The Final Draft
Okay, it's down to 461 carefully chosen words, and I just checked 'his,' and it was, in fact, 464 words, so I sent went ahead and sent it back to the Citizen's Journal. I am told that I should expect it to be printed on Monday. Myles, get excited: You're about to be quoted in the Citizen's Journal of Atlanta, Texas. Here it is:
Attention: Debbie Melton, Citizen’s Journal, Atlanta, Texas.
Subject: In Response to a “Letter to the Editor” from (you'll have to buy a paper if you want to know).
Dear Editor,
There are some Atlanta citizens contending that those who supported Ellen DeGeneres’ recent reunion show gave credence to her homosexual lifestyle. Some statements on the issue have even implied that accepting the digital message board was a morally reprehensible act. I am writing in disagreement of this perspective.
The Christian Scriptures do uphold a very clear measure of “values and principles.” A number of sins, or acts of immorality, are made clear in the Bible: homosexuality, lying, divorce, idolatry, stealing, coveting, greed, adultery, lust, and drunkenness, only to name a few. The sins of humanity are so all-encompassing that we find in the Apostle Paul’s Letter to the Romans that, in fact, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (3:23). Clearly, given this, Ellen, by way of her homosexuality, is a sinner indeed.
Am I any less so? Are you? We are each spiritually bankrupt; Paul reminds us in Romans that “there is no one who is righteous… All have turned away from God; they have all gone wrong; no one does what is right, not even one” (3:10-12). There is no question, from a Christian perspective, of our guilt, the guilt of us all, in the face of Almighty God. Of course, none who stand in judgment over Ellen would claim to be without sin. Yet, why do they find it their responsibility to judge? Did not Jesus Christ Himself say, “Do not judge others, and God will not judge you; do not condemn others, and God will not condemn you; forgive others, and God will forgive you?” (Luke 6:37).
Do we distance ourselves from the divorced, the greedy, the lustful, the prideful? (We only find Jesus distancing himself from the judgmental.) I’m afraid that some have concluded from Paul’s command, “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world” (Romans 12:2) that we, as well, should not cultivate meaningful relationships with those who do conform to the world’s standards. It is not so; at least insomuch as I understand the gospel of Christ. In the words of a friend, “If this is biblical Christianity, to be appalled at the presence of sinners, spare us all the slow, painful death of gazing in the mirror.”
I am proud of the individuals who, rather than rejecting Ellen’s invitation out of spitefulness for her lifestyle, chose to embrace their history with her as friends and classmates and celebrate such a meaningful occasion as their thirtieth high school reunion, despite the naysayers who would judge them for it. And, I am thankful to her for such a useful and generous gift.
Sincerely,
Blake G. Edwards
7 Comments:
An excellent response....
well done. and not cause you quoted me.
it's a good, concise response that is both faithful and to the issue. please: don't ever resort to the "they pulled the 10 commandments so now we're all going to hell" argument. i'll find you if you do.
I'm glad somebody responded. The truth deserves a vigorous defense. I hope that many people will come to a better understanding of grace as a result of reading your letter. I furthermore hope that any turmoil and divisions among fellow believers in Atlanta will be quickly healed.
Thank you Myles, Jason, and Aaron very much for your support of the letter. Also, thanks for helping me fashion it.
Very good, Dr. Clockwork. As I told you this afternoon, I enjoyed reading the "unabridged" letter. And now this one too. This condensation really packs a punch. And what a quote from Myles! Right on, Myles! I don't know you, but "right on!"
Hi Blake. This is Nikki Blackwood. I'm not sure if you know me or not. I tried to leave a comment earlier but I'm unsure if it went through because I'm not actually a member here...? Anyway, I wanted to thank you for the article you put in the paper. After reading what was written about Ellen, I wrote something up on my xanga (www.xanga.com/chunk_of_nik) but never had the courage to post it in fear of losing my job at the church. You were the only one who approached the issue in a noninsulting, soft way. Your point was clearly made, and you are well stood behind! Thanks so much again.
<3Nikki
Hey Blake,
I have been kept informed about this issue through Angela's mom who told me about the article several weeks ago. She had called me and asked me about what Baptist's believe in regard to such things. I read the article and told her that it was way over the top. If I was offered the opportunity to go on a trip to see a famous person, I don't think I would really be bothered by an issue like this. For example, our pianist at Mosheim was related to the writers at Saturday Night Live. She went out there and visited the set and met all the actors and everything, and came back and told the church about it. Everyone was excited for her; I never heard anything negative. I think issues like these are up to individual Christians to make on their own. It is more of a private matter, as Paul talks about in Romans with the "weak" and the "strong." It is unfortunate that a leaders are not always "strong" but often "weak" and look down on others who have great freedom in Christ.
I think about it like this: Would Paul the Apostle accept an invitation to go on the Ellen show? Absolutely, he would. He would consider a great opportunity to advance the gospel. His sermon from Mars Hill was in the place of pagan idolatry. He mentions the many gods worshipped in the city. The place would have been "anathema" to a Jewish hardliner. But Paul saw it as an opportunity to witness to people.
Jesus' ministry always was accepting the marginalized and down-and-out. He was the one eating with sinners and tax-collectors with the religious leadership (e.g. Pharisees) would not even talk with them. Now lets be honest. Jesus would also preach to them a bit. He told Zacchaeus what he needed to do, and the woman caught in adultery. He did not wink and nod at the sinful condition of man, but he also did not avoid them or publically ridicule them. It is not like Ellen is a member of FBC Atlanta or something. She is not (as far as I know) advocating a Christian lifestyle, and therefore is in need of Christian friends and relationships to show her the love of Christ.
My thoughts...
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