Homosexuality and the Church

If a person has not received the free gift of eternal life offered by God, then it does not matter whether the person is homosexual or heterosexual. Even if homosexual behavior is wrong for Christians, it would be foolish to insist that non-Christians behave like Christians. Non-Christians do not have the ability to do so. The job of the Church then is to share with homosexuals how they can have a life that is abundant and eternal.

We have in the New Testament a statement by the Apostle Paul criticizing many kinds of behavior (including homosexual behavior). Sometime we focus on a particular behavior and overlook the big picture. Paul is describing the care-free lifestyle of people who are spiritually dead.

So how are we who are Christians to respond?

My Opinion: We ought to acknowledge that some people feel sexually attracted to members of the same sex. The origin of this feeling may be debated, but those with this feeling do not choose to have it. We need not condemn this feeling, otherwise we condemn ourselves for feeling the urge to engage in other sinful behaviors.

Should we condemn homosexual behavior? Answer: Only if we are willing to condemn our own sinful behaviors other than the aforementioned one.

In God's eyes all sins are equal, meaning the one who engages in homosexual behavior is on the same level as the one who engages in gluttony. But have you ever heard a sermon against gluttony? I haven't.

Are we to say that homosexuals are not to be singled out and given harsher criticism? Yes, indeed.

Are we to say that homosexuals should receive the same humane treatment given to heterosexuals? Again, yes.

Are we to say that homosexual behavior is worse than other sins? No. In God's eyes all sins are equal.

Are we to focus attention on homosexual behavior while ignoring the weightier matters of the Bible, such as taking care of the poor? Again, no. That would be a case of straining out the gnat and swallowing the camel.

Finally, can a person be a both a homosexual and a Christian? Yes, because homosexuality is not the unpardonable sin.