Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte
HT733 The Church and Homosexuality
Spring 2016
Course Description The course will address the host of concerns facing Christianity in light of
the gay rights movement that has pervaded society and the church in recent decades.
Homosexual issues will be analyzed from a traditional Christian perspective, focusing on
historical, biblical and pastoral sources that address the current situation facing the church. The
course will include discussion of the practical ministry opportunities and challenges, including
legal questions for congregations.
Professors S. Donald Fortson, Professor of Church History and Practical Theology, RTS
Rollin G. Grams, Professor of New Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Course Objectives
1. Study sexual ethics as found in the OT and NT
2. Explore the history of interpreting specific biblical texts on homosexuality
3. Discover the perspectives offered by church history
4. Understand the American ecclesiastical division over this issue
5. Explain appropriate methods of pastoral care for persons struggling with same-sex attraction
6. Discuss potential legal issues faced by believers and congregations
Required Reading
Donald Fortson and Rollin Grams, Unchanging Witness: The Consistent Christian Teaching on
Homosexuality in Scripture and Tradition (B&H Academic, 2016)
Mark Yarhouse, Homosexuality and the Christian (Bethany House, 2010)
Robert Reilly, Making Gay OK: How Rationalizing Homosexuality is Changing Everything
(Ignatius Press, 2014)
Sherif Girgis, Ryan T. Anderson, Robert P. George, What is Marriage? A Defense: Man and
Woman (Encounter Books, 2012)
**Readings from a few select articles, made available to students when the course begins.
Course Assignments*
1. Reading Report (attached) – indicate percentage of required reading completed
2. Annotated Church Resources List (3-4 pages) – students collect resource list of articles, books,
DVDs, and ministries that can be helpful tools for local congregations
3. Course Paper (5-7 pages) – Ministry Plan for Congregational Education and Pastoral Care,
utilizing materials from readings, lectures, and resources list
4. Critical Analysis Paper (2-4 pages) – students will be asked to use critical thinking skills and
respond to an article(s) opposed to Christian views (articles made available when course begins)
*All course assignments are due at the last class session of the semester.
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined
the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process.
Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the
contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes.
Rubric




Mini-Justification
Strong
Moderate
Minimal
None
*As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus.
Articulation
(oral &
written)
Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both
oral and written, of essential biblical, theological,
historical, and cultural/global information, including
details, concepts, and frameworks.
Scripture
Significant knowledge of the original meaning of
Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research
further into the original meaning of Scripture and to
apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances.
(Includes appropriate use of original languages and
hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical,
and cultural/global perspectives.)
Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and
practice, with emphasis on the Westminster
Standards.
Reformed
Theology
Sanctification
Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the
student’s sanctification.
Desire for
Worldview
Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of
God.
Winsomely
Reformed
Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an
appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians,
especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the
Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-Christians;
and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.)
Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture
to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm.
Preach
Worship
Shepherd
Church/World
Moderate
Strong
Students will articulate a coherent Christian
understanding of marriage and
homosexuality in course writing
assignments
1. Overview of Christian sexual ethics
2. In-depth study of OT texts that relate to
homosexuality.
3. In-depth study of NT texts that relate to
homosexuality
Moderate
Focus will be on ecumenical approach to
this issue, but will address how Reformed
churches have addressed issue
Strong
1. Call to Christian holiness in sexual ethics.
2. Transforming power of the gospel
3. Ex-gay testimonies
Moderate
Moderate
Defense of biblical marriage and celibacy as
essential for society and human flourishing
1. Ecumenical approach to defending
religious liberty
2. Strategies for reaching the gay
community
None
Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to
lead a worship service.
None
Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in
spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings;
and encouraging a concern for non-Christians, both
in America and worldwide.
Strong
1. Showing pastoral care for believers
struggling with same-sex attraction
2. Biblical counseling for congregation and
those outside the church
Strong
1. Collaborating with many denominations
in support of historic Christian orthodoxy
2. Handling the issue in one’s community,
speaking truth in love
Ability to interact within a denominational context,
within the broader worldwide church, and with
significant public issues.
Reading Report
Please state the number of pages read & percentage of the Required Reading completed.
Fortson and Grams, Unchanging Witness
________ pages
________ %
Yarhouse, Homosexuality and the Christian
________ pages
________ %
Reilly, Making Gay OK
________ pages
________ %
Girgis, Anderson and George, What is Marriage?
________ pages
________ %