Scripture lesson
Sir: Theo Hobson’s interview with Gene Robinson (‘It’s harder for straights to feel Christian charity than gays’, 10 May) certainly clarifies the issue at stake. It is not primarily about homosexual practice but about Robinson stepping way beyond the Apostolic Gospel which has defined the Christian Church for 2,000 years.
Firstly, he claims that the Holy Spirit foretold this new teaching, while the Church has always understood this refers to the recollection of the life of teachings of Christ which form the four Gospels and the other New Testament writings. The Church has always understood that no new Scriptures could be added after the close of the Apostolic Age.
Secondly, he seems to overthrow all moral teaching and takes it as a given that ‘no one has the right to tell a woman what to do with her body’. On the contrary, Scripture is clear on the limits for all people, what they may and may not do, and if these limits are overstepped, this is clearly stated to be sinful.
Thirdly, he claims Jesus Himself called him to ‘come out’, although the imagery is somewhat confused here. He attributes to Jesus forgiveness of sin where there is no repentance. Indeed, he also implies that Jesus has overturned Scripture, which of course He Himself said could never be done.
Finally, he wants to ‘be in a church in which all the different opinions are included’, as if a church were a debating society.
We should be grateful for these statements, as it shows that what he preaches is not the Christian Gospel but a new ‘gospel’ and a new ‘way of life’, not the godly, holy way described in the New Testament.
Nigel Stone
London SW19
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