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Article by Cameron Spink
Michael Kirby, who until recently held the position of a Justice on the High Court, has attacked religious organisations on the grounds that they are homophobic and irrational to science. I would like to refute both these claims from a Christian perspective.
Kirby says:
Irrational hatred of sexual minorities is encouraged - even promoted - by religious leaders, in supposed reliance upon their understandings of religious texts.
So what does the Bible say on the topic? Paul, in Romans 1:26-27 roundly condemns the act saying it is unnatural and shameful. Michael Kirby tries to debunk this by saying that homosexuality is natural. However, the onus is on him to prove this. There is plenty of evidence that does not support his view. Merely go to the Salt Shakers – Homosexuality genetics page to see experts give evidence to the contrary.
Kirby calls anyone who doesn’t agree with natural homosexuality "irrational". However, he does not tell us why. Kirby is a member of the Anglican Church so it seems he is attacking the validity of Paul’s position in order to justify his lifestyle. A Christian cannot cherry pick their ideas from the Bible. God’s Word condemns all sinful behaviour as leading to death. It seems that it is alright for us to say murder or stealing is sinful because they fit into social norms. But when we charge something like sexual immorality with being sin there is uproar.
Homosexual groups believe that we are deliberately targeting them. This is not true. The fact is the Bible is as unequivocal on any act of sexual immorality be it lust (pornography etc.), heterosexual or homosexual activity. The only time sexual intercourse is accepted is within the marriage relationship. Many people see this as curbing our freedom but “sexual freedom” is more addictive than liberating. Marriage provides for real sexual freedom between husband and wife. If we are Christians God should be our focus. We shouldn’t be enslaved to our desires; we should be dead to sin. If that means I need to work on something in my own life I shouldn’t shirk from it. Instead I should work on it diligently and try to free myself from sin's bondage. Kirby’s argument seems to be saying that we should merely accept their lifestyle. However, if an individual is indeed a Christian, should they accept their own sinful lifestyle?
This leads to perhaps Kirby’s most relevant point in his article:
The stigma over sexual conduct often taught by religious people can no longer be accepted. It is now a major cause of death in the AIDS epidemic. It has to stop. Not only because it is immoral, conflicted, irrational and wrong. Not only because it is a denial of the essential spiritual message of love at the heart of religion. But also because it is seriously impeding the global struggle against HIV and AIDS.
As Bishop Desmond Tutu has said: "Show me where Christ said, 'Love thy fellow man, except for the gay ones'. Gay people too are made in my God's image. I would never worship a homophobic God."
This in essence is where it is hard for religious organisations and individuals because of the fine line that exists between ‘loving the person and hating the sin’. The fact is that Jesus did indeed seek the lost and we have to all concede that we are all part of the lost. I am not a better person than a homosexual person. In no way do I deserve more mercy than them. Nor should I not love them. I still sin daily and expect my fellow Christians to love me. How is it different when a Christian is struggling in the area of homosexuality? Again it comes back to an individual perspective: I have no right to condemn another’s sin but I am still able to say particular activities are wrong according to the Bible. What a person chooses to do with this information is a choice they must live with and justify to God. The message doesn't change to be politically correct.
Should we then avoid having a voice regarding society’s rules upon homosexuality? No, we too are members of society. Our voice should be heard and we should staunchly defend our beliefs. What is more, as a Christian, I have particular positions on euthanasia, abortion and even more “trivial” things such as alcohol and gambling. Why should I not have a position on homosexuality? Or any sex out of marriage? I am not married and if I do not marry I will abstain from sex. Regardless of where your inclinations lie, as a Christian, this is the best philosophy.
It is important, though, to remember in all this that God’s love is given to all people, no less to homosexuals. We cannot impact upon other’s lives if we don’t love them regardless. For while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Click here to go to Michael Kirby’s article.
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