In a well-intentioned diary now on the rec list, John Campanelli notes a blog post by Tammy Lynn Michaels, who says that critics are being too hard on Rick Warren.
But she does not seem to have all the information she needs about Warren and Saddleback. She writes:
now, if the person doesn't want gays AT ALL, then i'm gonna chase that one down.
Ms. Michaels needs to know that Saddleback has a program to cure gays.
And here's Saddleback's statement on homosexuality:
http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/...
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY? Question: What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
Answer: The Bible very clearly says that homosexuality is a sin.
"Homosexuality is absolutely forbidden, for it is an enormous sin." Lev. 18:22 (TLB)
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Cor 6:9-11 (NIV)
While all sin is destructive, Romans 6 warns us of the great dangers of sexual sin when it says, "Run away from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body." (1 Cor 6:18 NLT) This includes not only homosexuality, but all sexual immorality: adultery, sex outside of marriage and pornography. We must not act as if homosexuality is the only serious sexual sin, and we must not act as if homosexuality is not a serious sexual sin.
I’ve heard it asked, "Isn’t being homosexual something that a person is physically born with?" First of all, there are absolutely no facts to support this claim. From time to time studies have been reported in the news that seemed to indicate this, but every one of these studies has proven to be wrong. Secondly, even if some physical difference were discovered, it would be no excuse for sin. We know that some people can develop a stronger physical addiction to alcohol than others, but that’s obviously no excuse for living an alcoholic lifestyle.
Finally, a word about being judgmental. It’s not judgmental to say that what the Bible calls a sin is a sin, that’s just telling the truth. Not being willing to talk to someone caught up in sin or not believing that they can be forgiven or thinking that you are not just as in need of Jesus as they are... that’s being judgmental.
If anyone knows of ANY WAY to get information to Ms. Michaels, please do so.