“So what proponents of the “Side B” position in the PCA are demanding is either that we join them in burning the pinch of incense and saying, “Side B is good” or that we silently submit to the de facto position. They have in essence declared that for someone to respond publicly to TE Johnson in a positive “Pro,” affirmative way is wonderful, but to respond publicly to TE Johnson in a negative, non-affirming way is sinful and unacceptable.”
(Andy Webb – The Aquila Report) When Dr. Greg Johnson, a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), and pastor of Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, wrote an article in Christianity Today that began with his provocative confession, “Bill, I’m Gay!” and then explained his “Side B Gay Christian” testimony at length, he publicly created a situation in which the entire PCA would have to respond….
[Note: “Side B Gay Christianity” refers to professing Christians who identify as homosexuals, but who say they will remain celibate, whereas “Side A Gay Christianity” refers to professing Christians who identify as homosexuals and who are sexually active.]
Had Pastor Johnson written that article in ’73, ’83, ’93, and perhaps even ’03, I have no doubt that the response would have been a flurry of public calls (“demands” might be a more accurate word) for charges to be filed. However, it’s an indication of how far we’ve come as a culture and a denomination that not only was that not the response circa 2019, it is the presbyters who are in favor of charges who are now considered the extremists and outliers. But regardless, Greg Johnson’s public statements demanded, and indeed, still demand a public response.
Research