Biola Magazine Staff β December 31, Caleb Kaltenbach M. Today, he manages the tension of holding to the traditional biblical teaching on sexuality while loving his gay parents. Biola Magazine reached out to him to talk about his book and his perspective on how Christians can better navigate the complexities of this issue with truth and grace. What do you mean by this? How would you like to see this play out? Christians can own this issue by caring enough to get to know the whole person.
I asked why she still called herself a lesbian. Her response was that she had a community filled with friends, acceptance, a cause and deep feelings. It reminded me that people have depth. Care enough about a person not to reduce them to their sexual orientation.
Talk about holy living down the road. Perhaps Christians can own this issue by being kind and making a new friend. What should that look like? Embrace the tension by developing friendships over meals, coffee and more. Engage in conversations. Try to understand who they are as a person experiences, hopes, dreams, fears, etc. You write that one definition of love is holding the tension of grace and truth. What do you mean by this and who do you think models this sort of love well? The uncomfortable feeling in the tension of grace and truth is love.
However, love never harms. A theological conviction should never be a catalyst to treat someone poorly. We can accept the person without approving of their choice to be in or pursue a same-sex relationship.
Love people, but remember what the Bible teaches. Deepen your relationships, but hold firm to conviction. Never give up on the person or Scripture. Love never takes sides. Love has no exception clause. I see this love lived out by some parents of gay teenagers. These parents love their kids no matter what and nothing about their relationship changes. They thank the teen for trusting them with this part of their life.
