Jars of Clay Front-Man Dan Haseltine Twitter Rants Support for Gay Marriage, Dismisses Bible References: 'I Don't Think Scripture 'Clearly' States Anything Regarding Morality'

In a series of tweets posted over the past couple of days, front man of popular Christian band Jars of Clay, Dan Haseltine, has sparked controversy in discussing his views on gay marriage and the Bible.

After a long plane ride, the lead singer seemingly moved by the movie "12 Years a Slave," tweeted, "The treatment of people as less than human based on the color of skin is crazy... Or gender, or sexual orientation for that matter."

That was just the first of a series of messages on the subject.

He added, "Not meaning to stir things up BUT... Is there a non-speculative or non 'slippery slope' reason why gays shouldn't marry? I don't hear one."

Haseltine continued, "I'm trying to make sense of the conservative argument. But it doesn't hold up to basic scrutiny. Feels akin to women's suffrage."

He tweeted, "Is the argument born of isolated application of scripture or is it combined with the knowledge born of friendship with someone who is gay?"

"I just don't see a negative effect to allowing gay marriage. No societal breakdown, no war on traditional marriage. ?? Anyone?"

Christians have long-believed that the Bible clearly teaches that homosexuality is sin, and is therefore condemned behavior by God. In addition, marriage has been defined for thousands of years by the Church as the union between one man and one woman. However, in recent decades a strong liberal movement has pushed for the traditional definition of marriage to be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry, upsetting those who believe the Biblical definition of marriage should be left untouched.

Haseltine paused his Twitter rant because his plane had to taxi, but when he returned to his page the singer had several messages from his Christian supporters showing him Bible scriptures that clearly disagree with his statements. However, the singer dismissed the scriptural references, surprisingly suggesting, "I don't think scripture 'clearly' states much of anything regarding morality."

Haseltine went on to dismiss the Bible's teachings on "what is wrong," tweeting: "I think the vast interpretation has left room for people to deal inhumanly and unlovingly toward others that don't fit their guidelines" and "I don't particularly care about Scriptures stance on what is 'wrong.' I care more about how it says we should treat people."

His comments clearly upset many Christian fans who tweeted streams of Bible verses to argue against what the Jars of Clay front-man was saying, leading him to say, "Tweeting scripture verses to settle my questions of gay marriage isn't helpful."

He also pushed back against the criticism, writing, "Also sad that a guy can't ask tough questions w/o being pounced on. What year is this?"

Well-known Christian publications have also begun to chime in.

"Bible condemns all forms of homoeroticism (as is recognized by many gay scholars as well), while every single example of God-blessed marriage or romance takes place between a man and a woman," Charismanews.com stated.

Even though Haseltime had suggested Bible verses on the topic of marriage were not "helpful" to him in settling his questions, Christians fans and writers have continued to indicate they believe precisely the opposite was needed, and that the Bible was the perfect place to look for God's guidance on the matter. Christiannews.net pointed to various Bible verses, "According to the Scriptures in Matthew 19:4-5, Jesus defined marriage in referring back to Genesis 2:24, '...Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?'"

Jars of Clay were formed in Tennessee in the '90s and today are considered one of the most popular and acclaimed contemporary Christians bands. Do you think Haseltine's comments can affect the band's future in Christian music? Leave your responses in the comment section below.

Read Haseltine's full twitter discussion here.