On Homosexuality & Tolerance

I’ve been thinking a lot about homosexuality. I think there’s a lot of terrible stereotypes out there, and it seems the people with the most hate in their heart get heard the loudest (and receive the most media coverage).

So, I’d like to explain my own viewpoint on homosexuality, and what I think is the viewpoint of millions of Christians.

Let me start out by saying this: I don’t hate homosexuals. I don’t think they are inferior members of society, and I don’t think they should be treated unfairly or any differently then I would like to be treated. That’s what I don’t think about homosexuals. What I do think about homosexuals is that we are all called to love them, and that homosexuality is wrong.

Before you start judging me, let me explain what that means. When I say homosexuality is wrong, I say that because I believe in the God of the Bible, and those are the teachings of the Bible. You might be surprised that the Son of God (that’s Jesus, for anyone not familiar) actually spent quite a bit of time with sinners (to be clear, we all fall into that category). What He did was lovingly interact with these people and invite them into a life of following Him. He didn’t beat around the bush. He didn’t tell them their sin was alright. No, He invited them to a better life through Him.

There’s another point here that’s really, really important. Jesus didn’t try to force anyone into a different lifestyle. He invited them. It was a choice. Free will is a major theme of the Bible, and I think that’s the Biblical approach to homosexuality. I think that’s how millions of Christians view homosexuality, too.

I don’t want to make homosexuality illegal. I don’t think it’s a mental condition. I think it’s a sin. I’m not even saying same-sex attraction is a choice. I think that’s a silly argument. That’s akin to saying pedophiliac attraction is a choice. No one chooses to be attracted to little boys or girls. But it happens, and acting on those attractions is a sin. Luckily society hasn’t accepted pedophilia yet so I can still use that example to make a point.¹

Now, an observation on this viewpoint: I believe homosexuality is wrong. I don’t want to force anyone into a particular lifestyle, but I will communicate my viewpoints in a loving way and invite people into a satisfying life of following Christ. Yet, by the progressive culture, I am being told to approve of homosexuality, and I’m being told that holding any other viewpoint is hateful and intolerant. Some politicians have proposed laws that essentially force that viewpoint on me (thankfully that pesky first amendment has kept them in check so far). No one is offering me an invitation to accept their viewpoint. No, my worldview is simply unacceptable.

If you want to share your worldview with me and invite me into it, that’s wonderful. I love hearing and considering diverse viewpoints. Just don’t tell me mine is intolerant.