Be It Resolved: The Truth Hurts

In a recent resolution passed by the Student Government Association of Oklahoma Baptist University, the SGA inserted itself into a volatile conversation, that concerning recent comments made by State Representative Sally Kern concerning homosexuality and Islam. Setting aside the ramifications of said issues with regard to national security and stability — a debate, perhaps, for another entry — as well as the appropriateness of a “legislative” body addressing issues outside its charter, I would like to address some very disturbing assertions by the SGA.

In its call for an apology from Rep. Kern, the OBU SGA asserts the following:

• Understanding that State Representative Sally Kern’s recent comments were derogatory and intolerant towards homosexuals and peoples of the Islamic faith
• Noting that during her speech, Ms. Kern invoked the authority of the Holy Bible, her church, and her faith, therefore associating her comments with the Christian faith
• Realizing that the Bible teaches us not to condemn but to show grace, not to hate but to love, not to fear but to be faithful, and not to be merciless but to show compassion
• Conscious that Christ’s calling is not to disparage the individual but to consecrate them, regardless of cultural, sexual or religious identity
• Aware that the students of Oklahoma Baptist University hold in high regard the intimate integration of faith and knowledge
• Believing that Ms. Kern’s comments mercilessly misrepresent the Christian faith and values

and concludes that “the current student body disapproves of the recent comments made by Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern and finds them offensive and belittling to all peoples, regardless of faith and sexuality” and “the students of Oklahoma Baptist University strongly encourage Ms. Kern to make a public apology”.

The SGA seems a bit confused on a couple of points. It seems to me that the clear reading of Romans indicates that homosexuality is a sin. To call it a sin is not belittling or derogatory, but is merely speaking the truth and is not unloving in any way. In fact, not calling a sin for what it is is the unloving thing to do, as the sinner is then left free to continue in sin and ignorance, and ignorance is no defense at the judgment seat of Christ. The SGA takes umbrage with the association of Rep. Kern’s statement with the Christian faith. Contrary to what the SGA may believe, Rep. Kern did not make that association; Paul did.

The SGA also believes we are “to consecrate” the individual, whatever that means. I can only assume that means that we tell the world that Jesus loves them and leave them be, but, short of telling them what that means, what’s the point? Joe Cooper Ford loves me, but what good does that do me? Without taking a clear stand on the state of soul and the seriousness with which God takes sin, the message of Jesus’ love is meaningless. While Kern’s comments may have been a bit harsh (an argument I neither make nor deny), the truth of the matter is this: homosexuality is a sin, and Islam is false religion, both of which will lead to judgment, as will any other sin we may personally harbor. Outside the redemption and forgiveness of Christ, we are all destined for eternal punishment. If the OBU SGA finds that distasteful, then perhaps it should keep its focus on more vending machines in the Geiger Center, and leave Christianity to those who take the Word seriously.