I think reading Dr. Campolo’s response to the open letter is warranted. I don’t think Dr. Campolo ever said that abortion is not a sin. In fact, I don’t think abortion was ever in the conversation. The two issues that the New Man letter addressed were whether Muslims could obtain salvation apart from Christ and whether or not Gay/Lesbian’s could be saved or converted.

I have heard Dr. Campolo speak on these two subjects previously and his rebuttal letter is in line with what I have heard him consistently say. His explanation of his position on Muslims, while a little confusing to me, is consistent. My confusion stems with his example, while believing in Jesus, not identifying himself as a Christian. To me, by definition, if you believe in Christ, you are a Christian. I would assume that he was identifying as a Muslim like I identify myself as a Dane.

As for his position on homosexuality, in my personal opinion, anyone who elevates the sin of same sex attraction any higher than any other sin is misguided in what sin is and what Jesus’ death on the cross provided. As Jesus is quoted as saying, “He who is without sin, cast the first stone.” Any sin being particularly worse than another is purely subjective and I would say that in light of the wide-spread nature of pornography, sexual sin of any type is rampant – even among those who have accepted Jesus gift of salvation.

If I may ask you a personal question. What sin do you struggle with every day? Did you stop sinning once you became a Christian or do you continue to struggle with issues you had prior to your conversion? I would assume that just like I may deal with a particular sinful behavior, people who are inclined to same-sex attraction would also have to deal with having that attraction. Accepting Jesus as your personal savior doesn’t always produce an instantaneous 180 degree correction of behavior!

One other position he is consistent about. We should leave final judgment with Jesus and spend our time here on earth showing Jesus to others by loving them.

Blessings,
Dave

It is a disgrace. Regarding his comment about President Bush and Iraq. Whether there was weapons of mass destruction or not. (Do you really think the govenment tells us everything?) the men and women of our armed services fighting over there did a GREAT service to the people of Iraq. They freed a country from evil and are helping to make them a democratic society. I have a nephew who did two tours of duty over in Iraq before getting WOUNDED and he said he would do it all over again just to be able to help those people become as FREE as us. I personally would rather have them fight on foreign soil then over here on American soil. Instead of bashing Bush we should be standing with our service men and women who are risking there lives so we can have our FREEDOM and thanking them.

Regarding Gay and Lesbian. Jesus is the only way to heaven. Go back to the simple way children learn. A – admit that you are a sinner; B- believe that Jesus is God’s Son; C – confess your sins. Having sex with the same sex is SIN. If it wasn’t the Bible wouldn’t be so adament about loving one wife etc…………

Gay’s and Lesbians can come to church but they need to repent and TURN from their sins………………………

ABORTION – is a sin… You are killing innocent babies. If we were to educate people and have them realize they are killing BABIES maybe they wouldn’t use it as a form of birth control. If you decide to have a baby you should be prepared for the expense of the child. It shouldn’t be an ooops, I can’t afford it, let me get rid of it. We make it to easy for people to think it is okay to kill innocent babies because it isn’t political correct to call them babies.

I think Mr. Campolo needs to re-read his Bible and pray to God for answers instead of using part of the Bible to make his OPINIONS seem right.

Thank you.