Did anyone watch the Hillsong story on the Sunday Night program tonight?

What do you think about Brian Houston’s statement on sex outside of marriage?

How does this apply to monogomous same-sex relationships?

Hi Pierre

I was just about to raise this topic but noticed you had beaten me to it. Thank you.

I saw the show and am disappointed by Brian’s stance. I think the sex outside marriage idea is VERY old fashioned and is a convenient way for him to sit on the fence regarding homosexuality. I think it’s also too easy for married people to make these ridiculous decrees when they are smugly indulging in sexual relationships, and from past experiences of church Christians, flaunting it. I feel strongly about this and believe they put a noose around unmarried peoples’ necks by dishing out rules such as this one. I remember how difficult it was being a single Christian when I was younger and know of quite a few Christians who married after short engagements, mainly so they could have sex!! Hardly a good enough reason to commit to what we’re told is meant to be a lifelong relationship.

Although I suspect Brian has softened in his stance on homosexuality in recent times, he still seemed against it. On the one hand, I liked that Brian said anyone was welcome to his church. He also seemed to have a great deal of compassion toward people suffering in all kinds of areas, including sexuality. However he spoke of people struggling “with unwanted feelings” making homosexuality sound like an illness!! To be honest, I thought he would have moved past that by now. Even the medical profession are ahead in that regard.

Of course he’s entitled to his beliefs but for such a modern church, they seem quite backward. And given that a fair few of his congregation would surely be LGBT, I’m surprised he’s not more progressed and aware of the needs of his people. It makes me appreciate Rob Buckingham, the 100 revs and mrg even more.

Blessings,

Ann Maree

Well I have no problem with knowing that God wants the best for us. That’s not the issue.

Hillsong have said that the bible provides clear teaching on sexuality and sexual expression. That’s one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard. If it was clear, then Brian would have answered the question as such instead of hesitating and saying it’s complicated or something along those lines. If it was clear, then none of us would be having these discussions. The bible is not a sex manual and it in fact says very little about sex and sexuality. As far as I know, homosexuality was not even a word that was used in the original texts however many Christians are still inserting their own misguided beliefs around this topic and claiming it’s God’s word.

if they let us marry……does that mean we wont be sinning any more…..hehe.

Many heterosexual Christians…..and particularly males….only think of homosexuality in terms of an act and not an orientation……here lies the problem. Ignorance about sexual orientation.

I was also disappointed with the statement that went to air.

having done numerous TV interviews myself I am also aware that there can be a hour of recording when much more is said and clarified ……..that ends up on the cutting room floor. that is why I prefer live interviews……..nothing can be edited out.

Hi avb

Well they have to overcome the hurdle of homosexuality being a sin in its own right first. But yeah, I think when they do allow gay marriage this will make our married relationships righteous in some Christians’ eyes. We will no longer just be fornicators or given over to the sins of the flesh! 😉 hehe

avb, I’m relieved you were disappointed by the statement and it wasn’t just me feeling like that. Your response validates mine .. and I wondered what you’d make of the interview given you know Brian better than I do. You’ve always been kind about Hillsong and the progress going on there so I expected they might be more ahead than what their statement showed. And yes, I did consider that it might have been heavily edited. That said, Brian’s very uncomfortable body language was fairly telling even if cut and pasted. And I also appreciate he was probably reluctant to do the interview because they might edit against his control and portray things quite differently.