Nature & Orientations

“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” (Romans 1:21–23, ESV)

(This post is one in a series interacting with Leonard Vander Zee’s presentation at an All One Body gathering on October 8, 2020. Click here to see more posts in this series.)

What Does That Mean?

In my early twenties, someone gave me some crucial advice: “Whenever you’re having a conversation with someone, it’s important to pay attention to the meaning of words. Make sure you’re always asking, ‘What do they mean when they use that word?’” 

This is essential for helpful dialogue because people are often using the same words but using them in very different ways. Here’s an example. You’re walking down the street and hear someone say, “That’s sick!” What do they mean by that? They could be using the word “sick” to describe something gross OR they could be using the modern slang (or maybe no longer modern slang) to say that something is awesome. The same word with different meanings. 

Leonard Vander Zee’s Argument

We see this happening in Leonard Vander Zee’s argument about the meaning of Romans 1:18-32. In this passage the Apostle Paul says, “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.” (Romans 1:26–27, ESV). Leonard calls this a classic “clobber” text in Scripture—one that “clobbers” anyone who believes homosexual practice is not sinful. The “clobbering” is done because the passage speaks very clearly about these practices being “dishonorable” and “shameless” and worthy of “penalty for their error.”

Yet, Leonard believes this passage isn’t as clear as we’ve typically thought. He believes Paul is talking about people who have “‘exchanged’ their natural sexual desires for unnatural desires.” Which is actually true, depending on what you mean by the word “natural.” 

What is Natural?

When Leonard talks about “natural sexual desires” he is using the word in a VERY different way than the Apostle Paul. Leonard is talking about “natural sexual desires” as the sexual desires one is born with—those that come naturally. So, he believes Paul condemns those who go against the sexual desires they are born with—heterosexuals practicing homosexuality. 

Yet, is this the way Paul uses the word natural? No Way. I can say that emphatically because of the context in which Paul uses the word “nature” and “natural.” At the beginning of this passage, Paul says everyone on earth can CLEARLY perceive some of God’s attributes through creation (Rom 1:20). You could also say that God can be clearly perceived in NATURE—in the created order. 

This is why Paul says, “their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature” (Rom 1:26). Notice what he didn’t say. Paul didn’t say they “exchanged natural relations for those contrary to THEIR nature”—which would imply their personal nature. He said they did things contrary TO NATURE—contrary to the created order of God that is CLEARLY perceived by everyone on earth. 

That is the only way you can understand Paul’s use of the word “nature” in this passage. These acts are dishonorable and shameless because they clearly defy God’s created order. These acts are the perfect example of what happens when people suppress the truth of God in unrighteousness (Rom 1:18), exchange the worship of God for the worship of created things (Rom 1:23), and exchange the truth about God for a lie (Rom 1:25). When people refuse to honor God as God, they do whatever they want to do. 

Activity vs Orientation

In laying out his argument, Leonard says, “Paul is talking about same-sex activity as a choice. But we are talking about people who love God and have a natural and persistent same-sex orientation.” 

It’s important to notice what he’s doing in this statement. He gives something with one hand and takes it away with the other. He says, “Paul is talking about same-sex activity as a choice” Of course Paul is talking about same-sex activity as a choice. All human ACTVITY is a choice.

Then, he changes terms—which is basically changing the rules of the game—and says, “But we are talking about people who love God and have a natural and persistent same-sex ORIENTATION” (emphasis mine). Do you see what he did there? He changed terms from ACTIVITY to ORIENTATION without missing a beat. 

Acting On Orientations

Throughout this presentation, Leonard refuses to distinguish between orientation and actions. He doesn’t say this explicitly, but continually speaks like those with a same-sex orientation don’t have a choice in how they act. Yet, does scripture EVER talk like that? The general narrative of scripture tells us that everyone is born a sinner with an orientation toward sinful behavior—EVERYONE—and when we act on that orientation (and I’m talking “action” along our confessional lines of thought, word, and deed) we commit a sin. It’s that simple. The Bible never tells us to act according to ANY orientation. We are called to submit our orientations to the will of God which is revealed to us through His Word. 

Gospel Hope

This reminds us the Gospel is our only hope. Apart from the Gospel, we are left to our own desires and orientations that repeatedly direct us toward destruction. Apart from the Gospel, we are enslaved to our desires and orientations. Yet—thanks be to God!—Jesus Christ entered the world to bring salvation. He lived, and died, and rose again so we would be set free from our distorted desires and orientations. We are no longer slaves to them. We no longer follow our desires and orientations. We follow Christ.