eHarmony Compromises on Same Sex “Marriage”

Many of you have probably heard of the online dating site eHarmony. The cofounder, Neil Clark Warren, describes himself as a “passionate follower of Jesus,” and eHarmony initially only provided its services to heterosexual people. After a legal battle, eHarmony included homosexuals, first in a separate site and later in its main site.

In a recent interview, Warren said that his company has been damaged by the same-sex marriage debate. What does Warren mean by this? Well, according to the Christian Post, he said “that he hopes America can ‘be more harmonious’ on the issue.”

Now, Warren’s view on same-sex marriage is just not biblical. He states, “I think this issue of same-sex marriage within the next five to 15 years will be no issue anymore. We’ve made too much of it. I’m tired of it. It has really damaged our company.” Anyone who knows their Bible and what God's Word teaches about marriage (e.g., Matthew 19) understands that what Warren is saying here isn’t biblical—we can never “make too much” of standing up for the truth of God’s Word and standing against sinful behavior. The same-sex marriage debate has hurt the business of a professing Christian, but God tells us in His Word that we will face persecution for Christ’s sake (Matthew 10:22; 2 Timothy 3:12). And you know, standing up for the Bible’s definition of marriage and its restrictions on sexuality will bring just such persecution from the world.

Even though Scripture offers a clear answer in regard to homosexual behavior, Warren stated, “I have said that eHarmony really ought to put up $10 million and ask other companies to put up money and do a really first class job of figuring out homosexuality. . . . At the very best, it’s been a painful way for a lot of people to have to live. But at this point, at this age, I want America to start drawing together. I want it to be more harmonious.” But you see, it doesn’t take millions of dollars to “figure out homosexuality”—just a few dollars to purchase a Bible where God has made it clear from the beginning of human history that marriage is between a man and a woman. (For more about the Bible’s teaching on homosexual behavior, see Pro-Gay Theology: Does the Bible Approve of Homosexuality?)

Is this what we should expect from a “passionate follower of Jesus”? It seems like Warren is requesting that we overlook the widespread acceptance of sinful behavior and “draw together.” But I have a better idea: the church needs to return to biblical authority in every area of life, including how Christians should view same-sex marriage and homosexual behavior. It doesn’t matter if the culture deems such things acceptable—believers are obligated to preach the full gospel and call for repentance from sin.

Our theme for 2013–14 is “Standing our Ground, Rescuing our Kids.” We need to rescue coming generations from this evil world (Galatians 1:4).

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

I thank Steve Golden for his assistance in writing this blog post.