Trinity Family Midtown Church of the Nazarene
Copyright © 2020 The Ad Hoc Committee on Entire Sanctification and Identity.
All rights reserved. This paper or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used
in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher
except for the use of brief quotations in a review.
Printed by Love Wins.:LGBT, in the United States of America.
First printing, 2020.
Love Wins.:LGBT
301 West Armour Boulevard
Suite #01W
Kansas City, MO 64111
www.lovewinslgbt.com
FA I T H F U L W I T N E S S E S
A WES L EYA N - HOLI NESS POSI TI ON PAPER
O N G AY IDEN TITY AND ENTI RE SANCTI FI CATI O N
with
RES PON S E BY REV. TI M OTH Y C RU TH ER, PhD
The Ad Hoc Committee
on Entire Sanctification and Identity
Commissioned by
Love Wins.: LGBT
A ministry of Trinity Family Midtown Church of the Nazarene
August 20. 2020
THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION AND IDENTITY
Designations: R: Researcher / W: Writer / E: Editor / RV: Reviewer / D: Designer
Kevin Browne, BA R/E/RV Rev. Anderson McGee, MDiv R/W
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand Co-Lead Pastor
Takanini, New Zealand Trinity Family Midtown Church of the Nazarene
Co-Executive Director
Rev. Nicholas Carpenter, MA R/E/RV Love Wins.: LGBT
Associate Pastor Church of the Nazarene
Nall Avenue Church of the Nazarene Kansas City, MO
Church of the Nazarene
Overland Park, KS Rev. Sarah McGee, MDiv R/W/E/RV
Co-Lead Pastor
Rev. Timothy Crutcher, PhD RV Trinity Family Midtown Church of the Nazarene
Pastor Co-Executive Director
Church of the Nazarene of Key Largo Love Wins.: LGBT
Church of the Nazarene Church of the Nazarene
Key Largo, FL Kansas City, MO
Elijah Drake, BA R/RV Rev. Brent Neely, MDiv R/W/RV
Free Methodist Church Church of the Nazarene
Grand Rapids, MI Kansas City, MO
Anthony Esser D Ross Neir R
The Roman Catholic Church Non-Denominational
North Beach, MD Deerfield, IL
Ashley Lavergne RV Matthew Ventra, BMus R/W/E/RV
Non-Denominational Presbyterian Church of Australia
Rayne, LA Brisbane, Queensland, AUS
Laura Mascarenhas R/W/E/RV Jessica Vogt, MDiv RV
The Church of England Church of the Nazarene
London, United Kingdom Raytown, MO
Rebekah Mason, ThM R/E Rev. John Wilson, MPTh R/W/E/RV
Executive Director The Wesleyan Church
Revoice Columbia, MO
Southern Baptist Convention
Chattanooga, TN
FAITHFUL WITNESSES
CONTENTS
1 The Problem 22 The Chief Whataboutism
3 Some Important Considerations for 22 Eating the Elephant
the Reader
23 Isn’t Identifying as Gay, In Essence,
4 How We Arrived Here
Identifying with Sin?
5 The Wesleyan-Holiness Debate on 24 Doesn’t Such an Identification Mean
Identity You Are Finding Your Core Identity In
Something Other Than Christ?
7 Entire Sanctification: A Necessary
Re-Orientation 25 ...Especially If You Profess The
Experience Sanctification?
8 Squabbling Over Words
28 Responding to the Still Critical
9 Re-oriented? Yes, But Not Like That
29 But What If...?
11 Clarity Over Confusion
30 Defining Faithfulness for a New
Generation
14 Entire Sanctification, Not
Supernatural Conversaion Therapy 31 Witnesses in War Zones
17 The Work of Entire Sanctification,
Defined for a New Generation 32 Appendix 1&2
18 Respond to the Smaller One. Speak to
the Larger One. Do it Respectfully 33 Bibliography
19 Understanding Gay Identity
37 Response
21 The Redemptive Script
THE PROBLEM
“Don’t call yourself a gay Christian.”
“Your identity should be found ‘in Christ!’”
“Don’t you know that when you “When you are entirely sanctified,
insist on using the phrase ‘gay your whole identity should be ‘in
Christian’ to describe yourself, you Christ.’”
are putting your identity in being gay “Entire sanctification should have
instead of finding your identity in removed your attraction to the same-
Christ?” sex.”
“Hyphenated Christianity is a false To be gay, Christian, and
Gospel!” profess the experience of entire
and the list goes on and on. sanctification, in today’s Wesleyan-
When one finds themselves to Holiness Church, is often to find
be gay,1 Christian, and a member oneself picked apart by the constant
of an evangelical Church, they questioning of a community called to
often find that they must become be known by its love for one another.2
micro-theologians, ready to defend A problem, both theological and
themselves against a barrage of well- deeply personal, has emerged as
intentioned statements, like the ones a result, and faithfully committed
above, regarding the way they do just Christians find themselves unable
about anything — whether it be the to understand each other in a battle
way they act, dress, talk, live, or for where both sides stand firm on the
the context of this paper, identify. If truths of Scripture.
such an individual finds their Church Thankfully, it does not have to be
home in the Wesleyan-Holiness this way.
tradition, they, unfortunately, must So, with prayer and hope in One
address further critiques, such as: bigger than us all, the writers of this
“You cannot profess entire paper invite you on a journey over the
sanctification and hold onto a gay following pages to come and reason
identity.” together3 to end the confusion, heal
the Church, and develop a more
faithful witness, to the ends of the
1 The term “gay” will be used throughout this earth4 and everywhere in between.
paper to collectively refer to those that identify as
same-sex attracted, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer,
and questioning yet hold to the historic Christian 2 See John 13:35.
teaching on human sexuality. 3 See Isaiah 1:18.
4 See Acts 1:8.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 1
S O M E I M P O R TA N T C O N S I D E R AT I O N S F O R T H E R E A D E R
Before undertaking the task of all usage of the term gay shall refer Only by loving each other as Christ
this paper, however, there are some only to those that identify as lesbian, loved us will we ever hope to be
essential doctrinal and terminological gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, and faithful witnesses of the One we have
considerations that need to be same-sex attracted, as this paper will been called to present to the world.
addressed. First, the writers of this not speak to issues of gender. With these considerations, we
paper labored as an outpouring of Finally, the writers of this paper move forward with the task of this
an underlying affirmation of the would like to speak to those who paper, which is not only essential but
doctrinal positions of the Church of find themselves to be more liberal or also extremely specific.
the Nazarene, with specific emphasis conservative on the issues addressed
on its historic positions related to in this paper.
entire sanctification and human
sexuality as found in the Manual of To you…
the Church of the Nazarene,5 as well We reaffirm our commitment to
as all statements related to the topics extend continued, non-judgmental
of entire sanctification and human love to you, and ask for grace and an
sexuality issued from the Board of open mind as you read and reflect on
General Superintendents. the issues discussed in this paper.
Stated clearly, the intent of We further commit to the same
the writers of this paper is not to with any rebuttal you may have to our
change the stated and held beliefs work here, for it is crucial to all who
of the Church of the Nazarene or contributed to this work to promote
like-minded Wesleyan-Holiness and maintain a spirit of Christian
denominations, but rather, an charity as we live with and love those
attempt to help these denominations who think differently on these issues
develop a deeper and more robust than we do.
understanding of such held beliefs.6
Second, and in line with the stated
beliefs mentioned above, all usage
of the term gay Christian in the
context of this paper will refer only to
celibate, gay Christians.7 Additionally,
5 Twenty-ninth General Assembly. 2017. Manual
Church of the Nazarene: 2017-2021. Kansas City:
Nazarene Publishing House.
6 Board of General Superintendents. n.d. BGS
Official Statements. Accessed July 22, 2020. https://
nazarene.org/bgs-official-statements.
7 This will be discussed further in later sections of
this paper.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 3HOW WE ARRIVED HERE
The conflict between those in the These works included authors like: attraction that is itself sinful.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Wesley Hill, and his book Washed The Apostle Paul answers this
Queer, Questioning, etc. (LGBTQ+) and Waiting;9 the blog Spiritual question definitively when he
community and those in the Church Friendship;10 The Great Debate11 explains in 1 Corinthians 6:11,
has always been present. between Justin Lee and Ron Belgau; such were some of you. But,
However, in recent years, a specific and Lee’s Gay Christian Network writes Paul by inspiration of the
critique has emerged from those Conferences.12 Holy Spirit, “you were washed,
in the Church — and, in the case However, Revoice, having been you were sanctified, you were
of this paper, those in Wesleyan- hosted by a Presbyterian Church justified in the name of the Lord
Holiness denominations — who have in America (PCA) congregation, Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our
encountered individuals who consider brought about very public critiques God.16
themselves to be gay Christians yet from largely Calvinist and reformed The chief complaint was not
hold beliefs that are in line with the authors, including Denny Burk,13 whether Revoice agreed with historic
historical teachings of the Church on Albert Mohler,14 and Kevin DeYoung15 Christian beliefs concerning human
issues of human sexuality. among others, both before and after sexuality, as they do,17 but rather
The public discourse concerning the conference. whether the words and phrases
such individuals came to the height In essence, their critiques reflected the participants of Revoice used
of awareness in the summer of 2018 the statements presented at the to describe themselves — namely
in response to the Revoice conference beginning of this paper. LGBTQ+ language — were in line with
held in St. Louis, Missouri. Consider Albert Mohler’s critique: Scripture.
Revoice’s mission was, and is,
The larger problem is the idea 16 Mohler, Albert. 2018. Torn Between Two Cul-
to support and encourage gay, tures? Revoice, LGBT Identity, and Biblical Chris-
lesbian, bisexual, and other same- that any believer can claim tianity. August 2. Accessed July 22, 2020. https://
sex attracted Christians—as well as identity with a pattern of sexual albertmohler.com/2018/08/02/torn-two-cul-
tures-revoice-lgbt-identity-biblical-christianity.
those who love them—so that all in 17 Revoice. n.d. Statement on Sexual Ethics
9 Hill, Wesley. 2010. Washed and Waiting: Reflections and Christian Obedience. Accessed July 22,
the Church might be empowered to on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality. Grand 2020. https://revoice.us/about/our-beliefs/state-
live in gospel unity while observing Rapids: Zondervan. ments-of-conviction/statement-on-sexual-eth-
the historic Christian doctrine of 10 Authors, Multiple. 2012. Spiritual Friendship: ics-and-christian-obedience/.
Musings on God, Sexuality, Relationships. Accessed
marriage and sexuality.8 While such July 22, 2020. https://spiritualfriendship.org/.
individuals have always been present 11 Belgau, Ron. n.d. The Great Debate. Accessed
July 22, 2020. https://ronbelgau.com/great-debate/.
throughout Church history, this
12 Authors, Multiple. 2020. Q Christian Fellowship.
conference brought a significantly July 9. Accessed July 22, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.
increased awareness of their org/wiki/Q_Christian_Fellowship.
13 Burk, Denny. 2018. Revoice is over. Now what?
presence.
August 3. Accessed July 22, 2020. https://www.
Seemingly unnoticed by most of dennyburk.com/revoice-is-over-now-what/.
14 Mohler, Albert. 2018. Torn Between Two Cul-
the Church, significant work had been tures? Revoice, LGBT Identity, and Biblical Chris-
done prior to this conference, which tianity. August 2. Accessed July 22, 2020. https://
albertmohler.com/2018/08/02/torn-two-cul-
aided in establishing the basis for it. tures-revoice-lgbt-identity-biblical-christianity.
15 DeYoung, Kevin. 2018. Words, Labels, and
8 Revoice. 2020. Our Mission, Vision, and Values. ‘Sexual Minorities’. June 1. Accessed July 22, 2020.
Accessed July 20, 2020. https://revoice.us/about/ https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kev-
our-mission-and-vision/. in-deyoung/words-labels-sexual-minorities/.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 4T H E W E S L E YA N - H O L I N E S S D E B AT E O N I D E N T I T Y
While Revoice and LGBTQ+ identity labels in the lives of those Interestingly, the only answers
identity labels continue to evoke committed to the historic Christian to Stephansen’s questions, outside
discussion and division in the teachings on human sexuality, of himself, from official Nazarene
PCA, the conversation has crossed specifically in the author’s own life. publications, were in a letter to the
denominational lines. As an example of his main editor in the precursor to Holiness
In the largest Wesleyan-Holiness arguments against such labels, Today, Herald of Holiness, in June
denomination, the Church of the Stephansen, using a questioning, 1987, when an individual wrote
Nazarene, the issue of gay identity inner-dialogue approach states, in to say, among other things,
labels has become a matter of “There is only one description for
considerable debate within the last If ‘gay’ encompasses sinful homosexuality and that word is sin.
year, brought on most notably by desires, does the ‘gay Christian’ There is no such thing as a Christian
the publication of the article, Why I label offer clarity or compromise? homosexual. Homosexuality is a state
Cannot Identify as a Gay Christian18 Is it truly a defining aspect of of sin, not a sickness.”20
in an official denominational who I am or is it something that Why mention a letter to the editor
publication, Holiness Today, authored, is part of the disordering of my from 1987 and not another article,
surprisingly, by a same-sex attracted, Creator’s plan? Are other sinful book, or resource, from an official
Calvinist believer named Tim desires used as adjectives before Nazarene publication?
Stephansen. ‘Christian?’ to qualify particular
sins that a person may have It is because not a single other
The article, in line with the struggled with or is currently official publication of the Church
reformed authors mentioned above, tempted by?19 of the Nazarene, before or after
advocated for the disuse of gay Stephansen’s article, addresses the
use of gay identity labels in the lives
18 Stephansen, Tim. 2019. “Why I Cannot Identify 19 Stephansen, Tim. 2019. “Why I Cannot Identify
as a Gay Christian.” Holiness Today, November/ as a Gay Christian.” Holiness Today, November/ 20 Cline, Harold. 1987. “Letters: Homosexuality is
December: 14-17. December: 16. Sin.” Herald of Holiness, June 15: 4, 20.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES5 5of those committed to the historic supersedes their identity in Christ.
Christian tradition concerning Anything above God is an idol.”22
homosexuality, in a negative light. It is this statement that most
In fact, as far as the writers of clearly represents a proper Wesleyan-
this paper can tell, the only time Holiness perspective on gay identity
the use of gay identity labels have label usage, and gives a clear answer
been looked upon in a negative light to the questions being asked within
in official Nazarene publications the on-going debate concerning
If ‘gay’ and statements is when they have sexual identity language among those
encompasses been accompanied by the term
“practicing,” as in the case of the
committed to the historic Christian
ethic concerning human sexuality.
sinful desires, document published by the Board In fact, the writers of this paper
does the ‘gay of General Superintendents in 2010
entitled Pastoral Perspectives from
believe it is the proper introduction
to the presentation of a convincing
Christian’ label Your General Superintendents on argument, which has yet to be found
Homosexuality.21 In it, they state
offer clarity or that, “If a person says ‘practicing
by those who share the sentiments of
Stephansen, since he states, “I have
compromise? homosexual,’ then God and Scripture
must bow to their sexual orientation,
never heard a convincing argument
that reconciles the phrase ‘gay
and this makes homosexuality an Christian’ with the Christianity that
idolatrous identity. For the practicing the Bible presents.”23
homosexual their sexual identity
21 Board of General Superintendents. 2010. Pas- 22 General Superintendents, Pastoral Perspectives.
toral Perspectives from Your General Superintendents on 23 Stephansen, Tim. 2019. “Why I Cannot Identify
Homosexuality. Booklet, Kansas City: The Church of as a Gay Christian.” Holiness Today, November/
the Nazarene. December: 15.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 6E N T I R E S A N C T I F I C AT I O N :
A N E C E S S A R Y R E - O R I E N TAT I O N
Before any convincing argument It further explains that such a work
can be presented to those
with questions concerning the …includes the divine impulse
compatibility of gay identity labels to grow in grace as a Christlike
with Wesleyan-Holiness doctrine, disciple. However, this impulse
we must take the time and space must be consciously nurtured,
necessary to explain how entire and careful attention given to
sanctification does, in one way, the requisites and processes
re-orient a person’s life while also of spiritual development and
describing how, in another way, it improvement in Christlikeness
does not. of character and personality.
Without such purposeful
The current Manual of the Church endeavor, one’s witness may be
of the Nazarene explains entire impaired and the grace itself
sanctification to be frustrated and ultimately lost…25
that act of God, subsequent to However, entire sanctification, the
regeneration, by which believers distinctive doctrine of Wesleyan-
are made free from original sin, Holiness Churches, has lost its
or depravity, and brought into footing in the very denominations
a state of entire devotement to formed to proclaim it. Not only has
God, and the holy obedience the Church failed to proclaim it but
of love made perfect. It is also given the results of the research
wrought by the baptism with or the writers of this paper have been
infilling of the Holy Spirit, and presented with,26 its very definition
comprehends in one experience and its experience seem to have
the cleansing of the heart from been lost in translation along the
sin and the abiding, indwelling way. Such loss has led to a decline in
presence of the Holy Spirit, believers experiencing this definitive,
empowering the believer for life necessary, second work of grace and
and service. Entire sanctification has led to a squabble.
is provided by the blood of Jesus,
is wrought instantaneously by
25 General Assembly. Manual, 32.
grace through faith, preceded by 26 See Appendix 1.
entire consecration; and to this
work and state of grace the Holy
Spirit bears witness….24
24 Twenty-ninth General Assembly. 2017. Manual
Church of the Nazarene: 2017-2021, 31-32. Kansas
City: Nazarene Publishing House.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 7SQUABBLING OVER WORDS
“When we are entirely sanctified, one hand, the Church has failed The static nature of parts of the
we are re-oriented. To say you to develop an understanding of Church concerning the terminology
continue to have a homo/bisexual the language of the world, and, related to gay identity labels creates
orientation/identity after professing on the other hand, the world has a barrier for those who use such
entire sanctification is tricky because been unable to grasp a proper labels, and it lacks understanding
the language you’re using doesn’t fit understanding of the terminology of and belief in the salvific work of
with what the Holiness Movement used by the Church. Such a dilemma Christ and the message of entire
has always said about the work of leaves the believer to respond, sanctification. We find ourselves
entire sanctification.”27 “Yes,” to both the belief that one is engaging in the very thing the
This statement is a paraphrase re-oriented when they are entirely Apostle Paul warned the Church
of a concern raised with one of sanctified and to the conclusion that against when he sent word to them to
the writers of this paper by a well- the word “gay” is still the word that stop squabbling over words.30
meaning, fellow Wesleyan-Holiness best describes their continuing sexual It does not have to be this way.
believer, but it best summarizes attractions.
An understanding of the meaning
the concerns that have emerged in A language barrier has emerged. behind the language used on both
the conversations concerning gay The Church finds itself unable to sides needs to be addressed so the
identity labels within Wesleyan- communicate with the world to whom Church can re-orient itself to the call
Holiness denominations—especially She is called to represent Christ, and of the Gospel, to do what it takes to
among those that profess entire the world finds itself increasingly make Christlike disciples.
sanctification. having no desire to be a part of a body
The underlying, pervasive belief that insists on using language that 30 See 2 Timothy 2:14.
is seemingly that if one did not give further alienates them.
up specific terminological uses when The call of Christ to go into all
one was justified (saved), then surely the world28 and the Apostle Paul’s
when one is entirely sanctified, the example of becoming all things to all
use of such language should cease, people that some might be saved29
because the believer should be wholly were given to the Church, not the
re-oriented to Christ. Therefore, their world. When barriers emerge between
sole identity should be found “in the Gospel’s proclamation and the
Christ.” world receiving that proclamation,
The problem for the gay believer it is the Church’s responsibility to
is that when presented with this use whatever language is most useful
argument, they find themselves to communicate the unchanging
caught in the cross-hairs of a cross- message of the Gospel to a world that
cultural dilemma where, on the sits utterly lost without it.
27 You’re: A plural reference to those who identify 28 See Mark 16:15.
as gay, Christian, and committed to the historic 29 See 1 Corinthians 9:22.
Christian teachings on human sexuality.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 8R E - O R I E N T E D ? Y E S , B U T N OT L I K E T H AT
When someone from the broader attractions and behaviors This, unlike the varied definitions
LGBTQ+ community31 refers to their toward men, women, or both used by the broader LGBTQ+
orientation as homo/bisexual, there sexes. Defined in terms of social community when referring to a
are several ways that they may be (or collective) identity, it refers homo/bisexual orientation, can, in
using such terminology. This is to a sense of membership in a fact, be narrowed down to a primary
evidenced by the definition derived social group based on a shared connotation, for clarity’s sake, by
from research performed within the sexual orientation and a linkage using the analogy of an inner bent/
LGBTQ+ community by the Institute of one’s self-esteem to that yielding as Wynkoop further describes
of Medicine Committee on Lesbian, group.32 when she states:
Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Health Issues and Research Gaps As one can see, the definition The distinction in the Bible is
and Opportunities associated with of sexual orientation is lengthy, an active spirit of ‘yielding,’ or
the National Institutes of Health. complex, and not easily reduced to dedication, to any center outside
The formal definition given by the one connotation. of God. Neutrality is impossible.
committee stated, sexual orientation When Wesleyan-Holiness Everyone is committed. Out
adherents refer to being re-oriented of this commitment arise the
Encompasses attraction, when one is entirely sanctified, one kinds of actions which take their
behavior, and identity. Most would hope that what they mean is character from the source. The
researchers studying sexual akin to what Mildred Bangs Wynkoop source is not impersonal but is
orientation have defined it refers to in her ground-breaking book the moral ‘bent’ for which every
operationally in terms of A Theology of Love when she states: man is personally responsible
one or more of the following because of the provision for all
components. Defined in terms The meaning of sanctification, men made by Christ’s offering
of behavior, sexual orientation as understood by Wesley and and death. We do not need to
refers to an enduring pattern those who follow him, could serve sin; original sin is not
of sexual or romantic activity well be explained by the re- ‘deeper down and farther back’
with men, women, or both sexes. orientation of man’s agape in than our moral responsibility. It
Defined in terms of attraction (or which the antagonistic and is not a thing, but a commitment
desire), it denotes an enduring feuding sectional gods tearing of the self to a controlling center,
pattern of experiencing sexual the human heart apart by always itself personal.34
or romantic feelings for men, contrary loves are cleansed by
women, or both sexes. Identity the presence of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the re-orientation that
encompasses both personal This happens as Christ is made happens in entire sanctification
identity and social identity. the absolute Lord of all the occurs when the bent/yielding is
Defined in terms of personal heart, mind, soul, and strength.33 turned, not by one’s own might,
identity, sexual orientation but through the power of the Holy
refers to a conception of the Spirit, by total surrender in faith
[self-based] on one’s enduring 32 Institute of Medicine Committee on Lesbian, (consecration), from self to God,
Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Issues and
pattern of sexual and romantic Research Gaps. 2011. Glossary - The Health of
and one is empowered to fulfill the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People: directive, originated in Scripture but
Building a Foundation for Better Understanding.
Accessed July 23, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.
proclaimed by Wesley, to:
31 Referring to the global LGBTQ+ community
which should not be confused with those that are gov/books/NBK64807/.
the primary focus of this paper which are believers 33 Wynkoop, Mildred Bangs. 1972. A Theology of
that identify as gay, Christian, and committed to the Love: The Dynamic of Wesleyanism. Kindle Edition.
historic Christian teachings on human sexuality. Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City. 34 Ibid.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 9’Desire not to live but to praise could, in fact, say they have a gay
his name; let all your thoughts, orientation but that they, having
words, and works tend to his taken hold of the experience of entire
glory.’ `Let your soul be filled sanctification, have been re-oriented
with so entire a love to Him that from the love of self to love of God
you may love nothing but for his and neighbor.
sake.’ `Have a pure intention of Hence, if we continue to use
heart, a steadfast regard to his orientation language when referring
glory in all your actions.’ For to entire sanctification and
then, and not till then, is that homosexuality, the language becomes
`mind in us, which was also in highly confusing and is thus not
Christ Jesus,’ when in every easily proclaimed to a world that is in
motion of our heart, in every desperate need of understanding and
word of our tongue, in every experiencing the power found in our
work of our hands, we `pursue distinctive doctrine.
nothing but in relation to him,
and in subordination to his It is in this place where the Church
pleasure;’ when we too neither must take up its call to destroy the
think, nor speak, nor act, to fulfil language barrier that exists in order
`our own will, but the will of Him to reach the world with the message
that sent us;’ when, `whether of Christ properly proclaimed, and
we eat or drink, or whatever we in so doing, live up to the example
do,’ we do it all `to the glory of of the Apostle Paul when he states,
God.’35 as the New Living Translation so
beautifully puts it, “…Yes, I try to
Given a proper usage and find common ground [language] with
understanding of the language everyone, doing everything I can to
used by both sides, a gay Christian save some.”36
35 Wesley, John. 1872. “A Plain Account of Chris- 36 Tyndale House Foundation. 1996. “1 Corinthi-
tian Perfection.” In The Works of John Wesley, by John ans 9:22b.” In Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol
Wesley, edited by Thomas Jackson, 211. London: Stream: Tyndale House Publishers.
Wesleyan Methodist Book Room.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 10CLARITY OVER CONFUSION
Given that a language barrier exists identify as gay Christians who adhere example out of many that could be
between those in the broader LGBTQ+ to the historic beliefs of the Church, used to explain the work of entire
community and the Wesleyan- and the descriptive language they use, sanctification in the life of a believer,
Holiness Church, what should the we perpetuate a confusion that has avoids the pitfalls of re-orientation
Church do to tear down the barrier eternal consequences. language historically used to describe
and reach God’s loved ones with the Given this dilemma, it is imperative the work of the Holy Spirit in the
message of not only salvation but also for us, the writers, to present what life of the believer. This is beneficial
that second, definite work of grace we believe to be a helpful way for to prevent it from being so easily
that these ones do not even know the Church to explain the work of confused and juxtaposed with the
exists, yet is available to all who seek entire sanctification that speaks to modern language associated with
in faith? the culture in an understandable that of homo/bisexual orientation,
Frankly, it is time for the Church way yet does not diminish the beliefs while still maintaining a proper and
in the twenty-first century to update of the Church, equips all with the thorough definition of the second
its language, without watering down tools necessary to break down the work of grace.
the message, to speak clearly to the language barrier, adequately explains We believe that such a definition
culture it finds itself within, so that what we mean when we talk about promotes clarity over confusion and
all may be reached with the life- re-orientation as it relates to entire avoids compromise.
changing message of the Gospel. sanctification and homo/bisexual Having been presented with more
Just as missionaries in a foreign orientation, and reaches the world. unambiguous terminology one can
country have a responsibility to learn Therefore, we suggest the use to describe the work of entire
a new language and contextualize following: sanctification to today’s culture in
their message to the culture, so Entire sanctification is that second a way that brings clarity but avoids
must the local Church in a post- work of grace whereby a believer’s heart compromise, one must now come
Christian world increasingly practice is freed from its natural bent towards to an understanding of how such a
“cross-cultural” mission in their selfishness to that of selflessness. Such work does not, necessarily, result in a
own country, engaging their secular freedom results in a believer fully re-orientation of one’s sexuality and
culture with language and culture empowered to love God and neighbor how that can be a good and useful
that will most effectively convey the and to avoid that which is contrary to thing resulting in the glorification of
Gospel message. the law of Christ, which is so properly God.
If the Church does not seek clarity called sin. This work is preceded by
over confusion, then the message the empowering of the Holy Spirit in
will continue to be garbled, and the response to the obedient faith of a
result will be a culture that continues believer as they seek to surrender their
to lack the knowledge and power of a whole being to be used in service to God
life-saving relationship with Christ. above all else.37
What exactly is the nature of this As we hope one can see, using
confusion? It is seen most clearly in such a definition, while just one
the countless gay people who think
they are disqualified from God’s grace
37 This, and further examples found throughout
because they believe, “There is no this paper, are examples of conversational state-
such thing as a gay Christian.” In ments one could use to explain denominational
positions on entire sanctification to make it more
distancing ourselves from those who understandable to an everyday audience.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 11FAITHFUL WITNESSES 12
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 13
E N T I R E S A N C T I F I C AT I O N ,
N OT S U P E R N AT U R A L C O N V E R S I O N T H E R A P Y
In their book, Costly Obedience: about wanting to change, or if they
What We Can Learn from the Celibate, “really believe” or, in our theological
Gay Christian Community, Mark stream, they experience the work of
Yarhouse and Olya Zaporozhets entire sanctification.
deliver a quote by a celibate, gay One of the problems with this
Christian that we believe best narrative is that its claims have
summarizes the experiences no grounding in data or fact. The
of those that are both homo/ scientific data available not only
bisexually oriented and committed shows such a claim to be false, but
to the traditional teachings of the also the lived experience of deeply
Church on human sexuality as they committed Christians, ones that are
find themselves within Church both supportive and unsupportive
communities that lack a proper of sexual orientation change efforts
understanding and language set (SOCE), show this to be accurate as
surrounding a gay orientation as it well.
relates to redemption in Christ.
For example, in their highly
In a way, it manages to obsess regarded, ground-breaking study on
them and makes everything all the ex-gay movement, Mark Yarhouse
about you all the time. You know, and Stanton Jones found that,
always makes me the broken one,
I’m the one that needs fixing One could further insist that
if I’m the one struggling with only Success: Conversion status
this. I can’t love other people, [Participants who reported
I can’t offer them anything, or change to be successful by
I certainly can’t serve them in experiencing substantial
Church or care for other people reductions in homosexual
that might be struggling with attraction and substantial
divorce or a child abusing drugs conversion to heterosexual
or simply depression, and there’s attraction and functioning]
just kind of this mentality that represents a successful outcome
keeps—it’s like keeping a person rigorously construed. By these
on crutches to say that this standards, only 9% of the
isn’t healed—this broken leg of sample attained success. On the
yours isn’t healed until you’re one hand, this outcome refutes
straight.38 any putative claim that sexual
orientation is not changeable;
For so long, the Church has on the other hand, this is not
perpetuated a narrative that God will an optimistic projection of
change a person’s sexuality from gay likelihood of change for one
to straight if they are “really serious” considering that process.39
38 Yarhouse, Mark, and Olya Zaporozhets. 2019.
Costly Obedience: What We Can Learn from the Celibate, 39 Jones, Stanton, and Mark Yarhouse. 2011.
Gay Christian Community. Grand Rapids: Zondervan “A Longitudinal Study of Attempted Religiously.”
Reflective. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 404–427.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 14This study ultimately led to the experience, such a substantial change
closure of the largest ex-gay ministry was, in fact, overwhelmingly not
umbrella organization, Exodus possible.
International, in 2013 with the leader Ex-gay ministries did not produce
of the organization, Alan Chambers, Christians that were no longer
stating that, gay. Instead, at their best, they
There were several years that I produced Christians who no longer
conveniently omitted my on- would mention their attractions,
going same-sex attractions. I was and at worst, people who were no
afraid to share them as readily longer Christian burned out by the
and easily as I do today. They unfulfilled promise of a misleading
brought me tremendous shame doctrine.
and I hid them in the hopes they Even Wesleyan-Holiness
would go away. Looking back, denominational leaders have
it seems so odd that I thought not been silent on this topic.
I could do something to make For example, in their Pastoral
them stop. Today, however, I Perspectives document we referenced
accept these feelings as parts of earlier in this paper, the General
my life that will likely always be Superintendents of the Church of
there. The days of feeling shame the Nazarene state that, “While
over being human in that way are we embrace the optimism of grace
long over, and I feel free simply to transform lives and encourage
accepting myself as my wife and homosexuals to remain available
family does. As my friends do. As to God’s transforming grace, the
God does.40 reality is that a transformed sexual
orientation is not always the case.”42
That is to say that the person who
led the most significant ministry of And if one thinks that such a
its kind, promising that change from stance/belief was “new” when the
homosexuality to heterosexuality General Superintendents took it in
was possible,41 stated that after 2010, one only needs to look back
thirty-seven years of ministry and to the beginning of substantial
denominational discussions
40 Chambers, Alan. 2013. I Am Sorry. June 19.
Accessed July 29, 2020. http://exodusinternational. 42 Board of General Superintendents. 2010. Pas-
org/2013/06/i-am-sorry/. toral Perspectives from Your General Superintendents on
41 See Appendix 2 for just one example of the Homosexuality. Booklet, Kansas City: The Church of
claims made by the organization. the Nazarene.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 15published within the pages of its lives? By no means! This is not what
periodicals, which began in the 1970s, we, nor anyone we have mentioned in
to an article published in the Herald this paper, is saying.
of Holiness that spoke to the condition What we, and the sources
of what the writer of the article mentioned above, are seeking to show
referred to as the “non-practicing is that one should not expect their
homosexual” by stating, a bit harshly, base attractions to change, which is
“He may be cursed with a wrong how the term sexual orientation is
preference for the rest of his life. But used in common parlance.44
if God has forgiven him of his sin and
he refrains from engaging in this sin, In light of this, are we saying that
it is absolutely certain that God can a gay person should not expect to
save him, and this homosexual can be experience a change in any aspect of
a born-again Christian…He is never their sexual orientation (attraction,
‘cured.’ But he can be released!”43 behavior, or identity)?
Though it is true that throughout By no means! On the contrary,
Church history, we find those who we believe and preach a Gospel of
claim to have experienced a change radical, Spirit-empowered holiness
in their sexual orientation from that demands and makes possible a
homosexual to heterosexual (whose life of sexual integrity for all people—
stories we do not deny because we gay, straight, or bisexual.
affirm that God can do anything), A change of behavior of those
overwhelming scientific evidence homosexually, bisexually, or
and lived experience of those with a heterosexually oriented is called for
homosexual orientation proves that multiple times throughout Scripture45
such a change is rare and not to be and should be expected.
expected by believers.
“But what about the identity
Now, necessary clarification must portion of that definition?”
be made here.
It is to this question that the rest of
Are we saying that all parts this paper will seek to address clearly.
(attraction, behavior, and identity) of
one’s sexual orientation, as defined 44 Cambridge University Press. 2017. Sexual
above, will/should not evidence Orientation. April. Accessed July 29, 2020. https://
change as Christ transforms their dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/
sexual-orientation.
45 See 1 Corinthians 6:18, Ephesians 5:3, and
43 German, Dale. 1979. “Not Gay and Not Right.” Colossians 3:5 for just a few examples of such a call.
Herald of Holiness, March 1: 8-9.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 16T H E W O R K O F E N T I R E S A N C T I F I C AT I O N ,
D E F I N E D F O R A N E W G E N E R AT I O N
The writers of this paper suggest Therefore, one could say,
that, when speaking to the work of Entire sanctification is that second
entire sanctification, a definition work of grace whereby a believer’s heart
could be given such as the example is freed from its natural bent towards
below which we believe not only selfishness to that of selflessness. Such
contextualizes and clarifies what freedom results in a believer fully
is meant when the Church refers empowered to love God and neighbor
to the work of entire sanctification and to avoid that which is contrary to
but which also, does so in a non- the law of Christ, which is so properly
Scripturally compromising way and called sin. This work is preceded by
avoids the pitfalls of re-orientation the empowering of the Holy Spirit in
language we have addressed in this response to the obedient faith of a
paper. believer as they seek to surrender their
whole being to be used in service to God
above all else.
However, such a work does not
imply an entire deliverance, either
from ignorance, mistake, or, as even
evidenced in the life of Christ,46
temptations.
In light of this definition, and given
what we have presented thus far in
this paper, we must now look at the
core issue of the work of this paper
which is gay identity label usage
in the life of believers—specifically
those professing the experience of
entire sanctification—especially in
response to the objections to such
usage presented at the beginning of
this paper.
46 See Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:11-13, and Luke
4:1-14.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 17RESPOND TO THE SMALLER ONE.
S P E A K T O T H E L A R G E R O N E . D O I T R E S P E C T F U L LY.
As we demonstrated in the in the life of a believer should be incarnational in such discussions;
introduction of this paper, there is the complete abandonment of such the way She speaks to such matters is
a rising debate within the Church identity labels. often the context within which those
as to whether it is appropriate for a We now focus on the concerns in the broader LGBTQ+ community
believer to identify as both gay47 and found within this smaller debate, see the most significant examples
Christian. with the belief that by focusing on the of Christ— whether they be good
Within this broader debate, more minor, the more significant will, examples or bad ones. As Preston
there has risen a much smaller in effect, be addressed. Sprinkle states in his phenomenal
debate among Wesleyan-Holiness work, People to be Loved, “Words have
However, as with any debate about the power to heal and to hurt, to
adherents48 as to whether one of identity, everyone that engages in
the fruits of entire sanctification comfort and to kill, to push someone
such debates must remember that off the edge of a twenty-story
people who God profoundly loves, building… Just ask your gay or lesbian
47 See footnote 1. who are daily seeking out answers friend if they’ve ever been hurt by
48 While a definitive work on the issue within related to such issues of identity words hurled at [spoken about] them
such circles has yet to be written, quite an uproar in their own lives, are influenced by other people. And then ask them if
has been made on social media platforms related to
the topic however, to maintain the privacy of such heavily by the way they see the those people were Christians.”49
posters and to avoid the possibly of politicizing this Church engaged in such debate. It
paper, we are refraining from giving specific exam-
ples within the context of this work but stand ready is to the Church that one must give 49 Sprinkle, Preston. 2015. People to be Loved:
to give such examples if needed after the release of the reminder to be gracious and Why Homosexuality is not Just an Issue. Grand Rapids:
this paper. Zondervan.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 18U N D E R S TA N D I N G G AY I D E N T I T Y
While the science is still out as to easily understood by tracking disciples, the Church has produced a
the causes of same-sex attraction,50 six phases or stages of change Gospel overly focused on answering
one thing is clear, a person’s titled: identity confusion, identity an extra-Biblical54 question.
attraction to the same or opposite sex comparison, identity tolerance, Even those charged with helping
is not a choice that one can make for identity acceptance, identity the Church understand such identity
themselves. pride and identity synthesis… At formation have,55 until recently,56
When one discovers, often at an each stage an individual may propagated such a binary belief
early age, an attraction to members foreclose, or stop the process of system with the insistence that
of their same-sex, it sends them identity formation from going there is but one choice for the gay
on a journey of discovery to figure any further.52 Christian: finding one’s identity or
out what such an attraction means This process is multifaceted and “script”57 in gayness or Christ.
to them in relation to all other stressful for anyone undergoing Not only does the gay Christian,
aspects of their lives. This process it, but it is even more so for the who somehow managed to not wind
of understanding oneself in relation Christian. For far too long, the Church up as a statistic,58 find themselves at
to all other facets of oneself is has lacked the understanding and the end of the spear of the Church’s
often referred to as sexual identity robust engagement needed with such constant critiques, or suggestions as
formation/development.51 issues by choosing a more favorable some might venture to call them, but
Dr. Vivienne Case further explains (to the heterosexual Christian) binary also, they find that spear is propped
the process of sexual identity model of engagement where sexuality up on years of a false dichotomy
formation in her well-established was, and in some parts still is, seen as that cannot fit neatly into the
book, A Quick Guide to the Cass Theory a choice between two options: those multifaceted, redemptive story that
of Lesbian & Gay Identity Formation, being heterosexual and wrong. God is faithfully at work writing in
when she states: This has resulted in an unnecessary the lives of gay Christians committed
dilemma faced by those navigating to the historic Christian beliefs
BOTH the objective and
subjective aspects of lesbian such questions of identity as it relates concerning human sexuality.
and gay identity are developed to their faith and, unfortunately, has
through a complex process resulted in many individuals leaving
of identity formation. This the Church altogether.53 Instead 54 Referring to something found outside of Scrip-
ture.
development can be more of producing entirely sanctified
55 Yarhouse, Mark. 2010. Homosexuality and the
Christian. Bloomington: Bethany House Publishers.
52 Cass, Vivienne. 2015. A Quick Guide to the Cass 56 Yarhouse, Mark, and Olya Zaporozhets. 2019.
50 Whiteway, Eleanor, and Denis Alexander. 2015. Theory of Lesbian & Gay Identity Formation. Kindle Costly Obedience: What We Can Learn from the Celibate,
“Understanding the Causes of Same-Sex Attraction.” Edition. Bently: Brightfire Press. Gay Christian Community. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Science & Christian Belief 17-40. Reflective.
53 Marin, Andrew. 2016. Us Versus Us: The Untold
51 For a further understanding of this see Cass’ Story of Religion and the LGBT Community. Colorado 57 Yarhouse, Homosexuality, 48-52.
work referenced in footnote 52. Springs: NavPress. 58 Marin, Us Versus Us.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 19FAITHFUL WITNESSES 20
THE REDEMPTIVE SCRIPT
As the world has become the murderer,63 the prostitute,64 the Church, why must we continue
increasingly connected through social one caught in adultery,65 the poor,66 to turn the Cornerstone72 into a
media platforms and conferences the disabled,67 the leper,68 the sick,69 stumbling block73 placed in the
like Revoice and The Gay Christian the Samaritan,70 etc. all stand as path of those God has redeemed by
Network, numerous, strikingly similar witnesses to a God who saves and demanding they meet extra-Biblical
stories have emerged of faithfully welcomes in all that call upon God’s criteria to be found acceptable?
committed Christians who, being name. It is time we start living up to the
called by God to do so, have retained The Church, at the very least, Apostle Paul’s call to the Church.
both their identity as gay and their ought to do the same.
identity as Christian. It is time for the Church to “…
Still, the experience of saved and stop condemning each other. Decide
What has emerged is what we sanctified gay Christians who are instead to live in such a way that you
shall call, using the terminology we deeply committed to the historic will not cause another believer to
discussed above, the Redemptive teachings of the Church on the stumble and fall.”74
Script. These Christians, of which at topic of human sexuality, speaks to
least a few of the writers of this paper How do we live up to such a high
a Church that is still choosing to calling?
are, identify as gay Christians (often, exclude those they find unacceptable
for clarity’s sake as celibate, gay as they squabble over the words71 It starts by making a firm
Christians) to be witnesses of God’s these faithful Christians use to commitment to always answer the
redemptive work in the world. describe themselves instead of question “But What About…?”75 with
They stand as living testimonies of showing them off to the world as the Scriptural answer “But God…”76
God’s grafting abilities for God has a examples of how God can save and
way of redeeming, then grafting in, transform lives!
those that the religious entities of the 72 See Matthew 21:42.
day find to be unacceptable. 63 See Acts 9:1-19. 73 See Romans 14:13.
64 See Joshua 2. 74 Tyndale House Foundation. 1996. “Romans
The tax collector,59 the demon- 65 See John 8:1-11. 14:13.” In Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol
possessed,60 the eunuch,61 the child,62 66 See Luke 6:20. Stream: Tyndale House Publishers.
67 See Luke 14:13–14. 75 Oxford Dictionary. 2020. Whataboutism.
Accessed July 30, 2020. https://www.lexico.com/en/
59 See Mark 2:15-17. 68 See Mark 1:40–45. definition/whataboutism.
60 See Mark 5:1-20. 69 See Luke 8:43-48. 76 Tyndale House Foundation. 1996. “Ephesians
61 See Matthew 19:12. 70 See John 4:4-26. 2:1-9.” In Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol
62 See Matthew 19:13-15. 71 See 2 Timothy 2:14. Stream: Tyndale House Publishers.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 21T H E C H I E F W H ATA B O U T I S M
Spend some time listening to just The basic refrain of such questions
about any sexual minority within sounds strikingly similar to, “Isn’t
the Church, that both holds to a identifying as gay, in essence,
traditional view of Scripture and identifying with sin, and doesn’t such
publicly identifies as lesbian, gay, oran identification mean you are finding
bisexual, and you will find that the your core identity in something other
most common critiques77 they hear than Christ?” Those within Wesleyan-
from fellow Christians regarding their Holiness denominations are forced
sexuality involve the words they are to jump through an added hoop to
“allowed” to use to describe their prove their worthiness: “…especially
experiences. if you profess the experience of entire
Whataboutisms regarding language sanctification?”
usage are the ones with which gay This paper was produced to give
Christians most often find themselves a full and proper response to such a
feeling compelled to respond, to critique with the added Wesleyan-
prove their worthiness to be counted Holiness dimension.
as faithful followers of Christ in the
eyes of fellow believers.78
77 For an example of such critiques see those men-
tioned at the beginning of this paper.
78 See for example the sheer number of blogposts
written in response to such questions at https://
spiritualfriendship.org/category/identity/.
E AT I N G T H E E L E P H A N T
There is an African Proverb We will do this, we believe, most
that says, “The best way to eat an successfully by breaking the critique
elephant in your path is to cut him down into the following parts:
up into little pieces.” This is how we Part 1: “Isn’t identifying as gay, in
shall respond to the conglomerated essence, identifying with sin?”
critique, “Isn’t identifying as gay,
in essence, identifying with sin, Part 2: “Doesn’t such an
and doesn’t such an identification identification mean you are finding
mean you are finding your core your core identity in something other
identity in something other than than Christ?”
Christ especially if you profess the Part 3: “…especially if you
experience of entire sanctification?” profess the experience of entire
sanctification?”
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 22I S N ’ T I D E N T I F Y I N G A S G AY, I N
ESSENCE, IDENTIFYING WITH SIN?
To answer this critique, one must We personally choose to sin and forgetful intervals, without
first be reminded of the Wesleyan- are responsible/accountable any breach of love, though
Holiness focus of this paper, for, to God for the willful choices not without transgressing the
as opposed to those from the that we make. [We believe] Adamic law. But Calvinists would
reformed and Calvinist traditions Sexual orientation is not usually fain confound these together.
who historically believe that a willful choice. (Can the Let love fill your heart, and it is
unwilled attraction to the same- heterosexual point to a time they enough!84
sex is, in and of itself, sinful79 (i.e., chose their sexual orientation?)
concupiscence),80 Wesleyans make It is amoral, neither moral nor Sin begins when one responds to
a distinction between the concepts immoral. Sexual behavior is a such an attraction in a way that is
of sexuality and sensuality as H. Ray moral choice. Scripture clearly contrary to the will of God.
Dunning explains in his work Grace, addresses homosexual behavior, Historically, this concept has been
Faith, and Holiness: but does not address homosexual a hard one to grasp for many in the
orientation.82 Church because for so long the only
Sensuality, in the strictest sense, way the Church has defined the term
is seeking one’s own gratification. As a result, within a Wesleyan- gay is by speaking not in terms of
The self-gratification brings it Holiness framework, the answer to attraction and orientation but strictly
directly into connection with the question raised is, therefore, “No,” in terms of assumed sexual behavior
the basic sin of egocentricity. because simply being attracted to that one using such an identity label
Since sexual lust is one of the members of one’s own sex is not a sin, may or may not be engaged.
most graphic instances of how in and of itself, as such an attraction
egocentricity manifests itself in is not a willful violation of a known This is mostly because as the
the form of self-gratification, it law of God.83 As Wesley himself states culture’s definition of the term gay
has been the preoccupation of concerning the nature of sin, has evolved,85 the Church’s has not.
Christian thinkers, and many This has led, unfortunately, to
have mistakenly identified sin Nothing is sin, strictly speaking, some in the Church oversexualizing
with sexuality under the rubric but a voluntary transgression of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals
of concupiscence.81 a known law of God. Therefore, to the point that they are no longer
every voluntary breach of the regarded, whether intentionally or
Therefore, as the General law of love is sin; and nothing unintentionally, as people to be loved
Superintendents of the Church of else, if we speak properly. To but problems to be solved.86
the Nazarene put it in their Pastoral strain the matter farther is only
Perspectives document: to make way for Calvinism.
There may be ten thousand
79 For further explanation see Bavinck, Herman.
wandering thoughts, and
84 Wesley, John. 1853. The Works of the Rev. John
2008. Reformed Dogmatics: Holy Spirit, Church, and Wesley, 56. Edited by John Emory. Vol. 7. New York:
New Creation. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic. Carlton & Phillips.
80 Hipponensis, Augustinus. 1998. “Augustine: The 82 Board of General Superintendents. 2010. Pas- 85 Oxford University Press. 2008. gay, adj.,adv., and
City of God Against the Pagans: Book XIV.” In Cam- toral Perspectives from Your General Superintendents on n. June. Accessed June 5, 2020. https://www.oed.
bridge Texts in the History of Political Thought, edited by Homosexuality. Booklet, Kansas City: The Church of com/view/Entry/77207?rskey=1&isAdvanced=-
R. W. Dyson, 581-633. Cambridge: Cambridge Texts the Nazarene. false&print.
in the History of Political Thought. 83 Wesley, John. 1853. The Works of the Rev. John 86 Sprinkle, Preston. 2015. People to be Loved:
81 Dunning, H. Ray. 1988. Grace, Faith, and Holiness: Wesley, 56. Edited by John Emory. Vol. 7. New York: Why Homosexuality is not Just an Issue. Grand Rapids:
A Wesleyan Systematic Theology, 289. Kansas City: Carlton & Phillips. Zondervan.
Beacon Hill Press.
FAITHFUL WITNESSES 23You can also read
