unChristian.5

 6.9.13

         God created sexuality, so it is good, but it can be expressed in wrong ways. Every one of us, gay or straight or whatever, expresses sexuality in broken ways.

          The 5^th chapter is on Homosexuality. One that I was excited to dig into, but also very apprehensive. I have homosexual friends that know I’m a Christian. But very few of them understand my stance on their life style. Do I agree with it, or don’t I? It’s my own fault that I haven’t made clear my stance on biblical teaching. This is out of fear and the feeling of inadequacy. The lack of knowledge isn’t an excuse for me to not discuss the topic. So this chapter deals with how many homosexuals view us based on those “screaming the loudest” per se. 

          --91% of outsiders said “antihomosexual" accurately describes present day Christianity. 

          Here is some real viewpoints that Christians have admitted to from Barna’s Group research. Christians believe events like 9.11 and hurricane Katrina are God’s judgment on homosexuals. Christians use coarse jokes and offensive language to describe homosexuals, such as fags and sodomists. During their research, many homosexuals turned the company to the “God-hates-gays” websites. 

          “As you will see, our criticism of homosexuals is not only ineffective, but also repels people. One survey respondent put it, “I cannot imagine Jesus actually treating gays and lesbians like Christians do today.” 

          This research shows that people believe Christians completely reject homosexuals. Not just their lifestyle. Where does the change need to happen for them to feel love and accepted as a person? Displaying God’s love. How He loved the world before it knew Him and still as His people rejected Him. 

Biblical responses:

·         Everyone can have sexual baggage, but also have sexual wholeness. Develop a process within your church or your life that allows people to work through sexual issues in a context of accountability respect, and transparency.

·         Christians expect overnight results and are impatient with the need to cultivate deep, candid relationships and interactions of trust.

·         True connection to people and to Christ happens most often when we love and serve them. Love is patient and kind. It does not keep record of wrongs. It always believes the best. Love never fails.

·         Think of past/present experiences homosexuals have had with unChristian faith. The types of thins written, spoken, or emailed. Our words in us-vs.-them used as a weapon. Think of James 1:26 in this light.

          It is easy to learn what words are offensive and simply avoid them; it is much harder to find meaningful ways to speak the truth in love. If your theology says homosexuality is wrong and sinful, is it still true that homosexuals have deep sexual needs, just like the rest of us? How can we not utter compassionate words and perform compassionate acts?

          Homosexuality is a simple issue. The young outsiders we interviewed explained that most Christians seem to spend little energy in actually getting to know homosexuals or what happens in the lives of those who have some type of same-sex attraction or encounter. This lack of interaction leads Christians to misunderstand the complexity of issues facing gays/lesbians. Opening conversation is a key element in addressing anyone’s brokenness and need for Christ. But that means trust and relationships. Which takes time.