"Sexuality Matters" panel draws more than 500 students, discusses Biola policy
More than 500 students gathered Thursday night for the Associated Students panel titled “Sexuality Matters: A Discussion on Homosexuality, Biola and Jesus.” Erik Thoennes, professor of biblical studies, Tamara Anderson, professor of psychology, and vice president of Student Development Chris Grace participated in a question and answer session at the Fireplace Pavillion.
“I’m just interested in what kind of stand they’re going to take and how harsh they’re going to be, because obviously we all kind of know Biola’s standard already,” sophomore Rachel Emenaker said before the panel began.
AS religious lectures coordinator Matt Fier, a senior psychology major, asked a few prepared questions about Biola’s stance on homosexuality for the panel to answer before he opened for text-in questions. Fier said he hoped this method of asking questions would help students be more open.
Questions and Answers
The topics of conversation fell into three different categories: Biola’s policy, community and sin. The panel’s answers revolved around issues of personal identity, relationships, and community among believers and homosexuals.
“I think we can ask these questions forever about specific issues — so why don’t we just say Biola feels towards any sin, any dysfunction, any perversion, anything that is a sign of the fall and the curse in the same way: We see it as a tragic result of human rebellion that God is in the process of redeeming and we want to be redemptive agents,” Thoennes said.
He also spoke about the tragedy of defining people by their sin and limiting their identity to their sexual actions.
On another note, Anderson stressed the vitality of personal relationships with individuals who live homosexual lifestyles and shared many personal anecdotes about her service on the national Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Committee and relationships with other committee members.
“[My friend] knows that my beliefs differ — that we’re not on the same page — but he knows I respect him, he knows that I’m going to treat him with dignity, and I’m really hoping for the same in return from him,” Anderson said.
She explained that her relationships, some of which have lasted 16 years, developed over time.
“It’s when we get to know people, when we stop talking in stereotypes, then both communities win.”
In order for these relationships to begin, there must be interaction with the gay community outside of the Christian subculture, she said.
Grace spoke many times about Biola’s stance on the issue and how the university responds to individuals who struggle with homosexuality.
“I know of no situation in which a person has come and by simply identifying that this is a struggle that they have been kicked out,” Grace said. “It’s just not our community, it’s just not the way we are going to deal with these issues.”
Students React
Some thought the panel served the purpose of having a family discussion on the topic of homosexuality, while others did not.
“It’s hard when you’re talking about such a controversial topic and you can see from the questions that not everyone in the community has the same belief and holds the same view that homosexuality is in fact a sin and that there is something wrong with it,” sophomore communications major Laney Penn said.
Penn said she thought the panelists successfully stood firm while holding to a scriptural base.
However, not all students shared Penn’s opinion.
“I think that its hardly a discussion if you only have one side crammed down people’s throats all the time,” said William Haggerty, a senior business major. He suggested that a debate format may be helpful in hearing from the other side. After seeing the panel, though, he said it seemed that Biola wasn't willing to host a pro-gay voice to balance the conversation.
Breanna Williams, a senior intercultural studies major, seemed to share Haggerty’s belief in the need for diversity.
“Maybe just like [legitimately] looking at the other side of the argument rather than just going, ‘Oh, it’s a sin.’ There [are] Christians who think that it’s not biblically wrong and that its interpretation of the text so maybe to have like an actual discussion and really look at the other side,” Williams said.
Your Turn. Post a Comment
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Biola Student
I love that Biola is addressing this issue, however I really wish they would open the discussion up to people who do believe differently.
I mean, what is the harm in letting people who believe it is okay to be LGBTQ and a Christian tell their side. Worse case scenario Biola students are exposed to differing opinions and can decide for themselves.
I don't see why this has to be a hush hush topic. It is okay to think differently and share ideas, we are all old enough to think for ourselves and hold our own opinions. I feel like Biola is afraid that some people might be swept into believing differently than what Biola teaches, but I really don't see the problem so long as that person is still following the contract that they signed not to engage in certain "behaviors".
I would love to see Biola invite some pro-LGBTQ Christians and discuss what they think. I really hope that this fear of thinking differently can be put aside so that real discussion can begin. -
Tasha
I completely agree with William and Breanna. It's unfair that a professor is allowed to call homosexuality a "dysfunction" and a "perversion" without facing any formal opposition. Panels like these leave LGBTQ students feeling defenseless. While it's fantastic that Biola is discussing this topic, I believe such panels would be more beneficial if they had actual LGBTQ people with differing perspectives, and not cis-gender heterosexuals, on to talk about LGBTQ identity and faith.
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Daniel
I hate to be the broken record, but I need to agree with all the above comments, they should have an actual discussion with both sides.
This is not to try to persuade, but just to literally discuss. I would like to see it more to hear the arguments from both sides.
Biola has hosted debates with atheists regarding the existence from God. I doubt any students suddenly become atheist. I don't see the harm in having a non-hostile discussion with representatives from both sides, I doubt any students will suddenly become gay. -
Megan
I would just like to say I greatly respect the professors and administration with the way they're approaching this issue.
I know of no other sin that Biola welcomes a pro-sin professing Christian to come and speak from their point of view on campus, and I think it's misguided for us as a student body and as Christians to ask them to do such a thing with homosexuality. Biola has hit the nail on the head with the way they're approaching this, with uncompromising Scripture-based grace, and I'm glad to see them holding to that balance of truth and compassion.
I don't see how it's unfair for a faculty member (or anyone, for that matter) to refer to any sin pattern, homosexual or otherwise, as a dysfunction. Whether it's greed, pride, dishonesty, or sexuality, any habitual sin is a dysfunctional perversion of God's design, and I think it's only honest to address it as such.
Biola is not the kind of university to expose their students to all opinions or contradictory sides of a matter with the intent of letting us decide for ourselves what's right and wrong. Our moral compass is not up to us, and Biola knows that - they have rightly chosen to stand their ground. One of the responsibilities of the administration is to guide student life and establish university policy according to the moral standards set in Scripture, and they're doing a great job with that.
Kudos, Biola. Keep it up. -
Kate
Megan -
The whole point is that not all Christians believe that homosexuality is a sin and that meaningful dialogue on the topic is impossible without inviting opposing voices into the discussion. Entire Christian denominations, many of which students come from before attending Biola, do not view homosexuality as a sin. Why would Biola not want to bring pastors and representatives from those churches in to represent their point of view on what the Bible does and doesn't say about homosexuality?
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Rebecca
Many of my friends are Christian and yet do not believe that being L,G,B,T, or Q is a sin. Looking at the Bible and studying the verses, they believe the opposite. I think it would be beneficial to allow both sides a chance to speak and to be heard--mainly because this is such a controversial topic and impacts so many people, not just in our culture, but within our school. It would be nice to have Christians from both sides discuss the verses and the conclusions they have come to and why. Students can then not only learn more about the issue, but can make up their own minds based on the two sides they heard. They can compare the evidence, look at the Bible, etc. and make their own decisions on whether or not these things are a sin. I, too, appreciate that Biola is willing to talk about these issues, but, in order to be fair to God and to the Bible, I think we should wrestle with issues like this head-on by examining both sides carefully instead of assuming that we know the answer (I am not saying everyone does this, so please don't become offended, I just think there is a tendency toward this). I think this would do justice to God and his word. If God's truth will come through anyway, why are we afraid to explore the issue from both sides?
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K
"Biola is not the kind of university to expose their students to all opinions or contradictory sides of a matter with the intent of letting us decide for ourselves what's right and wrong."
This kind of thinking is a huge problem. We are at Biola first and foremost for an education. The Christian college experience isn't supposed to involve being spoon fed theology and being told what's right and wrong so that we don't have to do any thinking for ourselves. College, for anyone at any school, is supposed to supply a student with information and varying opinions so that we can establish our own thoughts and LEARN HOW TO THINK. Though I may agree with much of what we learn in our classes, the way we get to those conclusions matters. Are we just going along with whatever we're told to believe, or are we using our minds to come to important conclusions? Just because a professor tells us something or presents something as truth doesn't excuse us from considering it, measuring it up to the Bible, praying over it, and wrestling with it. It doesn't excuse us from saying something when we don't agree, and guys, we don't always have to agree!
The panel absolutely missed the point. It wasn't anything new, it wasn't progressive, and it wasn't helpful. I can only imagine how members of the LGBTQ community felt. Thoennes seemed frustrated and annoyed while the the other panelists appeared afraid and uncertain. DBC gave better thoughts on this topic in May, and I really hope that some of that forward thinking can be involved in future conversations. -
Jordan
If I could "LIKE" Biola Student's comment, I would. well said sir/ma'am.
Megan, please read what you wrote again:
"Biola is not the kind of university to expose their students to all opinions or contradictory sides of a matter with the intent of letting us decide for ourselves what's right and wrong. Our moral compass is not up to us, and Biola knows that - they have rightly chosen to stand their ground."
Seriously ask yourself if you think that is okay. I agree with what you said. Biola is not a university to expose students to other side, allowing them to decide what is right and wrong. Isn't that the problem? Universities are in place to teach young adults how to think, how to process and how to discern. That is how college should be, we should have the freedom to learn all sides and opinions, to learn about any and everything that is meaningful, important,and relevant. We, as students, should be taught how to think, not what to think. We should be allowed the freedom to discern for ourselves what is right and wrong. OUR MORAL COMPASS IS UP TO US. Dont think that I am implying that there is no consequences to the way we think and ideas we have. I think we have a great deal of responsibility that comes with the way we decide to think and live. I am simply saying that regardless of whether or not we think rightly or wrongly, the way one thinks is the choice of the individual.
Also, please do not think for one second that I believe Biola should change their stance on homosexuality. Please do not think that I am taking a stance either way too. I think Biola has ever right to hold to their stance on homosexuality. I really do. But I still believe that for the sake of a true discussion, for the respect of those who hold different opinions, and for the opportunity to let students speak, learn, and think for themselves, that Biola should allow people who are in the middle or on the other side to speak. What we saw two nights ago, was nothing more than a reiteration of positions we already knew Biola to hold. How is that a "discussion on homosexuality?" -
Jordan
I whole-heartedly agree with Megan. There are many who believe LGBTQ is an acceptable lifestyle within the Christian context. These views are pretty culturally accepted and we have, for the most part, been exposed to them to some degree-- it may have been disappointing to some that Biola did not delve further into that debate (with opposing sides represented). However, I would be surprised to see Biola sponsor a speaker to represent a view counter to what they believe is scriptural. This event was held to discuss Biola's stance/policy on the issue in light of what they believe is biblical truth. Biola operates under the authority of scripture, taking up the responsibility to shepherd the student body God has entrusted them with. They take this task seriously, leading us in what they interpret as biblically true (not unto paths they believe are not).
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Tim
If you struggle with homosexuality know this, GOD LOVES YOU, yet Jesus also said to those he love "Go now and leave your life of sin".
I think that we have fallen into an age of apostasy in regards to the area of homosexuality.
The Bible is 100% clear on its stance of homosexuality being a sin. There are no grey areas and those who claim that there are, are simply to afraid to offend people. We (followers of Christ) did not define homosexuality as sin, God did. If you have a problem with that take it up with Him.
This said, sin is sin in the Lords eyes. For me to lie and cheat, separates me just as much from the Lord as someone who is practicing homosexuality.
We are called to be a community of grace that supports one another in relation to DEALING with our sin. The problem I have with most of the comments above is that people seem to think that in order for us to love the homosexual community, we have to support their sin by saying its okay. Yet if their sin is separating them from God, are we really loving them by telling them its okay to keep on sinning.
If I was committing fraud with a company I was working for and a Christian brother found out, I would expect him to call me out on it, not rub my shoulder and say, "it's okay, this choice to commit fraud is okay because you are making money and are happy. That's all God wants for you". That would not be loving me. Nor is it truly loving to those who do struggle with homosexuality.
I am called to love my brother or sister who struggles with homosexuality just as much as I am called to love my sister or brother who struggles with porn. But I am NOT called to tell them their sin is okay.
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Rebecca
Tim, I appreciate your position, but if the Bible were 100% clear, does that mean that everyone who holds a counter view is twisting the text? Or could there really be other evidence that needs careful consideration? I believe the Bible, as God's word, needs to be studied carefully, and I, personally, believe very differently than you do about the Bible verses on homosexuality. I know that you believe the verses are very clear, and I understand that. I don't think the verses say otherwise because I am afraid to offend people but because I want to discover truth and so am willing to look at all the evidence brought forward, not just at some. After examining the evidence, I have come to my personal understanding of the verses, just as you have come to yours. I do not mean that you must change your view but to say that the Bible is 100% clear is not accurate, especially with the amount of people on both sides of this issue. You may perceive it as 100% clear, but many Bible-believing Christians who do careful exegesis of the text and humbly ask God for guidance (just as you do), see a different interpretation that lines up with what they find in the Bible. You don't need to switch your position. All I ask is that you perhaps be a little more considerate to other fellow believers that have come to different conclusions than your own.
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Biola Student
Thank you Jordan.
I find this whole discussion intriguing. One of my Bible teachers is having us read a book and in it the author explains that when he was interviewing kids to graduate a doctorate level theology school none of the kids really knew their theology. They could only discuss what their professors had spoon fed them and this was a real problem.
I disagree with Megan's stance and it has nothing to do with her stance on the issue of homosexuality itself. I disagree because by Biola not exposing us to anything other than a set code of beliefs they are really just making our faith weaker. If someone has wrestled through certain issues and have a reason other than "so and so taught me that way" those beliefs are able to hold up to scrutiny.
K is so right. We come to college to learn how to think. Honestly, if you come out of Biola and have not learned how to think, then your theology will probably be super shaken.
In secular colleges students are free to discuss their differing views and learn to respect people with those views. This panel did not respect those who thought LGBTQ people could still be Christian. They assume that their arguments are so "out there" that they must not have anything to bring to discussion.
I honestly am still stuck on the question "why is Biola so afraid to let us think for ourselves?" I really hope that they rethink and have a panel with someone who thinks differently so that we are allowed to think through an issue that is huge in our culture today. -
J
I think Biola should articulate and cultivate its own views more fully before it puts out another view with which it disagrees. That first step is unfinished.
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L
Biola seems to have their views pretty well defined. They released their statement on sexuality and handed out copies at the discussion. What do you mean that it is unfinished J?
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J
A plain reading of scripture regarding homosexuality is clear. I am surprised at how many people are mentioning alternate views on the Bible's stance on homosexuality implying that it can be supported by scripture.
Don't forget that when a person doesn't love the truth God will allow them to be deceived and turn them over to vile things, a debased mind and destruction and one of the specific times in which he does this is with homosexuality.
Hope and pray that you don't get to this point because it would be a fearsome thing. -
A Little Bit of Love
I never thought "It Gets Better" videos would be intended for college students but from this comment thread it seems like they would help gay students on campus more than the standard bearers of conservative values. No matter what your stance it would help if y'all gave a little bit of love to the people who are suffering around you. Maybe if you were more concerned with reaching into someone's life and letting them know they're loved by God, than creating a heterosexual apologetic, you might actually reach a few hearts and minds. Not to say that doctrine and tradition are unimportant, if we ignore them, we ignore our heritage. The chief aim of evangelism however is not proving to the individual why they are wrong, but rather showing them that God has the answers and the life that they need. Then again, we could just keep having panels, I'm sure eventually that'll help LGBTQ students come around.
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A Little Bit of Reality
In response to "A Little Bit of Love", I think you need a little bit of a reality check. Biola isn't about helping these people it's about discipling Christians. Biola's stance is clear on people who persist in a sinful lifestyle. That stance is that they are not Christian, therefore they don't fit into Biola's mission. If people choose to be gay that's up to them, but if so Biola is not the place for them. I don't know why we're discussing this when Biola's stance is so clear.
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Jeff
A university is a place where ideas are exchanged freely. I am a Christian, and I believe in conservative values. But I also believe that truth is not an ideal that cowers in fear of deception. It forges onward, no matter what falsehood lies in its path. For this reason I think Biola has made a major misstep in not allowing differing ideas on campus. I fear at moments that we have never actually made the step from being a Bible institute to a full fledged university. I've worked incredibly hard in interviews and job applications to overcome the belief people have that my degree is from a tiny little backwater school. I would appreciate it if Biola would start combating that perception too. Let's bring Gays to campus to talk. Let's bring Gays, Jews, Muslims, Socialists, Capitalists, Communists, Pro Choicers, Pro Lifers, and any other kind of speakers that have a respectable point of view so that we can finally show the world how Christian thought stands up to the wisdom of the world.
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Rebecca
A Little Bit Of Love, I think you bring up a great point. Love is something that should allow both sides of the debate to connect. Jesus' first goal, as I see it, is to spread love--to let people know that he loves them deeply for who they are. This doesn't mean he loves everything people do, but in how many classes and in how many discussions do we talk about the ways in which homosexuality is right and wrong instead of looking at and evaluating the ways we treat gays? And why do we not discuss bisexuals and transgenders as well as gays and lesbians? Both sides are called to show deep love and respect to the LGBT community. Jeff, I agree with your view. Differences should be examined and discussed in a loving context, not hidden away. How many students at Biola remain voiceless and isolated? And in a Christian context, no less! Let's let the voiceless speak and let's, instead of pushing opinions, hear each other out and respect each other. We can also debate ideas, but respect must be the underlying tone. I fear that the reality check is that Christians are suffering on campus, that the Bible needs to be (and doesn't it deserve to be?) carefully and respectfully re-examined, and that the idea that being gay is a choice is still something that needs discussion. The truth is that Biola's stance may be clear, but we have a duty to follow the Bible, whether or not it aligns with Biola's beliefs. There are many great people on both sides of this debate--people who look at Scripture thoughtfully and try to love as best they can. That is admirable. Neither side is evil. We are all people who need to work together to understand Scripture and who, even when we disagree, must show respect and understanding and a large dose of tact. I find it admirable when people from one side are willing to truly listen to and respect the other. Hate, condemnation, guilt-tripping, and making people feel undervalued solves nothing and creates more division and more pain. And doesn't that grieve God more than anything? To honor God, we need to use our minds and our hearts. To honor the Bible, we need to study it carefully. To honor others, we need to listen to the things that are important to them or that are hurting them. Given these premises, I see good grounds for discussing the issue from both perspectives instead of just the one.
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JJ
As an alum who struggles with homosexuality everyday, I think it's great that this topic is being brought to the table. Homosexuality within Christianity is such a complex and unique topic and one that must be addressed with love, patience, and respect. I can tell you that I don't have very many answers on the matter. I've spent countless hours and days of my life so far, battling this issue within my heart and mind. It's a tension that's never quite released. I've felt alienated, afraid, ashamed, and unable to speak about it within my own CHURCH for most of my life! We will never get anywhere on this matter if we don't put ourselves aside and listen to those around us. I'm absolutely sure that there are students now, within Biola, struggling with homosexuality who are craving the opportunity to talk about it.
It's not about who's right and who's wrong or "those people in a persistent lifestyle of sin". We fear what we don't know. Most Christians don't know a lick about homosexuality and so they treat it as if it were a disease or the reason for the decline in family values or whatever. I'm not trying to say the Bible isn't valid or true but arguing over scriptures and interpretations doesn't get us anywhere. Life is not black and white and the answers aren't always clear. At the end of the day, we're all human and we all sin..a lot. Christ calls us to love Him and those around us..even people struggling with homosexuality. Perhaps it's time we started doing that. We might find that if we follow his example, everything else falls into place. -
Dissatisfied Student
Questions:
Why was this article not in the physical Chimes last Thursday?
Is Biola trying to silence this issue and this unrepresented people group on our campus?
Why is administration so afraid to bring other viewpoints to campus like they said they would at the end of spring term?
I get the impression that we students are not satisfied. Our academic and spiritual lives need to be challenged in order to grow. We are open to and desire to hear pro-gay perspectives, while Biola is completely closed to the idea. This is a serious disservice to us. I did not come to this university to become sheltered and indoctrinated. -
Satisfied Student
Christians are to have their minds informed and transformed by God's word not cultural trends.
Would a Bible believing church bring in a Wiccan priest, an Imam, or a Mormon pastor to preach false doctrines from the pulpit? No! Biola is doing a great job by guarding, informing and shaping minds for God's glory and not bringing in all of these various groups, giving them a platform and allowing them to pour nonsense into the minds of students. -
Reality.
Not all of us want to live under rocks our whole lives. No one would be forced to attend a discussion. There are differing beliefs out there and to ignore that is to not even be in the world. We are called to be in the world but not of it, what if Jesus never let anyone with a differing opinion talk to him? People will want to share their beliefs with you in the future and as a Christian you will want to share yours. So why is it okay for you to tell your beliefs to others but suddenly when someone thinks differently than you do you want to close off conversation? People will never listen to the Gospel if we are not at the very least willing to listen to what they believe. This goes for all opinions, beliefs, and personal feelings.
To bring differing opinions on campus is not the same thing as condoning or telling students to believe it. No one even advocated to bring in someone to speak without having the Biola side present and speaking as well. I understand people not wanting someone "preaching" but a conversation, a panel with differing views, is not preaching, it is discussing and with it Biola students would learn that we not always going to disagree but we should still respect eachother. -
Rebecca
A Wiccan priest, an Imam, or a Mormon pastor may not be brought in, but there are many Christian pastors who love God and are committed to studying his Word and that also support the LGBT community. The people you mention present different religions (not to say that this means they shouldn't have a voice), but the issue at hand is very important to many Christians--many respectable people within our belief system. It would be better to discuss it lovingly than to cause discord among ourselves by shutting one group out. Listening and condoning are two different things, we should remember. It would be difficult to learn anything, test anything, or understand anything properly if we do not look at new information. Again, looking and condoning may not happen simultaneously, so please do not feel I am attacking your view or trying to push mine onto you. I understand why you feel the way you do. I used to feel that way as well and can understand the tensions on both sides since I have been on each side. I think both sides need to deeply respect each other. Whether you are for or against, implying that the other side is naive or ignorant or just plain stupid is not accurate and not in line with what God wants. Many on both sides are very intelligent, love God, love others, and are just trying to pursue truth. This is why we need to listen. We shouldn't assume our view is infallible and must keep testing it and examining new information before we keep or reject it. That's all I'm saying. Listen carefully, examine the evidence, and then come to a decision. This will equip us to live better lives and will prepare us to serve God humbly and to the best of our abilities.
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joe
Just because many "Christians" believe something, or have an alternate interpretation of scripture doesn't mean they are correct or that it is valid.
God is not swayed by popular opinion. Any pastor who says the Bible does not say that homosexuality is a sin is wrong. You can interpret anything to say anything you want if you try hard enough. That doesn't make it right.
Good job Biola!