Brandan Robertson, a homosexual and self-described “pastor” and a rising star in progressive evangelicalism was interviewed earlier this week by the Huffington Post. In the interview, he was asked what his thoughts on premarital sex are.

I believe for some people, waiting for marriage before having sex can be a very healthy path. I also believe that for most people, sex before marriage is a healthy expression of the gift of sexuality and is not “sinful” or morally wrong.

He goes on to state that he believes that sex is a “gift from the divine” and that “one of the worst things the Church has done is take God and the Divine out of the bedroom and shame people for their desires and practices.” He continues, 

I have always believed that contractual arrangements (including marriage) are not the boundary on sex ― our own personal ethics are. I have lived monogamously, and that was no different ethically for me than living with multiple lovers; it was what the agreed-to and defined boundaries were at the time.

Robertson also claimed that most of the single clergy that he knows commit fornication even when the rules of their denomination forbid it.

It simply is an outdated and silly expectation, in my opinion. Like anything else, sex can be manipulative, unhealthy or used as a power differential. Sex, or even dating without sex with a congregant is never OK because of the power differential. Within relationships of equals or with agreed-upon boundaries, though, it is healthy and beautiful.

Of course, conservative bible-believing Christians would never consider Robertson’s claim to Christianity valid, but the world sees things like this and brings reproach upon Christ. As Christians, we are called to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the nations. It brings God glory to proclaim the truth about him, while false teachers like this pervert the name of God to promote themselves. 

It glorifies God to name these wolves in front of the world, mark them, and avoid them.

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Romans 16:17-18 (ESV)