Homosexuality from a Christian Standpoint

Spiritual Lessons

Homosexuality from a Christian Standpoint

This is a controversial subject. Even more so than biblical womanhood, or courtship or feminism (subjects we mainly write about on Maid Arise). But I do believe it's relevant to Christians in the 21^st Century. And since this blog is dedicated to 21^st Century maidens I believe this is worth blogging about. Plus this is something that has been on my mind for months, and I'm determined to somehow share my thoughts.

Some might question my capability to even tackle such an issue. I admit I am not an expert, nor am I well rounded on this subject, but I have more credibility than some would grant, and I hope you will at least allow me to share what God has taught me recently.

I was about twelve years old, my brothers only a few years younger. Chris, Tim and I walked apprehensively into the mobile home. There on the couch were five of our cousins, boys and girls near our age that we barely knew. Chris and Tim stood awkwardly behind me as we faced our relatives. I was the eldest and took it upon myself to start the introductions.

“Hi...I'm Toni, and this is Chris and Tim.”

Each in turn introduced themselves. Everything was going fine until one pudgy boy piped up” “I'm Phillip...and I'm gay.”

Growing up in a conservative Christian home the word “gay” was kind-of a dirty word. At least it was taboo. I didn't know what a homosexual was until 11 or 12 years old. My parents explained very little – (a healthy sheltering), but in my mind, homosexuals were the sinful people who in Bible times were called sodomites.

Somehow through the years my knowledge and attitude towards gays changed very little. It wasn't until I learned that some dear people in my life were gay was I actually challenged to re-think my position on homosexuals. I prayed that God would show me how HE saw homosexuals and that He would teach me what He thought. I was blown away.

God never called lesbians and gays abominations. He called the sin of homosexuality an abomination. Leviticus 18 and 20. God condemned the act, not the person. I was sincerely surprised. In most circles (especially Christian circles) I had only thought of homosexuals as being foul abnormal sub-humans that were either scorned or joked about.

I suddenly realized that God had made all of us with a natural desire towards intimacy. But, this legitimate need had been distorted by sin, and homosexuals fulfill their need in an illegitimate way. Just as a glutton fulfills his hunger. Or a prideful person his self-worth. I was shocked by the realization that a gay is not a sinner because he is gay, but because of the lust in his heart. Suddenly the voluminous gap between me and a homosexual wasn't so vast. Gays and lesbians are people with a sin problem. Just like me.

Before continuing, I'd like to mention that just because someone deals with homosexual thoughts doesn't mean they are gay.  I sincerely believe that if someone is tempted with such thoughts, he merely is tempted in that area.  If he gives in to his sinful thoughts, now he has committed a sinful thought, but he has not now become a gay and is no longer a virgin.  If someone practices homosexuality I believe they are a homosexual.  There is a difference.  If I practice adultery I am an adulterer.  If I am tempted with lust in my heart I am not an adulterer.  If I give into my lust, I have committed an adulterous thought but I have not now become an adulterer and can now no longer be considered virgin.  

I decided to do some more praying and studying. I read a book by a Christian author called “Out of a Far Country” and was further convinced of the humanity of the homosexual. Homosexuals need Jesus. But I was stretched even further with this thought – there are people who struggle with homosexual temptations that already have Jesus. Just as there are Christians who struggle with gluttony. Or people that find pride there biggest stumbling block. Or Christians who struggle with temptation after the opposite gender.

Seeing gays through Jesus' eyes was quite different than the Church's perspective. And I was dismayed to start finding Christian condemnation for gays everywhere I turned. Christians shuddered at gay's sin without so much as a blink of an eye at their own self-wickedness. Some sinners are acceptable, but homosexuals are their own sub-class of extra-rotten sinners. Pride is understandable, but homosexuality is unthinkable. I was distraught at the love lack in Christians. They ostracized homosexuals for their love problem – and yet they also had a love problem. I felt disgusted that the World tolerated the homosexual (and their sin) and yet the disdain and hatred for homosexuals seemed to be a Christian movement. And what was worse – we Christians called our hatred “righteousness”.

After I realized who homosexuals are I started to realize their pain. I became aware of how often people tease about homosexuality. If they didn't hate them they mocked them. I was surrounded by ugliness. I learned Homosexuals weren't monsters. But then their sin or their temptation proved to be deeper and more painful than some other sins. Everywhere they go they are condemned for who they feel they are – except by the homosexual community. Christian's phobia of homosexuals has only made God out to look like a mean unforgiving hateful tyrant. It has only painted a bright label of “enemy” on every Christian. We should be ambassadors of compassion, and instead we either hate or mock or try to “fix” the homosexual. They are wrong and warped creatures. It is us who “whet our tongue like a sword, and bend our bows to shoot arrows...even bitter words.” (Psalm 64:3). How many times have we pushed back a soul with our sword into the flames of Hell because of our merciless words? How many Christians live a life of shame and separation and loneliness because of our attitude? We drink up God's compassion for us and never dream to share it with those who are different than ourselves.

Homosexuals are no longer “one of those people” for me. When God opened up my eyes to a glimpse of His compassion for homosexuals I was overwhelmed. I still cry when I talk about it. Homosexuals are people, people with wounds.

In the past 2 years I have led a lonely life. My health has separated me from a lot and has caused me griefs no healthy person can imagine. My physical, emotional, spiritual life has been altered because of my health struggles. I have scars. I have hurts no-one can see. And with this simple little bridge I can get a slight understanding of how hurt a homosexual could be in just the aspect of being different and separate. Add to this the disgust and fear and hate and mockery they receive and you can imagine a bleeding heart.

There is no condoning to be made for their sin. The act of homosexuality is a sin. But God loves their souls as much as He loves you and I. And I am zealous to see you Christian catch a glimpse of God's love for these people. It changed how I perceived God's love for me. God chooses to use you as His channel of love. There are so many hurting hearts who need a channel. Homosexuals are some of those people.