Finally, a lot of talk was occasioned by the Episcopal Church’s appointment of an openly homosexual Bishop. This event displayed the wide breach in Christendom between those who hold to the inspiration and authority of the Bible and those who do not. A leading Episcopal Bishop who supported this appointment claimed that it was done in response to the Holy Spirit’s leading in the consensus of the church and that the church was not bound by an ancient text (the Bible)! Of course, such thinking is unacceptable for those who believe that the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Does God the Holy Spirit contradict Himself?

Through all the talk and debate that these events have engendered, homosexual activists have frequently expressed their disappointment in Christian opposition to steps favoring the expansion of homosexual rights. Those who speak for the homosexual movement have been pleading that all they want is equality -- the same rights and opportunities as others. They do not want to be discriminated against because of their sexual preference. Therefore why are Christians against this? Shouldn’t Christians love and tolerate homosexuals? Isn’t this what Jesus would do? Doesn’t God love all people? These points have been made again and again.

So, are Christians wrong in their opposition to homosexuality, the further expansion of homosexual rights, and acceptance of homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle? Do Christians hate homosexuals?

Many statements from the homosexual community accuse Christians (especially “conservative” Christians who still desire to follow the Bible) of being motivated in this debate by fear (homophobia), ignorance (bigotry), and hatred (intolerance). The suggestion is also advanced that beatings and murders of homosexuals can be linked to the rhetoric of Christian opposition.

But is this all there is to it? Or do Christians have deeper reasons for their opposition to homosexuality? Actually, Christian opposition to homosexuality is much more principled than the homosexual community may be willing to acknowledge. And this is why polls show that much of the American public is with Christians on a number of these issues. The arguments against encouraging homosexuality and granting additional rights are rooted in reason, principle and common sense. Yes, religious doctrine is involved, but there is much more to it than that.

Let’s begin first with the religious dimension of this. Many won’t agree with this argument but it is foundational for Bible believing Christians. Christians believe that morality descends from God. And how do we know what God’s moral code is? That would be the Bible. In our view, it is not a mere “ancient text,” it is God’s inspired Word. Its teachings reflect God’s will and message for humanity. And the moral code of God’s Word, the Bible, clearly opposes homosexuality. Many debate this, but any serious reading of scripture (that does not involve “selective reading”) will find obvious condemnation of homosexuality. Christians who oppose homosexuality are merely upholding what the Bible says. Therefore, the real issue that separates homosexuals and Christians, is not fear or hatred, it is the Bible.

Homosexuals and those who support them are forced to devise strained interpretations of the Bible or forced to argue against the Bible itself (this is the more honest approach). Yet, devout Christians have always believed the Bible to be the expression of God’s will for humanity. Christianity is, after all, a religion based in the claim to revelation, the idea that God has revealed Himself and His will in the propositions of Scripture. From this standpoint, homosexuality is a rejection of God and His will for humanity. This explains why Christians are unyielding on many of the moral issues of our time despite the prevailing moral relativism. But this point is admittedly based in religious dogma that many will not accept. Can more be said?

Let’s move on to a second point and talk about nature. Common sense and freshman anatomy tell us that two people of the same gender experiencing intimacy in a bedroom have the wrong equipment for the job. Homosexual intimacy is against nature’s design. It is therefore not surprising that it has proven to be an unhealthy lifestyle. A great deal of information is available on the prevalence of disease and untimely death among homosexuals. Do we really think it is the best interests of people and society to encourage this lifestyle?

The homosexual movement continues to assert that homosexuals have no choice in the question of their sexual orientation. And that what they do is just as normal as heterosexual intimacy. This flies in the face of all the evidence. Many, many homosexuals have left the lifestyle behind. Also, no reliable scientific proof has ever been advanced which definitively explains what the biological cause of homosexuality is. Is it a gene? Which gene? Is it the brain? Which part of the brain? If the cause is rooted in genetics, well then someone should tell us exactly what the root is. But no one has done this and no one can do this. Ask someone who puts forth this theory to explain exactly what the biological or physiological root is. There is no answer forthcoming.

So those who think that science has proven something in this matter have exchanged speculation for legitimate science. Let’s not believe in myths created by propaganda.

Actually, there is a body of evidence pointing to a much more sensible explanation for homosexuality. Its roots lie in (1) A failure to bond with a parent of the same gender, (2) Negative sexual experiences in childhood such as molestation, and (3) Low self esteem which leads to gender confusion. Anyone who has counseled with homosexuals can testify to this. These things were once considered treatable by counselors. The fact is they still are.

Thirdly, just a word to say about civilization. The ultimate test of any law or moral principle is to ask the question, “What would happen if everyone followed it?” What if everyone embraced homosexuality? Well, obviously, this would lead to the destruction of our civilization. The birthrate would decline so much that we would cease to exist or more likely, at some point, be conquered by our enemies because of our weakness. The fact is that homosexuals depend upon heterosexuality and marriage in a big way for the opportunity to pursue their lifestyle. The reverse is not true. Therefore this lifestyle should not be encouraged. Strong marriages and homes are what strengthen a nation. It is my opinion that older taboos like prohibiting homosexuals from role-model positions like teaching, coaching, scout leading and so forth were quite wise. The lifestyle should not be encouraged. It only serves to weaken us.

Fourth, we should also talk about the family. Since time immemorial the family has been the foundation of civilization. Common experience demonstrates the tremendous sacrifice, labor and effort it takes to properly civilize a child. We have long seen a connection between broken and dysfunctional homes and costly social ills like delinquency, crime, sociopathic behavior, depression, and maladjustment. Is it really wise for our society to embrace an utter novelty (homosexual “unions”) in terms of the definition of the family (two male “parents” or two female “parents”)? Doesn’t all the research and all common sense show that children have the best chance for a good life in a two parent male and female home? A mom and a dad? Do we really want to give homosexual parents sweeping new rights (historically unprecedented) such that they have all the protections and privileges of marriage and family? Is this wise?

We have to remember something. The homosexual movement will not be satisfied until it is granted rights equivalent to married people. By agreeing to this we will, as a culture, make a step that will lead to an explosion of the phenomenon of children being raised in homosexual households. Yet for centuries, in all cultures and places, heterosexual marriage has been the universal method of nurturing children. It offers children the protection, nurture and stability that other unions, relationships, and institutions do not.

Marriage needs to be protected. Not homosexual unions. Why don’t we put our energy into protecting marriage? Wouldn’t that be the better part of wisdom?

Do we really think it will be in the best interests of children to be raised in a home where both parents are of the same gender, the foundation of their relationship being an unnatural sexual relationship? Do we think that this will encourage proper character development? Will it teach them good morals and to always do the right thing? Will it give children proper self-esteem? Will it make them loyal and productive? Or will it diminish and confuse them? Could it not cause them difficult social problems? Will their sense of foundation and wholeness in life be the same as a child from a normal home? Will they feel alienated and isolated from others because of the situation of their homes?

Those who teach and counsel others in our society must retain the freedom to discourage people from this lifestyle – it is simply not in the best interests of children. The children become the victims.

Lastly, I would like to talk about hope. It is unfortunate that many practicing the homosexual lifestyle have placed their hopes for a good and happy life by sinking deeper roots into an enslaving lifestyle. This is not where true hope will be found. Many in the homosexual community have a false idea of God’s grace. They think that the idea that God is gracious (which is true) means that He approves of us no matter what we do (this is false). God is actually holy and judges sin (the commands against judging in the Bible do not preclude the necessity of making legitimate moral evaluation of behavior).

According to the biblical gospel, God’s grace in salvation and acceptance is found in a narrow way not a broad way. Acceptance by God comes through our repentance of our sins and faith in the sacrifice of God’s Son upon the cross. We have to accept that we are bad in order to become good. Then when we receive Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit cleanses us and indwells us. This is what brings deliverance from the slavery of sexual sin and all other sins. To find deliverance we have to come by the “narrow” way that Jesus talked about (Matt. 7:14). The broad way is a way to damnation. This is what Jesus taught. God does not accept us as we are. His Son went to the cross and bled and died because of what we are (all of us).

So a person in the homosexual lifestyle can find real, life-changing hope not in deepening the commitment to a sinful lifestyle. There is no hope or joy to be found when we willingly embrace a lifestyle opposed to the will of God. But hope will be found in the power of Jesus to change lives. Many in the homosexual community attribute the high rate of depression and suicide among homosexuals to the intolerance and persecution they experience. A better explanation may be the guilt, emptiness, self-loathing and loneliness, which often accompanies the homosexual lifestyle.

The Apostle Paul understood this. He wrote this to the Corinthian church, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such WERE some of you. But you were washed, but your were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God (1Cor. 6:9-11).” Two points can be made from this. First, homosexuality and other immoral practices are wholly inconsistent with God’s will, deeply sinful and worthy of judgment. Second, people caught in these lifestyles can be delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit when they yield completely to Christ, as were some in the Corinthian church, to which Paul directed this statement. The real hope for the homosexual is Christ, not additional and new rights. Christ came to be a friend to sinners and to set them free.

So these are the truths Bible-believing Christians are committed too. To ask us to accept and approve of homosexuality is to ask us to abandon the core realities of our faith. Not that we believe in the punishment or persecution of homosexuals. I have counseled homosexuals in my own study, within the walls of our church. I have treated them with tenderness and dignity. We do not want to punish them or persecute them.

But we do want to preach the gospel to them. It is our belief that they can find hope, peace and freedom in Christ. So, yes, we do tolerate homosexuality in this sense. But we do not and cannot ever accept it as God’s will, and therefore we oppose any steps that encourage it to be viewed as a normal and healthy lifestyle.

So yes, Christians oppose the homosexual lifestyle and are against any expansion of rights. But we do not hate homosexuals, we are not mindless bigots, and as people who love God and love our neighbor, we do not commit crimes against them. We merely want God’s best for them and are not afraid to say what that is. For that, it appears, they hate us.