Is Same-Sex Attraction a Sin? The dangers of Side B Theology with Christopher Yuan

[@jaystuart123]

Alisa, I encourage to to watch the Exiles conference. Or perhaps engage in a private conversation with Preston. Both of your ministries has been beneficial in my walk with Christ and I am perplexed by this growing schism.

[@ameliacoburn4787]

If you would read your Bible, maybe you wouldn't be.

[@alananelson537]

It breaks my heart that so many Christians take the stance that if you invite people "on the other side" into conversation and to share their stories that you are: 1. Saying you agree with them; 2. Condoning behavior; 3. Platforming them so they can spread lies, 4. A heretic or lost or a demon. Jesus invited people who were doing scandulous things into conversation, to dine with Him, to be His friend, and to follow Him. And He told us to love our "enemies". Why? Because how else can we expect to have the space and opportunity to share the good news? If we won't genuinely listen to hear other's stories, how we expect them to listen to us? And how can any of us learn the truth if we aren't allowed to ask questions? How do we know which "expert" is right, if we don't have the opportunity to hear why there are differences of opinion even among the most knowledgable and passionate followers of scripture? Proximity and trust and caring relationship give us opportunities to share the scandulous message of God's grace in ways we won't otherwise have. Why are we afraid to listen to people we might disagree with? Are we that fragile in our faith? Or is it because we are so quick to judge the splinter in their eye and miss the log in ours. Or maybe its because we struggle to sit with our own discomfort about the world that we as Christians are called to be a light to. When we shun people for their behavior and ostracize our brothers and sisters in Christ who fraternize with those we consider worse sinners than us, we are behaving like the self-righteous religious people that Jesus sternly reprimanded. Which to me means if we measure ourselves by God's word like we are doing to "them", we might find that it is we who are at the greatest risk of being rebuked by the Savior we love. It is no wonder to me why the last place most hurting people consider turning to for comfort is the American church. I hope you will take Preston up on his invitation. Before you do that though, maybe listen to the podcast he did in response to yours because you would not have a direct conversation with him. He declared his tremendous respect for both you and Dr. Yuan and frequently expressed agreement with much of what you say. He was just disappointed that you are both so willing to openly and publicly criticize him, and to even respond to his sincere request to have a thoughtful and charitable conversation about your impressions so he can address some misconceptions you hold and to respond to complete misrepresentations about him, his beliefs and the Exiles conference. All you have to do is listen to his podcast to hear that he is sincerely and genuinely seeking to follow Jesus even to the hard places, in order to bring the good news to the marginalized. It's easy to love those we agree with, but living in an echo chamber is in complete opposition to what Jesus called us to do. Preston is thoughtful and respectful in his conversations and does not shy from hard topics or from criticism, and it is only fair that he would have an opportunity to respond to your comments about him privately, or better yet as publicly as you have criticized him. You are judging his heart and his motives without talking with him. And because of that you are missing that he is a brother in Christ who is trying hard to better live out what all of us as Christians are called to do - love our neighbors and even our enemies. I believe that you and Dr. Yuan are both people who deeply and sincerely seek to be more like Jesus. So I am praying for your eyes and minds to be opened to how in this instance at least, you are falling short in living out what Jesus commanded of us. What would a conversation cost you? Some time? Maybe you'd come to realize your perception is a bit off from what is really going on. Likely you would still think Preston's theology is wrong when you're done, but maybe you might realize your harsh criticism of him is a bit extreme. Having a conversation with him isn't about agreeing - it's about listening and loviing and walking together with other believers who are as sincere and genuine in their quest for truth as you are so that we all can become better image bearers to the world.

[@jadifinley3713]

Although there is much I appreciate about Alisa and Christopher, I was quite disappointed in this episode. The frequency with which they lumped together Preston, Revoice and a generic “side b” was honestly nauseating. I attended the Exiles conference and this podcast episode did not at all characterize that event in an honest or charitable manner. I would encourage Alisa to talk directly with Preston - either on her podcast or his. These are great conversations to be having, but we should be talking directly with one another, not having one sided conversations about what the other side thinks/says/does. Anyone interested in thoughtful dialogue should research these issues/people for themselves before drawing conclusions… and ultimately submit all understanding to the authority of Scripture alone.

[@RuslanKD]

Chris, there’s a lot of falsehoods you said here about specifically what Preston believes and doesn’t believe. I hope you really engage with his lengthy response this and repent. Alisa I would take this down or bring on Preston. This did not accurately represent his views. From our private, public and now his own response to this video specifically.

[@tedgerton]

Absolutely. Listening to this, I came away saying, "Wow... have they ever actually listened to Preston's podcast or read his books? These are obviously people who don't actually know his views." Major misrepresentation and some downright falsehood, though I assume unintentional. And since Preston is inviting both to personal conversation, I don't see how there's any integrity in keeping this vid up without accepting his offer. Either take it down (a bit of integrity) or have the conversation with Preston and rectify the false representation (full integrity).

[@reparadigmed]

@RuslanKD So, so odd. The sin of Preston Sprinkle is that he dares to define what he is talking about. Yuan and Childers seem to be confused about all sorts of definitions, informed by some sort of echo chamber of anti-deconstructionists. Worst of all, they misunderstand, misrepresent, and slander what they do not understand. Really disappointing.

[@joshuat4349]

Yup

[@nealdavis7276]

Yes! Please check out his video response and have him on to clarify. Or go on his show so that you guys can clarify what you both do and do not believe, without the risk of misrepresenting the other.

[@nealdavis7276]

So, Alisa, I keep looking for a response to this or the announcement that you are having Preston on your show to clarify any misrepresentation.

[@andykmn]

Y'all sure say Preston Sprinkle believes a lot of false things without quoting anything he has written. Maybe you should talk with him privately rather than gossiping about him in public.

[@Charles.Wright]

He pushes this stuff in public; he can be rebuked in public. Exactly like these comments! I'm not going to track down some rando online when I can just challenge you here.

[@Glenn-Glenn]

@@Charles.Wright I believe the main concern is not the public nature of the discourse. Public statement deserves public responses, sure I can agree with that, although the Bible still prescribes personal approach first, but that's besides the point. The point is that Alisa and Chris said a lot of false things about Preston, claiming that Preston says things that he never did. The point is that Chris creates this imaginary version of Preston without citing any evidence. That's the issue here.

[@Charles.Wright]

@@Glenn-Glenn I can agree with your conclusion, even without having watched very much of either "side." Beyond the morality of it, I find the lack of citations (and timestamps, for Pete's sake!) really off-putting. The back and forth will quickly hit tens of hours of videos, and I don't have time to even hear one side.

[@Glenn-Glenn]

@@Charles.Wright Agree. I remember my college classes.... if I submit any kinds of essay with this degree of lack in terms of evidence-citing, I would not have passed those classes... 😅

[@kristaaal777]

@@Charles.Wright he reached out to the both of them to have a private conversation to correct their misrepresentations and the offer has been ignored.

[@Bioboy590]

I don't understand this interview. If you want to discuss the Side B position, or Preston Sprinkle (who doesn't even like the Side B terminology), why not discuss it with them. I cant tell you how many times I heard a clear misrepresentation of their beliefs stated by Dr. Yuan in this video. I think you would have a lot more in common with Dr. Sprinkle on this topic if you allowed him to present his actual views to you.

[@RobertKellyIII]

So true! I keep seeing people talking *about* people like Preston and misrepresent what he and others believe, when they are ready and willing to have an honest conversation. These things quickly slide into sinful gossip and sowing strife and dissention among the brethren. I hope you will talk to Preston directly and do a follow-up.

[@dianeellison3090]

Sprinkle is a false teacher. Period. He gives SIN a nuance. Any attraction to the same sex defies the creation mandate. It is SIN. period. Sprinkle attempts to put lipstick on the pig rather than speaking TRUTH and encouraging repentance.

[@W0nderer]

@@RobertKellyIII he reached out to them to talk and they ignored him.

[@saralee848]

​@W0nderer this reply should be pinned to the top so people know.

[@W0nderer]

@@saralee848 yea except they'd never do that, it would make them look bad. This is one of the dangers of platforming. It becomes about building the brand and not about to what degree we are representing Jesus and being like Him.

[@reubendaniel6959]

Just listened to Preston’s rebuttal on this. Unless I see some scholarly evidence, this video is salacious and bears false witness. (Exo 23:1, Rom 1:29-30). Why can’t some of us understand slander is as bad as sexual immorality! Christopher and Alisa - you both owe Preston an apology. Btw I don’t agree with Preston on all his exegesis. But the grace with which he handled his rebuttal is a lesson we all can agree is most Christ like.

[@RobertKellyIII]

Yes, his rebuttal was so gracious.

[@Philrittenhouse]

Preston just did a response to this on his channel. I recommend listening to it. Even if you don’t agree at least have the moral character and intellectual honesty to say “I’ve listened to both perspectives from their own mouth rather than he said, she said.” I doubt they will read this comment and I really doubt they will act on this suggestion, but Alissa and Christopher should listen to it as well rather than making assumptions. Even if they land at the same conclusion they should at least watch from a desire to be better equipped to correct a brother they feel is in error. Sadly they rather seem content to just write him (and others like him) off.

[@W0nderer]

Ya the part where Christopher will publicly repent. And then his interview doesn't line up with scripture in many ways and the two of them don't bother to respond to Sprinkle's request to talk. So hypocritical

[@faithhopeloveskate]

This comment is HUGE!!!

[@jakoutdoors6188]

As an attendee of Exiles in Babylon conference I am not impressionable. I am attempting with the Holy Spirit’s guidance to deepen my theological understanding of the Hebrew and Christian Bible and become more Christ like. As Christians why did y’all slander Preston Sprinkle so often on this video? Consider having a fellow Christian on your podcast before broadly labeling and misrepresenting someone.

[@RobbyPrenkert]

Yikes. Freshmen composition (or speech) 101 FAIL on the part about “represent sources with accuracy.” Have they ever read or listened to a single word from Sprinkle? There may be important points in this conversation, but Yuan’s integrity is compromised by how inaccurately he represents Sprinkle.

[@eandersonrik]

There's unfortunately a lot of false assumptions made about "Side B" and Preston Sprinkle in this interview. Preston has openly, regularly, and clearly articulated a historical, Christian, and Biblical view on marriage and sexuality. Chris and Alisa are misrepresenting Preston in this conversation. I look forward to both Chris and Alisa taking Preston up on his invitation to them to have a conversation about his views and this interview.

[@dawick5]

A historical Christian view on sexuality DOES NOT include using the term Gay Christian or SSA Christian. As soon as you open that door it is no longer a historical, Christian or Biblical view!

[@AmandaMeadows]

As someone who has listened to and read Preston Sprinkle's work extensively, this conversation was so frustrating to listen to. SO many blatantly false accusations. If you're going to have these kinds of conversations, you need to spend much more time actually reading and listening to understand, not just make assumptions. This goes for your conversation with Rosaria Butterfield as well.

[@laurenf7315]

Why are you promoting disunity in the Church by attacking Preston Sprinkle. Instead talk to Preston Sprinkle. You misquote him multiple times. You should publicly repent of attacking him. You are spreading gossip and are harming the Church.

[@RoseyPosey545]

I completely agree. And I don’t understand why Alisa is so unwilling to speak to him. I’m sure she has her reasons, but this reeks of pettiness.

[@faithhopeloveskate]

I listen to so much of Preston’s podcasts and am currently reading his book. I actually had a private conversation with Christopher Yuan at a conference he was a part of about Preston as well. I respect both individuals tremendously and I look forward to hearing Preston’s thoughts on this. One criticism I have about this podcast/video is that, Matthew 18 (“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”) is brought up, and yet, both Alisa and Christopher have rejected multiple requests on Preston’s behalf to have a direct, private conversation about these issues. Preston has done the same with Rosaria Butterfield who also never responded to the invitation to speak personally. I understand if you see someone as a false teacher, but the first step should always be reaching out to them personally. Or at least accepting their invitation to do so, preferably prior to but at the very least after calling them out.

[@TimothyWarner-kr2yp]

Alisa...I was very misled by a Side B approach to my own struggles with the homosexual issues in my life. After years of abstinence and involvement in intensive ex-gay ministry both as a residential client and a staff member of the oldest original such ex-gay program, I drifted into accepting the false belief that this (i.e. homosexual) was constitutionally who I was. Over time, accepting that position, led me further into accepting behavior I had stopped, and eventually a long-term moral compromise of my Christian walk. I have to say that it took a merciful act of God to open my eyes and get me off that path, which was very destructive and full of despair. God began to show me the truth which you, along with Christopher, as well as Rosario Butterfield are now fully explaining and proclaiming. To be blunt, the "side B" approach is a delusion which permits and fosters enslavement to a sin, and a manifestation of brokenness, a result of The Fall which Jesus can and will undo in our lives if we let Him. He is doing it in my life. It is necessary that The True Truth MUST be proclaimed, with no compromise to counter the side B propagators, as compassionate as they may present themselves to be. Incidentally, your Dad, Alisa, was a great help to me in his willingness to hear me out concerning my addictive behavior and suggesting some solutions! I hope that the word here that you are spreading will reach more and more men and women like I, who desperately need to hear and consider and ultimately embrace what at first might be a very hard truth to accept. Thank you for speaking out. It's, as I say, absolutely imperative!

[@alisachilders]

Praise God for your testimony.

[@KRashad]

This person should get an interview on the show 😉

[@homosexualbiologicalmale--3]

your personal decision is above god , you are free , only today i v broken the god rule 7 times , and is morning here , until i gonna sleep i will break god rule more than 34 times in 1 day sometines hundreds times

[@EBM1966]

Thank you for your courage in telling your story! I continue to have hope for my son.

[@SachelleCambria]

@@lifeinthe80sGet behind us Satan. You don’t belong here.

[@negativebryan]

Maybe Preston should have been invited into this conversation… sounds like a lot of gossip to me.

[@ortizlydia22]

He did & they both have not responded to him

[@gabrielt721]

Not a fan of the being quick to get in front of a camera and state your opinion while misrepresenting Preston. I think that's trash. It's essentially setting up straw men and knocking them down. Why not have the conversation with Preston on his channel or yours? Or in private? Rosaria Butterfield did the same thing. Made comments, went public and stated opinions based on assumption or ignorance and ignored Preston's calls for a conversation to give clarity. This misrepresentation and throwing stones and hiding the hand has gotta stop. It’s cowardice.

[@hocke723]

The amount of misrepresentation and inaccuracy toward Preston in this video is astounding. I usually enjoy your stuff Alisa but this one is bearing false witness.

[@michelledeavenport]

Borders? They've sinned against him.

[@andykmn]

I look forward to you taking up Preston Sprinkle on his offer to have a conversation about this.

[@OikPoinFive]

lol sprinkle!

[@AaronGardner98]

She won’t! Ms. Childers has been very explicit that she refuses to “platform” people she disagrees with (or rather, who disagree with her interpretation of scripture). She will never be challenged, with never grow, and will never develop empathy.

[@Zilam]

There is no conversation to be had. The man is great at talking smoothly, being winsome, doing damage control etc. why give platform to this type of deceitful person?

[@AaronGardner98]

@@Zilam um, I don’t know, to actually have a dialogue? For each to be constructively challenged? To ensure that nobody is being misunderstood or misrepresented? How does that sound?

[@Bioboy590]

​@@Zilam What's deceitful is having someone come on the show to tell us what Preston believes and why it's wrong, when it's clearly a misrepresentation of Preston's position to anyone familiar with his work. To publicly slander another Christian in this manner is clearly a sin, and I hope Dr. Yuan will be willing to have a conversation with Dr. Sprinkle to discuss that further, even in private if necessary.

[@jamesmather8920]

I attended Exiles24 online and you grossly misrepresented Preston and the conference. You spoke about it before the conference even happened. This was my only exposure to you both. You are wrong about the stance you supposed onto the speakers and attendees. Maybe you should reply to Preston’s request to have a meaningful conversation.

[@jacobhartman6810]

I think you should have Preston on the podcast just to clear the air. At this point there has been a lot of talking about him, but I have not heard any conversations with him. That may be helpful.

[@PrestonSprinkleRaw]

I've reached out to Alisa for a private or public conversation but she never responded. I think I countered over 14 different places in this video where either Alisa or Chris say things that misrepresent what I actually believe.

[@AaronGardner98]

@@PrestonSprinkleRaw thank you for your willingness and your attempts to engage with Ms. Childers. She has publicly stated on numerous occasions that she refuses to “platform” people she disagrees with. Of course, this limits understanding and constructive dialogue that could then occur. She is essentially living in an echo chamber of her own design, and it’s unfortunate. Please keep trying!

[@PacificNWesty]

@@PrestonSprinkleRaw Presumably, Alisa doesn’t invite you onto her show because she doesn’t want to create the environment for you to promote your theology. Perhaps you and she could work through your differences privately first and then have a public debate (conversation).

[@alanscott8243]

Sounds like he is willing to have a private conversation as well but she hasn't responded to that either.

[@PacificNWesty]

@@alanscott8243 I find that to be troubling. I think it could be helpful.

[@pattylebo7372]

When my son first came out as gay in 2016, Christopher Yuan was one of the first people I read/heard speak concerning this topic (along with Rosaria Butterfield, Preston Sprinkle, and Rachel Gilson). Christopher's talk at a local church was so helpful to me, and I appreciated what he had to say. However, hearing this now makes me very disappointed. Have either Alisa or Christopher actually spoken to or contacted Preston Sprinkle to speak with him and hear what he actually believes rather than making assumptions on things they have "heard"? (I felt even more strongly when I recently heard what Rosaria Butterfield had to say). This is NOT the Christian/Biblical way to handle a situation with another believer if you disagree with them. Please, Christopher and Alisa, be an example to the Christian community on how to handle a situation where you disagree with a fellow believer. Just because you both have platforms and are mildly well-known, don't let that go to your head and cause you to believe you are above doing the right thing. Remember Proverbs 16:18. I have lost a great deal of respect for Christopher Yuan after hearing this. And I am a very conservative, Bible believing, marriage is one man and one woman person....in case it matters to you.

[@davepearce91]

I hope you can have a conversation with Preston (and maybe Greg Coles too), publicly or privately. Much of what was said about them doesn’t characterize either of them very well. Y’all would probably find that you have many differences, but they don’t quite land where you think they do.

[@CassTeaElle]

I'm very disappointed in this video. This warrants public repentance and an apology, at the very least. I had never heard of Preston Sprinkle until recently. I knew nothing about him before watching this video, but his name came up a few days ago in a meeting with my pastor. I pitched the idea to my pastor that I'd like our church to do some kind of prayer group during the month of June, specifically focused on the LGBT issue, for "pride month." He thought it was a great idea, and took it one step further to including a book discussion as well, of Rebecca McLaughlin's book "Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships." During the meeting, we discussed a few resources. Christopher Yuan's name came up, who we were both familiar with, and who my pastor actually once invited to speak at my alma mater, Simpson University (my pastor used to be the campus pastor at Simpson). My pastor also referenced Preston Sprinkle, but I had never heard of him. So imagine my surprise when I watch this video and hear Preston's name come up again, in quite a negative light. To be honest, that concerned me a bit... I'm fairly new to this church, so I don't know everything my pastor believes about all of these subjects. So hearing him speak positively about Preston Sprinkle, and then hearing all of these highly concerning allegations about what Preston believes, led me to dig in a little deeper and do some research on my own. I went to Preston's channel to watch some teachings of his about homosexuality, but instead I actually found his response video to this very discussion, which was perfect. I was eager to hear what he had to say. And I was incredibly shocked by his response... Never would I have expected someone like Alisa to put out such a wildly irresponsible video full of false claims, but that's exactly what this is. This is extremely disappointing. I'd encourage anyone watching this to go watch Preston's response, because it's just wild how many claims made about his beliefs are totally false, as well as the very, very inaccurate representation of his conference. (To which I personally think he was incredibly gracious, to be so kind about this and give the whole "well, to be fair, they didn't attend the conference, but maybe they shouldn't speak about something they are unaware of" line. I can't say I would have been that charitable if these inaccurate claims were made about me and something I put together.) And I'd also like to point out that if I hadn't done the work to look into Preston's beliefs myself, or perhaps talk to my pastor about this video, this could have caused a bit of an issue for me. I've been burned in the past by churches not teaching correct things, and I'm very, very wary of getting invested in a new church. If I had believed all of these claims at face-value, because I find Alisa to be a trustworthy source (as I thought I did, before this), I'm not sure what I would have done. I mean, I probably would have asked my pastor what he thinks, but still... this is just extremely irresponsible. As a public figure, and especially a public figure who teaches scripture and theology, you have a responsibility to do your research before you go making claims about other teachers and their beliefs. I don't know what to say to express how disappointing this was to see, and I really sincerely hope that Alisa and Christopher respond to Preston's attempts to reach out, and also issue public retractions and apologies for these false claims. It's not okay.

[@lorettajames6476]

Alisa, have you & Christopher made arrangements to speak directly with Preston? I'm very concerned for what you have done with this podcast in slandering him and others without speaking with him directly. I appreciate the number of people who have noted this same concern in these comments. Oh Father please help us when we don't see gossip and slander as just as evil as any other sin. I hope your home church will speak to you on this and you will take Preston up on having a conversation to clarify and apologize for what you have done in miss representing him.

[@skipJeffries]

Alisa, and Christohper you should watch the Exiles conference before you make your judgements public. I attended all 3 and I think you are seriously misrepresenting it.

[@NoelPowell-ck9pp]

Why are you not willing to have a conversation with Dr Sprinkle to understand his position?

[@uploadingjoy9120]

What do you mean? His position is out in the open and is very clear.

[@NoelPowell-ck9pp]

Actually you seem to be assuming his position without being clear on what it is. I have no problem with you disagreeing with anyone's theology as long as the other person's positions are accurately presented.

[@katiecugini979]

​@@uploadingjoy9120she never provides written or video evidence of Preston saying anything close to what she claims. Very irresponsible and borderline slanderous!

[@ROY-5280]

This was a pretty horrible misrepresentation of what Preston Sprinkle believes. You’d only need to read the intro to any of his books to understand how baseless many of these statements were. Very odd… Heartbreaking to see one of my favorite creators put something like this out. I cringe to think if I’ve taken any other statements about other ideas to heart that are equally baseless. I only bought it this time because I’m so familiar with Preston’s work.

[@faithorr4895]

I am having the same concerns after watching this podcast. It makes me question their credibility, especially Alisa who I have respected so much. It makes me wonder if she has done the same thing to other people, and I have just blindly believed her in my own bias. It's gonna be hard for me to trust her work going forward, unless she publicly repents of this. I have definitely realized through seeing Rosaria Butterfield and now Alisa slandering Preston, that we must always look into these things ourselves and not let other people's opinions color our view of others. Even if they claim to share supposed "evidence", more context is usually needed. Now a days people clip things and make people say things they never meant. It's even worse when those same people bear the name of Christ.

[@gillianblomsma4518]

Her comments about The Exiles in Babylon conference are 100% untrue. I knew all of the things about the conference she brought up. If she listened to Preston at all, she would also know this. And in order to critique someone you should listen to them. Preston says his conference is designed to be disruptive, and quite honestly if you are a critical thinker who is following cultural Christianity (which is actually not a thing - our culture affects how we live out our understanding of Jesus) you would know this about Preston. Also, the words that are being used in this podcast, like progressive Christian are unhelpful. - Here's the deal, you either follow Jesus or you don't. The word is clear about false teachers, and some of these people are. I think Preston is in some dark waters, and might need to do some personal work, but, he is open about his conference. What Christopher says, I did not know...looking for young people...that's scary. Preston is an academic, and is a part of the ETS society. If you'd listen to him you'd know that...therefore his conferences will be like that.... Perhaps he does need some wisdom as to who he should market his conferences too.

[@JeffWetterman]

I watched Preston Sprinkle's response to this video. It was full of grace. He wants to engage with you. This discussion needs to happen. Not just to be fair and resolve misunderstandings held by the immediate parties involved, but for your respective audiences and Christ followers at large. There are many people who are trying to follow Christ faithfully and understand how to navigate same sex attraction in a Biblical manner, but most walk away from such videos and debates with confusion and bewilderment. Clarity is needed.

[@wnorwood1]

I remembered something I'd heard....in a debate, you strengthen your own argument by first presenting your opponents arguments so accurately that they would agree that you were correct in your presentation and THEN you have more credibility in dismantling their views and persuading your audience. Just a thought...

[@revkevdglenn]

Alisa and Chris, you have at best misrepresented Preston Sprinkle, his beliefs, and the Exiles conference. Why have either of you not responded to his invitations to dialogue?

[@stevicarter7823]

Where are the direct quotes from Preston? Where's the video evidence? What you're describing doesn't align with what we've heard from Preston Sprinkle- verbatim. You're using scripture to oppose theology that Preston DOESN'T HAVE (and in some cases, spoke emphatically against)! Strange. I think you are both letting your preconceived notions inform this video- and it's problematic in the body of Christ. This is bearing false witness against another believer. You both should repent, apologize publicly (like you misspoke publicly) and have a constructive dialogue with him.

[@zacharystewart3216]

This was really not good, Alisa! I expected better. You need to publicly repent and correct the record. A lot of this was not true. Also, you should talk to Sprinkle.

[@allysoncastaldo9149]

As an attendee of Exiles 2024, I believe y'all have seriously misrepresented the conference.

[@dragonhold4]

(53:41) _Before I knew Christ, I couldn't hate my sin without hating myself. Now that I know Christ, I can hate my sin without hating myself_ -Christopher Yuan

[@heyhowsitgoing]

The Exiles Conference is specifically aiming to bring varying perspectives from believers to have discussion on these topics. Understanding is perhaps the heart, humanizing other perspectives being the action, and unity being the goal. If you looked into, watched, or had a conversation with anyone that was there like so many other comments say I think you'd have approached this differently.

[@kyle103]

Sprinkle posted a generous and thoughtful response to this on his podcast. I would love for you, Ms. Childers and Dr. Yuan to to respond to him in a similar way in pursuit of mutual understanding and Christian unity! I've benefitted so much for your ministries and would hate to see brothers and sisters in Christ at odds over an apparent misunderstanding of each other's positions!! I'm thankful for you all and praying for each of you and your ministries!

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

In Protestant churches it's called side-B theology? As a Catholic, that term is new to me. We have our own hands full with confusing edicts coming out of the Vatican about LGB matters and whether or not a same-sex couple can be blessed in any way, shape, or form. Protestant, Catholic, Satan makes no distinction. He's attacking on all fronts and it's time church leaders, of all Christian faiths, stop trying to find a middle-ground with sin. Desires are a part of who we are, but telling people it's okay to hang onto those desires is like telling a patient with emphysema it's okay to smoke, just cut back on how many and try to smoke light, heavily filtered cigarettes. They'll still kill you but it will be a slower death. Compromising and worrying more about affirming peoples feelings than the Word of God is what got us to where we are and it's what is keeping people away, especially young people who see the hypocrisy of it. Christian light is as dangerous to the soul as Marlboro Lights are to the heart and lungs. Keep it simple and stick to the truth, not someone's truth, the truth. That's a good starting point for a conversation. A person is then free to do with that what they want. It's called free-will. All the sugar in the world will not change the facts because facts truly are stubborn things.

[@RationalistMH]

It seems to me that you haven't read the Catechism's position on this. The Catholic Church believes that same sex attraction itself is not a sin, but rather acting on it is. And the Pope's blessing does not in any way change things, it is not meant to be an approval of homosexual relations but rather an invitation for repentance. You seem way too confident for someone who does not know the basics of Catholic dogma.

[@john1-29_aka_LHT-LFA]

@@RationalistMH popes blessing changes a lot, cause according to catholic tradition the pope is infallable...a human is infallable....

[@Juniper333]

Just to set the record straight... Side-B theology is NOT a term used by Protestants. It's the current popular evangelical buzzword.

[@Angel-cu5mf]

It's interesting to note how much heat there is for this truthful talk. It demonstrates a spiritual battle is waging.

[@jeffreywp]

Why not have Preston on your show with Christopher? Rosario will not interact with Preston (according to a written interaction he had with her through her husband). It seems like either a semi-formal debate through an online, three-person interview or formal debate would be a fruitful.

[@Spartanthermopylae]

Not JUST Nate Collins, but Preston Sprinkle and Sam Allberry, who love to play the Semantics game.

[@PrestonSprinkleRaw]

I’ve reached out to both Alisa and Chris over a month ago but never heard back

[@Spartanthermopylae]

@@PrestonSprinkleRaw Is it because you promote homosexuality?

[@W0nderer]

​@@PrestonSprinkleRawit's great to see people defending you on this thread. I found your rebuttal accurate and uncomfortable because of how glaring their errors are. Also they've clearly not listened to you or understood your work.

[@matthew8720]

I actually did a deep dig into a lot of what you guys mentioned, read one of books and went to the conference to see for my self. It ended up being extremely HEAVY discussions but way different than what you are discussing. There is a LOT of misinformation in your discussion. It’s pretty wild. Some of things here said are 💯, literally, factually untrue. It’s almost like you are going off what you’ve heard? Also, some of the warnings really rubbed me the wrong way. You guys make people sound really fearful and weak and incapable of working out their own faith. I can see if they were like 17yo and a new Christian but if you are a mature Christian and your faith is that jumpy and weak kneed, you might wanna exercise your faith a bit more. Hopefully you revisit and clarify this conversation. I would say you have the responsibility before God to do so? From what I’ve found out on my own, this conversation is overflowing with misinformation and conflation.

[@ericmiller6828]

Alisa, first thank you for having these conversations! You have been such a blessing in the community of Christians as we've been facing this strange new age of the last 20 years. I agree with you on many of your takes and on your principles (grounded in the truth of the Bible). I also love Christopher and his story/testimony. One thing I'd like to encourage you in, Chris has mis-represented Preston Sprinkle in his comments. Preston's just released a great video on the conversation and where he offers his beliefs. I think it would be an excellent opportunity for you to have Preston on your show to talk about nuance and his own beliefs on homosexuality. In the spirit of unifying the body, I think that you would find his hermeneutic and his position to be strong in loving people without telling them their sin is not sinful.

[@SarahHowell-yx9le]

Here, here! Well said! We love you, Alisa!

[@SarahHowell-yx9le]

And we love you Christopher!

[@rachelmckenzielambert2297]

This is a gross misrepresentation of Preston Sprinkle and his work. And as a believer, it is highly concerning that two believers are spreading lies about him with zero accountability or repentance. Alyssa and Christopher, you need to address this.

[@zacharygoddard6185]

I’m very disappointed in how Alisa Childers and Christopher Yuan bear false witness against Preston Sprinkle. They should repent for what they said and have a private or public conversation with Preston about what he actually believes. You do not even have to do much research at all to find out what Preston actually believes and instead they chose to publicly slander him. This unnecessary decisiveness in the body of Christ is very frustrating and needs to stop.

[@vitallyufimtseff]

I first heard Christopher Yuan live a few years ago in British Columbia, Canada. He and his parents gave a very enlightening presentation! It was great to hear him again in this podcast. He is always clear and biblically accurate.

[@NC-vz6ui]

Christian fundamentalism never ceases to amaze me. It is never good enough, no matter how legalistic you get.

[@johnniessen7036]

Can you explain? I heard no legalism being promoted in this podcast. I heard Biblicalism.

[@ameliacoburn4787]

can you show how any of this was unBiblical? I'll wait.

[@dsriddle13]

I don’t know your intentions with this interview. I would assume it was good. However, Preston claims he has reached out to both you and Christopher to have a conversation and you haven’t responded. With unity in mind, I would ask that you prayerfully consider a conversation with Preston.

[@jessicamiller1548]

Some of this is shameful slander that needs to be repented of. I listened to Preston Sprinkle's response and he does not believe some of the things he is being accused of here. He has tried to contact both of you and you have not responded. He is asking Christopher Yuan to repent for slandering him. This is serious, guys. I cannot believe this. So grievous.

[@aidanpetersen7060]

How about you engage with Preston himself rather than misrepresent him…

[@AaronGardner98]

Ms. Childers, in her closing statement, demonstrates yet again how utterly ignorant she is of “historical Christianity”. She is plainly unaware that universal reconciliation in Christ was the predominant view of judgement in many regions of the early church. Please take anything Ms. Childers asserts about historical Christianity with a very large grain of salt.

[@daviddetamore9047]

YOU OWE PRESTON A PUBLIC APOLOGY. MISREPRESENTING SOMEONE IS NOT OKAY.

[@Lisa-sp5if]

It’s so amazing how slippery and wily pride is and selfishness is. It’s the source of all of this. People want what they want so they make up their own God and still call him Jesus. Oh, it breaks my heart.

[@RoseyPosey545]

👏👏👏

[@madovill]

Alisa, I really enjoy your work. Are you going to engage with Preston Sprinkle? It sounds like he's reached out to both you & Chris. It would be great to get you all in the same space to hash everything out in a biblical way.

[@paulsheffield223]

It looks like you and Chris have already received lots of feedback on this specific post but it saddens me to see division in the Church. I appreciate the work that both you and Chris do as well as Rosaria Butterfield. But this specific video/podcast seemed to have missed the mark. Preston is doing much to bring unity to the Church while still holding to orthodoxy. I know your hearts were in the right place, but I think you all need to sit down with Preston and have a conversation. I think you’d agree with one another more than you disagree. Truly saddened by this. This is what the enemy wants.

[@alanscott8243]

In this video Dr. Christopher Yuan states "The Trinity is not in the Bible". I could use this statement (out of context) to make a public claim that Dr Yuan doesn't believe in the concept of the trinity and therefore isn't a Christian. However that would be inaccurate (and evil of me to do) as what he meant (correctly) was that the word "trinity" isn't in the Bible. However this type of misquoting about what other Christians believe is exactly what Alisa Childers and Dr Yuan do in the rest of this video. They need to publicly repent of their public false attacks.

[@Lisa-sp5if]

It is not a small statement that when it is spoken of in the Bible, that there will be a remnant, it will not be as big as we think it is. Oh, Lord, help this generation. Help us to live by your word alone, and the love and power and grace that comes through that word!

[@RobertKellyIII]

Gossip and slander are still sins! When you get together to talk about someone publicly without them being involved and misrepresent them, this is sin. This calls for repentance. Either invite those people into the conversation so you can get clarity and avoid falsely accusing them, or talk about ideas without attributing them to people and organizations. It’s ironic that you accuse others of not taking their sin seriously enough, yet you excuse your own sin to the point of flaunting it publicly.

[@NLJ-c2f]

This seems like the misrepresentations here are just genuine misunderstandings. But the only way to correct misunderstandings is to listen patiently without intentional bias. My biggest problem here was Chris’ mention in one line that “they claim this isn’t who they are but when I critique them their actions are showing that this is who they are. They get offended because it’s who they are”. That was a clear piece of communication that showed me he is literally ignoring clear verbal intentional communication and instead validating his views by their offense to his critique. There are many reasons people could be offended by you critiquing their view on this issue, one of them being their feeling of being misunderstood. We need to listen to what others are saying, ask questions and get to the bottom of their beliefs instead of literally claiming they have a different gospel because DESPITE what they say their “actions” show what they mean. No they don’t, their words express what they mean. If they say it isn’t their core identity why are you still arguing against the concept that it is?

[@JeanineLindvall]

This type of conversation is irresponsible, as well as unbiblical. Simply put...gossip, slanderous. Preston Sprinkle should be included. Sounds like you haven't read a book or been to the conference.

[@benquie7905]

Quite frankly, the way you have appointed yourself as the critic of all public Christians reminds me of the Pharisees. What you and Christopher state about Preston Sprinkle is total misinformation. I really have no respect for a person who will not go to a person to discuss concerns that they have but instead make false accusations in a one way public forum like this.

[@AaronDavidMatthew]

Gotta say, it's as if the Preston Sprinkle followers all got together and said, "let's go troll the comments of this podcast so everyone thinks these two are mean and cruel and .......". I can't see how anyone can say this discussion is off.

[@susanmarquand1772]

I was thinking the same thing! While I love and share Alissa stuff all the time, I don't usually see HUNDREDS of comments bashing the video. I usually see less than 100 that share their stories and their thanks. Soooo yeah. I agree with you, some trolls decided to overwhelm her comment section.

[@kellys6447]

I’m a big Alisa fan and a new and occasional Preston fan. When I heard this interview on Alisa’s podcast it made me very uncomfortable. I had to listen a couple of times and pray a lot about it as I respect Preston’s work and his approach to these topics. I looked for clarification on Preston’s views and I was excited when he released a response to this video and its claims, and I walked away very disappointed in Alisa and Christopher. He goes through almost this entire video addressing each claim they make about him and responding clearly with what he does or doesn’t believe. And it’s clear they have at best simply misunderstood him, and at worst misrepresented him completely. I think the number of comments are in large part people who are sad and upset to see Christians publicly bashing another Christian with very little knowledge about what he actually means and believes. I think the issue is that Alisa’s work in progressive Christianity and deconstruction means she has a focus on defining everything in black and white terms and looking at everything from that discerning critical eye - which is very important in this current culture. Meanwhile Preston’s work is about curious conversations with multiple perspectives and asking hard questions and being comfortable sitting in disagreement and discussion on difficult topics in the church. Those two approaches to this topic are from very different perspectives and with different tones. But at the end of the day I believe Alisa and Preston have much more in common in the topic of same sex relationships than this video suggests.

[@MrIshmael81]

I think it’s interesting Chris mentions Matthew 18 yet neither one of you have humbled your arrogance enough to actually talk to Preston and not only understand his view, but apologize for attributing things he “said” that he’s never said to him.

[@laurag8671]

Alisa, you should actually have Preston Sprinkle on this channel... you and Chris repeatedly misrepresent his views and it is not helpful. I don't think it is fair for either you or Christ to accuse Preston of heresy without even accepting his invitation to even have a private conversation

[@annlowry9841]

You guys get the Exiles in Babylon conference totally wrong. It's $99 to stream it. I will pay for Alisa to stream it if she would like.

[@karenholleman1181]

Your dialogue w/ Dr. Yuan about mixed orientation marriage was merely based on assumptions, misinformation, and a perverse theology about the extensive grace of God's love and mercy to those in MO marriages. With your platform comes the responsibility to read, learn and have dialogue with those who confuse or challenge you. You're completely off the mark about much of Preston Sprinkle stands for/believes: his work and ministry have brought hope, healing and deeper meaning into friendships for SSA people and MO marriages living in tension with our secular culture and church.

[@AbrahamDuprie]

A response is quite appropriate, both Alisa Childers' broadcast, in which Christopher Yuan was a guest, and Preston Sprinkle's answer give impressions of true brothers and sisters in Christ. This reaction is send to both for mutual consideration. Since they being part of the Body of Christ, and within this body with the blessing of God's gifts, we stimulate each other to find the right doctrine (I Cor 14:12), and not to stray. Preston Sprinkle quotes verses that clearly indicate that the joining of man and woman is God ordained (Matthew 19:1-10). By the way, the union of man and woman is the only way of reproduction, see Gen 1:28. Christopher Yuan indicates that one will not be given occasion to sin (Matthew 18:7). In Alisa Childers' broadcast, Preston Sprinkle was mentioned a number of times with statements/confirmation of his views that may show a certain tolerance regarding the “same sex marriage”. These were rejected in his response, the video “Flourishing in Sexuality,| Preston Sprinkle of Transformation Church shows no support for this tolerance. We have to consider that Alisa Childers and her guest may have material that substantiates their opinions. Observation about “Are some temptations sinful”, the temptation can’t be considered sinful it is our, mere, response to it that matters. The truth is an essential part of Christianity, and as such it is important that both do not consider this topic closed. Brotherly hug, Abraham.

[@SarahHowell-yx9le]

Like so many of these comments, I implore both Alisa and Christopher to consider speaking with Preston. Alisa likely trusted Christopher to quote Preston accurately. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone asserts too far at times, but we must be thoughtful with our words - in time and retroactively. Many of these requests in this comment section aren’t attacks, they are simply asking for truth to be sought.

[@carakerr4081]

The good Lord has brought me and my husband a same sex attracted neighbor. By providence I have been cooking him dinner once a week and showing him Christs love. I don’t know if he knows if I am a Christian but I pray for him as I make the food. We never know how our Lord is using us to reach the suffering. May the good Lord be with you all ❤

[@marksbeats3053]

Alisa, this video has misrepresented and slandered Preston Sprinkle. You need to have a conversation with him, or take this video down.

[@AndrewButler-xn9fb]

If you have a problem or disagreement with what another brother or sister in Christ believes, making stuff up about them would also be sin according to scripture. The Lord delights in people who are trustworthy, etc. Also, what is the difference here between what Alisa and Chris are doing and "cancel culture?" Isn't this exactly the same thing (but sort of inverted and more inside Christianity)? This is no way to resolve disagreement. The irony is, what they're doing here is actually closer to false teaching than anything I've ever seen Preston say.

[@projectr9999]

"If he thinks about, well, 'she's so beautiful, I'm enjoying her beauty, and I would love to just get to know her, and just have some one-on-one time with her, and take her out to dinner,' that is also sin." 43:55 I'm not familiar with Christopher Yuan's teachings, but I wonder what he thinks is appropriate for starting a heterosexual relationship. Strict courtship only? Arranged marriages? Should prospective marriage partners not find one another attractive or spend time alone together before the wedding ceremony?

[@CassTeaElle]

The only thing I can think of that makes any kind of sense out of that part of this video is if he was running with the analogy of that man being married already... because otherwise, there is no reason to label that a sin.

[@mardenadetamore2507]

I am bothered that instead of discussing ideologies and cultural issues this video attacks another theologian by name (Preston Sprinkle) who then very specifically pointed directly to his own views that were misrepresented. That is indeed gossip. To spread lies about someone - even if it is in ignorance - is damaging to all Christians everywhere and the name of Christ. Stick to your own beliefs and discuss ideas - not other Christians.

[@Norrin777Radd]

If she's spreading lies, it's more than gossip, it is bearing false witness and following the father of lies, accuser of the brethren.

[@brendabaker2976]

At minute 48:49, nuance=deconstruction?? Really? Frustrating conversation.

[@laurenf7315]

I also don't understand why you think that those who watched or attended Exiles conference to be "impressionable." The kinds of people that listen to Theology in the Raw and who would attend Exiles are Christians seeking to follow Jesus. We're tired of promoting the Evangelical agenda and instead want to discuss how to live as Jesus would live with today's cultural issues. We seek to love others and talk about challenging issues. These are issues with politics, gender identity, women in the church, purity culture, etc which the mainstream church is too afraid to talk about. Preston is curious, compassionate towards others while encouraging people to seek God's truth. He calls people to live as Jesus lived. You are falling in the same trap as the Pharisees did when they attacked Jesus. Instead of attacking the Exiles conference before it even happened, why didn't you wait to pass judgement and instead listen to the conference first. How can you criticize something unless you actually know what was said. The conference didn't platform multiple views on the different issues. They platformed speakers that have struggled with gender identity and same sex attraction and talked about how they are choosing singleness. They believe in a Christian view of marriage. The speakers highlighted the importance ot hearing people's stories, valuing people so much that you choose to listen. Are we loving others or passing judgement on others. We are called to reach the lost, not called to be their judge. Evan Wickham as pastor of his church welcomes LGBTQ people while also affirming marriage as man & woman. Christ came to reach the lost and we as a church need to learn how to reach them if we're not even willing to talk with them. The conference also had speakers just as Juli Slattery who is very conservative. The whole conference was talking about how can we be unified in the church, how we can help all members to use their gifts, how can we love the world around us better, how can we hold to Kingdom of God principals instead of holding to US political propaganda. These are all issues which the Church should be talking about. You have slandered a very kind and thoughtful Christian man and again I am calling on you to publicly repent. As your brother in Christ, Preston Sprinkle deserves an apology.

[@jettaknight13]

Outgroup bias - "those people are impressionable, but my listeners are thoughtful and well reasoned "

[@LionOfJudah83]

I shut off the podcast when Christopher said that if a man thinks in his mind that he wants to take the woman out to dinner that is sin. What is wrong with you Mr. Yuan? Thinking of wanting to take a woman out to dinner is now a sin. It's not a sin. Stop telling people wanting to take a woman out to dinner is a sin. That isn't the truth at all.

[@CassTeaElle]

That confused me as well. I think maybe he was continuing the analogy of the man being married, maybe? That's the only way I can explain why he would claim that's sinful.

[@chriswilliams5109]

I get the vibe of fundamentalism from this conversation; so much othering and fear based rhetoric. Why not just invite the people you denounce on to the podcast to give their side instead of talking about them and buliding strawman arguments.

[@faithorr4895]

This video is filled with lies about Preston and his stances on these issues. Both of you dropped the ball this time. Alisa I would love to see you either go on Preston's channel or invite him to have a dialogue on yours and discuss your concerns with him. That conversation would be much more fruitful and much more of a blessing to the body of Christ then this bash session. I am not against calling out heretics for what they are, but I honestly believe Preston is not one of them. If your not willing to engage in a conversation with him, at the very least watch his response to your video. I think it will challenge and convict you. I urge you to repent and even consider removing this video entirely.

[@karenlippett4342]

Thank you Alisa for your beautiful honesty. May we all continue to run into freedom and hate sin. What grace and peace awaits us there. Keep going lovely lady, we love and need you.

[@lylew7]

There was a decided lack of honesty in this podcast.

[@Jda316]

This episode unfortunately veered into what resembles character assassination of Preston rather than a fair or thoughtful critique of his viewpoints. It's based on strawman augments and downright misrepresentation. A public apology to Preston would be an appropriate next step here.

[@majacobs]

This is a gross misrepresentation of Preston Sprinkle.

[@TheChurchSplit]

Tell me you’ve never read Sprinkles without telling me…

[@aidanpetersen7060]

lol exactly

[@rachelmckenzielambert2297]

Scripture says the world will know we are Christ’s disciples by the way we treat one another, and Alissa and Christopher have lied and slandered another believer’s name. This is highly concerning.

[@lylew7]

Yep. It is.

[@mymarketingguy]

I listen to both Preston and you regularly and I was thrown off about the accusations you brought against him regarding his views on same-sex attraction. I was glad to see Preston respond to these accusations in a recent video so I could get his views straight from his mouth. I've noticed you (Alisa) seem to be painting a number of people with a broad brush of Progressive or "Side B" lately and I don't think that helps. I feel like I can no longer give you the benefit of the doubt on anything you say concerning the views of other Christians. I agree with others that it would be good to have Preston on to clear the air about the recent misquotes and misrepresentations.

[@poik247]

Post conference this video is now considerably shameful and there has to be repentance. I’m sorry but there must be.

[@aidanpetersen7060]

Absolutely

[@alphacharlietango969]

Same sex attraction is temptation. Yielding to temptation is sin

[@RoseyPosey545]

Yes!!

[@korygaviria9197]

Alisa, I so appreciate both you and Dr. Yuan, but as many have stated before me, this interview is incredibly misinformed. Please model humility and charitable conversation and invite Preston onto the show! It is a cop out to throw rocks at someone then run and hide. Thank you!

[@thejohn17project15]

Let's just call this video what it really is. A hot garbage dumpster fire of slander and bearing false witness. This is disgusting. Alisa both you and Chris need to publicly repent, take down this video and ask Preston Sprinkle for forgiveness. Self righteousness is permitting this conversation.

[@erindickinson4873]

Did Christopher really say that a husband would no longer be attracted to his wife if she were injured/disabled or grows older (as literally everyone does)? Yikes.

[@retrojazzdanceandmore]

Thank you for this conversation. This is such a contentious issue but I appreciate your perspectives as you try to ground this issue in scripture. I hope at some point we can hear a respectful debate between Mr. Sprinkles and others with his viewpoint and both of you. May grace and truth abound.

[@dursty3226]

Guys, temptation is not sin. Giving *in* to temptation is sin. In your example of a married man who starts to become sexually attracted to another woman, that attraction isn't a sin! It's just the temptation to sin! If he allows himself to keep thinking about her sexually, even if never outwardly acting on it, *that* is when he sins. But if he fights against those desires, and takes steps to avoid her, and prays for deliverance from the temptation, he does well. And yes, that applies to any and all temptations. Because temptation IS NOT THE SAME THING as sin.

[@karenpeterson5780]

Such an important discussion, thank you both. May we hold fast to the Word of God, no matter what!

[@homosexualbiologicalmale--3]

the god is fairy tale as always been and remain a fairy tale just a story a text , even if is real i stil refuse god , having a god dont mean i accept what god say , humans never accepted the rule of god , that why daily the god is being rejected no matter what , you are not allowed to impose any god above someone as it will be rejected more and more as it is rejected daily and every minute , the issue is that you try to apply god on everyone and that nazism , your desire and decision is not part in me as i am separate and i remain separate as me i decide in what i am part in

[@gracekim9429]

When you put words in someone's mouth, please provide the proof of the said person saying what you say they said. Give evidence, show proof. Lust is not the same thing as attraction.

[@Jennifer13515]

@alisachilders Preston is owed an apology. If you and Christopher can’t do that, a public response at least. If you can’t do that, best to stop discussing him at all on your channel.

[@ishmaelt]

I found Alisa's openness in this episode really touching. It helped me connect a little bit better with her message. This podcast is amazing! While I am unfamiliar with the conference Preston is hosting, I often get the sense that his content is more suited for a critical audience, not so much for new christians figuring out basics. You get the opportunity to hear out other arguments and to judge for yourself using scriptures. Once more, I love your work Alisa!

[@alananelson537]

Your second paragraph is well said. In his work, Preston takes on the tough questions about how to live in the world. Our faith is nothing if it isn't useful "out their" - if it doesn't provide a solid foundation when we come in contact with "the other", who we are called to love and point toward Jesus. How do we love our enemies and to grow in our faith if all we listen to or talk about are the messages that tell us what we want to hear? I am at a place in my faith where just accepting what I'm fed without going deep into scripture to find out why "we" believe that is no longer comfortable. And that means that I come across many "experts" that disagree with each other. How do I know which one is "right"? Before I became a Christian and early in my walk, I heard all sorts of things from Christian leaders, some of which I now know to be confused. What if I never looked deeper? Example: What about when there are differences of interpretation between two believers who to the deepest reaches of their hearts want to follow Jesus well? Say, Egalatarians vs Complementarians? Do we just faction ourselves and platform ourselves as being the better judge of what is true? Or can we be humble enough to realize that in some areas we will not know for sure until we meet our Savior. That doesn't mean we must be wishy washy. It means that we must be humble, and that we must do what we are commanded to do - love our enemies and those we disagree with. There are the hills to die on - the only way to the Father is through the Son. Marriage is between two people of different sex. Things like that. And yet, even when facing someone who might believe differently, Jesus calls me to love and patience and kindness and gentleness. Because it's those things that will allow me to be the best image bearer in my life, and draw people in to hear the good news about Jesus. And then we can work on their beliefs and understandings of scripture.

[@elijahmcgrath5918]

Would you be willing to discuss this with a Side B theologian? I've found people on Side B are much more willing to have dialouges with those they disagree they than those on Side Y. Its an important conversation to have, but it pains me how Side Y and B tear each other down over secondary issues instead of striving to share the gospel to the LGBTQ community in unity. I my heart would rejoice if you could set something like that up!

[@wattscracklin583]

What is the secondary issue?

[@rebeccahayhurst442]

I would like to see a conversation between Side B and this side as well.

[@A_Pie323]

@@wattscracklin583I’m speculating that the lgbt subject is a “secondary issue” based upon the way that comment is written.

[@evanramirez384]

Preston sprinkle would agree with Alisa that this is NOT a secondary issue.

[@heartofalegend]

Alisa, thanks so much for actually tackling this. You are definitely forfeiting your seat at the table of the evangelical elite, by taking this position, and I respect you madly for it.

[@SteveI48]

I’m confused because you say it’s a sin for people to be attracted to someone of the same sex but then all your examples are of lust. When Alisa asks Christopher to give a real world example so people aren’t OCD about sin he completely disregarded the question and then Alisa moves on so this isn’t clarified which it should be. Also you say Preston doesn’t hold to a traditional view of marriage but he has a two part video on holding to a traditional view of marriage.

[@chrisharp381]

Alisa you really should have Preston on. I think that would be fruitful.

[@RobertKellyIII]

An hour and a half podcast, and I still don’t really understand what Christopher Yuan’s position is. More time was spent talking about who you disagree with and how wrong they are than what you actually believe or what the Bible says. And when it came down to the actual differences, it got very vague. As a same-sex attracted Christian, what exactly is it I am supposed to do or not do? So we agree that same-sex acts and lust are out of bounds, but after that it gets fuzzy. I gather there is something in non-sexual relationships I am to avoid, but what exactly is it? Is it just the idea of getting too close to someone I might be attracted to, potentially being tempted to lust after them? Or is every friendship to be guarded against becoming too... friendly? Scripture and Church history clearly show us examples of covenant friendships, surely we are not denying that, right? What exactly is it that makes one committed friendship (like David and Jonathan’s) good, but another sinful?

[@RobertKellyIII]

How we understand temptation/desire/lust was very confusing. I have heard this concept of internal vs external temptation, but it frankly does not make sense to me. It’s not just that the words are not specifically used in Scripture, I don’t really see the concept there, either. If something is offered from outside, but it has no internal appeal, then it would not have mattered whether Satan offered Jesus bread or a pile of dung. Do you really think Jesus’ experience of temptation was equivalent to me being tempted with dung? Doesn’t that diminish Hebrew 4:15 to the point of being essentially meaningless? Was there really no part of Jesus that found bread appealing when He was hungry? If that is so, how on earth can He have the least idea of what it is like for us to experience temptation? And when we look at James 1, it is clear that verses 14-15 are talking about internal temptation. Yet, James does clearly differentiate this internal desire from sin, even though it can lead to sin. Furthermore, the context here is that James has already said to count it all joy when we are tempted. Yet, he offers no clarification that he it talking about external temptation only in verses 2-4, but internal temptation in verses 14-15. And then when Christopher Yuan gives an example, he seems to be using active vs passive as what distinguishes mere temptation from actual sin, rather than internal vs external. This is the distinction I was always taught growing up in Baptist churches, that it becomes sinful when we actively engage, sinning with our eyes as he said, or even actively holding images, etc in our minds. But this is a fundamentally different paradigm from the internal/external dichotomy. So which is it?

[@CassTeaElle]

My thoughts exactly. Alisa asked specifically for an example of what exactly people in these positions are supposed to be doing, and Christopher didn't answer that question at all.

[@secret_things7944]

I think you have correctly and very insightfully identified a major problem with the thoughts expressed in this video. Yuan and alisa were slamming the idea of nuance while at the same time speaking about a concept (attraction) that is actually very hard to pin down, vague, and at times intangible. The idea of what exactly "attraction" is is actually not easy to grasp. There were times where Yuan was calling relational things sin, that had no context and was actually very disorienting. All of the questions you asked are great questions and point out how overall I think Yuan's points actually just added even more confusion to this topic. Yuan's points had no practical applicaiton, and just leaves us feeling weird about having friends.

[@CassTeaElle]

@@RobertKellyIII tbh, I think the entire problem can be boiled down to the fact that this is Calvinist thinking... people who don't subscribe to the idea that we are all born evil and sinful from the start, even before we have done anything wrong, are not going to understand what Christopher is saying, because what he's saying is inaccurate, contrary to God's nature of being just, and overall just very confusing and makes no sense.