Episode 298: Faith, Sexuality, & Gender with Preston Sprinkle
May 2, 2018
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Dr. Preston Sprinkle discusses faith, sexuality, and gender. Topics include a monkey's copyright battle, biased reporting on evangelical leaders, sexual ethics discussions in churches, and the acceptance of polyamory in society. The importance of centrist and open-minded political views is also emphasized.
Preston Sprinkle emphasizes the importance of equipping pastors with the tools and understanding necessary to have conversations about sexuality and gender in a theologically grounded and culturally sensitive manner.
Not addressing issues related to sexuality and gender is pastorally irresponsible, and pastors should engage in grace-filled and truth-centered conversations for transformation and growth.
Language used in the church's discourse around sexuality and gender should prioritize humanization and understanding, fostering a deeper awareness and knowledge within the church community.
When discussing issues related to sexuality and gender, a theological grounding that starts with a robust understanding of theological anthropology and biblical teachings allows for informed and compassionate conversations aligning with Jesus' teachings.
Deep dives
Importance of Educating Church Leaders on Sexuality and Gender
During his pastor trainings, Preston Sprinkle has observed that many church leaders lack awareness and knowledge about issues related to sexuality and gender. He has encountered both ignorance and extreme viewpoints within mainstream evangelicalism. However, there is also a silent minority of pastors who are open to conversations and are willing to learn and grow. Preston emphasizes the importance of equipping pastors with the tools and understanding necessary to have these conversations in a theologically grounded and culturally sensitive manner.
Challenges of Addressing Sexuality and Gender in the Church
Preston Sprinkle notes that many pastors are hesitant to address issues related to sexuality and gender due to the fear of losing congregants or financial support. There is a prevailing assumption that discussing these topics will lead to backlash and controversy. However, Preston argues that not speaking about these issues is pastorally irresponsible, as they are some of the most pressing ethical questions facing the church today. He encourages pastors to engage in grace-filled and truth-centered conversations that lead to transformation and growth.
Dehumanization in the Church's Discourse on Sexuality and Gender
Preston Sprinkle highlights the unintentional dehumanization that occurs in the church's discourse around sexuality and gender. Ignorance and lack of awareness often lead to harmful language and assumptions. For instance, some pastors equate being gay with a promiscuous lifestyle or even pedophilia. These misconceptions arise from a lack of understanding and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Preston emphasizes the importance of using language that humanizes individuals and of fostering a deeper awareness and knowledge within the church community.
The Need for Theological Grounding in Conversations About Sexuality and Gender
Preston Sprinkle stresses the significance of theological grounding when discussing issues related to sexuality and gender. Rather than engaging in reactionary approaches, he advocates for a foundational theology of incarnate bodies and sexuality. By starting with a robust understanding of theological anthropology and biblical teachings on sexuality, church leaders can effectively navigate conversations about gender identity and sexuality. This theology-based approach empowers pastors to have informed and compassionate discussions that align with the teachings of Jesus.
Preston Sprinkle's Resource: Grace and Truth
Preston Sprinkle has written the book 'Grace and Truth: Five Conversations Every Thoughtful Christian Should Have About Faith, Sexuality, and Gender.' The book offers a comprehensive guide for engaging in thoughtful, grace-filled conversations about these topics. Sprinkle emphasizes the importance of humanizing language and theological grounding in these conversations. The book provides practical guidance, biblical insights, and thoughtful perspectives that can equip pastors and church leaders to address these issues in a responsible and transformative manner.
The importance of using language that humanizes rather than dehumanizes
It is important for churches and Christians to use language that humanizes people rather than dehumanizes them. The best language to use is the language that gay people themselves prefer, such as 'gay' and 'lesbian'. However, it is important to also recognize that the LGBTQ acronym can have its own complexities and baggage, and not every person who is attracted to the same sex may like that label. It is crucial to have nuanced conversations and understand the differences within the LGBTQ community. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the evolving conversation around transgender rights and to approach it with an open mind and willingness to learn.
The potential rise of polyamory and the need for thoughtful dialogue
Polyamory, the idea of being oriented to loving more than one person at the same time, may become a more prominent topic in the future. While currently around 3-5% of the population has had a polyamorous relationship, it is an area that is gaining attention. It is important for the church and society at large to engage in thoughtful dialogue about ethical boundaries and human flourishing. At the same time, it is necessary to recognize the limitations of an ethics based solely on consent and consider other moral impulses such as sacredness and the coherence of an ethical system. The conversation should involve input from diverse perspectives, including secular ethicists and researchers, to ensure a well-rounded and informed approach.
Let’s be honest, our culture’s understanding of sexuality and gender is a hot mess. The moment you feel like you’ve got a grasp of the issues, everything changes again. Dr. Preston Sprinkle is back to help us make sense of the conversation and prepare us for what’s next. Plus, Skye reports on the meeting of evangelical leaders at Wheaton College, and Phil defends the legal rights of creative monkeys.
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