Biblical consistency doesn’t force hostility

Since I have taught at Wheaton College since 1981, I was somewhat amused by Mr. Utchen’s letter of Aug. 23 concerning Wheaton College and its alleged “hostility to gays.” During my 30 year tenure I have not witnessed hostility to homosexual students, either from other students or from the administration.

Various behaviors in direct conflict with God’s nature as clearly expressed in scripture — lying, stealing, drunkenness, adultery and homosexuality among others — are not condoned as a behavioral pattern or lifestyle at Wheaton College.

That the college does not advocate the execution of gays shows no inconsistency in following biblical mandates because this legal proscription was an Old Testament Law specifically given to the nation of Israel as was the Sabbath observance, mentioned by Mr. Utchen. (It does, however, reflect that God must consider homosexuality with great seriousness, highly destructive of the community).

St. Paul did require that women not assume authority over men in the Church. Most Christians, I believe, consider this to be a cultural mandate based on norms of the 1st Century. Wheaton College is not monolithic, nor is it a church. It claims no authority over any church and makes no pronouncements concerning the practices of specific denominations like the Episcopal Church that allows for women ministers and homosexuality among its members and clergy.

The school’s silence on this matter does not demonstrate an attempt to pick and choose or “have it both ways” as Mr. Utchen suggests. And biblical consistency doesn’t require hostility toward anyone. If you read the New Testament, Mr. Utchen, you will see in the writings of St. John a curious verse that reads, “God is love.”

Terry Schwartz

Winfield