Tough Love
**Disclaimer** The opinions in this blog are my own and should not reflect negatively on my company, church, or family. They are not intended to cause hurt or pain to anyone, but rather to provoke a healthy discussion amongst thinkers. There is a huge chasm of diversity in my readers so if you choose to read, comment, or engage my audience, please do so with respect and professional courtesy.
The topic of homosexuality and the Bible has been debated and researched by some of the greatest minds of the last century. As with most debates, there are some solid arguments on both sides. This will be the first blog in a series dealing with the topic of homosexuality and the Bible. Although my primary focus is on professing Christians I welcome all to participate in the conversation. I should also acknowledge there is a wide continuum of responses from various Christian camps about how to interact with the gay and lesbian community, running the gamut from unconditional loving acceptance to malicious attacks based on bigotry and ignorance. Nobody wants to be identified with the latter category, but sadly, many of us have developed bad habits of poking fun and belittling a serious issue for the church to address.
I freely admit I do not understand some aspects of how to interpret the Bible on the subject of sexuality in general, let alone homosexuality. I am well aware of the verses condemning fornication and homosexuality and I am not dismissing them, as these will be addressed in a later blog. However, I see a huge disparity in the way many believers have traditionally understood these scriptures vs. my understanding of the nature of God and his Son. I will go on public record, if your version of the gospel includes being hateful, disrespectful, or causes you to make fun of a person because he or she is a part of the LGBTQIA community, consider yourself at odds with my doctrinal position. In fact, you need to repent. I know I have had to back up and re-evaluate my thoughts on this subject, because it was not as black and white as I originally thought.
We have to start communicating… people. How many gay people do you know? Are you able to politely and respectfully have a conversation with them about this topic? It may be awkward and uncomfortable, but take Stephen Covey’s advice from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “Seek to understand before seeking to be understood.”
The main reason I am isolating fundamentalist Christians is, they should know better. Most claim to have the final answer on doctrine and judgment. Folks like Pastor Jim Veitch, from Bible Truth Baptist Church in Georgia are not preaching the gospel when they publicly ridicule homosexuals from the pulpit. Look at the anger and riotous language he uses to motivate his crowd. No wonder hate crimes are on the rise, when people leave the church they leave God behind and take all the prejudices and anger with them. Where is the hope? How is this being a witness of the love of Christ to anyone inside or outside his building?
We can address the interpretation of sin in a later blog, but initially, let’s start with the saying, “it’s never right to do wrong.” Even when a person in the Bible was sinful and perverted, Jesus did not preach condemnation, but redemption. In fact, the harshest and most judgmental words He spoke were often directed at religious leaders. These New Testament preachers were hateful, arrogant, false teachers, and they were leading people have a false sense of security in being exclusive. Is it possible that this could happen today? Of course! Am I throwing out the baby with the bath water? No, but the first step to understanding the seriousness of this situation is to communicate. Based on the text, it appears Jesus spent a lot of time with sexual deviants and in almost every scenario He showed love and compassion. Are we doing that today? I am not saying that everyone in the LGBTQIA is a sexual deviant, but I am saying even if they were, hatred and sarcasm is not the answer building a relationship with them. Before you make fun of someone for being gay, think these questions: Are you strong in your faith? Are you unashamed of the gospel? Are you willing to lay down your life and try to help someone? Do you feel like you are right then be careful you don’t use your sword to bully. Basically, I say ut up or shut up!
To be continued…
**A few edits have been made to clarify points of confusion**
Paul, you’re a kind and thoughtful man. I hope that at some point you will also address the hate speech coming the other direction toward Christians from the community which seems to keep adding letters faster than I can keep up. (I know the first four letters, but I haven’t seen it with seven before. I’ll have to look that up.) I’m not saying it’s right to respond to evil with evil, but it needs to be admitted that blocks to communication are coming from both sides and both sides need to stop.
My only real beef with your piece is that I don’t think it’s enough to try to communicate. Christians need to show tangible love to all. We will never convert people to Christ who have not seen Christ’s nurturing spirit in us. But knowing you, I’m fairly certain you feel the same way and will address that more fully at some point.
And if a person who is homosexual in tendency decides based upon conviction from the Scripture that while they have no interest in heterosexual marriage, they have no right to marry one of their own sex (just as some heterosexual folks have no right to marry, but that’s for another discussion) and will not have sex with ANYONE outside of Scriptural marriage, thus becoming in essence “eunuchs for the Kingdom’s sake” as Jesus described some, we have to be even more celebratory and supportive of that principled decision. How can you do that if you will condemn someone for even having attraction to people of their own sex?
I do have gay friends that I can now, after years of building relationships, discuss these issues with, in the context of obedience to Christ through the words of Scripture (and I don’t believe those words are nearly as hard to understand as you claim to). I’m working to get to that place with others in my work life so that I can do so with them as well. I don’t know whether those efforts will come to fruition, but it isn’t my job to turn a person’s heart – just to share the words of the Lord with them.
Tim, based on some audience confusion, I have made a few edits in the post, including a link to LGBTQIA definitions. I appreciate you reading and commenting. Absolutely I recognize the hate and aggression that has been exhibited by the other side, but I think heavier burden lies upon us Christians to recognize when we are professing to have the “good-news” and we open up with judgement and bigotry. Part of this post was directed at myself and my past approaches of scoffing and making light of a serious situation. I hope you continue to contribute, because you are one of the few “right-wingers” I have the utmost respect for. I value your opinion and I am sure you will have way more to say when I enter into the “sin” conversation. lol
Thanks for sharing!
Peace.
Thanks, Paul, for helping me not have to chase that down! And I hope you saw from the rest of my post that I agree with you 100% on the need to approach without rancor and, more importantly, with kindness and service.
Nice piece.
Very thoughtful evidence to support your points without personal bias. Perhaps you might like journalism? Love the discussion of errant leadership.