Homosexuality

Homosexuality - sexual attraction to, or sexual activity with someone of the same sex.

I.  Scriptural Argument - Lev. 18:22, 20:13
Rom. 1:24-27   1 Cor. 6:9-10 ---> such WERE!!!
1 Tim. 1:9-10   ( Gen. 18 & 19 - Sodom & Gomorrah)
Gal. 5:19-21, 6:7-9  Eph. 5:4   1 Thess. 4:28
Homosexual behavior is outside of God's Will.

II.  Argument from Nature
design - male and female fit well and couple well
function - procreation
norm - though not unobserved in the animal kingdom, doesn't mean it's the norm.  seldom seen) - and always considered a deviation from the norm.

III.  Argument from tradition.
On one hand, have been times and cultures where homo was accepted.  However, most societies throughout history considered it a deviation.

Quote from G. K. Chesterton - "Traditions means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors.  It is the democracy of the dead.  Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy (government by the few) of those who happen to be walking about."

It is the height of arrogance to look back on thousands of years of tradition, and determine that it is wrong!

Answering some of the challenges:

#1.  "born this way" - there is no proof of a "gay gene", but there us evidence of homosexual inclination or tendency - Rom.3:23 - we all have issues!!!!!

#2.  "this is my natural inclination" - BUT that does not make it right or acceptable.  Tendency/inclination does not justify action.

#3.  "I didn't choose this"
This is not justification to embrace/pursue/practice
But, it is reason for our empathy/compassion (imagine the struggle)

#4.  "many homosexuals are good, loving, nice people..."
This is NOT this issue/question.  The question = is it right/wrong!!  Goes back to has God said this?

#5.  "some are truly in love" - This is NOT the issue/question. 
Note:  modern tendency to make "love" the final authority!!!

#6.  "But some are loving & faithful to one another!"  - Granted....... but that doesn't address the question of right/wrong.  Even if committed & celibate?  Then = friendship not marriage

Religious Arguments (from pro-gay churches, etc.)
1.  "scripture = mis-translated" - Answer:  texts are simple/clear 

2.  "scripture = misinterpreted" - traditionally accepted
C.S. Lewis quote:  "The old Christian rule is, 'either marriage, with complete faithfulness to your partner, or else total abstinence.'  Now this is so difficult and so contrary to our instincts, that either Christianity is wrong or our sexual instinct, as it now is, has gone wrong.  One or the other."

3.  "scripture = outdated"- the moral code remains unchanged
If so, A)  must start with the issue of Scripture not with homosexuality.
         B)  other Biblical values, beliefs must also be questioned.

4.  "Jesus said nothing about homosexuality"
      A)  Gospels not comprehensive on issues  (incest, bestiality, etc.)
                                                 on quotes - John 21:25
      B)  Gospels not considered more authoritative  (what did Moses say?  Paul say?
     C)  Jesus does address proper  sexuality - Mark 10:6-9  (from Genesis)
     D)  Homosexuality was a non-issue in Jesus' day/culture - (assumed to be wrong by all)

5.  "I'm gay and I'm born again"
Example:  Mel White (pastor of America's largest gay congregation) - "I am gay.  I am proud.  And God loves me without reservation".
Question?  if loved of God, does that = therefore what I do = right??
Answer:  A)  Salvation does not exclude sin!!
               B)  Salvation does not legitimize sin!!! - Gal. 2:17, 5:13
Not to use freedom as excuse to sin any way want to.

Christian response to homosexuality - WWJD!!!
A.  Stand on truth - in a loving manner without compromising the truth.
B.  Distinguish between the Issue (truth) and the Individual (grace).  This is a person for whom Christ died.
C.  Be compassionate "but for the grace of God there go I" - Rom. 3:23 - we are all sinners.
We're all guilty of sexual sins (sometimes)
D.  Recognize homosexuality is not unpardonable, and not incurable?   Compare to an alcoholic.
E.  Reject homophobia
F.  expect sharp criticism from both camps -
         Christians because not tough enough
         Others because intolerant!!