Question 85 – Why do you judge homosexuals?
We arrive at one of the most sensitive questions in this book. Homosexuality, or sexual attraction toward the same sex, is a highly debated topic in Western society, sparking numerous conflicts and emotions. Not long ago, approving and promoting such behavior was almost unthinkable; today, the opposite trend is often seen—express disagreement, and you're quickly labeled a hateful fanatic, a homophobe, backward, or intolerant. Christianity often finds itself the target of accusations and attacks for supposed intolerance. Questions frequently arise like, "What leads the church to condemn homosexual minorities?" or "But God loves everyone; why should they be prevented from loving each other?"
Setting the Record Straight
It is a regrettable fact that many people (including some Christians) behave hatefully toward homosexuals, showing disdain for them. Personally, I disagree with such an attitude. These individuals deserve our compassion, love, and acceptance as rightful human beings. No one should condemn homosexuals (or anyone else, for that matter). Here, I want to clearly affirm the human dignity of homosexuals and reiterate that they are also loved by God. I do not feel in any way superior to homosexuals. I believe that God desires a personal relationship with them as well. Christians who rely on a biblical message do not fundamentally reject homosexuals as individuals but unequivocally reject homosexual acts as acts that distort the natural order, are offensive to God, and are highly destructive for the individuals themselves and society as a whole. In Christianity, there is a profound distinction between the person and their actions. We believe God condemns theft but loves the thief. He condemns deceit but loves the deceivers. He condemns unfaithfulness in heterosexuals (or their sin) but loves them nonetheless. Homosexuals fall into the same category. As the Bible states—while their behavior is detestable to God, He loves them as individuals.
This is at the heart of a common criticism faced by Christians who are accused of condemning homosexuals. Christianity does not condemn homosexuals, but their acts. According to the Bible, homosexuality itself is not a sin. It becomes sinful when it is acted upon.
Addressing Some Objections
In defending themselves, homosexuals and modern tolerant societies put forward numerous arguments in favor of accepting and normalizing homosexuality. Consider the words of someone who once fervently advocated and practiced homosexuality. Michael Glatze, founder of the magazine "Young Gay America" and a former prominent advocate for gay rights, who claims that God delivered him from homosexuality, commented on the creation of public opinion as follows:
"The problem is, the politicians, activists, and media are very good at creating emotional arguments that trap people in a feeling of guilt if they have any negative or critical thoughts against homosexuality. Good-hearted people feel guilty, then shamed, then start not saying anything, then start compromising. The more something that is evil can be made to appear good, the more people will just allow that evil to exist.... that is what is happening with homosexuality."[16]
Michael, like a multitude of other former homosexuals, demonstrates that the arguments he once advocated are based on false tolerance and are, in many cases, untrue or misleading. There are many such arguments, each of which deserves a critical analysis that could fill an entire book. Therefore, I will limit myself to simplified conclusions here—not to refuting homosexual arguments.
What Does the Bible Say?
I wish to briefly address the tendency of some Christians and groups to reject the clear biblical revelation concerning this issue. They interpret biblical passages (e.g., Leviticus 20:13; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:24–32; 1 Corinthians 6:9, etc.) related to homosexuality very liberally, claiming they do not actually speak about sexual orientation itself (or a loving relationship between two men or two women) but only prohibit certain behaviors of specific groups and individuals that were historically limited in meaning. I believe these interpretations are unsustainable for various reasons. God unequivocally declares such behavior detestable and asserts that those practicing homosexual acts will not inherit the kingdom of God. Although the topic is not elaborated in detail, the principle clearly indicates that sexual relations between people of the same sex are prohibited. A significant argument also lies in the evidence of a positive nature—namely, the God-revealed model of MALE-FEMALE relationships. This biblical emphasis is strong and clearly points to the notion that this is the only God-sanctioned model for human cohabitation.
Can Sexual Orientation Be Changed?
Opinions on this matter vary widely. Many claim otherwise, advancing their argument as the only politically correct "truth." However, there are others who believe reality differs—there are numerous former homosexuals who have changed their orientation, successfully living heterosexual lives, and forming families with children. This fact casts serious doubt on the efforts of homosexual groups to assert that homosexuality is normal and unchangeable. Consequently, if those who have been healed from homosexuality hold the truth, the proponents of the unchangeable sexual orientation stance are incorrect and dangerously so, as it denies many homosexually oriented individuals the opportunity for deliverance (should they desire it).
Yet, amidst these successes, there are of course many unsuccessful attempts. Sometimes, individuals revert to their original orientation for various reasons or do not find fulfillment outside a homosexual relationship. This is indeed true. Still, this reality cannot serve as an argument against the possibility of complete healing. There are undoubtedly many ways one might respond to these failures, but they go beyond my knowledge and the scope of this book. I thus return to the question of our fallen sinful nature and emphasize that there is no heterosexual who isn't subjected to similar temptations, even if in relation to the opposite sex. In the past, there were attempts to forcibly "retrain" homosexuals, using methods bordering on abuse. This is a path bearing little good fruit. When speaking of healing from homosexual orientation, I primarily mean healing through God's power.
I am not discussing various psychological methods (though they may indeed produce results), but God's power and grace.
Homosexuals and Activists Oppress Homosexuals
The homosexual lobby is aggressive not only toward critics of such lifestyles. Through its aggressiveness and psychological pressure, it also harms many homosexuals. It pressures them to adhere to their orientation. Many, however, do not wish to live this way. Such tendencies are distressing to them, and they resist succumbing to them. Thus, this lobby sometimes enslaves them into a condition they do not wish to partake in. They seek freedom, yet often have little opportunity, for they are continually inundated with messages to "be themselves" or to "accept who they are."
In some instances, aggressive political lobbying opposes any organized effort to provide assistance to homosexuals. Christians report severe opposition when attempting to offer help and a path to healing to homosexual individuals. Michael Glatze, mentioned earlier, reacts to skepticism regarding the possibility of healing from homosexuality by stating:
"People actually have no significant doubts about it. Instead, they buy/inherit the worldly view—first, that homosexuality is OK, then use that premise to say, 'I simply don't believe a person can become heterosexual from being gay.' But the evidence is clear. I am one in millions who have stopped being homosexual and have become heterosexual."[16]
Michael continues, "I do believe that homosexuality is a flaw, a mistake, a distortion and something from which one can be completely restored. I do know that this viewpoint flies in the face of people's personal decisions, as well as some popular politics in this world. And I am additionally aware that this viewpoint labels me as some kind of 'right-wing fanatic' who ought to just be 'wiped out'."[17]
Michael's experience is not an isolated case. Those who loudly denounce "intolerance!" are often the ones intolerant themselves toward those who reject this orientation. Ex-homosexuals are frequently threatened, insulted, and disparaged. This is a side of the homosexual lobby that few know of.
What, then, can be said in conclusion? There are very many arguments employed by those who defend homosexuality. There are also numerous arguments put forth by its opponents. Each of you must form your own opinion. It is a fact that homosexuals hold the right to choose a homosexual lifestyle. No one can forcibly strip them of this orientation—not even God does so. Yet, we Christians also reserve the right to disagree with such behavior and to point out that, according to the Bible, it contradicts divine order and causes harm to many people, including homosexuals themselves.
Summation
Homosexuality is a deeply sensitive and, for many, painful experience. While it constitutes an obvious deviation and disorder of the natural order, today's tolerant society often labels it as normal. Christians do not condemn homosexuals (nor should they); they critically approach this behavior.