Christian View on Homosexuality

The world appears to be broadening in its opinion of samesex relationships. The middle ground of tolerance is dissipating as advocates of the lesbian-gay lifestyle fight tooth and nail to be heard and affirmed as equal members of society and on par with heterosexual relationships. On the other side of the aisle rest a belly of people whose belief that samesex relationships are ungodly seems to be digging in for the fight of their lives.

With this divide arise problems as questions of equality and civil rights come up. Hate crimes against homosexuals are on the rise as are the number of complaints of discrimination in the workplace, out in the community, as well as on the warfront. With all of this animosity one must wonder if it is possible for a respectful coexistence to be found. Is there a medium or middle ground to be experienced where people with alternative lifestyles are not condemned to fire and brimstone while at the same time understanding that their lifestyle comes in direct conflict with the fundamental belief systems of most Christians and Jews and all Muslims.

It is this measure of grace and understanding that must be exhibited for any amount of love to flow between the opposing camps. Are they opposing or are they at odds? Is the act of homosexuality so looked down upon that there is no way to subtract homosexuality from the individual? Or is it even possible for the God of Christianity able to look beyond the perverse nature of sin and love the man or woman engaged in the samesex relationship. That question must become the focus of the Christian community less it finds itself esteeming one sin above another. If homosexuality is a sin just like lying, abusing, committing adultery, or cheating then the people engaging in such behavior must be treated with equal deference. The real problem is that we as a nation have yet to resolve certain underlying or root issues that would allow our actions to follow such a stance.

Birth, Choice, or Predisposition

The question of choice and science is a fundamental question that has yet to be addressed completely. With there being no absolutes as to where scientifically or genetically that there is any differences in dna or chemical makeup that are outside of the hands of the individual and in the hands of the one who put the body together is something that must be rendered. As yet, an opinion on the matter has not been made simply because enough facts are not in to warrant making a sound, clear decision one way or the other.

Until then, it is difficult to assert to someone practicing homosexuality that a Christian would never openly desire the flesh of another person of the samesex. When choice is removed and either by birth or environmental shaping an individual begins an internal modification that expresses itself externally through homosexual behaviors, it becomes impossible to judge an individual whose rights have been overridden and the choice clearly out of their hands.

Accepting Without Affirming

If above any and all other things the God of Christianity is a God of love then one must pursue executing that same love in every relationship and opportunity. Now certainly love can be a loaded word. However, at its purest, love is unemotional and solely the independent quest of the will of a person. It is your choice to love or not to love. Liking or being infatuated with someone is a different matter and issue all together. What is significant is the fact that if a church has liars and thieves in the audience then it will also have people grappling with the realities of homosexuality.

This should encourage church leaders to develop a position to ensure everyone in the congregation and with whom the congregation interacts has a clear and concise concept of how they should govern themselves when presented with homosexuality and samesex relationships. When this is done with maturity and grace it should reposition the church to a place of tempered witness not drum-beating condemnation of practicing homosexuals.

With anything, homosexuals and samesex relationships are not going anywhere. They are an imbedded part of our culture. We must choose how to respond to the cultural dynamics of the world in which we live. Christians have been admonished to be a light in the midst of a dark world. There is nothing remotely encouraging about beating someone over the head because of a lifestyle choice. It is hard to believe that Jesus Christ who lived His life filled with grace would ever choose to denigrate other people based on a lifestyle choice today? Who is to say how God will ultimately handle people whose minds and hearts are so torn between what they have heard and what they feel when they attempt to be honest with themselves.

My conclusion is no conclusion.