The Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian denomination rooted in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Known for its emphasis on holiness and sanctification, the denomination’s teachings extend to various moral and social issues, including homosexuality. This article explores the Church of the Nazarene’s official stance on homosexuality, its scriptural foundations, and its approach to LGBTQ+ individuals, providing clarity for those seeking to understand its position.
The Church of the Nazarene’s Official Position
The Church of the Nazarene’s Manual, which outlines its beliefs and practices, explicitly addresses homosexuality. According to the Manual:
- Homosexual Behavior: The church considers homosexual acts to be contrary to God’s will as revealed in Scripture. It upholds the traditional Christian view that sexual relations are intended to occur exclusively within the bounds of marriage between one man and one woman.
- Homosexual Orientation: The denomination distinguishes between homosexual orientation and behavior. While the orientation itself is not deemed sinful, acting on those inclinations through sexual relationships is considered inconsistent with biblical teachings.
- Call to Holiness: The Church emphasizes the transformative power of God’s grace. It encourages individuals with same-sex attractions to seek spiritual growth and alignment with biblical principles through prayer, accountability, and support from the faith community.
Scriptural Foundations
The Church of the Nazarene’s stance on homosexuality is rooted in its interpretation of several key biblical passages:
- Genesis 1:27-28 and 2:24: These verses emphasize God’s design for marriage as a union between a man and a woman, intended for companionship and procreation.
- Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13: These Old Testament laws explicitly prohibit same-sex relations, describing them as detestable acts.
- Romans 1:26-27: This passage describes same-sex relations as contrary to God’s natural design.
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: The Apostle Paul includes those who engage in homosexual acts among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, while also highlighting the possibility of redemption and transformation through Christ.
Approach to LGBTQ+ Individuals
While the Church of the Nazarene holds a traditional view on homosexuality, it emphasizes love, compassion, and respect for all individuals. Key aspects of its approach include:
- Welcoming but Not Affirming: The church welcomes individuals of all orientations to participate in worship and community life. However, it does not affirm same-sex relationships or behaviors as consistent with its understanding of Scripture.
- Support and Pastoral Care: The denomination offers pastoral care and counseling to individuals with same-sex attractions, encouraging them to pursue a life of holiness and celibacy if they choose to remain within the church.
- Opposition to Discrimination: The Church condemns any form of hate speech, violence, or discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. It teaches that all people are created in the image of God and deserve dignity and respect.
Challenges and Ongoing Discussions
As societal views on LGBTQ+ issues continue to evolve, the Church of the Nazarene faces challenges in balancing its theological convictions with the need for inclusivity and understanding. Some members advocate for greater dialogue and openness, while others emphasize adherence to traditional biblical interpretations.
Conclusion
The Church of the Nazarene’s stance on homosexuality reflects its commitment to biblical teachings and the pursuit of holiness. While it maintains that homosexual behavior is inconsistent with Scripture, it seeks to extend grace and support to all individuals. Understanding this perspective requires recognizing the church’s theological framework and its emphasis on love and redemption. By fostering respectful dialogue, the Church can continue to navigate these complex issues with faith and compassion.
I have friends who are members of the Church of the Nazarene. They used to invite me to join their church until I made it absolutely clear that I would never join any organization that would not have someone like me for an equal and valued member. I have friends of all faiths and many who have no religious faith.
I have my own spiritual beliefs and have my own relationship with God, including Jesus. I’ve not looked to another human being or religious organization for acceptance or approval for more than 50 years. When I “came out” to my family and friends when I was 20 years old I lost my family and most of my friends. I learned that I didn’t need their approval or acceptance as long as I was honest and true to myself.
I lost a lover to AIDS in the 1980’s. I was devastated. Not one sympathy card much less a dollar came to me. I never got a single call from any relative to give me support. I never had one church reach out to give me comfort. I suffered alone. As Steven was Jewish, his parents … who pretended to accept our relationship …refused to allow me to attend his funeral. So much for acceptance and so much for God’s compassion in religion.
I’ve had relations…sexual…not relationships outside of the bedroom…with priests and ministers. They were more screwed up than I was or the other young men with whom I had relationships in the 70’s and 80’s.
I’ve had a monogamous, very committed relationship with Federico for 32 years. We are married. Our marriage has lasted much longer than almost all of our friends who are heterosexual. And while we enjoy our friendships with the heterosexuals who are married we have learned to not ask them for much … no support or help. Trust is about knowing what to trust someone to do in a given situation. I have, therefore, learned to keep my needs and emotions close to my vest. I have my husband of 32 years and our baby boy…George, our 2 year old Golden Retriever.
My mother told me when I was 20 that as long as I was gay she would never accept me as her son. That was one promise she kept for the rest of her life. However, she never had a problem accepting my money. I supported her for 20 years. My 4 siblings never contributed as much as $100 over the years. Her reason for coming to me when she needed money was that my siblings had families and I didn’t. I also had my own business.
In my mid twenties I had Hep A and B. I nearly died. I was in the hospital for 6 weeks and couldn’t work for a year. Did I ever get a phone call or a get well card from anyone in my family? Did I ever get a dollar in support? No. I was told by my “Christian” mother that this was a curse brought on by my “lifestyle” and a lot of other Christian dogma that I don’t care to share. My sister, a “born again Christian” who is now agorophobic and lives with her daughter and her family, regrets her behavior 50 years ago and would like to have a relationship with me. Too late. It took us 20 years to learn how to get along. No need to screw that up now by speaking to each other. I’ll pass. I look back on her relationship with her husband and I wouldn’t have it. And I won’t have any relationship with anyone who does not see and treat me with the respect I deserve.
so…to all who would “welcome” me to join them in their church I ask this one question: Do you want ME and my husband on equal terms or do you want my money? Until I hear an answer that I can believe and until I see EVIDENCE that I am the person they want and not my money I’ll keep my money and distance.
I do donate flower arrangements to the local Church of the Nazarene when I feel like it. Maybe I accept them on the same level that they accept me. My donations are to God in appreciation for the blessings I have received. No other reason.