Dean of the chapel, Michael Jordan, delivered the first of three lectures in a series on same sex attraction in Christian higher education. The lecture took place on Tuesday evening in the Chamberlain Center and was titled, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?: Same-sex Attraction and the Christian College.”
“Every few years as students turn over there’s a difference in the way students think” said Jordan when asked why he decided to give the talks. “What is considered “progressive” has drastically changed since I was a student twenty years ago, but even since Jill and I moved back to Houghton, I’ve seen viewpoints shift. It’s important for us to be talking about this – not only our decisions but how we’re thinking about making them.”
Houghton is sponsored by the Wesleyan Church, which has declared, as per their website, “We do not, cannot, and will not endorse homosexual activity as a lifestyle.” The site goes on to say that the denomination has arrived at this conclusion from an “overwhelming preponderance of biblical evidence.” Jordan, who has stated in chapel that he agrees with the official Wesleyan position, affirmed the importance of the Bible in the decision making process. “You need to be considering what theological tools you should be using to make what is essentially a theological decision” he said. “And as gospel people, this an issue you have to think through.”
Some students seem to agree. “I think it’s good he’s not avoiding the subject” said Emilia Gildemiester ’18. Katherine Stevick ‘19 stated, “A lot of people would prefer not to talk about it. It’s important for us to be discussing these issues and listening to each other’s viewpoints.”
Jordan originally stated in a chapel announcement his intention to deliver three lectures. One was to be aimed towards students with a progressive viewpoint on same sex attraction, one aimed towards students who were undecided on the issue and one aimed towards those who maintain a traditional stance. The email announcement also stated that the latter two talks – aimed at those undecided and progressive have been postponed.
According to Jordan, this decision was a result of a meeting between himself and representatives of the LGBTQ community. “A group of students who are affirming of LGBTQ relationships requested to speak with me about my proposed talks” he stated. “After hearing what they had to say, I decided to put off two of talks. I want to try and honor their requests, and I want to give time for that process to happen.” Jordan said he reached an agreement with the group about the content of the first talk before he gave it on Tuesday.
Jordan said he had slightly modified the content of his first talk so that it can stand alone, but it is still covers most of the same information he originally planned for his conservative segment. He currently plans to give the second two talks later in the semester or early next year depending on when he can come to an agreement with the group of students.
“I was looking forward to all three of Dean Jordan’s talks; I think there is something for everyone to get out of all three of them no matter your viewpoint” said Casey Greene ’18. Stevick agreed and added, “It’s always good to listen to each other.”