Recent Interview

I love to see how God works. Here I am, a young husband and father living in a small dutch, conservative town—and God opens a door for me to share his grace with the gay and lesbian community. I was recently interviewed by a southern newsletter called “The Letter”. The interview was brought on by the design of the “Love” poster, and had mixed reactions from it’s editor Dave. Dave and I have had some great conversations and feel blessed for the opportunity to speak with him on his thoughts on homosexuals and Christianity. Please pray that God will use this to show his Grace to the those who need it and soften hearts to repentance.

From “The Letter”
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VanderPol: Does the above information fairly present the background as to why you created the poster? Did I leave anything out that you would like to add?…Anything you would like to clarify based on what I wrote?

Jamison: No, that all seems right. When I first heard about the Heath Ledger protest I got really angry. How can we as Christians stand in judgment of others when we are full of sin ourselves, (Matthew 7:3).

I know my life and the sin that I have, to God I deserve condemnation, but I have been saved and loved by Christ. I need to try my best to obey the commandments that Christ gave us, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40).

I must love and obey God, but I must also love all those who God has placed near me.

VanderPol: Do you think that Rev. Phelps “GOD HATES FAGS” sentiments express how most evangelical Christians feel about homosexuals?

Jamison: No, I would not go that far. I would say that Christians tend to mistakenly place homosexual sin over other sins. Most people feel shame about their sin, but the “homosexual lifestyle” as seen by most Christians “celebrates” it.

I don’t know if Christians know what to do with homosexual sin. It is something most cannot relate to, so they tend to ignore or condemn the sinner.

VanderPol: Do you believe that most evangelical churches REALLY want to have openly gay members in their midst? By “openly gay” I don’t mean that gay folks would be acting out in a sexual manner in a church setting (anymore than heterosexuals do). What I’m speaking of when I use the phrase “openly gay” is lesbian and gay persons who are honest about their sexual orientation if directly or indirectly asked.

Jamison: To answer the question fairly I need to define two groups of people. The first is a self-proclaimed Christian at the church, and the second is a newcomer who is just checking it out.

Lets start out with the newcomer. The church should have no more problem with a homosexual person coming to their church than any other person. As Christians we need to view all sin the same, lets take my lust. Me lusting after a woman is the same as committing adultery, yet the church would welcome me. The church NEEDS to welcome all to the free grace that Christ offers.

OK, now for the self-proclaimed Christian. Lets start out by looking at what the Church should be, a body of believers dedicated to following the teachings of Jesus Christ and dedicated to helping each other grow in faith and understanding. Now if any sin, homosexual or heterosexual, is taking hold of a member of the church it needs to be addressed. As members of Christ’s body we need to confront sin in love as shown in Matthew 18:15-17.

VanderPol: What is your vision of how the Christian community should treat homosexual persons?

Jamison: Our view should be the same as Christ’s: love your neighbor. We need to see all people as people who need Christ’s grace, not just the pretty ones. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God—Romans 3:23.

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