"You know its fun being on the forefront of hatred against homosexuals. After all their sinful actions make them sub-human and we should ostracise them from their communities and put them in camps where they won't infect regular citizens like me."

Or, at least, that's what they would have you believe that we think.

 

It is regular to be called names when discussing the issue of homosexuality. Bigoted, homophobic and hateful are frequently used. Here's a video that gives you some idea of a recurring response to those who do not promote homosexuality as normal or healthy:

 

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Hateful is a bizarre and incorrect term to use to describe most who oppose sexuality out of marriage for the key reason that the person claiming hate usually has more animosity towards people with different opinions than they do. Herein lays the fallacy. Those who claim Christians are intolerant and almost certainly not interested in opinions from a Christian perspective. Those who claim we are bigots (i.e. stubborn and ill-informed) are nearly always ill-informed.

 

Take the idea that people are born with homosexual preferences. Most people defending homosexuality will not listen to the evidence (one example is My Genes Made Me Do It by Neil and Briar Whitehead) that debunks their theory. They will disregard the many people who have fought their way out of homosexuality as evidence that people are not born that way. This whole argument is a farce and if it was paraded around that people were born with a genetic predisposition to murder it would be treated with the contempt it deserves. There are a whole amount of myths about homosexuality which should be brought into the light.

 

"Of course your actions are your own realm but this does not allow you to interfere in other people's lives". This logic stinks of selfishness and falls down with the merest amount of scrutiny. After all we like to be wherever the celebrities and see whatever misfortune befalls them. Humans are not created in vacuums. What we do affects others. Child pornography can still be contained to the bedroom but still causes harm. Suicide seems like somebody's individual choice yet usually affects a large network of people.

 

When I am sinning I typically justify it to myself. In fact, if we look at the first moment that Satan appeared he whispered in Eve's ear "Did God really say...?" (Genesis 3:1). This is the most damaging lie Satan ever told because of its simplicity. It is important that we do not deceive ourselves into believing that all our actions are permissible. Any act of sexuality outside of marriage has far-reaching consequences. It is important that we are informed about the cost of our decisions even if we choose to disregard them.

 

When I speak out against homosexuality it is not because I am filled with hate. I feel nothing more or less towards homosexuals than any other person (now that's equality). God does not differentiate between sins. Lying, murder and lust have the same spiritual effect. Of course, the worldly consequences of each sin can be different.

 

One of my Facebook friends invited me to "be the change that you wish in the world" today. Now I am prepared to be harassed and hated for my stance because I think everyone is entitled to know a God that changes lives. Too often we let our sin define us. There is no freedom in sin. It merely ensnares and condemns. With this understanding I would be most hateful if I did not stress the dangers of homosexuality (or indeed any other sin).

 

We all have a dignity beyond this life yet sometimes we are too indulged on our own nefarious plans to care. The fact is rights are God-given. We are non-existent without Him. It is my wish that we think seriously about our actions and how they affect others but, more importantly, how they impact our relationship with God.

 

Unfortunately there are some who are using the supposed equality claims of homosexuality to hinder the message of the Gospel. In fact they are now starting to persecute Christians who stand for the truth. Barbara Hagerty, from NPR, lists how Christian groups and individuals are being both targeted and exploited for refusing to serve same-sex couples.

 

Not only that but there is a trend for legislature to start legally endorsing this hateful (see, I can do it too) crusade. Many of the stories of homosexual couples being refused include how the individual feels shocked, offended and angry. It is hard for me to comprehend how this could give rise to compensation. If I am refused a venue or photographer for my wedding (for whatever reason they want) I would just shrug my shoulders and find somewhere/someone else. There is no right to avoid being offended.

 

So I must applaud those who will stick to their guns despite the adversity they will be faced with. It seems things are going to get a lot worse unless we present a unified front. Name-calling is merely a trick employed by those who wish to continue in their sinful ways (myself included). God does not hate homosexuals, they are not sub-human. But they are selling themselves short by continuing to abuse their sexuality. We are not animals. We are not products of lust.

 

So unlike Couver87 in his Youtube clip above I am willing and hoping to have a conversation with people who don't agree with me. I am happy for people to disregard my advice and accept that others will not choose a Christian worldview. However, I will defend the right for Christians to stand on biblical morality without the law trampling on their liberties.

 

In the end I can't really be the change that I wish in this world. People do impact this world, but without God their impact is meaningless. I cannot boast on my actions, only on God's saving grace. I am not judging. In the end we are either defined by the blood of the Lamb or we are condemned.