Gay Love

Is it just me or does it seem like a whole bunch of people are “coming out” as Diana Ross crooned back in the 80s?  This seeming emergence of gay pride is however nothing new; and if the people of Sodom and Gomorrah hadn’t been dead you probably could have asked them about it. 

What then should one’s approach be?  Granted the ease and rapidity with which information is spread via the media makes it seem that there are ridiculously climbing numbers of persons whose romantic  preferences seem limited to those of a similar sexual orientation.  It is impossible, it would appear, to watch television, read the paper or surf the net and not have that token homosexual man/ woman.  Debates are international as it relates to gay rights and privileges, and legislation is almost daily being created or reviewed to ensure that such persons are accommodated.

What I find most interesting is the response of many heterosexuals.  In both religious and non-religious circles I see four primary responses.  There are the fire and brimstone talkers, quick to highlight the fate of the Biblical Sodom and Gomorrah, latching on to only the homosexuality aspect of those cities' deprivation, failing it seems to note that the judgement came as a result of the grave sin that characterised their lifestyles (Genesis 18:20) and choosing instead to pronounce a similar fate on those who embrace this lifestyle. Then there are those who take the opposite extreme, are sympathetic and avoid any aversion to homosexuality.  Instead they embrace it as a pliable alternative, condemning those who take issue with it as bigots.  There are also those who embrace indifference, that is, they neither support nor oppose this lifestyle.  They couldn’t care less about an individual’s sexual choice since it has little, if anything, to do with the day to day interaction they must have with these persons.   Finally there is the group of those who are (what I term at least) conditionally tolerant, who take no issue with homosexuality as long as those of that persuasion are not members of their family or in their immediate circles. 

Interestingly as it becomes more mainstream, more persons are developing that attitude of indifference.  So what if he/she chooses to become intimately involved with someone of a similar sexual orientation?  Who determines what is wrong or right?  To even suggest that a Biblical attitude be adopted is tantamount to being old-fashioned.  Some have even gone on to religify homosexuality stating that it was God who made their sexual choices what they are. 

I make no apology for my stance on homosexuality.  I categorically believe it is wrong!  And I will sing that song until the cows come home!  Before I get too much applause from one set of extremists however, let me very quickly add that though I believe it to be wrong, I do not in any way support marginalisation, abuse, or any kind of maltreatment meted out to persons who accept this as their lifestyle.   

The God of Christianity speaks against sin.  Everywhere homosexuality is mentioned it is listed with a number of other actions that God deems sinful.  The Apostle Paul very pointedly highlighted, along with homosexuality, several groups of persons who will face the same judgement (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)  He goes on to highlight that at one time or another some of us had actually fit into one of the groups he names.  And yes, some forms of heterosexual relations fall into that category… gasp!

If you ask me, fire and brimstone responses sometimes help to further the cause of homosexuality, especially when it is the religious persons who take this stance.  How does one preach the love of God while simultaneously advocating the destruction of people who need God’s grace?  Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening (James 3:11)?

Spread some love, God's grace is for everyone.  He didn't ask us to love the actions just to love the people.