Should it matter who people choose to be in a relationship with?
What’s the harm in two men getting married?
Or how about if two women want to be in an intimate relationship?
What’s wrong with that if they aren’t hurting anyone?
These are just a few of the questions that you’ll find answers to in this article.
Why Am I Writing This Article?
The tension between the LGBT and Christian community has been so tense over the past year, that you can cut it with a bulldozer.
It’s that bad.
But it shouldn’t be.
There are a lot of questions that are asked of Christians when it comes to the topic of homosexuality.
Here are the top 5 questions, in my opinion (there are variations of these types of questions too, so keep that in mind as you read this list):
1. Gays and lesbians are born homosexual, so shouldn’t they be able to be in a gay relationship if they want to?
2. Aren’t Christians judging gays when the Bible says you shouldn’t judge?
3. Christians don’t follow the Old Testament dietary laws, nor do they follow the law about mixing different types of cloths. So then why should Christians follow the Old Testament view that homosexuality is a sin?
4. If God is love, then two gay people should be able to love each other if they want to, shouldn’t they?
5. Being gay doesn’t hurt anyone, so then what’s the big deal?
These are some difficult questions, right?
I’m going to give you Biblical and loving answers to each one of the questions.
Ready?
Let’s dig in.
1. Gays and lesbians are born homosexual, so shouldn’t they be able to be in a gay relationship if they want to?
So first up, is there a gay gene?
As much as some people feel like they are born gay, there is no scientific evidence that proves that there is a gay gene. (source)
I asked one of my gay friends about the topic of being born gay.
This gay friend of mind has become a Christian and is now practicing abstinence.
By the way, practicing abstinence just means that my Christian friend still feels attracted to people of the same-sex, but he just chooses not to act upon that attraction.
So I asked my friend, “Do you feel like you were born gay?”
He answered (I’m paraphrasing), “For the longest time, I did feel like I was born gay. But now that I’m a born-again Christian, I don’t feel that way anymore.
“I feel like that is a part of the deception when you practice homosexuality.
“Most of us, for as long as we can remember, can think of how we were attracted to the same-sex. But that doesn’t mean I was born gay.”
Some studies claim that there is a gay gene.
However, these gay gene scientific studies are still inconclusive at the moment.
Now let’s talk about the second part of this question: shouldn’t we give people a free pass on who they can be in a relationship with?
The bottom line is that God calls sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and a woman sin.
So let’s take a look at some examples of sexual sins in the Bible other than homosexuality:
- bestiality ( having sex with an animal)
- fornication (a man and a woman having sex who are unmarried)
- adultery ( a man and woman having sex while either one or both of them are married to someone else)
So why does God call these sexual activities sin? And why does God call homosexuality sin?
I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the answer to these questions later in this blog post.
2. Aren’t Christians judging gays and lesbians when the Bible says you shouldn’t judge?
A Bible verse that’s often quoted by people when discussing homosexuality is from Mathew 7:1 where Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.”
Some people interpret this verse to mean that you should never tell people that some things they’re doing are sins.
Is that what Jesus was saying when He said, “Judge not, that you be not judged”?
The answer lies in the few verses that follow. Check out what it says:
For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?
Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Mathew 7:2-5
If you read this verse in context, then you’ll understand what Jesus is saying.
Jesus isn’t saying that you shouldn’t judge others, He is saying that you shouldn’t judge others hypocritically.
If your life is full of garbage and you’re acting like your life is full of diamonds, then don’t be pointing the finger at others.
The second point I’d like to make is that when a Christian calls homosexuality a sin, then he or she isn’t engaging in judging others.
It’s actually God who is doing the judging.
God gave us His Word so we can know right from wrong.
He is the only perfect Judge, and He alone is the One who sets the standard for what is and isn’t sin.
3. Christians don’t follow the Old Testament dietary laws, nor do they follow the law about mixing different types of cloths.
So then why should Christians follow the Old Testament view that homosexuality is a sin?
Just so you and I are on the same page, some of the Old Testament dietary laws can be found in Leviticus 11, and they are:
- God told Moses that certain animals were “clean” to eat — those with cloven hooves which chewed the cud such as cattle, goats, sheep, and deer.
- Additionally, fish with fins and scales are okay to eat.
- Insects of the locust family were also considered “clean.”
- Unclean animals such as the pig, camel, and rabbit were not to be eaten because they chew the cud but do not have cloven hooves.
- All carnivorous birds, sea creatures without fins and scales, most insects, rodents, reptiles, and so forth were also considered “unclean.”
As for the Old Testament instruction of not wearing a piece of clothing that have a mixed type of fabric, it’s found in Deuteronomy 22:11:
“You shall not wear a garment of different sorts, such as wool and linen mixed together.”
So the objection then is why do Christians ignore these dietary and clothing laws found in the Old Testament, but they acknowledge the commandment that homosexual activity is a sin?
So here are four reasons:
Reason #1 – The Old Testament dietary laws were given to the children of Israel to observe for health reasons.
There weren’t food safety regulations or healthy ways to cook foods during that time.
So to prevent disease and an unhealthy diet, God gave the law to Moses about which animals are okay to eat and which ones aren’t.
But now, Christians don’t have to observe these dietary laws because of what’s written in Colossians 2:16:
“So let no one judge you in food or drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths.”
Also, when Peter didn’t want to eat certain animals that he saw in a vision because they were unclean, Peter was instructed otherwise.
Peter was told in Acts 10:15, “What God has cleansed you must not call common or unclean.”
You can read the whole passage by checking out Acts 10-9-15.
Reason #2 – One of the reasons the Old Testament commandment was given to not wear clothes made of different types of fabrics was because of the hot climate.
From what we know today about fabrics, if you mix wool and linen together, then it increases the passing of electricity from the body.
In hot climates like in the Middle East, this can cause dangerous fevers, and it can make you lose your strength quickly (source).
So God was looking out for the well-being of the Israelites when He gave them this command about not mixing fabrics.
Reason #3 – Both the dietary and fabric laws are not moral in nature.
Both the dietary and clothings laws have to do with health reasons.
That’s why they are not an accurate comparison to the sexual sin of homosexuality or to the other sexual sins.
It’s like comparing an apple to a watermelon.
Reason #4 – Homosexuality is named as a sin in the New Testament.
That means that you are to abstain from homosexual sin, heterosexual sin, and any kind of sexual activity that’s outside of the bond of marriage.
While there are several passages in the New Testament that mention that homosexuality is a sin, I’m going to mention the one found 1 Corinthians 6:9-10:
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
I don’t want you to think that I’m picking just on homosexuals.
Notice in this verse that the Bible also mentions fornicators (sex outside of marriage), and adultery as sins as well.
4. But if God is love, then two gay people should be able to love each other if they want to, shouldn’t they?
Yes God is love, and because He loves you, He wants to do what’s in your best interest.
And if you’re caught up in a homosexual lifestyle, then that is not something that is in your best interest.
It’s the same thing with fornication and adultery.
That’s why God calls these types of activities sin – immoral acts that are against God’s law.
1 John 4:8 says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
The “love” referenced in this Bible verse is the Greek word “agape.”
The word Agape is the highest form of love.
It’s the kind of love that is self-sacrificing.
“For God so loved (agaped) the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,” reads John 3:16.
Fornication, adultery, and homosexuality are not the kind of agape love that God talks about in the Bible.
5. Being gay doesn’t hurt anyone, so then what’s the big deal?
Actually, being gay does hurt someone.
It hurts the person that’s engaged in homosexual behavior.
That’s because homosexuality is one of the sexual sins, and sexual sins are sins against the body.
Here, check out this Bible verse:
Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.1 Corinthians 6:18
What does it mean to sin outside the body?
And what does it mean to sin against the body?
Sin first and foremost affects your mind.
Think about lying, hating, or covetousness.
All these things affect your mind which in turn affect your behavior.
But when it comes to sexual immorality, your whole body is used to commit sin.
This has an additional deep negative impact on your will, mind, and even your character.
That’s why sexual sins are so serious.
Key Takeaways
God loves all sinners, and He loves those who are practicing a homosexual lifestyle.
There are many people who were once gay but who have put their faith in Christ, and repented of their sins.
As a result, some have gotten married to a member of the opposite sex, and are in a committed and loving heterosexual relationship.
For other ex-homosexuals, they are single and practice abstinence when they feel a homosexual attraction.
Christians who call homosexuality a sin are not being hateful or judgemental.
In fact, they are loving because they are warning others about the dangers of homosexuality.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying that all Christians who go about this topic do it in a loving way.
Unfortunately, some Christians have done much harm to the cause of Christ because of the nasty way they have addressed the topic of homosexual sin.
They are a terrible representation of how Christians ought to behave.
We should be loving and kind people who warn others about the dangers of sin.
Got a question or comment about this topic? Go ahead and post it below so that other readers will enjoy the discussion.
About the Author
Comments 77
All of your “answers” are predicated on the fact that 1.) we believe the Bible is right about any of this, and 2.) that people should have to live their lives based on the Bible.
For all we know, the Bible is wrong. For all we know there is no God. And most importantly, even if the Bible is right and even if there is a God, we are free to live our lives following the laws of man. It’s not up to anyone else to tell gay people how to live. The most apocryphal thing I think I read in this piece is your gay friend is abstaining from sex because he feels it’s a sin to be attracted to other men. What kind of hellish god would allow a person to be born feeling all the same sexual urges as anyone else, only to make them feel attractions for the same gender, and then tell them it’s wrong and not give into the urges that he put there in the first place??!? So now your friend has to live his entire life plagued by feelings of love and lust and deny those feelings? That’s just cruel. That’s the kind of backwards teachings that give us pedophile priests.
But Linie, aren’t you making the same assumption that you are accusing me of about people being born gay? More importantly, are you an atheist?
Great reply Linie! And btw, who cares if you’re an atheist when it comes to this topic?!? I’m not sure what bearing that would have on producing logical thoughts on the matter??
The key takeaway for me from this post are the following two statements:
“The second point I’d like to make is that when a Christian calls homosexuality a sin, then he or she isn’t engaging in judging others.” Followed by “And if you’re caught up in a homosexual lifestyle, then that is not something that is in your best interest.”
I’d like to get an explanation for your logic here Peter. Are you offering an opinion with those statements? A judgement?
Thanks,
R
Author
Hi R, good question. I’m saying this based on the Bible. Since I am a Christian, that is what I follow. Since God says it is not in any humans best interest to commit any kind of sexual sins ( which include adultery, fornication, and homosexuality) then that is what I go by.
Peter – God’s stance on sexual sins (or MANY other things for that matter) taken from passages in the Bible seem very open to interpretation. How do we figure out if yours or someone elses differing dogma the correct one? Thanks.
R
Author
R, would you be so kind as to give me an example of God stance on sexual sins and how they are open to interpretation?
The reason I’m asking is because I believe that when it comes to sexual sins, the Bible is very clear about which ones are considered sins. So nothing really comes to mind when you ask your question.
Linie,
If you are CERTAIN that The Bible is just another book, why don’t you take the time and have a heart to heart conversation with “The Author.” I am certain that HE would love to hear from you.
Peter, what do you mean by what youre saying?
Peter, I agree with your rationale for your position except for Reason #1. The Bible does not tell us why God gave those specific regulations (commandments). For health is only speculative and why I still observe those commands as best I can. In addition, Peter himself interprets the vision not with respect to unclean animals but to ministering to Gentiles.
Don, those are some great insights. And you are right, it is speculation on my part. Therefore, it’s only my opinion and definitely not theology or doctrine.
Thank you for pointing that out!
People in hot climates can’t wear clothing of 2 materials because its a health hazard? Are you serious? That’s a terrible interpretation. All this article does is make more and more speculations and interpretations. If you look up online there are hundreds of other explanations to every verse. You just choose to believe that homosexuality is worse than every other sin. I’m making speculation here, but wouldn’t you say it’s safe to assume you have committed all sorts of sins such as adultery, fornication, stealing, envy of another, using gods name in vein, putting other things before him, etc. How is it that you haven’t experienced this “gay sin”? Are you immune to it? I bet you almost every christian follower can say they have committed those sins i listed prior without a doubt, so unless they can admit to committing homosexual sins as well then you are just reinforcing the idea that being gay is not a sin (since it doesn’t affect many christian followers).
Agreed Objection!
Seems like some very speculative interpretations and assumptions are being posited in this post. Some are actually bordering on offensive. Sorry Peter, you know I generally enjoy your posts, but this one……. Not so much.
And before you ask – No, I’m not gay.
Author
LOL, no, I was not going to ask if you’re gay 🙂
I’m just shocked when you said that you enjoy my posts. I was under the impression that you despise me and my writing. So either way, thank you for your kind words about my previous articles 🙂
Same here.
Peter,
You do realize that homos are unable to help which body parts they are attracted to right? lol
Sheesh do we seriously need a bible to debate this?
As far as some of the comments below.
I don’t understand how adults having sex with minors is even remotely comparable to being genuinely gay.
I know one thing if my son or daughter came to me in tears the LAST THING I would do is make them feel shame for whom they choose to love.
Would be a pretty dismal exist and I highly doubt any “loving” creator would certainly want that for us.
As far as I’m concerned 2 consenting adults should being able to do as they see fit with each other. Why must it be more complicated than that.
I gave this some more thought and I have to say this reminds me of why I stopped with stupidity of Christianity and thier lack of good common sense.
I felt terrible for the gentlemen written about above who’s gay and withholds, brainwashed into thinking he’s wrong.
I’m not even gay and this greatly offended me.
Take care guys.
Author
So what are your spiritual beliefs, Ben? I understand that you are not a Christian, what belief system do you ascribe to?
Author
I’m not sure if you saw this as you are reading the article, but right next to that part about the clothing of two materials I included a link to the source of where I got the information. The article that I linked to explains the science between mixing fabrics like wool and linen which, where the common fabrics of that time.
For your convenience, I’m going to copy and paste an excerpt from the article:
The Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary offers the following explanation for Leviticus 19:19:
“The law, it is to be observed, did not prohibit the Israelites wearing many different kinds of cloths together, but only the two specified; and the observations and researches of modern science have proved that ‘wool, when combined with linen, increases its power of passing off the electricity from the body. In hot climates, it brings on malignant fevers and exhausts the strength; and when passing off from the body, it meets with the heated air, inflames and excoriates like a blister’ [Whitlaw]. (See Ezekiel 44:17-18.)”
And no, I do not choose to believe that homosexuality is worse than every other sin. In fact, I equate it with the sin of adultery and fornication multiple times in my article. And just FYI, I am guilty of committing many sins including idolatry, lying, and blasphemy.
So I’m definitely not any better than my friends who practice fornication, adultery, homosexuality, idolatry, covetousness, or any other sin. God has been so merciful to me and I am so thankful!
Peter, thank you SO much for this post. It’s a great resource of scriptures to
choose from to answer these questions. I really appreciate you. Keep up the GREAT work for Christ. Grace and peace.
Author
Thanks so much Vanessa, you are such a sweet sister! Blessings
Peter you’re a funny guy! You know I enjoy your posts and (I’m smiling as I type) reading all the varying opinions on your thoughts. Please keep them coming!
I spent a couple of minutes on Google finding links to answer your question of “an example of God stance on sexual sins and how they are open to interpretation?”. Looks like Christianity (Christianities??) is pretty fluid on how they interpret scripture on the homosexuality topic:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominational_positions_on_homosexuality
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_clergy_in_Christianity
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/29/AR2005112901852.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/presbyterian-church-gay-ministers/
http://www.christianpost.com/news/baptist-church-founded-by-first-sbc-president-allows-ordination-of-gay-and-transgender-ministers-142997/
http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/111-clergy-clergy-candidates-come-out-as-gay
I’m sure you could read articles till dawn on the subject if you were interested enough. These are the first few that popped up. I’m interested in your take on the disagreement among sects of Christianity and how to clearly identify/define the correct doctrine based on Biblical scripture.
As always, I appreciate the respectful conversation! Peace.
R
Thanks R For the engaging conversation and for all the links. So I have to tell you, I didn’t click through all of the articles but I did click through a couple.
So here is my take on why there are so many different variations on the topic of homosexuality in the church.
1. In some cases, you have Christians who decide to harmonize the culture with Christianity. If you had asked them 20 years ago if homosexuality is a sin according to the Bible, they would say yes. But the minute that there is opposition and homosexual marriage is legalized, all of a sudden they see the Scriptures in a different light. They change the interpretation of the Bible so that they can be seen as more loving and accepting people.
2. Some people have a view of the Scriptures that some of it is relevant for today and some of it is not. They see it as a historic book that was written for back-in-the day. They think that there are some good lessons that can be applied to life today. But there are some things that are outdated. They treat the Bible the way they treat their pizza, they add and remove whatever toppings they like.
3. Then there are false converts who claim to be Christians but really, they are not. The church is filled with them. They go to church on Sundays but their life is full of sin and they are unrepentant. I use these terms, R, only because I know that you have a Christian background and so you understand what they mean. And so naturally, these people will have their own interpretation of the Scriptures which are wrong.
There are probably more types that I can think of but for now, I think this is enough. I hope that clarifies my two cents on the subject.
Peter –
Thanks for the quick and thoughtful response. What I really want to know is HOW to clearly identify/define the correct doctrine based on Biblical scripture??
R
Author
I think it’s a very good question, R, but that topic of different interpretations is quite vast. I try to address it in a previous blog post. I’m not sure if you read it or not. But in case you didn’t or you didn’t get a chance read all of it, here it is: http://notashamedofthegospel.com/apologetics/biggest-mistake-skeptics-make-reading-bible/
People can and will “see” whatever they want to see in the Bible. They will take it out of context to support their own opinion. The Message bible is a perfect example of this. If one reads the Bible and it never upsets or bothers them in any way, well they are drawing the wrong conclusions. Every single one of us has sinned against God. I have committed fornication, used God’s name in vain, theft, lying and many other sins against God, I’m no better than anyone else.
As for homosexuality, the Bible makes it abundantly clear both in the New Testament and the Old Testament that homosexuality as well as sex outside marriage is a sin. There is no arguing that point based on what the Bible has to say about it.
That being said, it is not ok for any Christian to be hateful towards a homosexual. If we hate the homosexual, then we need to hate ourselves as well, because who among us us is without sin. When the woman was caught in adultery, (punishable by stoning to death) and brought before Jesus to be condemned – His words were, (I’m paraphrasing here) – he who is without sin can cast the first stone at her.
Lastly, on the tired old argument of Old Testament verses New Testament: in the NT Jesus tells us what the 2 most important commandments are, love the Lord with all your heart and soul and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. So, if we love the Lord, we obey Him, and we strive to love others, which at times means telling them truths they may not want to hear, in a loving manner, while still treating them with respect .
By the way – I forgot, NO one cast a stone at the woman, not one.
Great article Peter, God bless you Bro.
“When the woman was caught in adultery [punishable by stoning to death]”…WHY was adultery punishable by stoning to death? BECAUSE GOD COMMANDED IT previously, same with stoning nonvirgin brides–picture heaving huge stones at your daughter or your son’s fiancee with the intent to KILL her, not just chucking pebbles and saying that was naughty. Was–IS–stoning just a cultural thing God got tired of and quit commanding? Was God just kidding? Did people just misinterpret the text? Can we just dismiss it as a strange aberration in an otherwise perfect book transmuted thru the centuries by a perfect, holy, just God? Can we as easily dismiss claims of heaven and hell?
Sandra, I’m going to cater my response to you specifically because I know you have a Christian background. So we know that in the Old Testament, all sin was punishable by death. So if you think adultery is a big deal, then what about lying? Certainly, it’s not that big of a deal. But to God it is a big deal because it still considered a sin. Even one single small sin is enough to give us the punishment that we deserve for breaking God’s law.
But Jesus doesn’t want you and I to go to hell for breaking His commandments. God gave us Jesus so if we put our faith in Him and repent of our sins, then we can avoid the punishment for our sins, which is hell, and we can receive eternal life which is heaven.
Thanks Peter, but that doesn’t address the issue of individuals being instructed in the Bible to kill for God’s sake. Tevya in Fiddler on the Roof is such a tragic character because he has to follow through on the commitment he made, and his daughters know they will be cast away from their parents, never to return, if they choose the happiness of marriage over their father’s devotion to his god and their insulated Jewish community. Pretending your daughters are dead is not the same as heaving rocks and smashing their bodies because you chose to follow a still small voice. At what point was casting rocks dumbed down to casting away, and how many parents today could honestly choose to cast away their children for God’s sake? If parents do not choose to reject their homosexual children–or children who have chosen a homosexual lifestyle–are they sinning for not choosing God–it is violating the 1st Commandment, after all–do neighbors and church members have to stone them for not stoning their kids, or cast them away for not casting away their kids, lest their sin of omission infest the whole community?
Just a few quick thoughts…perhaps I’ll develop my ideas further…
Author
Hi Sandra, here’s my two cents on the topic of God instructing the children of Israel to stone their kids if they commit adultery. In the Old Testament, we see that God used people to execute His judgment. Remember, that the Old Testament is both a metaphor and a foreshadowing of the things to come (Jesus). God used the Old Testament to reveal to us that we are all sinners. If you commit just one sin, then you are guilty of the judgment. In fact, if you are guilty of just one lie, then you are guilty of the judgment.
But then in the New Testament, we see that God gave us Jesus so that whoever believes in Him will not be guilty of the judgment any more. He or she will be able to go to heaven instead of going to hell. So that’s why you see these judgments by God in the Old Testament.
I suppose you’ll probably say that it’s too harsh. I remember that’s what I used to think when I was an atheist. If God is so rich in mercy, then why wouldn’t He be merciful to those who are committing sins?
But God is merciful to those who humble themselves and acknowledge that they are sinners. Either way, Sandra, those are just my thoughts. Blessings ?
“But then in the New Testament, we see that God gave us Jesus so that whoever believes in Him will not be guilty of the judgment any more. He or she will be able to go to heaven instead of going to hell. So that’s why you see these judgments by God in the Old Testament.”
Again, Peter, I have to ask, “What about the billions?” The threat of hell-fire and damnation is terrible and horrific and unfathomable–billions of people condemned to ETERNITY in hell…billions of years in conscious torment, or separation from God and each other, or their current sins increasing incrementally forever, or whatever whoever believes about “hell”–because they lied, cheated, stole, swore, committed a homosexual act, had sex outside of marriage, murdered someone…and then to declare that it’s their own fault because God gave the Bible to a small group of people thousands of years ago, withheld it from everyone else, prevented its worldwide distribution, allowed it to get corrupted and mistranslated, let the enemy he created (Satan) influence their lives and be indistinguishable from himself, remained invisible and silent…and they should have known better? It simply doesn’t compute, and certainly doesn’t qualify God for the adjectives “holy” and “merciful”.
Why – because that is how seriously God takes adultery. There was no misinterpretation of the text, and the OT cannot in any way shape or form be dismissed as being out of context, out of touch, or an “aberration”. Likewise, Heaven and Hell are well attested to in the Bible, Jesus spoke on both subjects many times as did the writers of the Bible through the influence of the Holy Spirit. Heaven and Hell are very real…
Did God change the rules between the Old Testament and the New Testament? Actually NO, He did not. Yes there are many rules in the Mosaic Law, and there are many things that are not followed today. That being said, if we stop to consider the two most important commandments according to Jesus, those being: love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and the second – love your neighbor as yourself; these two commandments fulfill ALL the law of the Old Testament and then some. For if we obey God, love God, and treat all people (our neighbors) with love – then we would do no harm of any kind to anyone. Is that practical for us to do?, not really, we are human and we sin, yet we are certainly to try our utmost. Still, it does answer the question of the Old Testament laws etc. in comparison to the NT. Also – it bears mentioning that the penalty for sin with the crucifixion of Christ has been paid for – for those who repent of their sin. For those who do not, unfortunately they will pay the price of their own sin, eternity in hell. God sends no one to hell, we send ourselves there if we refuse the offer of forgiveness extended to us by God.
I hope that sheds some light Sandra, God bless
Greg
Thanks Greg for illustrating perfectly how everyone interprets holy, perfect, unaltering scripture in every different way imaginable.
I hope more people take the time to let us know exactly how God wants these verses followed.
I’m far from perfect as said, but this is not about what I said, it is about what God has said. Verses dealing with homosexualism are not really open to interpretation. God made it very clear how He felt about the subject, same with marriage. What little I commented on is not really open to misinterpretation unless it is done willfully by those looking to excuse their sin.
Greg –
Since Peter didn’t answer what I asked above, I’ll pose it to you in response to your comment. It looks like God hasn’t made his stance on homosexuality (or much else) very clear to His various followers.
I spent a couple of minutes on Google finding links to answer your question of “an example of God stance on sexual sins and how they are open to interpretation?”. Looks like Christianity (Christianities??) is pretty fluid on how they interpret scripture on the homosexuality topic:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominational_positions_on_homosexuality
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_clergy_in_Christianity
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/29/AR2005112901852.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/presbyterian-church-gay-ministers/
http://www.christianpost.com/news/baptist-church-founded-by-first-sbc-president-allows-ordination-of-gay-and-transgender-ministers-142997/
http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/111-clergy-clergy-candidates-come-out-as-gay
I’m sure you could read articles till dawn on the subject if you were interested enough. These are the first few that popped up. I’m interested in your take on the disagreement among sects of Christianity and how to clearly identify/define the correct doctrine based on Biblical scripture.
Another great article Peter. As a single Christian heterosexual man, it was also convicting. I pray that all those debating this sensitive subject matter do so just as you have written it: with grace and compassion, all while never budging from Biblical Truth. May God help us all to see the planks in our own eyes! But most of all, I pray for all Christians to be prepared to give an answer for the HOPE that is within us. It’s that hope, Jesus, that truly changes hearts and transforms minds.
Author
Hi Jeff, I’m reading your comment right before I go to sleep. It’s the perfect way to end my night. Thank you so much for the sweet encouragement, my dear brother. It means the world to me. God bless you, Jeff?.
Great article and i believe everything your saying is the truth. Dont stop preaching this. May God bless you abundantly!
Author
Thanks Jemma, God bless you too!
Very good answers Peter. Keep up the great work! I admire the loving way with which you answer opposition.
Author
Thanks so much Mamabear, you are such a blessing and so encouraging!
Hi R/that guy, ? I deeply appreciate your sensibilities and genuine inquisitiveness in this matter that I was inspired to help at least try with a warm heart to answer your question.
However I do apologize for the impersonal repose… For now it’s not in my own words, I lack an expeditious way with words, I go off on side roads and I always have to go back and edit for the sake of the other person…? and its late now but I believe that in my desire to provide you response, this piece might help… is pretty comprehensive and sound, I’m not endorsing this ministry although I respect their ministry. I hope this might provide a trustworthy answer to your question better than in my own words
https://answersingenesis.org/hermeneutics/how-we-interpret-the-bible-principles-for-understanding/
I’d love to share my story with you offline… I used to inquire things like u too. I had this same question you have and then I experienced Luke 24:45 and then 24:46 for the first time became real to me to a set of boldly and seemingly “coincidental” events that even I of inquisitive mind was made for a moment through certain circumstances to become like a child to learn and trust… I have journaled countless situations in detail tracing evidences of this passage reoccurring my life. The Holy Spirit is how opens the scriptures so that we understand them one thing is reading and processing through the mind the understanding is only possible through the person of the Holy Spirit and that is what “renews the mind and heart” i know it might sounds like a bunch of Christian default answers but this is literal not analogous. The mind and the creature is made new it’s really beautiful
“Now He (Jesus) said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.””
The promise of power from on high is the Holy Spirit and He leads us into the Truth and speaks on Gods authority(John 16:12-16) We who receive Christ by faith through grace, is required for proper interpretation) but sinful man (me included) always susceptible of getting in the way of interpreting and then can lead up with situations like divisions among the body that which God did not intend His church people are supposed tone united inOne Spirit … especially the things that man cannot reconcile the deep things of God that are meant to be left mystery if man could explain away God “perfectly” according to human (im)”perfection” God would not be God.
Shalom and with the love of Christ,
“That gal” J ?
Oh dear and may I correct myself! to correct my use of English language! I meant to express” I am not here “promoting” a certain ministry “. Mistakenly used word ” endorsing” wrong word! I deeply am grateful for the ministry and hard work that produces the answers in Genesis site resources for advancing the Gospel and being a part of the Great commission. Mark 14-20 lastly the scripture I pasted above in previous text is quoted from Niv is Luke 24:44-49 (I inserted Jesus’ name in parenthesis at the beginning for context although I encourage you to read the whole chapter?) Sorry again!
Hi Peter, Jess, R, and all the fine folks interacting on this thread…
I appreciate all the insights, and welcome discussion–you can find me on Twitter as @WiserThanIWasB4…I used to promote Answers in Genesis resources, also, and sent them a lot of money to sponsor radio ads in the Washington DC area for their ministry and Creation Museum. Then I published a book and got on Twitter to promote it, and was blasted by scientists of all sorts who have legitimate reasons to recognize that the earth is ancient–“hating God” never factors into their work
Author
Sandra, Dr. Jason Lisle of the Institute of creation research just spoke at our church today. He has a PhD and he is an astrophysicist. His talk was about why origins matter and why we can trust the Bible for its accurate account of creation.
The talk is going to be available online for free. Would you like me to post a link here so you can check it out once it posts?
Sure, I’d love a link. Hopefully this reply will post correctly, now that I’ve remembered to check in, and spent a bunch o time doing this wrong.
Author
Here you go Sandra, here’s the link to the video I was telling you about from Dr. Lisle who is an astrophysicist and talks about our origins https://youtu.be/_eD2EMlhZa0
Peter,
19:00-19:25 of the video tells me everything I need to know about Dr. Lisle’s narrow stance and agenda on this subject. His opinion is that calculated, repeatable, peer reviewed science MUST take a back seat to his presuppositions and stated goal of “getting people saved” to make denying ALL verified observations of our surroundings make sense.
The scientific method divorces itself from his accepted pseudoscience / presuppositions and develops models that accurately predict what we will find if models of the origins of the our universe and evolutionary theory are correct. These models accurately predict what we observe in the world around us.
This is absolutely irrefutable. ICR has failed at every turn to produce evidence accepted by the scientific community to even consider the creation myth as a viable model to explain the origin of the universe, much less everything we observe around us today.
R
You’re absolutely right, thatguy! And each Answers in Genesis source says the same thing, whether in speaking engagements, videos, newsletters, books, radio bits, or any other opportunity. They make the same statement over and over again, that their version of science is superior, is in fact the TRUTH, because they START with the Bible, God’s Word, instead of “man’s word” which is any field of science, reason, theology, or popular culture that reaches millions-of-years or any other conclusion than the one they espouse: YHWH created the universe from nothing just 6-10,000 years ago. Everything else is a compromise designed to instill doubt and lead believers astray–“If you can’t trust Genesis, you can’t trust the Bible!”
Yet another interesting aspect of AiG is that they have relied on Jason Lisle, Ken Ham, Georgia Purdom, Jonathan Sarfati, Tommy Menton, Dan Lietha and just a couple of others for DECADES to be their spokespeople. I saw Dr Kurt Wise a couple of years ago (exactly when my faith was faltering) and he is now on the outs with them, having fallen out of favor with the establishment, but he, too insists that we need to start–and end–with YEC (Young Earth Creationism) because that’s what the Bible teaches. He developed “baraminology” which is the study of “baramin” or “biblical kinds”; we had an interesting talk when I asked about the “Darwinian tree of life” model, as contrasted with the “false” creation model (a “lawn”, which claims God created each species separately) and his own “true” creation model, an “orchard”, with each group started by God and branching into treeS of life. I’ll try to post illustrations on Twitter, where you can find me @WiserThanIWasB4.
I no longer have a website, because a good friend was offended by it, and didn’t want me generating offense towards the wonderful Christians I’ve known and loved my whole life, or precious people like Peter, who endeavor to support believers by developing Christian worldviews among their local and global communities.
I’ll watch the video soon, and perhaps comment further. Thanks to all for reading and pondering and journeying alongside others on this amazing adventure of life!
Minor, but desperately important correction: you say “the creation myth” but it’s actually “the creation myth presented in the Bible”, because there are many, many creation stories that people around the world have told for generations. It’s a false dichotomy to present only 2 options when there are others, I learned early on!
And BTW, if Dr. Lisle has an “Ultimate Proof of Creation”, I expect to see him receive the Noble Prize and put the issue to rest once an for all.
R
Ha ha! I was challenged to submit the ultimate proof of God and claim my Nobel prize, as well!
I have no idea how to look it up, but I’ve been told that Creationist papers aren’t rejected because they’re Creationist, but because they’re not submitted.
Hi Peter, Since sin of whatever type is a spiritual matter it’s clear that there is a spirit of perversion that’s behind the sin of homosexuality. Most Christians who are spiritually discerning should be able see that this twisted spirit in most cases is related to a spirit of lust. As to how such a spirit could enter into a person is a matter of speculation, but I believe that it’s quite possible that spirits — good and evil — can enter a baby while in the mother’s womb. With this in mind, SOME who are bedeviled by this perverse spirit, those who believe that they were born “that way” may be right — it’s just that it wasn’t in their genes but was a spiritual force imposed upon them. However, to them, and all who are beset by sin there is real hope in Jesus Christ — and the power to be set free forever!
Author
You make very interesting points, Peter. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with the Not Ashamed of the Gospel community. I’m sure they’re going to find them valuable. God bless you ?.
Love the conversation and all the thinking going on here! I’m going to reply to 3 different people in this comment so hopefully everyone sees it!
Sandra –
I absolutely agree with your thoughts on the reasons science discounts the creation myth! People should beware AIG and their message of pseudoscience. The research and findings they promote are blatantly inaccurate. I hope everyone reading these posts will follow your twitter feed – great stuff there!
Jess –
Thanks for a very thoughtful comment! I really appreciate your sentiment and can honestly feel your care and concern for people. I’d say 2 things:
1. I’d be happy to hear your story offline anytime!
2. Never stop being inquisitive. Nobody has found all the answers yet!
Peter –
Yes, I read your post on mistakes skeptics make. Here’s the comments I left back in July: “Throughout history (and all the religions that have come and gone) faith has proven to have a terrible track record as a mechanism to determine truth. I doubt very many people make critical decisions in other areas of their lives in this manner. Why is it just the given norm when it comes to religion??”
My current question still stands – HOW do you clearly identify/define the correct doctrine based on Biblical scripture?? Every branch, denomination, group, church, individual has a different view and interpretation of the same book. How is this possible when everyone is basing their dogma on the same source?
As always Peter, thanks for providing a forum to discuss what I consider vital and fun topics!
R
Author
Hey R, just a quick note that your messages to Sandra and Jess did not get to them. I wanted to let you know because my website is built on WordPress.
Commentors only get an email notification if you reply to their specific comment. So if you try to reply to all three of us in a single comment, unfortunately those people will not get an email notification.
Sorry about that, I know it’s a hassle. I just wanted to let you know in case you wanted to keep the dialogue going.
Thanks R
Got it – thanks!
Hey that guy! Can you DM or otherwise identify yourself on Twitter?
Not sure if it’s a standard iPad problem or operator error, but I’m having difficulty posting…again, I’m on Twitter as @WiserThanIWasB4 and would love to carry on the convo, or chat on any other topic! Please introduce yourself publicly or via DM, as there are a lot of follow-bots and I don’t always check new followers or responders. I highly recommend that folks get on Twitter for cultural literacy and follow a variety o viewpoints, science, current events, etc, not just pleasant platitude posters ;~}
Thanks for sharing those posts. God bless!
John 14New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Jesus the Way to the Father
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
“Come now; let us leave.
Lord , show those who believe they ARE gay what they were made for by YOU and don’t let them go to the left or the right .. in Jesus name .so be it .
I think sexual issues are not quite as clear as most Christians would have hoped. I hear folks chirping about God’s unchanging moral law, yet even the law against adultery did not forbid polygamy or concubines. I also think we underestimate humanity’s brokenness. We Christians often dismissively accost same sex attracted folks as if they are just making this up, same with transgender. I think some are just experimenting, but many have actual orientation. I’ve seen those preschool kids who cannot identify with their own gender. Now none of this means we may all just act on our desires. Our desires all need to be subject to Christ. The bible alone cannot testify about this and the Tradition of the church has always held marriage as a sacrament, not a contract or civil union. This sacrament has never been offered in church history to same sex partners. This should not be dismissed easily. If a sacrament is a real participation in a divine union, we aught not change that. Above all, we should love and not single out with hate.
Hey Darrin–
I agree with all you’re saying, but have to take it to the next step and ask what would you do–or spiritualize it and ask what would Jesus do–if your own child came home with a same-gender romantic partner? Would you condemn them to lives of guilt-ridden celibacy because “God says straights only! Solomon had 1,000 wives and concubines, but God used that to teach us that nonchristians will turn us away from Christ, so it’s okay that he never condemned it!” What if your child/stepchild/niece/nephew/grandchild/etc brought home a friend who was on the verge of suicide because their parents had kicked them out for being queer and their family, classmates, neighbors and everyone else had ridiculed them? Do you “show God’s love” by accepting them or rejecting them in self-righteousness? What about “living in sin” with a regular ol’ partner? Do you refuse to have anything to do with them until they’re married? Do they have to STAY married because “God hates divorce”? I certainly don’t have all the answers, and know that there seems to be a slippery slope, but the longer I’ve lived, and the more people I’ve met, the less willing I am to accept “the Bible says” about anything.
Hey, Sandra.
As I said, these issues are not simple. I have not experience a child with transgender or same sex issues, but for me there is little difference for any sex act outside sacramental marriage. We all have inordinate desires, all of us. If we cannot confront anyone’s desires, then how could we expect our spouses to remain faithful if they have other desires or attractions? What about those who say they are attracted to minors? Should we expect “guilt-ridden celibacy” from them with their desires? Remember, many countries have age of consent and child marriage that begins at 12 and 13. Some say “marriage” is the solution but want to include same sex marriage. Should one with bisexual desires remain “faithful” in marriage? Should they resist one? Should they become polygamists?
I am not talking about abandoning someone “living in sin”, but does that mean we must say yes to everyone’s desires, including our own? Should we resist any of our desires? Which ones?
As soon as we say someone aught not act on some such desire, we appeal to some higher moral standard. Who defines what that standard is or what “harm” is? This is a moving target in various cultures.
Peter – Looks like the Holy Spirit has guided these Christians to a much different conclusion of God’s intent in scripture than you have found:
http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2016/11/16/can-dallas-baptist-pastor-serve-lgbtq-conservative-members
Interesting how the “context” of God’s unalterable laws keeps shifting. From the article –
“We begin our discernment by listening to scripture. What the Bible says and what the Bible means have to come together for us every time if we expect to hear a living word from God. Condemnations of same-sex behavior in the Bible are made in the context of ancient practices of idolatry and immorality that we should continue to prohibit.
The Bible teaches us how to discern what is good and true and beautiful, what is acceptable to God and leads to the life that really is life. But we have a habit of picking and choosing Bible verses that reinforce our beliefs, rather than asking deep questions about the moral assumptions of those passages in their time and in ours.”
R
In Romans 1….. 28 “Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.29Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. 30They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. 31They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy”….. it gives a list of sins. Not just homosexuality.
So if someone who is engaging in homosexual behavior is unacceptable to God, then those who are engaging in any of the other sins are also unacceptable to God as well. Therefore the proud, the boastful, the gossip, the one who envies, the one who quarrels and so forth have the same fate.
However, because I am not going to take things out of context and therefore stick to the primary Gospel message that “Whosoever will may come”, then I am going to say that anyone can come to Christ and become a Christian. Then if that person has been sincere and has the Holy Spirit residing inside them then God goes to work in their heart. He begins to grow them up. The gossiper and the hater begin to change their ways… but they were no less a Christian during those stages of their Christian life before they began leaving their old ways behind.
The problem is, is that the church picks and chooses sins that they deam acceptable and those they don’t… they wag their fingers viciously towards some, and then hardly say a word about gossips, or people that lack mercy.
It is time to trust God. To trust that He knows who are His… and to be no respecters of persons. To let God deal with His children.
Author
Right on, Jenny 😊
When sin came into the world it twisted everything around. It affected every part of our lives. Subsequently everything corrodes, rusts, breaks and whatever is alive is imperfect, vulnerable to disease and will die at some point. In a nut shell no one has been born in the body God originally intended. No one.
In fact, at this point the March of Dimes has counted and documented over 4000 known birth defects… yikes! And among these issues that many people are born with and have to deal with in their lives DO involve gender. 1 in 2000 babies born have gender issues due to anomoly or hormone issues, or incongruent chromosomes. Meaning that their outsides dont match their insides.
So, they may be born with both (intersex) genitals, no determinate genitals… or the genitals of, for instance, a male but have female chromosomes… then struggle with feeling female but looking like a male.
So, even if there is no gay gene, there is plenty of medical evidence that could account for someone having identity issues. Therefore, we have to stop pointing at people… and just be concerned with loving them and bringing them to Christ… then trusting God enough that we let Him do whatever needs to be done in their life… whether it is healing, medical intervention or whatever.
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2004/06/the_cutting_edge.html
The bible says to be all things to all people. Meaning to be interested in their lives. To listen and not be so sure we have all the answers. To be humble and recognise that there could be more for us to learn.
Author
I like what you said, Jenny 👍. Thanks for that incredible insight.
Thanks Peter…. I know believers who are transgender, and it is very frustrating for them to see and experience the judgements in the church. And more so how it has driven people they know away from God, when it is Jesus that is the great Physician.
P.S. Understanding the Transgender Phenomenon | Christianity Today
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2015/july-august/understanding-transgender-gender-dysphoria.html
Eph. 3: 20 “Now to Him, who in exercise of His power that is at work within us, is able to do infinitely beyond all our highest prayers or thoughts, 21 to Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, world without end! Amen”.
I remember years ago, the ministry I was involved in, we were doing a free car wash as a way to connect with our community. One of the cars that drove up the driver was smoking, and one of my team mates standing next to me asked the driver if he’d like prayer to have God take away his smoking habit. He said no, because he would not be able to handle having the compulsion to smoke and not being able to.
I think that many many times we point at people and tell them to stop this or that behavior (sin)… and what they are hearing us say is that God wants to rip it from them without thought or compassion. But Jesus Himself says God does not work that way. Because what often happens is that when the tares are being pulled out the wheat ends up being pulled out too… therefore there has to be the right time for that to happen… and God knows when that is! But people need God to be in their lives 1st… then He works in their hearts and lives, and does more that we could ever ask or think.
Are homosexuals “born gay?”
From the American Psychological Association: “There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles; most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation.”
I would add in that it could be argued that no one is born gay, nor are we born straight. We’re born without any sexual orientation because that doesn’t really develop until around puberty.
“Judge not, lest ye be judged”
I find it interesting that the same self-proclaimed Christians who speak out the loudest against gay sex are the same one that are all to ready to overlook acts of adultery, which unlike homosexuality, are specifically listed in the ten commandments. That is the height of hypocrisy. These are the same “Christians” who overwhelmingly voted for a serial adulterer who brags about sexually assaulting women to be president of the United States. These are the same “Christians” who continue to rally behind Roy Moore, a pedophile. Talk about having a plank in your eye!
Why don’t we follow other rules from the Old Testament?
For the sake of argument, let’s agree that the laws regarding what to eat were in place because they were necessary for public health. Then by the exact same argument, one could say that heterosexual pairings were necessary for procreation and the continuation of the species. The human population was small, and death during delivery or in childhood was commonplace. Disasters and diseases could wipe out entire cities.
Today, there are nearly 8 billion people on earth. We don’t need more people, we need fewer. Gay people are less likely to reproduce, making having a percentage of humanity homosexual a good thing for the continuation of the species. Also, gay people are lining up to provide stable, two-parent households for the untold numbers of children awaiting adoption, something that Christians tend to be less than enthusiastic about doing themselves.
What’s the big deal about being gay?
You say it hurts the gay person. I’m calling total BS on that one. I have numerous gay friends who are happy, well-adjusted people with strong family ties and social support networks. They contribute to society through their work, their volunteerism and performing their other civic duties. They are NOT hurt by their sexual orientation.
How come Evangelicals lose their minds when confronted with people engaged in homosexual behavior (Worst! Thing! Ever!) but totally give a pass to people who commit adultery? Both are (supposedly) sins, but heck, just look at who they elected president: a man who cheated on wife #1 with wife #2, then wife #2 with wife #3, then wife #3 with a porn actress and a playmate, just to name a couple of the women he’s been with outside of his marriage. I look at his behavior (which is excused and accepted) against, say, Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, who are in a monogamous, loving, committed relationship, and there’s just no comparison. He’s repeatedly humiliating and disrespecting his wife and hurting both her and their children; Ellen and Portia are just being loving, supportive spouses. “Oh! but both are sinners!” Sure, right. Then why is no one up in arms about him?
Sorry, posted the same thing on this twice. My apologies.
Author
Personally, I think it’s important to not just single out one kind of sexual sin, but to talk about all of them at the same time. I think that when you talk about just one kind of sexual sin, then it gives the impression that one kind of sexual sin is worse than another. However, all of them are the same to God in the sense that all of them are sin, and that they will keep you out of heaven if you don’t put your faith in Christ and repent.
So all of these sexual sins that should be put in one bucket, in my opinion, are homosexuality, fornication, adultery, lustful thoughts, adulterous thoughts, beastiality, pornography, and masturbation. I hope I didn’t leave any out but anyone can feel free to correct me if they want to.