A depressing fact of this day and age is that homosexuals, especially gay youth, are at high risk of antisocial behavior. Because of social pressures and anti-gay language, thoughts and actions, homosexuals have one of the highest rates of suicide in this nation, if not the highest. They are also more prone to drug and alcohol abuse. Unfortunately Christianity is largely to blame for much of the anti-gay rhetoric and actions that we face in this nation. Whenever one shuns one from society and from God s/he is also shunning Jesus, the Christian Messiah. Christ himself stated in his The Son of Man Will Judge the Nations sermon that:

31“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy[c] angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ 41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ 44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” – Matt 25: 31 - 46

Whether one is Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Agnostic, Atheist, etc s/he should hold fast to these words of Christ. They are words of love and acceptance that we should all adhere too.

Does the Bible Speak Against Homosexuality?:

In short that answer is, NO! If this is the case where does the anti-homosexual myth come from? The Book of Leviticus it states that: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination," (Lev 18:22). The same book tells the faithful that they should take unruly children to the city gates and stone them. It also states that eating shrimp is an abomination, yet we still eat shrimp and, thank God, we do not stone children to death for misbehaving. So why is this verse in there, what does it mean? This verse is forbidding gang rape that was done to punish and humiliate people. It alludes to the events of Sodom and Gomorrah, which was a story of God’s punishment on those who partook in such practices, (Genesis 19:24-25). This is also explained in the Book of Judges, see Judges 20:22-25.
Another popular reference that is used to spread this hatred is found in the Book of Romans:
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[d] unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. – Rom 1:18-32

So what is the meaning of this? Is Paul denying the love that two individuals have for each other? This could not be further from the truth. Paul here is not talking about love, but rather licentiousness. Paul is talking to married men and women who feel that it is okay to cheat on their spouses with other people, of both same sex and opposite sex. This was a common practice during the time period in which Paul preached.

Ethics:

Ethics is a major branch of philosophy that studies right conduct and the good life. It discusses and discerns that which is right and that which is wrong. Here is some rational thought for those who like to take all scripture literally and/or out of context. We will begin with the question lying with. It is said that a man shall not lay with another and as he would a women and that a woman shall not lay with another women as she would a man. If the aforementioned quotes from Leviticus and Romans do mean this literally, what is one supposed to take out of it? We know through basic science that it is anatomically impossible for two members of the same sex to partake in sexual activities in an identical manner that members of opposite sexes do, e.g. intercourse. With this out of the way, some people say that homosexual activity is not normal. What does this mean?
There are different theories concerning the word normality. If you mean that statistically it is not normal you are very correct, but this in no way an argument for homosexuality being unethical. If one does use this example to say that s/he would also have to conclude that it is unethical to be left-handed, statistically they are out of the norm of society. Others argue that humans are the only animals that partake in such activities and since it is not to be found anywhere else in nature it must be unethical. I hate to be the one to bring the bad news to these thinkers, but this argument has no grounding.
Humans are not the only animals that partake in homosexual activities. De-Facto, same-sex relationships have been well documented in other animal species. There is about 1500 animal species that engage in homosexual activities, mammals make up about 500 of the 1500. Let us assume that this is not the case, which it is. Even if humans were the only animals to engage in homosexual activities how does that make it unethical? Humans are the only animals to cook their food on a stove; the only animals to use utensils to eat or that wears clothing. It would just sound absurd to call all of these activities unethical just because they are not found in the rest of nature. There are still others who argue that homosexuals are improperly using their body parts. Conversely one could ask what the proper use of body parts are, or even if there are proper uses.

It is a common understanding that the feet are meant to support the body while standing or moving from one location to another. Since this is the common perception should we call dancing, running or jogging unethical? What about the amputee who has no arms and uses his feet to write or eat, should his/her actions called unethical for improperly using his/her body parts? It is also a common conception that our hands are meant to touch things and grab things yet we use them for so much more. I am using them right now to type this document, am I acting in an unethical manner? This just sounds absurd. This list could go on forever so I am opting to stop here. I am assuming that you get the point. There is no supporting argument that shows homosexual activity to be unethical. There is nothing in nature nor does God imply it in His scripture. The reason that one could possibly have to condemn homosexuals is fear of something that they know nothing about. It could also, and probably is, a control issue. Remember the condemnation of Africans or the view that women are second-class citizens?

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Rev. Mark

Dear Rev. Mark,

I agree with you about the fact that homosexual people are to this day, persecuted against the spirit of Christianity. Ironically, this is not only destructive to the homosexual population, but as well, those who call themselves Christian being representatives of that faith. However, there are a few other quotes from your post that I am compelled to disagree with.

" Unfortunately Christianity is largely to blame for much of the anti-gay rhetoric and actions that we face in this nation. Whenever one shuns one from society and from God s/he is also shunning Jesus, the Christian Messiah."

The problem with blame is that it relieves responsibility of those who also may be found guilty of the same offence. It gathers those remaining against the highlighted in self-perceived righteous indignation and eventual hate. And what of those who are against such behaviour but do nothing to take a stand against it? What of those who have no religious affiliations or beliefs, could they not as well be capable of hate? There are a number of religions that spurn homosexuality, why are they not mentioned? As you can see, not only is that statement inaccurate it is prejudicial.

" 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[d] unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. – Rom 1:18-32"


In your own quote you have given light to the problem, and with little logic needed on behalf of the reader to the solution.
The word of God has been debated, re-iterated, translated, paraphrased, and eventually placed second in our pursuit of truth. We rely on words of scripture and those we call “Scholars”. Such are people who have spent more time than I possibly could to the devoted endeavour of deciphering the meaning behind scriptures. This is a noble pursuit provided the scholar is doing so in their devotion to God and not because he/she is driven by other motives. But not only do their motives come in question, but as well their sources, knowledge and understanding, the fibre of their essence to stand against the popular and more highly regarded findings of well established authorities, etc. By accepting their findings without question we risk our eternal lives. If you were to say something I wasn’t all together sure I understood, I would be rather careless to consult a linguistics expert or a renowned psychologist, or even your family for that matter, as none could tell me the true intent of your words. No, I believe the best source for that information would be you directly. I believe this should be also done with the word of God.

"Paul is talking to married men and women who feel that it is okay to cheat on their spouses with other people, of both same sex and opposite sex. This was a common practice during the time period in which Paul preached."


If you had said this of our own time, I would have to agree with you, however, I recall nothing of Paul’s time even if I were there, so I cannot say yes or no to that one.



"Here is some rational thought for those who like to take all scripture literally and/or out of context. We will begin with the question lying with."

To take anything out of this, in other words, debate, one would be led to semantics and forced to study each language of each word presented in scripture to conclude only still what one would perceive as the true intent. Personally, I think it best for me to know rather than to guess or win a debate.


'If the aforementioned quotes from Leviticus and Romans do mean this literally, what is one supposed to take out of it? We know through basic science that it is anatomically impossible for two members of the same sex to partake in sexual activities in an identical manner that members of opposite sexes do, e.g. intercourse. With this out of the way, some people say that homosexual activity is not normal. What does this mean?
There are different theories concerning the word normality. If you mean that statistically it is not normal you are very correct, but this in no way an argument for homosexuality being unethical. If one does use this example to say that s/he would also have to conclude that it is unethical to be left-handed, statistically they are out of the norm of society. Others argue that humans are the only animals that partake in such activities and since it is not to be found anywhere else in nature it must be unethical. I hate to be the one to bring the bad news to these thinkers, but this argument has no grounding."

Basic science does include anal sex as intercourse, so yes it can be done by both homosexuals and heterosexuals.
Now for ethics. Yes it is a study that attempts to define right and wrong for the benefit of a society. However, this is a mote point as all societies do not agree on the differences of right and wrong, nor had this discussion been about the ethics of mankind but rather the word of God. We must rely less on the words of man and more on God.

"Humans are not the only animals that partake in homosexual activities. De-Facto, same-sex relationships have been well documented in other animal species. There is about 1500 animal species that engage in homosexual activities, mammals make up about 500 of the 1500. Let us assume that this is not the case, which it is. Even if humans were the only animals to engage in homosexual activities how does that make it unethical? Humans are the only animals to cook their food on a stove; the only animals to use utensils to eat or that wears clothing. It would just sound absurd to call all of these activities unethical just because they are not found in the rest of nature. There are still others who argue that homosexuals are improperly using their body parts. Conversely one could ask what the proper use of body parts are, or even if there are proper uses.

It is a common understanding that the feet are meant to support the body while standing or moving from one location to another. Since this is the common perception should we call dancing, running or jogging unethical? What about the amputee who has no arms and uses his feet to write or eat, should his/her actions called unethical for improperly using his/her body parts? It is also a common conception that our hands are meant to touch things and grab things yet we use them for so much more. I am using them right now to type this document, am I acting in an unethical manner? This just sounds absurd. This list could go on forever so I am opting to stop here. I am assuming that you get the point. There is no supporting argument that shows homosexual activity to be unethical. There is nothing in nature nor does God imply it in His scripture. The reason that one could possibly have to condemn homosexuals is fear of something that they know nothing about. It could also, and probably is, a control issue. Remember the condemnation of Africans or the view that women are second-class citizens?"

On the flip side of this argument one would conclude then that since it is in nature that homosexuality is engaged in that all of nature could be defended. So it would be ok to mate with ones siblings; it would be ok to eat your young; it is considered just fine to consume the feces of other humans; we should run about naked and consume meat raw.
In all honesty though, I have never heard the argument of homosexuals improperly using their body parts, but if I were to guess at how that came about, my guess would be that one might conclude this was improper if they ask the question; how does one use their body to demonstrate their devotion to God?
As far as the condemnation of homosexuals, yes I believe fear can have a part. Another I would think is there are too many people that deem themselves God’s wrath. The wrath and judgment of God is His domain and we would all do better to remember that.
We are all sinners, and a sin is a sin. We don’t get to choose which is lesser or what sin is at all. It is what it is. I have countless sins, some of which I am aware, but fearfully, far too many I am not. But through the blessings of grace from God, little by little I am given opportunity to repent once lovingly brought to my attention. I do not see my sins worse or better than another. They are sins, like all sins. I also do not believe being a homosexual is a sin. I believe the actions both in mind and body are sin, just as mine are. I look at myself and have enough trouble monitoring my own behaviour and thoughts without trying to monitor someone else’s. I will do what is given me to do by God for the love of God, and that’s just about all I can do. I must accept the word of God as being final, pure, and just. I cannot take up sword for those words which I agree, and ignore or make alibis for those words which do not suit my wants or the best interests of those I love.
I hope you understand that in my response I am not attacking you or your post. I just strongly feel that if I can introduce some thought to tolerance, acceptance, and God as the only true source, I can help in avoiding or destroying division. By introducing the idea of self reflection I hope to foster repentance, understanding, compassion, and mercy. In this heart I have written these words to you and for benefit of all who may read this post and find the benefit of it.

May God bless you and keep you strong in His service.

Rev. Campbell.

Rev. Campbell,

I would like thank you for your response and I do not take it as a personal attack. As someone who once studied for the Catholic Priesthood I understand apologetics. I used Christianity as an example because I wrote the article in the context of this particular nation. I meant in no way to put down the religion, just those who abuse it and misuse it for their agenda. I am a Christian myself, I love the faith and I love God. I also understand that there are other religions in this nation but Christianity is by far the largest and most vocal. The reason for pointing it out is not to relieve responsibility but to help those responsible to come to a fuller, more complete understanding of God's love. Christianity is not to blame but those who misuse Christianity are to blame. God's love is not meant only for those who act in a certain way but it is meant for all of His children.

I couldn't agree more with you on going to the source, especially God, the source of all truth. But the fact remains that the bible is often misquoted and misunderstood. Because of this so many of God children hate, because they think that God too hates, although they call it love and justice. Although I do not have a PhD in Religion I do have a BA in Theology and Philosophy as well as a Masters in Philosophy. Most of my philosophical studies have involved religion and human behavior. If one does the slightest amount of research s/he will find the issues Paul was talking about when he spoke to the Romans, s/he will also discover that Christianity used to hold Homosexuality as a high honer between humankind and God. It was not until St. Augustine that the life and love ethics of sex came around and deemed homosexuality as sinful, due to the depletion of the Roman empire and the pagans of the time blaming Christianity.

I understand that science considers anal penetration as a form of sexual intercourse and that both homosexuals and heterosexuals can engage in this form of sexual relation. But it is still anatomically different there is no way around that. Men and women have different sex organs, e.g. the Prostate Gland (women do not have one).

Ethics is not something that holds little significance, de-facto it is an important subject to study. Our nation is one that separates, or is supposed to, church and state therefore ethicist must be involved in formulating an understanding of right and wrong, as well as the good life, read Aristotle for more information. Although there are many different societies with many different ethical standards there are also many smiler ethical standards between all societies, even in the so called undeveloped parts of the world. My article was on both The Word of God and Ethics, it mentions that in the title.

My argument on nature was not to say that because it is found in nature one must conclude that it is ethical. My argument is saying that the nature argument is not a valid argument either way. You might want to reread it.

To say that one does not believe homosexuality is not a sin but the actions in both the homosexual's mind and body are sinful is a contradiction. That is the same as saying, "I don't believe that murder is a sin but I believe that murder is a sin." Even Jesus said that: "When one looks at another with lust in his/her eyes s/he has already committed adultery (I am paraphrasing here)." The actions of mind and body are the person.

I am a firm believer that Jesus came to take away our sins and not our brains. We are to love the Lord with all our Mind, Soul and Strength. By the development of our entire being we come to a fuller understanding of who we are as sons and daughters of God. May God continue to bless you and give you the strength to carry out his will on earth, that is the building of God's kingdom so that all may be filled with God's grace.

God Bless,

Reverend Mark

Dear Rev. Mark,

Thank you for your kind and understanding response. It is always a pleasure to speak of God with someone who has the capacity to do so in the heart of what they proclaim themselves to be!

"I couldn't agree more with you on going to the source, especially God, the source of all truth. But the fact remains that the bible is often misquoted and misunderstood. Because of this so many of God children hate, because they think that God too hates, although they call it love and justice. Although I do not have a PhD in Religion I do have a BA in Theology and Philosophy as well as a Masters in Philosophy. Most of my philosophical studies have involved religion and human behavior."

I know what you mean when you refer to those who hate in the name of God and feel justified to do so. Again, many religions have many such people who subscribe to the doctrines of their faith with more passion than the understanding of it. I do not have as many degrees and credentials to share as you, but I do not require them to hear God. In fact, I see my lacking of them a blessing of sorts in that I have no preconceived notions that have been infected by thoughts of others to muddy the spiritual connection I have in my communication with God. While I am in the practice of study of the bible on my own, (meaning without benefit of group, leader or classroom instruction/debate), I must admit it is a longer and harder road to go. On the plus side though, I have found that this method of study is much more beneficial for me as I noticed that I seem to absorb and retain more than conventional study settings, and when I’m confused or without full grasp of meaning/intent of a particular passage, I simply pray on the matter and God has it sorted out for me beyond my desires in no time at all. It is not to say one method is better than another, rather just an observation of what works best for me.


"Ethics is not something that holds little significance, de-facto it is an important subject to study. Our nation is one that separates, or is supposed to, church and state therefore ethicist must be involved in formulating an understanding of right and wrong, as well as the good life, read Aristotle for more information. Although there are many different societies with many different ethical standards there are also many smiler ethical standards between all societies, even in the so called undeveloped parts of the world. My article was on both The Word of God and Ethics, it mentions that in the title."


The reason I said that it was a mote point was not referring to the title or intent of your post, but rather questioning the point of including it in such a discussion. To bring the opinion of man into it seems to me to be more of a hindrance than a dynamic. As you must be most painfully aware, the world is in such a state regarding ethics. People in general have a tendency to protect their perceived best interests by altering the considered norms of society in their professed understanding of right and wrong for their particular society. Since this is so, I believe this is why in part we are deemed unworthy to judge and are justly branded sinners. I believe God’s word is final and His judgment is pure, I could not see the point of bringing the issue of mankind’s opinion of right and wrong when it is relative to the individual. We can believe whatever we want, as a group, a nation, or even as an individual, it still won’t change God’s judgment of these things.
To me, the combination of God and ethics was like writing a post about the considerations of fresh water and salt water bodies. They really have little to do with each other though they are both water. Using this analogy, put the same amount of salt water into the fresh and you have tainted it. This is how I see mans ethics in a discussion of God. My opinion only, I have no need to convince you from your own views.


'Humans are not the only animals that partake in homosexual activities. De-Facto, same-sex relationships have been well documented in other animal species. There is about 1500 animal species that engage in homosexual activities, mammals make up about 500 of the 1500. Let us assume that this is not the case, which it is. Even if humans were the only animals to engage in homosexual activities how does that make it unethical? Humans are the only animals to cook their food on a stove; the only animals to use utensils to eat or that wears clothing. It would just sound absurd to call all of these activities unethical just because they are not found in the rest of nature."


You are correct. Thank you for the redirect! I have no idea why it was unclear the first time.

'I also do not believe being a homosexual is a sin. I believe the actions both in mind and body are sin, just as mine are."

As I said, being a homosexual is not a sin, it is the acting on or the desire to act on that I believe is considered. We all have our temptations, none less than another. Even if we fail to avoid such temptations, we must seek forgiveness, (if this is truly so with ones own heart), and ask for strength to defeat that which would tempt us. It is not like saying murder is not a sin but murder is. There is a difference of what we are and what we do about it.

.
"I am a firm believer that Jesus came to take away our sins and not our brains."

I LOVE THAT LINE!!! That was great.

Anyway, it has been nice corresponding with you again. Hope to hear from you again soon.

God’s blessings.

Rev. Campbell.

George Bernard Shaw hurled his cry to the world, "Must a Christ be crucified in every generation for the benefit of those with no imagination?!"

Truly he spoke with the righteous indignation of one viewing the turmoil and angry hatred of the world of mankind. His query was directed at those who claim to hear the voice of God in one ear, yet perpetuate the lies and bigotries of mankind they hear in the other ear. He saw they were more persuaded to listen to the doctrines and precepts of men over that which is a direct knowledge from a true and loving God..... the God I know and love so well. Is it fear or lonliness that causes others to follow ideologies and beliefs that promote ignorance?

Shaw's query demands a question of us all, "Do you not have any imagination? Is there not a more noble thing to do in this sick world than to continue to beat the downtrodden? For whom do you do these things that are contrary to that Great and Holy Spirit that is given to us by our Creator? Is this a righteous and good and moral thing to do?" I think of the story of Saul on the road to Damascus as Jesus, in the Spirit asked him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"

The message was clear then, it was clear to Shaw, and it remains unchanged and clear to some of us today. This is the Son of God, in whom God is well-pleased. Follow Him and also become as a son of God, seeing clearly, and rightly dividing the Word of Truth. The Truth which is found outside the precepts, doctrines and dogmas of mankind. For there is no truth in the world of mankind, only death, desolation, destruction, hatred, and despair. It is time to call all mankind to accountability, for the things they have done, and for the things they have failed to do. Must Jesus of Nazareth go back and be nailed to that tree at Golgotha once more? Listen! Hear the Word of Truth calling to your heart? Will you speak it? Do you feel the yearning to walk this Sacred Path, the "Mani Wakan", that directs us away form the world of mankind? Why are you afraid? Can you carry the burden of this Cross, or will you hide behind it? There are many of us who have found this Word of Truth and have also become emissaries to the lost children, the lambs who have wandered astray. Love them, and take them in. Feed them and nurture them. Give them shelter and nurse their wounded spirits. If a child should ask for a crust of bread, will you hand him a stone? Or, if she should ask for some fish, will you hand her a snake? Speak to them in the Truth that was given to you directly from God, and which has embedded Itself in your hearts. Love them, as He has loved us....God's Peace and Joy....To`na Wanagi

This is a cornerstone to the Christian spirit, and the plea from all those who had it given them and found truth. But it is important to remember that this love is not for the sole benefit of those who are easy to love, but rather all people; even those who believe they do not want or need it.

God's blessings,

Rev. Campbell.