Myths in the Homosexuality Debate

Bulletin

John A McKee
01/05/14 - Homosexuality

Myth #1:   The Bible doesn't really condemn homosexual behavior.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
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.

1 Timothy 1:8-10
But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching,

Romans 1:26-27
For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.

No commentary required.

Myth #2:   Anyone who kindly points out what the Bible teaches is a hate monger.

If a person believes these passages came from God, keeping them hidden would be an act of hatred. Offering a kind-hearted word of warning is an act of love. Accusing a Christian of hate mongering is simply prejudicial propaganda. Galatians 4:16 - "So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?"

Myth #3:   Anyone who accepts Bible teaching regarding homosexuality is a bigot.

All men are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights. The same creator defined certain inalienable wrongs. We're talking about behavior here people. I will always treat others with dignity and respect, but I cannot, in good conscience, condone behavior that God calls sin.

Myth #4:   Homophobia is real.

Somewhere in the world, there may be a person who is afraid of homosexuals, but I've never met one and I doubt if you have either. This derogatory term was created to ridicule and marginalize the influence of anyone with the audacity to disagree with a gay rights activist. It is a hateful, hurtful and dishonest slur that belongs in the same class with fag, queer and the "n" word. If you ever refer to anyone as a homophobe, you should immediately feel the same shame as with any other hate slur. We can do better, folks.

Myth #5: Jesus was the champion of the outcast and downcast and would be sympathetic to the gay rights movement if He were here today.

Jesus did, in fact, associate with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10) as well as hypocritical Pharisees (Matthew 7:36), not to condone their behavior, but to persuade them to repent of their sins (John 8:11). If He were here today, no doubt He would associate with gays and straights and expect all of us to repent of whatever sins we have committed, not try to defend ourselves in our sinful behavior.

Myth #6: The freedoms of speech and religion are alive and well in America.

There was a time in this country when political and religious discussion was encouraged without rancor or repercussions. The fabric of our society has deteriorated to the point that attacking Christians is a national pastime while offering any criticism of the gay rights movement will immediately incur the wrath of GLAAD. Well you know what? I'm not a homophobe. I'm not a bigot. I'm simply a Christian who is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, because it is God's power to save. (Romans 1:16)