Criticism Of Interview (Press, 25 August 1970)
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Summary: Criticism Of Interview (Press, 25 August 1970)
On 23 August 1970, the Rev. I. S. Kemp, minister of the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle, expressed strong criticism regarding an interview featuring a male homosexual that was broadcast during a women’s radio programme. In his sermon, Mr Kemp described the event as potentially unprecedented for New Zealand, noting that while it could have been justified if the interviewee was portrayed as someone in need of help, it instead presented his lifestyle as reasonable and acceptable. This, in Mr Kemp's view, indicated a troubling decline in social standards and awareness of divine laws. He specifically targeted a statement from the Auckland District Methodist Synod, which appeared to endorse the idea that homosexuality could possess moral responsibility and that pre-marital sex might involve genuine care between partners. According to Mr Kemp, this approach prioritised humanistic values over accountability to God's laws, which he found concerning. He contended that the endorsement of these views by a significant branch of the Christian church was a departure from true Christian morality. While expressing empathy for the loneliness experienced by homosexuals and those engaging in pre-marital sex, Mr Kemp cautioned against losing sight of the moral transgressions involved, asserting that the Christian gospel offers a more righteous and fulfilling alternative. He clarified that his criticism was not intended as an attack on other denominations but rather a reflection of a broader issue affecting the essence of Christian teachings. Mr Kemp warned that the ongoing debates within the church represented a critical moral and intellectual struggle. He concluded with a call for a return to biblical teachings, emphasising the importance of respecting God's laws and recognising the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in living a life aligned with Christ's teachings.
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