The
dust has hardly settled on President Obama’s move to support same-sex marriage.
Indeed, it’s an issue that’s likely to linger on through the 2012 presidential
elections and beyond.
The Assemblies of God is voicing its dissent
and objection. George O. Wood, AG general superintendent, says the denomination
is in complete disagreement with the president’s new position and takes
exception to Obama taking Scripture out of context to defend his position.
“[Michelle and I] we are both practicing
Christians and obviously this position may be considered to put us at odds with
the views of others. But, you know, when we think about our faith, the thing at
root that we think about is, not only Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf,
but it’s also the Golden Rule, you know, treat others the way you would want to
be treated.
“And I think that’s what we try to impart to
our kids and that’s what motivates me as president and I figure the most consistent
I can be in being true to those precepts, the better I’ll be as a dad and a
husband and, hopefully, the better I’ll be as president,” Obama told ABC News.
Wood explains his position: “The Bible clearly
teaches that marriage should be a lifelong commitment between one man and one
woman,” he says. “There is no affirmation of homosexual behavior found anywhere
in Scripture. However, the Bible is replete with evidence that homosexual
behavior is immoral and comes under the judgment of God. Although it has become
popular to quote Scripture grossly out of context to serve a personal or
political agenda, it still doesn’t change what God’s Word clearly states.”
Wood adds that in light of what Scripture
says, Christians should not be surprised by individuals and groups twisting
Scripture, citing 2 Timothy 4:3, “For the time will come when men will not put
up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather
around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to
hear” (NIV).
In the Assemblies of God’s official position
paper on homosexuality, it states: “We believe, in the light of biblical
revelation, that the growing cultural acceptance of homosexual identity and
behavior, male and female, is symptomatic of a broader spiritual disorder that
threatens the family, the government and the church.”
The paper also states: “Not only do the
Scriptures condemn more flagrant examples of homosexual violence and
promiscuity, they also provide no support for the popular modern idea that
loving and committed homosexual relationships between two long-term partners
are morally acceptable. Homosexual activities of every kind are contrary to the
moral commandments God has given us.”
Wood adds that it’s important for Christians
to not underestimate the implications of a pro-homosexual, pro-abortion
president, and what it means for the church.
“In no time in our nation have we ever needed
to pray more for our political leaders and this country than we need to today,”
he explains.
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