Papal Pandering and the Vatican's Silly Study

Last week, the Vatican released a report from Study Group 9 of the Synod on Synodality, one of 10 groups set up by Pope Francis in 2024 to examine controversial issues. Titled Theological Criteria and Synodal Methodologies for Shared Discernment of Emerging Doctrinal, Pastoral, and Ethical Issues, the report presented testimonies from two gay Catholic men in same-sex civil marriages, apparently in an attempt to normalize the practice of homosexuality within the Church.

OK, let me step right into the middle of the political and theological minefield by saying that the subject of homosexuality should not be a controversial one from a biblical standpoint. Leviticus 18:22 in the Old Testament and Romans 1:24-32; I Corinthians 6:9-10; and I Timothy 1:10 in the New Testament make it abundantly clear that God considers homosexual behavior to be a sin. Moreover, in the I Corinthians 6 passage, Paul states unequivocally that unrepentant homosexuals – as well as unrepentant fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, thieves, drunkards, and extortioners to name a few others – will not inherit the kingdom of God.

That’s serious stuff.

By including homosexuality in that list, the Apostle Paul is emphasizing the gravity of the sin. Please note that he is not addressing someone who once engaged in homosexual behavior – or stole something or got drunk, etc. – but rather someone who has willfully adopted that lifestyle and refuses to repent of it. That is why in verse 11 he adds the words, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

Make no mistake about it: unrepentant homosexuality is a sin and for that reason, there is no need for the Vatican to form a study group to “examine” the issue. Simply call it what it is – a sin against a Holy God and your own body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit – and then offer God’s forgiveness to those who repent and turn away from it.

Studying matters that are already settled in scripture is not only a waste of time and money, but it also opens a potential can of worms by enabling lost sinners instead of lovingly confronting them with the truth.

In John 8:32, Jesus told His disciples, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The truth about homosexuality – and same-sex marriage for that matter – is that it is a sin, so let’s stop skirting the issue and offer hope and help to those caught in its grasp instead.

While we are on the subject, another issue that doesn’t require further study by the Vatican or any other church body is the ordination of women. One of the qualifications for the position of pastor/elder/bishop that is listed in I Timothy 3 is that he “must be blameless, the husband of one wife… who rules his own home well, having his children in submission with all reverence.” In Titus I, Paul reiterates those same qualifications, writing that “if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.”

It is plainly obvious – to both the naked eye and the discerning spirit – that only a man can serve in the biblical role of pastor/elder/bishop. For women to be elevated to that position is unscriptural; and for churches and denominations to weigh cultural bias and political correctness above biblical truth is shameful.

Other issues that should not require a single minute of study or debate include the definition of a man and a woman (even though that question stumped then-Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson during her confirmation hearing); and bathroom and locker room use being determined by a person’s biological sex at birth. And yes, biological males should only compete athletically against other biological males post-puberty… period.

Like I said, I am not afraid of political and theological minefields when there is a clearly defined path through them. How I wish more pastors, theologians, and politicians took a similar approach… standing boldly for the truth and letting the chips, votes, and offerings fall where they may.