Stan Mitchell's Church Gay Inclusive?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Are you qualified to teach? What does this passage mean?

1Corinthians 5:11
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

There appears to be a battle over definition. The term "fornicator" is one that most of us believe we have properly defined. It basically means "one who is sexually immoral". So, we have to closely examine what is "sexual immorality"? Biblically speaking, the following behaviors and practices were permitted according to the OT Law of God:

• Monogamy – Marriage consisting of one man and one woman.
• Polygamy – Marriage consisting of one man and more than one woman.
• Concubines – Mistresses recognized within the marriage covenant.
• War Brides – Arranged marriage with female prisoners of war.
• Levirate Marriage – The marrying of a dead brother’s first wife, even if the living brother was already married.
• Servant Marriage – The arrangement of marriage between servants.
• Eunuchs – Celibates who cannot (or choose not to) copulate with the opposite or same gender.
• Erotic Literature & Poetry – Writings of an erotic nature (Song of Solomon).
• Erotic Dance – Erotic dancing (exemplified by the Shulamite and her erotic dance before her countrymen).
• Sexual Fantasy – Sexual thoughts about another one loves (exemplified by the Shulamite and her Lover).

So, we can see that in the OT, God's view of human behaviors and practices contained a rather broad perspective. Men often engaged in these permitted practices and are declared "holy" according to Scripture. So, what truly constitutes "sexual immorality" (fornication)?

The most theologians would argue that the following is clearly forbidden in the OT:

• Adultery – Sexual activity outside of the marriage covenant.
• Sodomy – Homosexual rape, male temple prostitution, sexual activity between males.
• Incest – Sexual activity with close relatives.
• Rape – Forced sexual activity with a woman.
• Bestiality – Sexual activity with animals.
• Pedophilia – Sexual activity with children.
• Harlotry – Sexual activity as a religious rite, indiscriminate sexual activity, or sexual activity for money.
• Lust – The desire to actually commit adultery.

One will notice that each prohibited action is void of covenant, is inherently harmful, selfish, exploitive, degrading, self-abusive, coercive, and/or dehumanizing. God is no prude and isn't squeamish concerning our various human needs and desires. However, He has drawn lines that prevent our sexuality from causing harm (physical, emotional, spiritual) to another. Sexual behavior should be covenantal, consensual, loving, tender, healthy, joyous, selfless, and considerate.

The NT raised the bar even higher.