Homosexuality
What is homosexuality? Homosexuality is a romantic relationship between people of the same gender. Its roots are the Greek prefix homo (ὁμο-), or same, and the Latin word sexus meaning division or gender. Thus homosexual literally means same gender. The prefix homo- implies more than one object and thus it means two things of the same gender, or as it now used a relationship between two people of the same gender.
It has become part of mainstream Christianity to accept homosexuality as the way a person was created. However, this is contrary to what the scripture teaches. The Scripture is meant to be taken as it is, not made to fit to conform to what the world is today (thus my views on creation and this, homosexuality). Though the reading of the word, several key verses stand out that make the bible relevant to today’s views on homosexuality. Today’s liberalism in church corresponds to a verse in I timothy which states “For the time will come when men will not put with sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather around them as great number of teachers to hear what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” Today’s church has diverted from scripture in an attempt to appease the people. New versions and today’s media have introduced politically correct terms that and euphemisms to replace otherwise more offensive words. Today we never use words that have a completely negative meaning such as sodomy or fornication and we have replaces such words with more politically correct words to show the current state of politics.
To show that today’s views are contradictory to the bible the first view that must be refuted is the belief that people do not have a choice in their “sexual orientation.” This is not biblicly supported. Indeed the Bible specifically condemns homosexuality. In Leviticus one verse stands out in particular, that being 18:22 which says, “Though shalt not lie with man kind as with woman kind: it is an abomination.” This verse immediately describes how sexual acts with one of the same gender is wrong. However, it may be raised that this does not apply to today since it was in the old Testament. However, these laws were given as an example to future generation as principles of how one should act. Thus, that being said by extention homosexuality is not allowed today for males and by further extension women and transsexuals. The bible also references Homosexuality in the New Testament, thus securing the place of homosexuality as a sin. This is done in romans 1 verses 26 and 27.
“26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”
Those verses put out, it is clear that homosexuality in all forms is condemned by the bible. It is beyond question that homosexuality is a sin if one commits the acts associated with it. However, what of the viewpoint saying that people are born homosexual and that they are unable to change? This is inherently wrong. Both secular and Christian psychologists have made people to change from homosexuality. Thus people can change and the bible is not needed to prove that point. However, is it a sin to look at another with lust or to just be “inherently” homosexual? Matthew 5:28 says “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” It is wrong to even look on a woman with lust. Therefore it is wrong for people to lust after others of the same sex even without committing any acts.
Humans are given free will and there is no real scientific basis to say that being homosexual is a genetic predisposition. Since the evidence refutes such a point in the end it means that homosexuality is a choice made by man according to the deprived nature of original sin. Christians should not look on homosexuals with disdain. however, neither should they approve of their actions. Christians must strive to prevent the passing of laws which allow for the further changing of american society to fit the wants, not needs, of a minority population (which accounts for around 1-3% rather than the publicized 10%). Christians should not be influenced by current thinking which allows for this lifestyle and must hold true to the milenia held doctrine that sodomy in general is a sin condoned by the bible.
Christians are to love the world but not adopt its ways of thinking. It is though christ that Christians can change habits, even homosexuality. Christians must minister to homosexuals as they do to any other unsaved person, with the love of Christ. With the help of Christ anyone can change, and it should be what Christian homosexuals strive to do.
Once again, read before you post. You said this, “Christians should not be influenced by current thinking which allows for this lifestyle and must hold true to the milenia held doctrine that sodomy in general is a sin condoned by the bible.”
I know what you meant, but you still said it was “condoned by the bible.” That’s a big mistake.
Second, you can’t put forth facts without citing where you got them. Two examples are these: 1) mainstream christianity has accepted homosexuality as okay (this is debatable, yes, but still must be supported), 2) “Both secular and Christian psychologists have made people to change from homosexuality,” is a fact I have never heard. I don’t actually believe it. It sounds like something you just made up to sound good. Are there statistics? I want to see them.
Now my thoughts begin:
I don’t understand how you can spend the whole post saying how wrong homosexuals are, and then saying we need to love them. If nothing else you’ve spent a whole post doing the opposite of loving them. Second on that line: is that why we love people? So that they will change? Or do we love them to love them?
Let me pick one more thing: why is it so critical for us ‘christians’ to pass anti-homosexual laws? What if in the process of doing this we can no longer love them because we create so much disdain for ourselves in their eyes? I would suggest a better approach is a much more subversive approach. Working through relationships, not laws, is the way to go.
Thank you for reading my comment. I hope you don’t take me for mean…
You are right, I think, it is debateable that mainstream christianity has accepted it, in fact it is most likely wrong now that I think about it. but still a growing number of churches is accepting this and that is near undeniable (since the number is certainly greater than say 50 yaers ago)
The fact that people can change is from here: http://www.ivpress.com/video/2846-2.php
on the last two, We love people because it shows the love of christ through people. I do not hate homosexuals, but neither do I condone their lifestyle as evidenced by the above. The fact is that even if we love people they may not change but if gays become christian then at least they have the strength of God on their side as evidenced in Paul’s letters.
As for passing laws, it may not be nessecary to pass these laws, but in general homosexuality should be discouraged and if laws are passed saying that it is alright to do something then people will do it. However you are right in the fact that laws may not be the way to Go.
I hope this is a sufficient answer
I agree that many churches are accepting it, yes, but not that it is accepted on a whole.
I don’t understand your comment about gays becoming Christians. Holding your blog as evidence, you believe that gays can’t be Christians. This is why it’s a problem that churches are accepting it. What are you saying here?
I could argue that even if laws are passed saying you can’t do it, people will still do it (I claim the prohibition as evidence here).
Colby Stream
http://examinethejourney.wordpress.com/
You misunderstand me.
I say that gays can become christians, but as evidenced through the verses in the Bible they should try to change their lives with the help of the Lord. I have said nothing about them not being able to become Christian
I am not saying that laws should be passed completely outlawing it, rather I am saying that there should be laws to discourage it. Say gay marriage, such a thing shouldn’t be allowed because the bible clearly defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. This definition should stand even if gays do exist. You are right that people will still do it, however, laws to discourage actions.
But isn’t a christian a follower of christ? And if a homosexual is still homosexual, then they’re not really following christ, are they? (I’m not calling this my thought process, just asking).
There are multiple forms of practiced Christianity. True, to be a christian means that one is a follower of Christ but then all that means really is that you believe in Jesus basically. The reason for this is the interpretation of scripture (hermeneutics).
There are pastors that will disagree with me and say that “being gay is all right.” I do disagree with them but the views exist. Thus what also comes is conservative and liberal theology. I am a practitioner of conservative theology and thus these blog posts reflect this fact. These differences in interpretation have led to these numerous denominations and the thousands on non-denominational churches and difference churches within the same denomination preaching near opposite messages. This is one example, another would perhaps be women pastorship.
Now then how do we define a follower of christ? What denomination are they from, what church are they from? if one is to say that anyone who doesn’t follow a set of doctrines isn’t Christian would be limiting the definition of Christianity.
I will admit that I do not, perhaps, follow christ in all areas (certainly not to the best of my ability) but I am still a Christian. Thus I define a true christian as anyone that believes that salvation comes sola fide (by faith alone) though grace alone. However, then many roman catholics (perhaps you yourself) will be offended by this. Still it is my definition of a true christian though roman catholics fall under the category of a christian since they do claim to follow christ [and tradition].
With this in mind it is possible for a true christian (especially those of an evangelical background) to be both gay and a true believer. I do not think it is right but it is possible.
But you are only stating your opinion; your translation, mind you. I’m going to make the presumption that since you’re still in HS you can’t read the greek and hebrew (I could be wrong). What I’m saying is: you’re reading the bible in english, which means you have to be extra careful.
And I think your definition of a follower is off. I would argue a follower wants to be like christ IN EVERY WAY. But if Jesus doesn’t support homosexuality, then a homosexual wouldn’t want to be like christ. right?
You are right, I can’t read greek and hebrew (the closest thing I have is an interlinear, and the dictionary at the back of strong’s concordance)
However, even in paul’s letters he has had to correct believers. The church in Corinth was immersed in sin, and yet one could not deny that it was christian since paul wrote it to hagios, ones who are holy, saints. In other verses christians are also just those who have been saved by Jesus, not necessarily indicating someone who has changed his way to be like jesus. (albeit the church at corinth did not really have the entire bible)
By your definition then yes, a homosexual that doesn’t want to be like christ is not a christian. However, I do not think that is the definition of a christian since clearly there are saved people in liberal evangelical churches. Because of this fact I do think that my original definition stands, a Chritstian is one that has believed on Christ for salvation. There is also the fact that if a gay person goes to a church that does no say that being gay is wrong then they may never know that being gay is wrong because it is statistically correct to say that most Christians do not read the Bible. (http://sciencepolitics.blogspot.com/2005/05/why-have-book-if-you-never-read-it.html blog…. so it may be the accuracy is questionable but Ill still leave it here as reference) thus they may never know that it is wrong. As I have said before the variations of Christianity all come from the various denominations and styles of theology.
Such is my continued stance on the subject of who is a christian.
That’s cool. you can keep your stance. I’m just suggesting that it’s a stance that has been dictated by the culture, not the bible. After all, if people aren’t reading the bible then they’ve got to be staking their opinions on something, which would mean the christian as we know it is not a christian staked on the bible, since no one reads it (or very few do).
I recently crafted my own response to this issue in an article titled, “Homosexuality: Is it in the Jeans or in the Genes. If you have the chance, read it and let me know what you think.
Well… Homosexual must be gone from the world, They are like a disease. Gay people must charge their brain with something positive; otherwise their mom will be sad. They (Gay people) must understand that they come-out from their mother; not from their father. Did you ever seen father and father can make a baby? Tell me about that. There is no such thing: man and another man can make a baby.
How to make Gay people gone from the world – means we must tell them that another gender in the world. Gay people must smell in the coffee.. they must look around them, to make them realize that they are wrong.
If they are really Christian or Muslim hardcore, those people will not be a gay or lesbian. Why they became a gay or lesbian? because they feel that they are not so attractive to other gender. from this point of view; people must learn about religion.
There is no such religion will allow their foolower to be a gay or lesbian. If it does – it is not a religion but it is a sect. A stupid person who lead that sect.
God very angry about Gay People – look at SODOM and GOMORAH in the bible.
God Bless You all.
Anonymous Frank, considering your poor writing skills, you are either poorly educated, delusional or a plant just trying to cause hatred. In any case, you need some help man.
In the Bible in is treated as Equal (they all merit death… Thus homosexuality is not an Über, an ultimate sin. Sin is all treated equally in the Bible however different it may be in our minds. The only reason I chose to expand on this topic is because it is a growing issue in American (and indeed western culture in general) culture. This sin has not been at the forefront of activity since ancient times (due to cultural nonacceptance but the sin always existed).
Thus I’m fairly sure that your overly hateful comments, in which I really can’t see any love, are sin, and thus since it is sin. Let me reiterate to you the list of abominations unto the Lord “These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
(that being said the list in romans does include homosexuality) Tell me how often do you or I lie? It is on par with homosexuality. In the end we must love homosexuals and not condemn them in such a manner. I hope you can take this correction well and not just ignore it. It is important that people have a correct perspective on sin (and morality…. as in this issue).
If I have misread your comment, i must apologize. Your writing made it seem uncaring. As Miller said in the above comment. “you have poor writing skills” (but I guess mine isn’t any better) and perhaps it would be better if you tried writing something to improve it.
((also do a little reading…. some scientists made two female mice give birth… which is a somewhat pointless experiment that I hope is never done on people….))