LGBTQ Relationships and the Bible: A Progressive and Evangelical Dialogue

What does the Bible really say about same-sex unions? Where has the church gone wrong in its response to this pressing conversation? This video is a discussion between me and progressive Christian pastor Colby Martin, author of Unclobber. We discuss the topic together and then take live questions.

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[jeffgilpin]

Sean...I love how whenever you have conversations around differing opinions, you always start with what you agree with, rather than what you disagree on. Such a great and God honoring approach.

[godisfreedomwithjordaneffr]

I want to start this off with Love. As someone who dealt so strenuously with the desires, lusts, and haughtiness of Same Sex Attraction as well as Opposite Sex Attraction. I understand how hard it is to hear that we are wrong in wanting to pursue the desires of our flesh and we believe it’s our life to live but I ask you what happens when look at our life as not our own but as a service unto the Lord. When you think about the sacrificing of the Lamb we must think about the gift we received and the sacrifice we were given. I will happily give the Lord whatever he needs from me to be in accordance with his word. There is freedom in the Gospel. There is freedom in the flee from sin. There is freedom in resistance of temptation and the wiles of the devil. There is freedom in love and truth. There is freedom but it can only be obtained through obedience to the word of God.

[denali]

Sean presents a scriptural consideration and Colby responds: “That’s a god I want nothing to do with.” Progressive Christianity is not submitted to the Lord — it submits to the culture.

[pamelarada]

My heart breaks for Colby. Sean did a great job in displaying a loving attitude in a biblical spirit.

[ATiredMom]

Sadly, those like Colby who say they don't want to serve a god who has such standards really has made an idol, and therefore, we are not even discussing the same God at that point.

[thespousessellinghouses]

What I would like to hear is a discussion on the trendiness of not being heterosexual in the teens of today, how social media fuels it, and how that is effecting the church.

[lindseyestep]

I also hold a traditional Christian view, but I really appreciate Colby engaging in this thoughtful, respectful conversation. I think I need to practice listening to people who hold different views. You guys did such a great job of that! Thank you!

[cmor]

First of all my appreciation for Sean and the way he shares the true with respect, PATIENCE, and love. I have to learn a lot about the patience part : ) Second, my heart goes to Colby because as He said : he's loosing the forest for the tree. There's a battle inside you brother. You want to serve two masters, following the culture and justifying their beliefs on feelings. You said that you don't think you're in the wrong because you're doing what Jesus said about His easy yoke but forgot to mencion the part where Jesus also said; pick up your cross and follow me. If you are humble enough to re-watch this dialog, you will find out that the truth is exposed in such a graciously way that is very difficult to be lost. May God guide you and give you understanding and discernment. If you decided to be a pastor or a preacher you are responsable for the wellbeing of the sheep. We're not alone in the battle but we need to surrender all our wants to the Lord. Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away but my Words will never pass away.⁷

[stevebrandau]

Colby is really likeable and has a great conversational style. He was completely able to speak his views accurately. His viewpoints and ability to give voice to them start falling apart when the rubber meets the road... like biblical definition of marriage. His answers after that all start offering philosophical ramblings and indirect responses. He remains completely likeable. I think we know that this all comes down to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.

[joshuajoy]

"Freedom cannot be separated from truth." Well stated, Sean!!

[clarkl]

Most of us are unaware that our nation had deep roots in taking manners seriously. Only THREE MINUTES IN, and already I'm impressed with the tone and attitudes being demonstrated, also that both are agreeing on "ground rules". Also appreciate that Sean is upfront with "this is my show but..." MORE examples of--and action towards--civility are REQUIRED for our nation to survive. God's blessings to both of you 🙏

[jasonsamuel]

You can tell how hard it is for Colby to explain his position.. and how easily the flow of Sean's explanation is. There is no battle in the mind for Sean, and there is a battle in Colbys mind about him comprimising the truth for the world's benefit. Praying for Colby to think about him and and his families salvation because he is going to make it so hard for his children.

[machellovelivelife]

Dr Sean McDowell, has the patience of gold.

[j.reesebradley]

While I do hold Sean’s view, I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate these discussions. Thank you so much Colby and Sean!

[laurenscott]

This was a great discussion! I agree with the comment below that change is possible by the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. I struggled with homosexuality for 7 years and now I’m delivered. God can do anything in someone’s life.
I realize from this discussion that many people use feelings and experiences as their guide on what to follow and how they should live. In my opinion, many rather God adjust and bend to their feelings versus them adjusting and submitting to His Word. I know that we are all learning and seeking truth. We must be careful that we are speaking and sharing with accuracy what the Bible teaches, not what we feel or what we want to be true.

[uzzielcampis]

What surprises me the most is Sean's self control, prudence and patience throughout the hole conversation, especially when he cannot get clear and direct answers to very simple questions. A clear example of how to respond with meekness and reverence, with honoring respect to any other human being who is a God's image bearer and worthy to be treated with God's given dignity. Thank you Sean for that testimony and example.

[rickmeunier]

Colby's penchant to not answer questions directly and avoid dealing with the questions reveals far more than his words.

[shirleycull]

So sorry for Colby and realizing
how hard it must be to live in a world of decisions that you base on feelings and no absolutes. It was difficult to listen to his evasive non answers, unscriptural opinions. I think he said it all when he said, “That’s a god I want nothing to do with.”
I’m a widow living a life alone and trusting this is God’s will. He gives me my needs and walks with me. Please realize the Lord provides strength and trust to live a life alone. Is it hard? Yes, but God is sufficient, no more than enough❣️

[sherrybroers]

Thankyou both so much for such a open and loving conversation.
When Coby said “that’s a God I don’t want to have anything to do with” I cried. It truly breaks my heart that this issue clouds peoples view of God so much.
I pray for him and for these conversations to keep happening and for soft hearts to see Gods truth. God is so so good and worthy to be praised even when we don’t understand his ways, they are so much higher then ours.
And I also pray for my heart to remain soft to be corrected in areas where I am wrong about.

[krisly]

Everyone, just keep praying for Colby. God can change anyone, anything & at any time 😊.