THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN YOUR paper's section, Mind&Spirit (September 30, 2003), an article was carried under the headline 'The Theology of Vivian Panton.' On reading that article, I was shocked that the Rev. Dr. Vivian Panton who is a pastor of a mainstream denomination of the Christian Faith expressed views that are clearly contrary to the beliefs of his denomination, as well as of the Bible.
Whilst everyone is entitled to his own beliefs, it seems a dangerous practice for anyone to promulgate as 'Christian beliefs' teachings that are in direct contradiction to the Bible, for the Bible is the reference point for Christian beliefs.
Not only that, but as pastor of a mainstream organisation and one whose views will have significant impact on the flock for which he is in charge, as well as those he counsels from time to time, the Rev. Dr. should ensure that his doctrinal views accord with the Bible, the Word of God.
Rev. Panton, in his views on homosexuals, said "a homosexual can't change." When asked if not even by the grace of God, he replied, "it is the grace of God that has made them to be what they are." That statement, in my view, contradicts what the Apostle Paul says in Romans chapter 1, especially verses 26 and 27, " and likewise also the men leaving the natural use of the women, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly."
The Bible calls this practice 'Vile' or 'inordinate' affection and condemns it as 'an abomination'. Therefore, the Apostle Paul argues in Romans 6 verses 12 and 13: "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof, neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto God."
In contrast, I was heartened by what the Rev. Dr. Renford Maddix said in The Gleaner of October 7, 2003. The Rev. Dr. Maddix asserted concerning homosexuals: "I believe that by God's grace they can change. I have seen change." He further stated, "When you think of the number of members of staff and inmates whose lives have been transformed by the power of the Gospel - you cannot but believe that an encounter with God has taken place."
Strangely, these two church leaders belong to the same denomination, yet their views are diametrically opposed on this particular issue. Isn't this why some persons do not come to Christ? Isn't this why homosexuals are confused? Surely, their need is to have the kind of counsel that comes only from God's Word. Instead, the Rev. Dr. Vivian Panton encourages homosexuals to "accept the fact that this is their sexuality." What could he possibly mean by that? What justification is there for that statement being Biblical?
While I agree that much love and empathy should be extended toward homosexuals and, indeed, to all people who are 'sin-sick,' and in bondaged situations, we cannot reject the authority of the Bible. Accepting that some persons are 'oriented' a particular way does not mean that their sinful practices must be embraced!
The Bible says: "But fornicators and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not once be named among you, neither filthiness - for this ye know that no whoremonger, nor unclean person - hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God (Ephesians 5:3-4)."
However, the Bible does say,there is hope for homosexuals, as there's for all sinners, "Let the wicked forsake his ways and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him return unto the Lord, for he will have mercy upon him and unto our God for he will abundantly pardon- Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature."
The theology of the Rev. Dr. Vivian Panton certainly is not the theology of hope the Bible teaches.
I am ,etc.,
KADY
