The Church's homophobia
Stephen Moss
Issue date: 5/6/09 Section: Opinion
I'm a homophobe.
Yes, I admit it. I'm a homophobe, and that saddens me.
I've always claimed that I'm not homophobic, that my aversion to homosexuality comes only from my belief in Scripture. However, after some soul-searching, I realize I haven't been entirely honest with myself.
I often find myself merely using Scripture as a support for my own beliefs rather than as the basis for them. I do believe that Scripture is clear about the sinfulness of homosexual acts, but is that really why I feel so strongly about the topic? Is that why you feel so strongly?
I don't think I'm alone here. I believe many conservative Christians, myself included, base their views more on their own homophobia than on the words of Scripture. I challenge you to consider honestly where you base your own beliefs on the topic.
Do you have the same condemning, hateful words for your friend who comes back drunk every weekend? What about your friend who always has a piece of juicy gossip or something demeaning to say about someone else? Do you avoid at all costs? Would you shake your head if she showed up in church?
What about your friend who scored with his girlfriend or your roommate who's addicted to pornography? Do they deserve respect and dignity? Can God really love them?
Homosexual acts, as mentioned in Scripture, are no different than the sins you and I struggle with. They're no different than the sins your friends struggle with. I challenge you to find in the Bible where it condemns homosexuals themselves. Does it actually condemn same-sex attraction?
If we are truly trying to follow God's commands, we must get rid of our own prejudices and xenophobia. We must take the Bible at its word and not add or subtract anything.
You see, when we accept Scripture as the basis of our beliefs, we cannot pick and choose. If we believe and accept the Bible's condemnation of homosexual acts, we must also accept the Bible's call to love. God's Word is a package deal.
The Church must find a way to strike a biblical balance on this issue. The choice is not one between open condemnation of homosexuality versus open acceptance of it. The Church is called to follow the commands of Scripture. That means it must uphold the verses that condemn homosexual acts along with other sins, but even more, the Church must love.
Jesus seemed to be more concerned with the hearts of the people than what the Roman government said. It doesn't matter what the United States says about gay marriage. That does not change our call both to uphold the Scriptures and to love.
So why are we, the Church, so concerned with what our government says? Should we not focus more on the people God places in our lives? The Kingdom of God is much bigger than the United States.
We must never compromise on the commands of Scripture, but it's just as important that we not compromise Christ's love with our opinions. If I err, I would rather err on the side of love than condemnation.
In all things and above all things, God's Word must be our foundation.
Stephen Moss is a junior journalism major from Panama City Beach, Fla. He can be reached at srmoss@samford.edu
Yes, I admit it. I'm a homophobe, and that saddens me.
I've always claimed that I'm not homophobic, that my aversion to homosexuality comes only from my belief in Scripture. However, after some soul-searching, I realize I haven't been entirely honest with myself.
I often find myself merely using Scripture as a support for my own beliefs rather than as the basis for them. I do believe that Scripture is clear about the sinfulness of homosexual acts, but is that really why I feel so strongly about the topic? Is that why you feel so strongly?
I don't think I'm alone here. I believe many conservative Christians, myself included, base their views more on their own homophobia than on the words of Scripture. I challenge you to consider honestly where you base your own beliefs on the topic.
Do you have the same condemning, hateful words for your friend who comes back drunk every weekend? What about your friend who always has a piece of juicy gossip or something demeaning to say about someone else? Do you avoid at all costs? Would you shake your head if she showed up in church?
What about your friend who scored with his girlfriend or your roommate who's addicted to pornography? Do they deserve respect and dignity? Can God really love them?
Homosexual acts, as mentioned in Scripture, are no different than the sins you and I struggle with. They're no different than the sins your friends struggle with. I challenge you to find in the Bible where it condemns homosexuals themselves. Does it actually condemn same-sex attraction?
If we are truly trying to follow God's commands, we must get rid of our own prejudices and xenophobia. We must take the Bible at its word and not add or subtract anything.
You see, when we accept Scripture as the basis of our beliefs, we cannot pick and choose. If we believe and accept the Bible's condemnation of homosexual acts, we must also accept the Bible's call to love. God's Word is a package deal.
The Church must find a way to strike a biblical balance on this issue. The choice is not one between open condemnation of homosexuality versus open acceptance of it. The Church is called to follow the commands of Scripture. That means it must uphold the verses that condemn homosexual acts along with other sins, but even more, the Church must love.
Jesus seemed to be more concerned with the hearts of the people than what the Roman government said. It doesn't matter what the United States says about gay marriage. That does not change our call both to uphold the Scriptures and to love.
So why are we, the Church, so concerned with what our government says? Should we not focus more on the people God places in our lives? The Kingdom of God is much bigger than the United States.
We must never compromise on the commands of Scripture, but it's just as important that we not compromise Christ's love with our opinions. If I err, I would rather err on the side of love than condemnation.
In all things and above all things, God's Word must be our foundation.
Stephen Moss is a junior journalism major from Panama City Beach, Fla. He can be reached at srmoss@samford.edu
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Bigdog1968
Robert Alvarez
posted 5/15/09 @ 6:28 PM CST
Stephen, I've noticed a lack of, or better yet and imbalance of articles on the Crimson that present the conservative (both political and religious) viewpoint. (Continued…)
Stephen
posted 5/23/09 @ 11:17 PM CST
Robert,
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate your opinions.
It may be a bit of a stretch to characterize my characterization of conservatives as "hateful. (Continued…)
Robert Alvarez
posted 5/24/09 @ 2:50 AM CST
Stephen, thanks for your reply to my reply!
As far as comparing to other sins, I was simply following your lead. The point that I feel naturally follows what I was saying about those sins, and maybe I should have made it clear in my post, is that the response of the sinner to God's grace is supposed to be to repent, which I learned a long time ago at SU means literally, "to turn away from". (Continued…)
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