A Call for the Acceptance of Homosexuals within the Christian Community
A Call for the Acceptance of Homosexuals within the Christian Community
For most people, with differing religious backgrounds and beliefs, the words “homosexual” and “Christian” do not mesh. The church body as a whole does not recognize homosexuality as being consistent with Scripture, and leaders within the church provide extensive evidence as to why they have come to this conclusion. The Bible is used as their main source for refuting the gay lifestyle, and many Christians would argue that homosexuality is aiding the breakdown of the family structure in our society. While the evidence against homosexuality seems biblically based and compelling at first glance, a closer examination of the biblical context shows something somewhat different. People must also take into account the recent advances in scientific research regarding homosexuality, and question whether or not sexual orientation is truly a choice. Fortunately, many denominations are taking an active stand in support of gay and lesbian rights. There are churches headed by gay ministers; and in some places, same-sex unions are being provided as well. Perhaps in time, more churches will follow their example. In order to model what Jesus taught in the Bible, we are called to love God above all, but also to love our neighbors as well. Whether or not an agreement concerning the sinfulness and morality of homosexuality is made, there must be a recognition that we all share a common humanity and can learn and grow by building each other up – no matter what sex, nationality, age, religion, or sexual orientation a person might be.
Webber 2
The major arguments against homosexuality are based on verses found within the Bible. Each of these verses should be reviewed and discussed. The story of the destruction of Sodom in Genesis 19:1-25 is referred to frequently. God had sent two angels to the city of Sodom and they took shelter in the home of Abraham’s nephew, Lot. The men in the town became aware of the “visitor’s” presence and demanded that Lot send them outside; their intentions were to have sex with them. In order to protect the angels, Lot offers his daughters to the men instead, but they refuse. The mob of angry men then began to charge at the door; however, the angels blinded them and then warned Lot and his family to leave the city because it would be destroyed (Homosexuality 1).
Many scholars believe the destruction of Sodom was due to the homosexual intentions of the men in the account; this, however, is up for debate. According to Walter Wink, a Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Auburn Theological Seminary in New York City, this was an attempt at demasculinizing other men. The sexual act that might have occurred would not have been expressed out of love but rather out of force (1). In all aspects, the actions were quite similar to rape, which should be viewed unacceptably in homosexual and heterosexual relationships alike. Jude 7 makes reference to the sexual [next page]