Ask Jim: Gay “Side-B” Christians, the spectrum of abortion positions, and church discipline

Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman respond to popular reader questions, discussing the spectrum of positions on abortion, how to have honoring conversations about controversial subjects, homosexual attraction versus activity, and healthy church discipline.

 

Show notes: 

 

Dr. Jim Denison unpacks the various positions on abortion and the spectrum between extreme positions (3:14). They consider the importance of avoiding self-righteousness and heatedness in conversations while preserving ethical consistency (10:14). Dr. Denison reflects on the “post-Dobbs world,” and how we can get involved in pro-life initiatives (19:19). They discuss “side B” gay Christians and how homosexual attraction is not sinful (24:06). They unpack the philosophical framework of various “identities,” how postmodernism infects our language about identity, and why God provides our true foundation (31:41). Dr. Denison continues by addressing how churches should interact with gay visitors, how to treat them with love, and how to navigate church discipline (38:59). Dr. Denison closes by giving thoughts on accountability and Paul’s “handing over to Satan” and how we change our approach to sin when handling non-believers (50:53). 

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Resources and further reading:

 

• Denison Forum’s curated collection of our most-visited LGBTQ resources

• “Number of abortions in Texas dropped 99 percent,” Dr. Jim Denison

• “The Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade: Dr. Jim Denison weighs in on abortion,” Podcast

• “What does the Bible say about abortion?” Dr. Jim Denison

• Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender

• “What does the Bible say about homosexuality?” Dr. Jim Denison

• The Coming Tsunami, Dr. Jim Denison

 

About the host  

Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church. 

 

About the guest 

 

Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries.

Denison Ministries includes DenisonForum.org, First15.org, ChristianParenting.org, and FoundationsWithJanet.org.

Jim speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.