I love Wheaton College. And, recently, my alma mater’s student body has been joining in a discussion that has been becoming more and more of a hot topic in conservative Christian circles: sexuality.
Christianity Today writers are blogging about it, RELEVANT Magazine is writing about it (“What is Sexual Holiness Anyway?,” – “The Secret Sexual Revolution“), authors are writing books about it and Wheaton College students and alumni are responding in kind. A blog called “gaysubtlety” recently emerged, showcasing the opinions of several recent graduates’ attempts to reconcile their faith with sexuality, and current Wheaton students are blogging about the issue of faith and sexuality at large (thank you, Luke Van de Krol).
On a campus where attempting to reconcile “sexual abnormalities” with faith has wrecked, and even taken, several Wheaton College students’ lives for fear of rejection or damnation, dialogue is a step in the right direction. As 2009 graduate Stephen Slagg writes in a blog post, “I dream of a Wheaton that knows how to love its gay students, rather than oppressing them in a well-meaning but deadly silence. Straight students, remember that you are surrounded by gay Christians whether you know it or not – be open to hearing their stories. Gay students, be ready to talk – this conversation has to start with you.”
I agree completely – conversation is a two-way street, and a beautiful thing. Jesus was a walkin’, talkin’ man, and had a thing or two to say about openness and honesty:
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples – and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” -John 8:32-