On Homosexuality: I feel strongly about this.
The Bible doesn’t have a lot to say about homosexuality: there are approximately half a dozen references to it in all of scripture. Although the passages aren’t always black and white, the bible does explicitly establish that homosexuality is a symptom of man’s fall (just like lying or stealing). Tragically, the church has a horrible reputation for ranking homosexuality the worse of all sins and publicly condemning the gay-Christian lifestyle. Although what Christians have to say about homosexuality isn’t necessarily wrong, self-righteous judgment on homosexuality is just as culpable as the homosexual act itself. Somewhere along the line, the traditional idea of “loving the sinner, but hating the sin,” has faded away.Before getting into heated debates about homosexuality, one should consider that we are all under God’s judgment. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” There is not one without blame, except Christ. Romans 2:1 says, “What terrible people you have been talking about! But you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you do these very same things (this is to reaffirm that all sins are equal in the eyes of God; He does not have a sin ranking system). This should help us calm our indignation against homosexuals, for we are all in need of God’s mercy.
The most prominent passage utilized in Christian-radicalism against homosexuality is found in Leviticus 18:22; which says, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” Also, chapter 20 of Leviticus lists homosexuality as a sexual offense such as adultery, fornication, and bestiality. It is not uncommon to see protesters parading around churches and court houses holding up signs with these exact verses written on them. However, the verses protesters use from this chapter—practically the whole book—refers to purity laws of the Old Testament. The argument of Christian ethics in this case is irrelevant: Leviticus is not even appealing to moral law, but to purity laws (i.e. circumcision and diet). The only time there is an explicit theological argument against homosexuality isn’t until later in the New Testament. Only with passages from the New Testament will there be a way of reaching reconciliation between homosexuals and their persecutors (Christians and non-Christian alike).
The fundamental sin—evident since the creation story of Adam and Eve—is following our own desires and refusing to obey (being our own God). This is the only reason why Paul sets aside homosexuality from other sins. He does not set it apart to make it especially immoral, but to serve as a graphical representation of human nature’s rebellion against God’s original design. In Genesis, God’s intention for human sexuality is established: Man and woman are created in the image of God. Man without woman or woman without man does not complete the image of God. They were made for each other, to be fruitful and multiply. And sexual desires are rightly fulfilled through the union between a man and a woman.
When one engages in homosexual activity, it represents a very visible rejection of the Creator’s purpose for his creation. Romans 1:18-32 is a summary of what occurs when one negates God’s purpose:
“Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead. So God let them go ahead and do whatever shameful things their hearts desired….God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relationship with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men and, as a result, suffered within themselves the penalty they so richly deserved”.
With all actions comes retribution; therefore, consequences are not a deliberate act of God trying make our lives as miserable as possible. Instead, consequences arise simply from the self-destructive course of human nature. Lying and greediness are also indicative of mankind’s rejection of God’s authority that yields a vast array of consequences. The goal is to learn from mistakes, try again and make a change for the better.
This is the problem with Gay subculture: they use their sexual preference to identify and isolate themselves from God. They claim their genetic disposition defines them as homosexual, and they cannot change that. On a secular point of view, geneticists argue that having a genetic predisposition does not determine or define the person, because environment weighs much more on the outcome. On a religious point of view, according to the Bible, the only one that can identify a person is God himself (not ourselves), “For I know the plans that I have for you. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Some have genetic dispositions to obesity, alcoholism, and drug addiction; yet, not everyone is obese, an alcoholic, or drug addict that was genetically inclined. At the same time, not everyone inclined to homosexuality is or has overcome those tendencies. Doctors will argue that it is not the body’s goal to have these ailments (obesity, alcoholism, and drug addiction), just as God will argue that homosexuality is not the purpose for His creation.
According to the Bible, human kind—to those that have put their faith in Christ—is in a constant struggle against their nature to be transformed to the likeness of Christ. However, full redemption is not acquired until Christ’s return in the following kingdom: “And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.” This means, that Christians must continue struggling to live faithfully in the present time. The advantage lies with those that can openly struggle with their sin (praying, supporting each other, accountability groups), which is very easy to accomplish in a church family. Unfortunately, homosexuals don’t have as many opportunities to openly struggle with their sin. Gay-Christians should be welcomed, because they are foremost Christian, struggling like any other to remain faithful to the likeness of Christ.
posted by Becca @ 6:29 PM
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