Homosexuality Similar to Alcoholism?
Several Christians throughout the years have told me that they equate homosexuality to alcoholism. The message to me is that they believe that being a homosexual is sinful and addictive like alcoholism, a stand a bit less harsh then what is preached at some pulpits. It is met to be consoling, (believe it or not). I understand what they mean because I grew up in a “Full Gospel” conservative Christian church. However, in a way it is a backhanded slap in the face.
I do not believe that homosexuals or the act of homosexuality is sinful. I’m a
The Bible may be written in black and white, but it is difficult to interpret. The Bible is 66 books written by about 40 authors over a period of approximately 1500 years. It was written in a different time, county, language, and very different customs. Studying the Bible and being familiar with these differences are imperative to understand it.
Some people pick up the Bible and read it believing that they can understand it that way. However, proper interpretation is in the studying. In order to understand the Bible you have to go back to the original languages, customs, keep it in context, etc. I’ve written about this before (see links below) and don’t want to get into a discussion concerning dogma, like I did in other posts (see links below).
I just wanted to remind Christians of a few things when talking to homosexuals and others with whom you may not agree. 1) Be careful not to come across as being to harsh, or judgmental. This attitude can turn some from God and the Church. 2) Study the Bible with an open mind and heart, instead of only reading it. 3) Try to love, and accept the people for who they are. If you can't accept the person, then be honest with yourself and don't befriend them, or you may do more harm then good. Mt.18:6
For more on my views concerning homosexuality, and also tips on how to study the Bible visit the links below-
As a Bible College Graduate, Why Can't You See That Homosexuality is a Sin?
What I Believe About Homosexuality and The Bible.
15 comments:
Hello there!! Long time, no comment :)
That is the most ridiculous statement I have ever heard.
Sadly, Mo and I have found far too many closed minded and all too convenient teachings that we just can't accept. We left the church in the end.
I am always horrified by how closed minded and judgemental some conservative christians are. more and more I am finding that churches are not accepting of others, unless you fit into their small picture what is normal, then you will never be a part of their community. Whether you be a homosexual, a person with mental health issues or someone who doesn't meet the norms i.e. married wtih kids anything that makes you different, the church which prides itself on being all accepting is generally the least accepting community group I know. (sorry this turned into a bit of a rant)
Hi LadyBanana,
A BIG smooch for you! Hey, you just got kissed by a lesbian. ;)
Babs, it's always good to see you!
I’m sorry to hear that you and Mo have left the Church. That is exactly the type of thing that I was referring too. Some Christians can be very judgmental. I know that there are churches in my area that are more accepting of people. Maybe there are some in your area? At any rate I hope you two don’t give up on God. Even though some of his kids are screwed up, doesn’t mean that He doesn’t love, and accept people!
Hi S'onnie,
You’re always welcome to state your opinion, here.
I find it interesting that Jesus hung out with the outcasts of his day like “tax collectors and sinners” Mark 2. A tax collector had the reputation of being thief’s because they often charged more and pocketed the rest. I believe that tax collectors weren’t allowed to testify in court because everyone believed they were totally dishonest. Yet Jesus chose Matthew who was a tax collector to be one of his disciples. In fact the group of people that Jesus seemed to get angry and yell at the most was the religious leaders of his day. I think that He would do the same today.
There are some churches that aren’t so judgmental. I know that Jesus isn’t that way.
Dr. Daniel Helminiak says in his book "What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality" is basically that without knowing the historical and cultural context of each book & it's author, we can't know the real meanings in each book in the way that they were written. If I wrote "That's how I roll", someone in 1000 years might think I was in a wheelchair or that i didn't walk for some reason. You just don't know. As you said, study the scriptures with an open heart and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you need to learn, obey God when you know that He is speaking to you and, above all, live like Christ as much as you can by loving, teaching and serving with humility.
No. We're still fine with God, just that we can't accept that 'Born again' Christians are the only people going to heaven. We feel that Jesus meant (Lest through Me) as in our heart being the heart of Jesus. We don't want to be hypocrites, so we decided that the church was no longer for us. We do miss it after 16 years though.
Well said!!!
I am not a practicing anything. My sister is a very devout presbytarian (or maybe it's southern baptist? protestant?) and she has told me multiple times I am going to hell. I am apparently a very big sinner. We don't talk much anymore, one of my favorite last conversations with her was about a book I read, Infidel, (a best seller about a woman who grew up Muslim) that my sister said was written by the devil. I laughed, as I really thought she was kidding...but no, she wasn't.
I can't even imagine talking to her about accepting homosexuality!
God LOVES everyone - and God made everyone just they way they are supposed to be. The end!
Sinnerviewer, Thanks for popping over!
The book "What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality" is the best one that I have read so far about homosexuality.
Yes, even some conservative Christians pastors/priests now realize that using hermeneutics, (interpreting the Bible historically, grammatically, and contextually), is vital to its understanding. The problem is that Pastors/priests don’t tend to teach their flock how to study the Bible. So they just read it without knowing it’s meaning.
Hi Babs,
The main thing is to continue a personal relationship with God, and I’m glad you’re both doing so. Summer is a good time to church shop. I’ll be doing that myself and hope you take another look around. My church moved further into the city and I don’t like to drive in that area.
Hi Kaylen,
I’m so sorry to hear that your sister is treating you that way. She may be thinking that she is telling you those things for your own good, but you can catch more bees with honey, then vinegar. Harshness doesn’t move people closer to God, it does the opposite. It’s showing unconditional love that moves people closer. I hope that your sister and you can one day somehow reconcile.
meleah rebeccah,
Amen sister!
And I FRIGGEN LOVE YOU - just the way you are. xoxoox
Hi meleah,
~blush~ ditto!
Post a Comment