Christian Living

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LOVE, NOT HATE


Richard Bushey raised the rhetorical question, “Do Christians hate gays?” Since many of the former disapprove of homosexual relationships. What proponents “often fail to grasp is that we analyze a concept without making it a personal attack on the people who hold the stance,” he replies. “If I did a study on the harm of obesity, I could do that without any hatred for gluttons, and so the same with homosexuality.”
Jesus admonished: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:44). If, in fact, they insist on being adversaries. So that I do not consider a homosexual activist an enemy per se.
Although heterosexual relationships have been the norm, American culture increasingly promotes the homosexual alternative. As evidenced by the favorable attention given by the media and public officials to a former professional athlete who revealed his homosexual preference. While virtually ignoring a celebrity who chose to set aside his homosexual inclination, and raise a family. As if adverse to his decision.
Several observations would seem in order. (1) While some could care less what Scripture teaches, Christians ought not to be included in their number. Given this premise, efforts to compromise the Biblical advocacy for heterosexual relationships have been strikingly ineffective. As documented in John Stott’s carefully reasoned Same-Sex Partnerships?
(2) Family values are seriously threatened by this cultural innovation. Efforts to compensate, why commendable, have fallen tragically short. This is a matter of high priority, as I reasoned in the text Thumbs Up For the Family.
(3) One might be tempted to despair, but for factoring God into life’s equation. Accordingly, we are enjoined to expect great things for God, and to undertake monumental tasks with this in mind. Recalling the suggestion, “One with God is in the majority.”
(4) Even if it were not for Scripture, there are serious objections to the homosexual lifestyle. Prominent among these are adverse health considerations. Which have implications not only for those involved, but society as a whole.
(5) Promiscuity is another feature. Homosexual relationships tend to be of more limited duration. While there are certainly exceptions, the exception falls far short of being the rule. Which appears to be a concern for some, but not for others.
(6) Domestic abuse surfaces more frequently as well. Variously explained, it probably results from a mixture of determinants. For this and other reasons, one active homosexual observes: “No one would choose this lifestyle of his or her own free will.” Which, if true, it should not be forced on them by zealous advocates or society in general.
(7) The effort to attribute homosexual preference to genetic factors has not been persuasive. Once again underscored in a recent study of the DNA of twins. In other words, there appears to be no homosexual gene. So the argument “God made me this way” seems to lack relevance.
(8) Conversely, cultural conditioning has been demonstrated to effect one’s sexual orientation. In this regard, one study reports that in 29 of 79 cultures appraised, homosexuality was rare or absent. So that we may expect it to be increasingly prevalent given its current cultural endorsement.
(9) Repeated studies have also shown that one’s sexual orientation can be altered, providing there is a desire for change. In one instance, 41% were able to make a satisfactory adjustment. Others seem to have been adversely affected.
(10) All of which results in considerable confusion. There are claims and counter-claims, approval and disapproval, success and failure. Wherein cultural mythology is readily promoted, and a reality check needed.
(11) If, as alleged, homosexual couples should be allowed equal benefits, it need not be designated as marriage. The earlier term civil union would suffice, while not engendering the same amount of division and strife.
(12) Finally, Christians must be prepared to bear the cost of discipleship. Recalling Jesus’ declaration, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). Whether in step with culture or swimming against the current.

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