A lesson for Britain on what education is all about.

Whatever else you may say about Israel – though the cradle of Judeo-Christian civilisation, they are clearly now as secular as the rest of us in the West – they are currently being blessed by a leader who believes in the importance and authority of the Bible.

Whereas former British Prime Minister Tony Blair trumped education as the all-important issue of his tenure, Israeli PM Binyamin 'Bibi' Netanyahu has been more specific.

At the start of the school year, he announced to his cabinet that "excellence and Zionism", with an emphasis on Bible study, were at the root of an education "revolution" his government wanted to bring about. "First of all the study of the Bible," he said. "We must make a major effort; this is the basis for why we are here, why we have returned here, why we stay here."¹

What a contrast to the way things are run in Westminster, seat of the British Parliament. Of course there's much talk about raising educational standards, but we have cast the Holy Scriptures to the margins of our schools, and there are even efforts by humanists to wipe out their influence altogether. Yet without the Bible, our knowledge is incomplete. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge..." (Prov 1:7)

We have cast the Holy scriptures to the margins of our schools.

The Apostle Paul wrote: "Love never fails... But where there is knowledge, it will pass away" (1 Cor 13:8). And he is not talking about gushy love, but the 'agape' (Greek) love that is unique to those who have experienced a personal encounter with Jesus.

Britain's Greatness Built on the Bible

It was in holding to the authority of the Bible and proclaiming its truth that Britain became a great nation whose influence covered the globe, and it was because we believed in its literal veracity that we were privileged to help pave the way for Jewish restoration – both to their ancient land and to their Lord.

Our spiritual forefathers such as William Wilberforce, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, Charles Simeon and Bishop JC Ryle saw from the scriptures that Christians should pray for and facilitate Israel's return. And they played a crucial role in the modern-day re-birth of the Jewish state.

But our Jewish brethren also need the "new heart" Ezekiel prophesied (Ezek 36:26) if they are to fulfil their God-given role as "a light for the Gentiles" (Isa 49:6). Mercifully, Mr Netanyahu is paving the way for this spiritually with his declaration of intent.

Tragically, however, neither Church nor state in Britain is following this kind of lead, as they once did, caving in on all sides to politically correct pressure undermining the Bible's authority. The result is increasing breakdown in society, with all too few children growing up under the love and discipline of a mother and father.

Current Disunity Over Scripture

Key to Israel's restoration was an Anglican society called CMJ (the Church's Ministry among Jewish people) who are still doing a great work among God's ancient people today. But the Church of England, with which they are linked, is literally at the point of breaking up. And the issue is...the Bible's authority!

A dozen evangelical² parishes in the South-East – including representation from the Diocese of Canterbury, the ancient heart of Anglicanism – are currently in discussions toward what could lead to a formal split over the 'watering down' of biblical teaching on issues of marriage amid talk of 'blessing' services for same-sex couples. They are setting up 'embryonic' structures that could be used were a split to take place.

The Church of England is literally at the point of breaking up.

The Rev Dr Peter Sanlon, Vicar of St Mark's Church in Tunbridge Wells, said: "If senior leaders of the Church of England water down the [church's] teaching on key issues like homosexuality, then this synod could easily evolve into a new Anglican jurisdiction."³

Threat of Schism

This development coincides with news that Bishop of Grantham Nicholas Chamberlain has become the first Church of England bishop to publicly declare he is gay and in a relationship, albeit celibate.⁴ And it has emerged that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby was aware of this at the time of his consecration last November.

Bishop Chamberlain said he adhered to church guidelines under which gay clergy must be celibate and are not permitted to marry, and Archbishop Welby has stated that "his sexuality is completely irrelevant to his office".⁵

Yet an increasing number of priests have married or plan to marry same-sex partners in defiance of the ban and Archbishop Welby told a recent Christian festival that he was "constantly consumed with horror" at the Church's treatment of lesbians and gay men.⁶

Disagreements over sexual issues have already caused schisms within the wider Anglican body – in Canada and the United States, for example. But it was on the Bible's authority that a Judeo-Christian civilisation was built that became the envy of the world. Israel's future – their protection from enemies and hope of a Messiah – is bound up in the authority of the Bible. Pray for Mr Netanyahu.

Notes

1 Jerusalem Post, 30 August 2016. Also quoted by Jerusalem News Network on 1 September 2016.

2 A term signifying belief in the absolute authority of the Bible on all matters of faith.

3 Church of England parishes prepare for a possible schism. Christian Concern, 31 August 2016.

4 Sherwood, H. Bishop of Grantham first C of E bishop to declare he is in gay relationship. The Guardian, 2 September 2016.

5 Ibid.

6 Ibid.

Dr Lisa Nolland, convenor of Anglican Mainstream's Marriage, Sex and Culture Group and a leading expert on gender issues, takes a critical look at the LGBT movement.

Have you noticed that the Sexual Revolution, beginning as it did in the 1960s, has unfolded in waves – each with its own specific focus?

The first wave involved 'liberating' sex from its previously close connections to traditional Judeo-Christian understandings of marriage, family and procreation.

The second wave has been about 'liberating' alternative sexualities (gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc) from the biblical structure of male/female relationships in God's created order. The third wave, which is happening right now, involves challenging the very idea of male and female through 'transgender' issues.

These are explosive topics, even within the Church – but as such, it is all the more vital to talk about them. Underneath all the arguments about rights, acceptance and love, the trend has clearly been towards the total breakdown of God's framework for gender and male/female relationships. This article presents a brief analysis of LGBT 'progress' in British culture and in the Church today and suggests some practical responses.

When Tolerance Becomes Intolerant

As Ecclesiastes notes, "There is nothing new under the sun" (Ecc 1:9). There have always been various 'alternative' forms of sexuality around. However, up until now, the majority population were not forced to endorse them or face punishment for bigotry by an increasingly vigilant state! This is a new and deeply pernicious development. Dissidents (as those who continue to hold to 'traditional' biblical structures for sex and relationships now are) must hope that they can keep a low profile or, if forcibly confronted about their beliefs, must either appease the establishment or suffer the consequences.

There have always been alternative forms of sexuality around. But up until now, the majority population weren't forced to endorse them or face punishment for bigotry!

In 2014, during the debates on same-sex 'marriage' (SSM), leading evangelical groups got behind the moderate campaign group Coalition for Marriage (C4M). It raised awareness about the nature and importance of marriage and collected almost 700,000 signatures against the SSM bill - a huge accomplishment. It also highlighted the frighteningly draconian aspects of the new politically correct culture of 'toleration'.

However, the downside of the C4M was its avoidance of several key but controversial aspects of SSM and the LGBT movement. For instance, in focusing on defending the biblical definition of marriage, C4M underplayed the unhealthy realities of gay sex and different relationship norms (eg Elton John's and David Furnish's 'open marriage'¹).

Crucially, it also failed to challenge the LGBT claim that sexuality is core to the human identity – i.e. that it is a defining part of who you are. This claim, which immediately transforms a challenge to someone's sexual practices into an assault on who that person is – is now undergirding the present pro-transgender movement (see below).

The Rainbow Flag over Britain

Many countries now have massive LGBT+ 'Pride' events. London's Pride lasts almost two weeks, backed by powerful businesses (e.g. Starbucks) and the Government (e.g. the Mayor of London).² Its goal: "Make London the best LGBT+ City in the World".³ Even the Church of England is getting involved: York Cathedral flew the Rainbow flag during 2015's Pride, while the Archbishop of Canterbury praised "just stunning" gay relationships and now publicly foregrounds the issues of "LGBTI people".⁴

Meanwhile, Stonewall's 'Education Champions' programme has now been rolled out in hundreds of schools.⁵ Mandatory 'literacy' programmes like CHIPS (involving mock-SSM ceremonies for 8-9 year olds and Pride promotion to slightly older children) and 'Pride in Primary' (its replacement) mean that increasing numbers of children are now being marinated in pro-LGBT teaching from nursery age onwards.⁶

So far, the Church has failed to challenge the LGBT claim that sexuality is core to the human identity - that it is a defining part of who you are.

Gay as the 'New Black'

C4M and other Christian leaders have so far failed to address the new ideology which is filtering into every British institution and which underpins gay rights advocacy. This ideology is most clearly articulated in Kirk and Madsen's seminal After the Ball: How America will conquer its fear and hatred of gays in the 90s (1989). It is written by marketing and psychology gurus who miscalled only the timing:

The public should be persuaded that gays are victims of circumstance, that they no more chose their sexual orientation than they did, say, their height, skin color ... (We argue that, for all practical purposes, gays should be considered to have been born gay)...And since no choice is involved, gayness can be no more blameworthy than straightness. [emphasis in original, p184]⁷

The idea of being 'born gay' is foundational to the claim that sexual attraction is a core component of human identity – and therefore something that should not be challenged or criticised but celebrated.

Before this, homosexuality was widely considered to be a complex of sexual feelings and behaviours. But through this brilliant sleight of hand, homosexuality (and other politically correct sexual orientations and gender identities) is now included in 'protected' categories and perceived and treated as comparable to race. To object to this new definition is considered 'racist' and evil.

Not Born This Way

But the truth is that no-one is born gay. Identical twin studies demonstrate this (if one identical twin is gay, in most cases the other is not) - and even gay activists like Peter Tatchell and Julie Bindel admit it.⁸ The Royal College of Psychiatrists altered its statement on homosexuality originally submitted to the Church of England's Pilling Commission, conceding sexual 'orientation' is not set at birth, nor is it immutable.⁹ Lesbian psychologist Lisa Diamond's 'Sexuality is fluid: it's time to get past "born this way"' also makes this point (New Scientist, 22 July 2015).

Because this reasoning no longer holds up to scientific scrutiny, the claim of being 'born gay' is increasingly giving way to claims of sexual fluidity (as Diamond notes, above). Many report spontaneous change in sexual attraction/orientation which 'just happens'.¹⁰ This view is affirmed by 'ex-gays' who have experienced change through therapy.¹¹ Ex-gays exist even in the UK, though they tend to be closeted (the US is different, e.g. see the powerful clip of ex-gay voices and perspectives, Suchweresomeofyou.org).

The truth is that no-one is born gay. The assertion that they are does not hold up to scientific scrutiny.

Psychology and Sexual Orientation

From his work with over 900 clients, ex-gay therapist Floyd Godfrey understands homosexuality as the "sexualisation of emotional needs and wounds", à la Simone Weil's "all sins are attempts to fill voids".¹² Such attractions "will remain until the individual discovers the meaning of them and fulfils them in legitimate, non-sexual ways", according to another ex-gay therapist Christopher Doyle.¹³

Drivers of same-sex attraction frequently include early conditioning, perception and/or experience. There is no one easy explanation - but then, there never is in the world of psychology. However, it is important to acknowledge that same-sex attraction is often a fruit of an underlying emotional issue. To ignore this, says ex-transgender activist Walt Heyer, is unwise and (regarding children specifically) could even be tantamount to abuse.¹⁴

It is not the purpose of this article to propose a solution to the sexuality crisis currently plaguing our nation – but it bears stating that it is vital that those battling unwanted same-sex attraction are able to access help and support.¹⁵ And yet, the current transgender campaign perceives this kind of support as offensive. But even if we use their own logic, that all individuals have a right to choose their gender identity from a rainbow of options, surely people then have the right (if desired) to identify with their biological birth gender, with its heterosexual physiology and function?

Some Practical Responses

The basic biblical truth that is in danger of being lost here is that God made human beings male and female as a central part of his creation. When we tamper with this truth, we put ourselves against God. Ultimately, if we are to recover this truth today, we need to hold out a different definition of identity: one which has our position as divinely created human beings, male and female, at its core, not sexual preference. At its heart, the gender crisis in this nation is precisely this: a crisis of lost identity.

So what can ordinary, Bible-believing Christians do in response? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Pray: for the mythology and damage to be exposed; for the many victims of the tyranny of political correctness; and that groups such as CORE will be able to help the increasing numbers of strugglers who want out of homosexuality.
2. Equip your Church: ask experts to address these issues and raise awareness in your church or fellowship.
3. Give: groups like the Christian Legal Centre are spending a small fortune defending the victims of political correctness in the UK now. Can you help?
4. Educate: discover what your children are being taught and get fully involved in their education; Lovewise has excellent resources. Safe at School is another great resource.
5. Disseminate: pass on helpful resources to your networks.
6. Sign Petitions: Sign petitions and ask your network to do the same, such as AFA's Boycott Target petition or CitizenGO's petition against the World Psychiatric Association's condemnation of therapy for unwanted same-sex attraction.
7. Attend Events: The Wilberforce Academy is one of the most cutting edge events for 20s and 30s in the UK, aiming to resource them to deal effectively with issues like this. Encourage students and young professionals to attend.

If you would like more information or are interested in greater involvement, please contact me. I run a group (below) which does this 24/7 and we are always interested in meeting 'like minds'.

Lisa S Nolland, MA MCS PhD (Bristol)

Convenor, Marriage, Sex and Culture Group, Anglican Mainstream

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

References

1 Cook, M. How Elton John has changed marriage. MercatorNet, 27 April 2016.

2 Capital gets ready for London Pride 2015, ITV News, 26 June 2015. See also Pride in London's What's On page for the plethora of LGBTI events around London alone.

3 See Pride in London's Pledge for politicians.

4 Archbishop speaks of challenge posed to Church by 'stunning' gay couples. Pink News, 21 March 2013. Also Welby sorry for Anglican 'hurt' to LGBT community. BBC News, 15 January 2016, and Mawhinney, R, Evangelism in an age of terror, homophobia and indifference: an interview with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Christianity Today, 31 March 2016. Also private communication with Lambeth Palace, 22 April 2016.

5 See Stonewall's member list.

6 See Pride in Primary Education., also Gay and lesbian values to be taught in 36 primary schools in Birmingham. Birmingham Mail, 12 December 2014. For copies of CHIPs contact me (see below for details).

7 See online outline of After the Ball (pdf). Also commentary in The homosexual propaganda campaign in America's media, MassResistance.org.

8 See Tatchell, P. Born Gay or Made Gay? Biology is not Destiny. Also Julie Bindel: You can choose to be gay - I choose to live my life as a lesbian. Pink News, 4 July 2014. See also Whitehead, NE, 2013. My Genes Made Me Do It! Homosexuality and the Scientific Evidence. Click here for a synopsis. 

9 Royal College of Psychiatrists' statement on sexual orientation (pdf), April 2014.

10 Savin-Williams, RC and Ream, GL, 2007. Prevalence and Stability of Sexual Orientation Components during Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Archives of Sexual Behaviour, 36:385-394. Also Diamond, L, 2008. Female Bisexuality from Adolescence to Adulthood. Developmental Psychology, 44(1):5-14, and Diamond, 2015, above.

11 E.g. Schwab, J. Open letter to Psychology Today: You cannot ignore ex-gays that have changed! Voice of the Voiceless, 18 March 2015. Also Jones, SL and Yarhouse, MA. Honest Sex Science. First Things, October 2012 (though this cohort did not have proper psychotherapy, but engaged in religiously-mediated support group work to reduce their unwanted SSA).

12 Family Watch International. Understanding Same-Sex Attraction. Youtube, 17 November 2013.

13 Doyle, C. Hotel Homosexuality: Yes, you can check out, and leave. MercatorNet, 17 June 2015.

14 Smith, S. Ex Transgender: Parents who don't put their trans kids in psychotherapy are 'abusing' their children. Christian Post, 18 February 2016.

15 Dr Mike Davidson's CORE Issues Trust works with many such individuals.