The comparison of how religious advocates continue to persecute homosexual couples and how Jesus perceived them.
‘Surely you know that the wicked will possess God's Kingdom. Do not fool yourselves; people who are immoral or who worship idols or are adulterers or homosexual perverts or who steal or are greedy or are drunkards or who slander others or are thieves-none of these will possess God's Kingdom'... 1 Co 6:9, 10. This statement was taken directly from the bible (Old Testament) as proof that God said homosexuals shall not be recognized as worthy to enter His Kingdom. However, Jesus' teachings were in sharp contrast to the Old Testaments harsh judgments and punishments. Jesus believed in forgiveness for those who have committed sins and to be cleansed before God. He was inclusive of all individuals, rich and poor, the self-righteous and sinners, religious and ethnically similar (Jews), dissimilar groups in religion, nationality and ethnic diversity (Samaritans, Greeks, and Romans). How can the religious leaders and their followers of today persecute the offenders of immoral behavior, homosexuality, when their savior has readily accepted them? Could it be the natural instinct of the human animal to procreate in a natural setting? Homosexual couples cannot reproduce as a "normal" part of society; they can love and cherish their children and each other. This is the lesson to be learned here; gay or straight, we are all created from the same material. The orientation does not matter when loving a partner or child.
There seems to be contradiction on the religious version of homosexuality. Events portrayed by the bible and interpretation of it glaze over the fact that Jesus was in fact unbiased against those who were different from him. ‘There are eunuchs who have been so from birth' (Mat 19:12, NRSV). Eunuchs were seen as lower than human and unworthy of attention from themselves as well as their savior. These people were treated as being intolerable due to their inability to properly procreate. Because they could not produce children, their virility was challenged; thus, their status was classified as sub-human. Jesus, however, accepted these people with the affliction (termed atypical genitalia today) and did not deny their inclusion into the kingdom. Today our culture continues to persecute those who are different. Fifty years ago we faced the heinous treatment of African Americans. The immoral belief that homosexuals choose their lifestyle is ludicrous.
Studies from the APA (American Psychological Association) in July of 1994 stated clearly that homosexuality is neither a mental illness nor moral depravity. It is simply the way a minority of our population expresses human love and sexuality. Study after study documents the mental health of gay men and lesbians; these show that their judgment, stability, reliability and social and vocational adaptiveness all show that gay men and lesbians function every bit as well as heterosexuals. Nor is homosexuality a matter of individual choice. Research suggests that the homosexual orientation is in place very early in the life cycle, possibly even before birth. It is found in about ten percent of the population, a figure which is surprisingly constant across cultures, irrespective of the different moral values and standards of a particular culture. Contrary to what some imply, the incidence of homosexuality in a population does not appear to change with new moral codes or social mores.
The religious zealots do not have a fact to stand on. Their savior has been quoted as being accepting of people regardless of difference in ethnicity, political views, culture or lifestyle. It is apparent that the only choice they have is to accept homosexuality as a norm and let people live to love and cherish each other. Gay or straight, we are all human and do have one thing in common: The feeling of loving another person unconditionally. That is what God wants after all, is it not?
--Thanks to Robert Nguyen Cramer for his contribution to this article
I think one should further study the whole context of the letter of Paul to the Corinthians. The letter was written to reprimand the Corinths from the immoral acts they've been continuously practicing even though they professed their faith to love and serve God through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only Son, and is the best example for Christians to follow in order to enter God's Kingdom, be his children and receive salvation. Paul has enumerated the guidelines in those verses (1 Cor 6:9, 10) for christians not to continue those immoral ways [as enumerated] to possess God's kingdom. We will not enter in God's kingdom through the physical but through the spiritual, however, we shall be transformed into spirit if we decided to live like Jesus Christ. True enough, christians know that they are not to judge, for it's God to judge, but the guidelines had been written and God is always true to his promise, "not even one letter will depart from his law".
#3 by Steve in Reno, Jun 21, 2008
JW, in your article, first paragraph, you state that 1st Corinthians, chapter 6, verses 9 thru 10 was part of the Old Testament. Please look again; you won\'t find Corinthians there. It\'s in the New Testament.
I think it important to be accurate as any of us struggle to learn what we can about Christianity\'s take on homosexuality. I know who I am as I support GLBT people. For my own knowledge, I\'m going to reread the Gopspels and see what I can find there in Jesus\'s teachings. For a man that seemed to be so inclusive, I doubt I\'ll find him putting down homosexuals.
It seems to me that if anyone only had the Gospels for guidance in how to go through life, they would have one good time. The necessity of all those other \"books\" are questionable, IMO.
#4 by Moses Clark, Jul 2, 2008
This column you wrote is very nice and it is what people want to hear...but I dont think God is happy with it. I say this because He is the same God who destroyed a town of homosexuals and lesbians in Sodom and Gommorah.
God is unchanging, the same revengeful God before as He is today. We have this mentality of Jesus being like a lamb...but in the end of the day Jesus will come with a sword. His garment will be white, with human blood on it from those who he will slay.
Salvation can only be obtained by faith and obedience. Homosexual is a choice, a lifestyle of sin! Do not be deceived by the (American Psychological Association) they possibly hate God and everything Christianity stands for. Just like a lifestyle of murder or theft, homosexuality will be judged the same way.
If you live a lifestyle that God opposes you will be judged accordingly, and God will say that he never knew you. This even pertains to heterosexual fornicators. People who have sex outside of marriage thinking it is ok...they are living a lifestyle of sin also.
The point I am trying to make is that if you dont repent from your sins consistently, you will face Hell. Now this isnt what people want to hear...but I know God is pleased with this message!
Amen.
#5 by Anti-Bigget, Jul 5, 2008
Well all I can say to the last comment is that the American Psychological Association, probably should RIGHTLY hate christianity and everything it stands for because of wankers like you.
#6 by Moses Clark, Jul 7, 2008
That is the intricate problem! People hate a voice that is true and opposes wickedness. Christ shed is blood so biggets like you and I can have the right to salvation...also you must understand that even the Kingdom of God has its laws and governance.
#7 by repent, Jul 10, 2008
"How can the religious leaders and their followers of today persecute the offenders of immoral behavior, homosexuality, when their savior has readily accepted them?"
Easy, they don't think they are doing anything wrong. Read the book, Jesus only forgave those who asked for forgiveness. With that is admitting fault. Don't you think God knows if you are sincere or not? Sure many people keep on repeating the same sin over and over, then ask for forgiveness. We are all sinners, and Jesus know it. Do homosexuals repent? If you don't repent, are you still forgiven?
#8 by St. Louis, Jul 11, 2008
What you all need to take into consideration is the fact for thousands of years mankind has controlled the population through a fear of a higher power. Such as Gods or Demons, Have you ever considered opening your little minds to other possabilities???? Really think hard!!!!
#9 by Moses Clark, Jul 15, 2008
I will answer repents question first. Jesus will not accept everyone when he comes back with vengence. Although it is true He died for everyone in the past, He also gave a commandment on how to get salvation. To live a godly lifestyle and repent of your sins. There is no way that a homosexual who believes in God doesnt know that the lifestyle of homosexuality is wrong. That homosexual or lesbian would have to be crazy. The point I am trying to make is that there will be more people in hell because of there rebellion against Gods truth.
Grace is a powerful thing and if someone is struggling with homosexuality, and trying to live right, then I am sure God will forgive them. On the other hand if a person is purposely being disobedient and accepting a life style of homosexuality, they will face hell.
Now about St. Luis comments, this is a very tough question for me to answer because I\'ve seen the power of God work in my life, and I\'ve felt demons distract my life. There is no evidence in this believe, only faith. And yes Ive considered another possibility and that is hell. I would hate to face that possibility because I wanted to sound intelligent and think out of the box. If you study the bible you will be convicted, and I encourage you not to listen to mans knowledge, but listen to the spirit. If you remember one thing about this column I want you to remember this: There are only two ways Luis; heaven or hell, you choose your destiny.
Be blessed and thank you for the questions =)
#10 by Jon, Jul 27, 2008
The Bible Expressly FORBIDS homosexuality, and the Bible also warns that in the last days people will heap up for themselves false teachers and that some people will depart from the faith having their consciences seared with a hot iron. Do not follow after false teachers or the Lusts of your own hearts, God gave us a heart and conscience for a reason, heed it!
#11 by Liam , Jul 27, 2008
Writer of this article, if you are going to try writing an article pertaining to scripture, but can't even quote a scripture or which part of the Bible it's found in correctly, then your lack of credibility is on full display for the masses, a eunuch is a person who cannot, due to some issue function sexually,or someone who simply chooses not to engage in ANY FORM of sexual activity. A eunuch is NOT a homosexual, Jon is right when he says the Bible forbids homosexuality, see Romans 1:24-32 (that\'s New Testament by the way)
Many homosexuals say they are \"sexually confused\" and God is not the author of confusion, nor does he contradict Himself
#12 by Moses, Jul 31, 2008
Jon and Liam...Amen
#13 by gringo, Jul 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 6:11
This is the verse that everybody who is sexually immoral seems to miss, it states: And that is what some of you were, But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Get real people and don't quote scripture out of context and without comparing line upon line and precept upon precept. Take the whole Bible, every verse seriously. Don't hand me that crap about predudice and Jesus being forgiving antinoministic attitude.
Romans 6:1,2: What shall we say then? shall we go on sinning that GRACE may incrtease? By no means! We died to sin, how can we live in it any longer?
#14 by Moses Clark, Aug 5, 2008
Hey gringo I like and respect your comment...just a mental note I did not write this column! I am totally against this column, and I will pray for jwstorm, so that God can take away his confusion. Homosexuality is a sin, and to sum up his question: Our LORD Savior Jesus Christ will not support this.
Amen.
#15 by hope, Aug 26, 2008
I read all the comments and I still did not get any answers. I have a big problem with people just for the heck of it claiming to be a Homosexual. What kind of life do they have being an out cast in society? I do not think it is all just black and white like we would like to make this issue. Jesus does say some are born and some choose. Maybe we need to let the good Lord do the judging. Because after all it is the heart that he sees something we humans are incapable of.
#16 by Moses Clark, Sep 7, 2008
Hi hope,
To answer your question...God is the judge and so is His word. Christianity is the true outcast to society because people dont understand the mind state of a Christian. If a person is a woman who is manly by nature then that is how God made her, and if a man is feminine by nature then that is also his make-up. The problem is when that person acts on their sinful nature...instead of acting on Gods holy nature and that is a man leaving his mother to be united with his wife.
If a person doesnt want the will of God to direct their lives, then they will be a deeper outcast, one rejected by judgmental men and God. On the other hand, if they can overcome their sinful nature which is homosexuality -- then God will be pleased with them.
The truth is that if you are a homosexual then rebelling against yourself will truly please God, and your reward in heaven will be substantial. If was not easy for Christ to die on the cross, so it will not be easy for a homosexual to learn how to live amongst heterosexuals. My encouragement to them is to continue to be in prayer and if possible find other homosexuals that hate their sinful nature and are striving to live for God also.
