My Stand on Select Contemporary Moral Issues

 As a pre-note to all this, allow me to point out my view on sin in general. I believe that God looks at sin in our lives in the same way a parent views a toddler touching a hot stove. He hates sin because He knows it will destroy us. In the church we often look at sin differently, as if its mere existence will ruin God’s reputation. My God is all-powerful and will not be ruined.

On earth, Jesus cared for the sinner and discussed them as needing a doctor. When we as a church care more about the existence of sin than we do the people who that sin is primarily hurting (the sinners), I believe we aren’t acting with Christ’s compassion. In the same vein, while all sin is equal in that it separates us from God, each sin has its own consequences. Parents do not view a toddler touching a hot stove the same as them playing with a loaded gun. Similarly, I believe God views some sins as being more severe than others, for the sake of our own spiritual safety. While all sin leads to death, some do so much more quickly.

Also, it’s important for me to state that I recognize I am a sinner. I’m no better than a bum on the street or a murderer. Except for God’s grace, that’s exactly what I would be.


Abortion
Abortion stops a human life that is genetically distinct from that of the mother. In my eyes this is no different than killing an innocent human being. Ironically it is often committed by someone who is scared and pressured into feeling like she has no other choice. We shouldn’t ignore the intense pressures felt by a mother who is contemplating abortion. She is in much greater need of encouragement than condemnation.


Divorce
God hates divorce (Mal 2:16). Similarly, doctors hate amputations. There may be situations where a husband or wife has the spiritual right to a divorce. And at times it truly may be the "best" option; but just like amputation, it is never a good option. It almost always brings more pain and brokenness than the situation already contains.


Pre-marital sex
This is a form of extra-marital sex (a.k.a. adultery) and is forbidden by God. I have no doubt that He forbade it because it sets up a budding relationship for failure and heartache. In a very simple sense, it allows the man to get what he is looking for without committing to the woman or giving her any sort of security in exchange.


Homosexuality
This is a sin forbidden by God multiple places in scripture. Although some may argue that it is lustful homosexuality that’s forbidden and not homosexuality itself, I find this to be an extremely evasive and week argument. Interestingly, someone might describe themselves as a homosexual even though they have never acted in a lude manner with another man. But remember in God’s economy, temptation is not the same as sin.
Also, this is almost the same sin as pre-marital sex, pornography, or erotic literature. All of these sins seek to destroy the pure and holy ecstasy God designed for a man and a woman to share in the safety of the marriage bed.


Addictions
God desires for us to live a life free from all other masters. We are not to be slaves to anything other than to Christ. Addictions to tobacco, prescription or illegal drugs, alcohol, or pornography are all forms of slavery. Addictions keep us from pursuing Him fully and slowly eat up our life. He longs for us to live an abundant life. Ask an addict what type of life they are living and few will describe it as "abundant." If they realize how hard it is to stop, they sadly might use words like, "surviving," "depressed," or even, "suicidal." God gives us boundaries and rules because He doesn’t want His children to deal with needless hardship.