Topic/Question: Why do we not talk about the sin of homosexuality in church anymore?
OHHHHH I've been waiting on this question! Now for those of you that already have your jaws clinched and your stomachs in knots, I just need you to
OHHHHH I've been waiting on this question! Now for those of you that already have your jaws clinched and your stomachs in knots, I just need you to
So before we broach the topic of why we avoid talking about homosexuality in church, can we first ask the question, do you want to talk or preach/condemn? Now that may seem like an odd question, but think about it from where I'm standing. I work with students that are able to have an intelligent conversation about politics, school, social issues, and their futures. If I invite them to talk about a topic, I am giving them space to voice their opinions (whether I agree or not) and have a conversation about the topic from the social implications to the biblical implications. Never in that conversation would I begin to monopolize the conversation to push my opinion onto them. I give them the biblical principles I have learn, encourage them to read it for themselves, and gain an understanding. After that, they know I am always there to talk. With that in mind, I also will not allow someone to push their agenda while talking to me. If we are going to talk, let's talk. Meaning, we need to both listen and respond appropriately and make sure that there is a clear message being transmitted.
Now, one issue I believe we face in today's church is that we talk about so many things that are comfortable, and that will not cause a stir or start a debate. I think the fear is that some don't want to be classified as zealots, bigots, or homophobic radicals. I have seen, and been a part of conversations, that went from friendly to deadly, when homosexuality was introduced as a topic. One person, in particular, classified me as a "manipulative holy roller", which was interesting because I was only asking questions to understand their viewpoint in the conversation. I've also gotten that I'm too liberal by trying to understand another person's viewpoint on the topic. What I found is that our society is based on an "I'm always right" principle, when in reality, my compass always comes back to my bible. Even when I'm wrong, the bible is the mirror that shows me the reality of myself and my surroundings.
I also think there are a group of people who truly don't know how to handle the conversation. They are aware of their beliefs, but they are not willing or able to sit down and have a conversation about homosexuality or any other topic that have been classified as sin. The uncomfortable nature of the topic sends them into a tailspin of silence. It makes me wonder if the opportunity was given to have an open and honest conversation, without judgement, if they would be able to do so.
What I have learned by reading my bible is that your approach is everything! The example I love of Jesus approaching someone that he determined was living in sin is the woman at the well. He didn't approach her throwing stones. He sat at the well with her and had a conversation. In the course of the conversation, she voice her reality "I don't have a husband", and he in loving kindness let her know that she was right. He listed how many she had prior to the one she was with (that wasn't her husband), but NEVER have I read that in a yelling, angry, or demeaning manner. He stated facts, and moved on. His love, honesty, and willingness to talk to her (even though the law said he shouldn't) drew her in and allowed him to minister.
With that in mind, I'll end with this. As believers, we are instructed to love others as we would love ourselves. When we approach topics like homosexuality in the church, I begin to wonder "do you even like/love yourself?" The manner in which you approach others should mimic the manner in which you would like to be approached. I don't feel we think about that often enough before addressing each other. How many positive, life changing conversations could we have if we approached each other the way we would like to be approached? How much more could we say and demonstrate God's love for all if we just followed the command which is to love. You won't slap someone in the face that you love because you disagree, but you will correct them and give them appropriate information...why? BECAUSE YOU LOVE THEM. So why do you all think we don't talk about homosexuality in the church? More importantly, why is this a conversation that must remain in the confines of the church? Can I talk about it over lunch at Subway with a friend that may hold a different opinion than my own? Let me hear from you!
Now, one issue I believe we face in today's church is that we talk about so many things that are comfortable, and that will not cause a stir or start a debate. I think the fear is that some don't want to be classified as zealots, bigots, or homophobic radicals. I have seen, and been a part of conversations, that went from friendly to deadly, when homosexuality was introduced as a topic. One person, in particular, classified me as a "manipulative holy roller", which was interesting because I was only asking questions to understand their viewpoint in the conversation. I've also gotten that I'm too liberal by trying to understand another person's viewpoint on the topic. What I found is that our society is based on an "I'm always right" principle, when in reality, my compass always comes back to my bible. Even when I'm wrong, the bible is the mirror that shows me the reality of myself and my surroundings.
I also think there are a group of people who truly don't know how to handle the conversation. They are aware of their beliefs, but they are not willing or able to sit down and have a conversation about homosexuality or any other topic that have been classified as sin. The uncomfortable nature of the topic sends them into a tailspin of silence. It makes me wonder if the opportunity was given to have an open and honest conversation, without judgement, if they would be able to do so.
What I have learned by reading my bible is that your approach is everything! The example I love of Jesus approaching someone that he determined was living in sin is the woman at the well. He didn't approach her throwing stones. He sat at the well with her and had a conversation. In the course of the conversation, she voice her reality "I don't have a husband", and he in loving kindness let her know that she was right. He listed how many she had prior to the one she was with (that wasn't her husband), but NEVER have I read that in a yelling, angry, or demeaning manner. He stated facts, and moved on. His love, honesty, and willingness to talk to her (even though the law said he shouldn't) drew her in and allowed him to minister.
With that in mind, I'll end with this. As believers, we are instructed to love others as we would love ourselves. When we approach topics like homosexuality in the church, I begin to wonder "do you even like/love yourself?" The manner in which you approach others should mimic the manner in which you would like to be approached. I don't feel we think about that often enough before addressing each other. How many positive, life changing conversations could we have if we approached each other the way we would like to be approached? How much more could we say and demonstrate God's love for all if we just followed the command which is to love. You won't slap someone in the face that you love because you disagree, but you will correct them and give them appropriate information...why? BECAUSE YOU LOVE THEM. So why do you all think we don't talk about homosexuality in the church? More importantly, why is this a conversation that must remain in the confines of the church? Can I talk about it over lunch at Subway with a friend that may hold a different opinion than my own? Let me hear from you!
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