The last issue of the Monday evening session at the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Incheon, Seoul, spoke about the challenge the sexual revolution has raised for the global Church, especially in the West but increasingly also in other regions of the world. Aside from a biblical perspective, the speaker reminded participants of the importance of being pastoral and Christ-like towards those who struggle with their sexuality.
Vaughan Roberts, current rector at St. Ebbe’s Church in Oxford where he has worked since 1991, is trained as an Anglican Minister at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford and has written a number of theological books. He began by recounting how earlier this year, he found himself walking through the city center of Oxford in the UK, observing rainbow flags at the town hall, university buildings, and even some churches. It was LGBT History Month, and for Roberts, the sight of the flags was a clear symbol of the sexual revolution’s victory in his culture.
The revolution, which began as a countercultural movement in the 1960s, had now become mainstream, so much so that "very, very few people in public life would dare question any of its assumptions." Reflecting on this, he asked a critical question: how should Christians respond?
He pointed out that this issue isn’t just confined to the Western world. "The message of the sexual revolution has spread all over the world," he warned, "and it's urgent that we're ready."
Roberts emphasized that to respond, one must turn to "God's never-changing word." He urged Christians not to rely on just a few proof texts but to consider the Bible’s overarching themes of creation, fall, and redemption. Starting with creation, he stated that “we must delight in God's design.” According to the Genesis account, God created mankind in His own image, male and female.
"God is for sex," he noted, affirming that sex is part of God's good creation, designed to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. "Marriage is for life," he added, quoting Jesus: “What God has joined together, let no one divide.” While acknowledging that the Bible makes concessions for divorce due to the fallen nature of the world, he insisted that this was not God’s original design.
Roberts challenged the narrative of the sexual revolution, which promotes the idea that to truly flourish, individuals must be true to themselves, resisting external forces such as traditional morality, religion, or even biology.
"But what is the legacy of this sexual revolution?" he asked. According to him, it has resulted in the collapse of family life, with devastating consequences for families, especially children. Even more, he argued, it has failed to deliver the promised self-fulfillment, citing the "isolated, confused, anxious generation" as evidence.
Turning to the role of the Church, Mr. Roberts expressed concern that many churches have chosen to remain silent or even adapt to the culture, compromising biblical teachings. He remarked, "It lacks theological integrity," and argued that such adaptation is missionally ineffective, as revisionist churches are in decline. He encouraged Christians in the majority world to pray for the Western Church, urging them to "stick to God's good design."
Moving to the theme of the fall, Mr. Roberts urged humility and compassion. He acknowledged that sin has corrupted every part of life, including sexuality. “We are sexual sinners,” he admitted, emphasizing that this truth applies to everyone. "How dare we find one group and shun them, as if somehow we are righteous?" Citing 1 Corinthians 5, he reminded Christians not to judge the world for its sexual immorality but to leave that to God. Instead, the Church must show love, just as Jesus welcomed sinners.
However, Roberts also stressed the need for church discipline against unrepentant sin, including unrepented sexual sin. At the same time, he called on the Church to address other pervasive sins, such as domestic abuse, pornography, and the abuse of pastoral power.
"We should be humble and compassionate," he said, noting that the fall affects everyone in different ways. He expressed particular empathy for those who experience a disconnect between their bodies and their feelings or those who are attracted to the same sex, stating, "These attractions are not simply chosen."
Roberts then spoke about his own life, sharing that "a number of years ago, I was open about my own experience of same-sex attraction." First noticing it in his early teens, he initially assumed it would fade, but it did not. "It is not my identity, but it is an ongoing part of my reality."
He urged churches to be mindful of those in the congregation who are struggling, asking, “When we speak about these issues in church, will you always remember that people you’re talking about are in the room? Does the tone and manner in which you speak invite them to be honest and open, or does it force them into secret, lonely isolation?”
Finally, Roberts turned to the theme of redemption, describing Christ’s revolution as far greater than the sexual revolution. “We must embrace Christ’s revolution,” he said, highlighting the difference between revisionist and conservative approaches. While revisionists focus on inclusion but downplay repentance, conservatives often emphasize repentance and holiness but sometimes overlook the transformative relationship that Christ offers.
He offered a pointed summary of biblical teaching on sex and marriage: "God is for sex. Sex is for marriage. Marriage is for life. And most importantly, life is for Christ."
This conviction, he shared, had changed his life, not because he was enamored with Christian morality, but because he was captivated by Christ. "I loved him, and loving him, I wanted to live for him."
Rather than offering the world Christian morality, Roberts argued that Christians should offer the Bible's love story: a God who loves humanity so deeply that He came in the person of His Son to die on the cross, making it possible for people to enter into a relationship with Him. "The fundamental marriage is not human marriage," he explained. "That’s a reflection of the greatest marriage between Christ and the Church."
He reminded the Christian community that sexual and romantic relationships ultimately point to Christ, and that even singleness is a gift that provides unique opportunities to serve and grow in dependence on Him.
Roberts urged churches to open their homes and hearts, ensuring that no one feels isolated. “So how should we respond to the sexual revolution?” he asked. "We should respond with Christ."
He emphasized that Jesus both affirmed God’s creation order and showed incredible love to sinners. Through a relationship with Christ, believers are empowered to endure challenges like difficult marriages and struggles with sexual brokenness, all while waiting for the day when the Bridegroom will come and "all our longings will be fulfilled."
In conclusion, Roberts reminded his audience, "Don't just preach morality. Certainly don't just preach condemnation. Preach and live Christ for the glory of His name."
