Should christians go to gay weddings
I have never attended, or even been invited to a same-sex wedding. If I were, I would feel very conflicted, especially if it were of a close family member. Would I go?
This is a reality facing an increasing number of Christians who are committed to biblical orthodoxy and firmly believe that marriage can only be between one living man and woman.
Alistair Begg, a Scottish pastor ministering in America, recently caused controversy over pastoral advice given to a grandmother invited to attend her grandchild’s wedding to a transgender person. He said it was matter of wisdom. Many hold criticised him, and he has been cancelled from some ministry opportunities.
In an episode of his ‘Truth for Life’ podcast, Begg gave this advice: “Well, here’s the thing: your love for them may catch them off guard, but your absence will simply reinforce the fact that they said, These people are what I always thought: judgmental, critical, unprepared to countenance anything”. He added that, as prolonged as the grandson knew she was not “affirming” his life choices, “then I suggest that you do move to the ceremony, and I imply that you obtain them a gift.”
After Begg refused to retract h
Should a Christian participate in a gay wedding?
Answer
First, a word of encouragement: if you are the gentle of friend that a gay couple would invite to their wedding, then you are probably doing something right. When Jesus ministered, those who were despised by population, the tax collectors and the sinners, drew near to Him (Matthew 9:10; Luke 15:1). He was a buddy to them.
Further, no one sin is greater than another. All sin is offensive to God. Homosexuality is just one of many sins listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that will retain a person from the kingdom of God. We all sin and plunge short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). It is only through Jesus Christ that we may be saved from sin’s eternal consequences. (Please see What does it signify that Jesus saves?)
Some would contend that a Christian should have no qualms about attending a gay wedding and that one’s presence at a male lover wedding does not necessarily indicate back for the gay lifestyle. Rather, they view it as extending Christ’s adore toward a ally. The thought is that one’s presence at a wedding ceremony is an act of adore and friendship toward the person—not toward the lifestyle or spiritual choices. We do not hesitate to
As Kevin DeYoung, one of my favorite bloggers, attests, the question of whether a believer should participate a homosexual wedding is now frequently asked. (I’ve addressed the question previously in a video, and also shared some ideas for how someone could lovingly decline attending such a wedding.)
I’m well notified that my response to this issue will not only offend unbelievers, but also many believers. I’ve received pushback before and will again. But for what it’s worth, I have honestly tried to find a biblical way to conclude that devotion and grace, which I feel in my heart toward the people searching to be married, means it is good to demonstrate friendship by joining in the celebration. But partly because love needs some reference point in truth to be correct love, I’ve simply been unable to come to this conclusion.
I have talked with a number of people, including some pastors from good churches, who advocate saying yes to attending homosexual weddings. Their argument centers on the fact that Jesus was and is a confidant of sinners and is full of grace. So true. But I possess never seen a available wedding invitation that doesn’t request people’s presen
The Case Against Christians Attending a Gay Wedding
The case against Christians attending a lgbtq+ wedding is relatively straightforward. We can lay out the case in three premises and a conclusion.
The Argument
Premise 1: Gay “marriage” is not marriage.
No matter what a government may sanction, the biblical definition of marriage (see Gen. 2:18–25, Mal. 2:13–15, Matt. 19:4–6; Eph. 5:22–33) involves a man and a woman. I won’t belabor the point, because I assume in this post that I’m speaking to those who agree with the Westminster Confession of Faith when it says, “Marriage is to be between one gentleman and one woman” (WCF 24.1). Gay “marriage” is not only an offense to God—sanctioning a kind of sexual activity that the Bible condemns (Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Rom. 1:24–27; 1 Cor. 6:9–10; 1 Tim. 1:9–10)—gay “marriage” does not actually exist.
Premise 2: A gay wedding celebrates and solemnizes a lie.
Whether the service is done in a church or in a reception hall, whether it is meant to be a Christian service or a secular commitment ceremony, a gay wedding declares what is false to be true and calls evil good.
Premise 3: Attendance at a gay wedding bears public witness to