You should know by know that I usually don't just run my mouth on here without at least doing some research to back it up. The first site that comes up in google, and a fairly informative site when starting my research is www.religioustolerance.org The site gives both "Religious liberals" and "Religious conservatives" points of views on most every verse in the Bible containing controversial topics, as well as an overview of each topic. Even though the site offers both points of view it is painfully obvious which view the other holds. With a name like Religious Tolerance I'm sure you can figure out which side of the fence they lean towards.
Religious Tolerance does however state,
"We have been unable to change the beliefs or actions of any of these hundreds of people on even one point related to homosexuality."and
"The Bible refers to specific homosexual behaviors in a few passages. All references are negative."The article tries to argue that the Bible "may be totally silent on consensual homosexual relationships". However, I think they are missing the boat completely.
"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11Some people would like point the finger specifically at the effeminate and the homosexuals and how they will not inherit the kingdom of God. But I would like to point out that they are listed right in the middle of sins that most everyone can relate to. Is the church being as condemning of all these other sins as much as they are homosexuality? For example, would someone be denied membership to the same Methodist church if they were open fornicators/adulterers? I'm not sure. It has become quite the norm for couples to live together before they get married. Some might dismiss this as 'common-law married', however I can find no support for this in the Bible. They should be treated the same! Right along with anybody that's stolen anything, drunkards and cheaters.
However there is good news! As the second part of the passage states there is hope for those that commit these sins. These sins can be washed away through Jesus' sacrifice for us. I think it is worth pointing out that Sexual orientation is a fairly new idea and that 'homosexuality' in scripture here is relating to acting on homosexual tendencies. Struggling with same sex feelings is not a sin any more then any other temptation. I can't help but think that the church is growing soft on sin as a whole. Nobody likes to be accused of sinning but sometimes we need to be corrected where we have turned from the way God would have us to live.
Tags: homosexuality church god religous sin
1 comment:
I would have to agree with you and I do feel that the church has gone way too far in accceptance. While I still must admit the homosexual issue does tend to draw some kind of line for me.
I feel the reason some are so "vocal" against homosexuality is that they have become set on pushing their life style on others, especially the young.
Most "adulterers" (in the church) are somewhat quiet and secretive. I'm not saying it makes their sin or consequence any more or less, it does't. It's just the fact that generally they aren't pushing their life style on others.
I may be totally off base, I'm mostly thinking out loud. But I really do appreciate your post and helping us think. Thanks!
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