I would like to take the time to comment on the article that was written regarding the conference that took place in Olds, Alta. at First Baptist Church on Oct 14-15.
Unfortunately, the statements I made for the Olds Albertan were taken out of context and did not include the whole of the message that I spoke on.
My talk on same-sex marriage is based on research by Dr. Robert A. J Gagnon, a well-known Christian researcher on this topic, and Pastor Kevin De Young, who speaks on what the Bible's position is regarding sexuality. They are more than qualified to address this issue.
My views reflect not only the Christian view of sex for 2,000 years but also the views of millions of Canadians, including other Christians and those of other faiths and no faith.
My presentation was made to create dialogue and bring facts and opinions expressed by authors, scholars and theologians on sexuality to a church community wanting to listen to differing perspectives.
Moreover, some of my comments and opinions regarding sexual orientation should be clarified. It is not my belief that we should force gay people to becoming straight. Rather, I taught that it is the Bible that teaches abstinence from any activity that does not honour God.
You may not agree, and I may not even like that view, but that doesn't change what the Bible teaches. I ended my session by explaining that we all need help trying to discover what it means to honour God and His commandments, which I believe is only attainable through believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I pray my critics in the LGBTQ community and anyone else in Olds offended by the coverage of my talk to know that my goal was not to coerce anyone, but to present the Christian world view of sex and to invite people to dialogue with me.
Jon Lutz
Calgary
