I’ve got to admit, I’m very hesitant to write this post.
Here’s why: I have friends and relatives who are gay. I care about them very much and would never want them to see this post as a personal attack on them. I want them to know my affection for them. I also know that the issue of sexuality is very important to them, as it is to all people. I never want to make flippant or derogatory statements about the issue of homosexuality.
The issue of homosexuality and Christianity is becoming more and more important. As the topic of homosexuality is getting more air time on the news, in music, and in movies, Christians seem to be responding in a couple of different ways. Some Christians, like the folks from Westboro Baptist Church, say that God hates homosexuals. They’re completely wrong, and they do damage to the name of Jesus. I think that most Christians know that.
On the other hand, a growing number of Christians are coming out and saying that the Bible does not condemn loving, Christ-centered, homosexual relationships.
I think that this second question is one of incredible importance. Why? Because ultimately, heaven and hell are at stake in this debate. In Romans 1:26-27, Paul says:
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
I plan on taking a closer look at this passage and a few others in future posts, but for now I just want to highlight what’s at stake. If these verses condemn all homosexual behavior, then every person who engages in homosexual behavior will experience the wrath of God for their sins. In other words, if we get this wrong and say that homosexuality is okay, we could end up pushing people toward hell.
But, if these verses (and similar ones) are only talking about a very specific behavior and not all homosexual behavior, then we are doing homosexuals a terrible disservice by telling them that homosexuality is wrong. Man, I want to get this right.
This matters very much to me. I care a lot about my friends who are gay. I want them to experience all the joy that comes through knowing Jesus Christ and obeying him. I want them to know the redemption that I’ve experienced. If homosexuality is wrong, then I need to tell them. I would be unloving if I didn’t. If it’s not wrong, well, then a bunch of us are making a big mistake. We need to get this right.
If we’re indifferent on this issue, it could result in people going to hell. Or it could result in us actually harming the faith of those who are gay. In the next couple of weeks I’ll write more on this. For now, this is where the conversation starts.
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NOTE: For the record, I do believe that homosexuality in all forms is wrong. But if you’re gay, please don’t let that fact cause you to tune out of this discussion. In fact, I want to hear your voice. Thanks.
