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Homosexuality and the Bible
189
part of the core values of Scripture. Robert Gagnon points out in one
of his valuable position paper postings on his website that
among Scripture’s core values are values that are held
1. pervasively throughout Scripture (at least implicitly),
2. absolutely (without exceptions), and ...
3. strongly (as a matter of significance).
This applies all the more in instances where:
4. such values emerged in opposition to prevailing cultural
trends and ...
5. prevailed in the church for two millennia.
The limitation of acceptable sexual intercourse to sexually comple
mentary partners and the strong abhorrence of same-sex intercourse
is just such a value.5
In the current debate, there are those who lean heavily upon the
evidence of science, particularly the findings of the social sciences,
arguing that many homosexuals are born with such tendencies and
orientation, and it is impossible for such people to change their ori
entation. Therefore, in light of science, the biblical position against
homosexual practice is no longer tenable or relevant in modern-day
society. In response, we note that scientific studies, such as those pre
sented by Mark Yarhouse (see his chapters in the section on Counsel
ing Issues), give evidence that change in sexual orientation is some
times possible, and even if the attraction or orientation does not
change, a significant number of homosexuals move from practice to
a position of chastity. But even if those studies were not forthcoming,
the larger hermeneutical question remains: Which authority gets the
last word—science or Scripture? Does a scientific study trump the
evidence from Scripture on a lifestyle issue such as homosexuality?
Seventh-day Adventists believe that in the last days we will not be
able to trust even our senses; we will have to depend totally upon
God’s Word, even as miracles and counterfeits swirl around us. Do
we truly believe
in
sola Scriptura
—by Scripture alone all other au
thorities are to be tested?
The foundational biblical and Reformation
principle dealing with the authority of the
Word is
at
stake.