Subject: Am I Wrong?? |
Bible Note: About human brokeness. The Bible is clear about homosexuality being offensive to God. A sin. But Christians really need to think about how to respond in this situation. You mentioned that many homosexuals have experienced abuse in the past. I think this is true and, more generally, that mis-directed desires are a result of brokeness. When we disparage homosexuals, and treat it as a sin more depraved than any other, we are distorting the facts. We are all broken, and fall short of God's glory. (Romans 3:28) We need to pray for the lives of people caught in this mode of desire. If the church cannot live out the gospel in a way that offers them freedom, our message is solely one of condemnation. This is not the gospel. I believe that the church has been so repressive about homosexuality, that we have not learned what is behind it -- or how to disciple and heal. I want SO MUCH for the church to handle gays and lesbians in a way that is sensitive to their hearts, and their personal histories. As for the politics of gay activism -- there is not a conspiracy theory. I think talking about "legalizing sex with minors" is missing the point. Homosexuality and pedaphelia are not the same thing. Gay activists are smart, know how to lobby, and package their message attractively --- look at the difference between a Pride march (the disgusting liscence aside, look at the exuberant costumes, humour, playfulness) and the March for Jesus (sanctity aside, look at the cliches and heavy-handedness)... Say, for instance, that you have strong homosexual desires. If you can do nothing about them --- which is many people's experience -- should you live in shame, or just accept it? This is why gays would be offended at calling homosexuality a "disease" -- it has become something to celebrate and take pride in. If there is no hope of change, find strength in the way you are. While people may not be able to change themeselves, with God everything is possible. We need to learn how to minister in these people's lives. Our track record -- even with faithful Christians within our churches -- is very bad. We need to look at this problem with humility, and try to see how we can reach these suffering people. We need to learn how to love, not shun. We need to find God's heart for their brokeness, and seek after God's healing for them. Leanne Payne's books on this subject are the best that I know of. Her book, "The Broken Image," continues to be quite useful to a Christian friend of mine who struggles with homosexuality. Yours JRM. |