In the wake of Lutheran acceptance of gay and lesbian pastors who are “living in committed relationships” and their approval of a resolution to “recognize, support and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same gender relationships,” comes the inevitable…
First of all, there are gay theologians whose definition of this term is very traditional, arguing that gay unions are forever and that those taking vows must remain sexually faithful to one another. Twin rocking chairs forever.
Then, there are those who, in effect, say that “monogamy” essentially means serial monogamy (this, of course, is the definition used by most heterosexuals today in a culture rooted in easy divorce). In other words, things happen and relationships break up. However, partners are supposed to be sexually faithful to one another while the relationship lasts. Twin rocking chairs for right now.
Finally, some say that gay, lesbian and bisexual Christians can be “emotionally” faithful to a partner, while having sexual experiences with other people — secondary relationships that do not threaten the primary, “monogamous” relationship. The twin rocking chairs are symbolic.
There are, of course, lesbigay theologians who reject monogamy and almost all other traditional limits on sexual experience. Take, for example, the trailblazing Episcopal priest and seminary professor Carter Heyward, author of books such as “Touching Our Strength: The Erotic as Power and the Love of God.
Via Crunchy Con, who asserts that “it is impossible to argue from Scripture or tradition that monogamous commitment within a Christian context considers it ‘perfectly acceptable’ to have sex outside of marriage.”
I agree and, if given the opportunity, would take the traditionalist vow.