Greg Baylor wrote an excellent blog post on students at Christian colleges dealing with their desires to engage in same-sex behavior. I want to add that the student from Biola is confusing two distinct concepts Biblical standards defining what is right and wrong, and how Christians treat others who violate those standards. Mr. Wolff, the student from Biola, essentially argues that merely to articulate the standard that Gods design is for people to engage in sexual behavior only within marriage defined as one man and one woman is itself hurtful and wrong when said to people who have desires to violate that standard. But to articulate the standard of what is right and wrong is a distinct issue from whether the speaker states the standard in a mean or cruel manner to others.  For example, if a shoplifter hears a Christian say, the Bible teaches that stealing is wrong,  that statement is not inherently cruel, unless the Christian speaks with a judgmental attitude or a prideful attitude, etc.  Upon hearing those words, the shoplifter might experience inner conviction that his actions are wrong and he needs to change, but that does not mean that the speakers words was hateful.

The student from Biola may have experienced harshness from his fellow students or from faculty members, but maybe not.  That is not clear because what the student seems to want is to attend Biola and never have anyone say to him Gods standards on marriage. Is he really seeking more compassionate treatment for Christians struggling with desires to engage in same-sex behavior, or is he actually seeking to have Biola and other Christian colleges abandon their Biblical beliefs on marriage and instead say that there is nothing Biblically wrong with same-sex behavior?  Christian communities, such as a Christian college, should be places where people can hear Gods standards, and, when they fall short,  humbly admit to their sinful behavior, and find help to overcome it.  Changing the standards is not compassion.

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