A ‘Fuller’ Mercy
Throughout the eighties, Fuller Theological Seminary helped us to establish a sure foundation for our offering of mercy. (I was a student there studying for a Masters of Divinity, and to become a Marriage and Family Therapist.)
Three recollections: my most demanding and fruitful course, ‘Theological Anthropology’ taught by Dr. Ray Anderson, probed the depth of what it meant to bear God’s image as male and female—it so resonated with my calling to restore that image through the blood of Christ and the love of His community that I broke down during one study session. (Gratefully, I was alone at home.)
Maybe it was the pressure I was under, maybe it was the Spirit, or maybe the convergence of exquisite theology and the profound pastoral needs we faced outside of the classroom. Anyway, I dropped the book I was outlining, fell to my knees, and could not stop sobbing. I knew my calling: to raise high the power of the cross to restore the beauty of God’s image in humanity–man for woman, woman for man.
Such theological and vocational clarity was matched by pervasive unbelief on campus as to whether homosexuals could change. I led with my testimony, which invited arguably the most influential professor on campus to inquire of me (rather snidely) in the hallway one day: ‘When are you going to go back into the gay lifestyle?’
Such comments refined me and made me quick to testify when necessary. Questions of gay ordination and blessing were brewing big time in Protestant denominations, and Fuller, as a ‘progressive’ evangelical institution, was on the front-lines of the debate.
Somehow I knew what was at stake: the biblical witness of God’s image in humanity, and the transforming power of Christ Crucified and Raised. In bowing before gay activists, I knew that Christians ran the risk of losing the Gospel entirely.
One morning while immersed in learning Greek, I overheard a conversation in the next classroom as to whether gays could actually change, and if in fact they were just a different people group, then why should not we give them full rights and privileges in our churches?
I dodged Greek and went next door to listen and to impart the truth of what Jesus can do in the lives of homosexuals (like me!), and why He wants to do it for the sake of His image in humanity and church. No-one said a word. In truth, no-one in that class (Sexual Ethics, I believe) really knew anyone actually facing the conflict of same-sex attraction.
They were being seduced: into a false understanding of homosexuality (an inborn condition, like ethnicity), into a false compassion (we must have mercy on them as an oppressed people group) and into a false justice (we must give them full rights of ordination, marriage, etc.)
I then understood that the healing of the homosexual would always be a central point in illuminating the bigger issue of God’s image, and the power of the merciful Bridegroom and Bride to restore it.
I see clearly God’s hand of mercy in leading me to Fuller. There He equipped and refined me through myriad opportunities to know and live the truth. Without the truth, mercy has no meaning. Only upon the age-old foundations does God pour out His restoring love.
‘The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land, and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins, and raise up the age-old foundations.’ (Is 58: 11, 12)
‘As You have shown us mercy, O God, in the desert places of our lives, would You show mercy to the beleaguered state of marriage in the USA? As the Perry vs. Schw. case wends its way to the National Supreme Court, prepare for Yourself a victory. We shall render to Caesar what is Caesar’s but we shall prayerfully fight for what is Yours, O God. Prepare the hearts of each justice, especially Justice Anthony Kennedy, to uphold marriage according to Your merciful design. Remember mercy, O God.’
.jpg)