Originally posted by Terry Herrington:
Baptist Believer
It's not really different. When I said it was impossible to be a Christian and a homosexual I meant it.
No it isn't.
What you said was, "BTW, It is impossible to be pro homosexual and be a Christian."
There's a difference between being "pro homosexual" (whatever you mean by that) and considering yourself a homosexual or participating in homosexual acts.
Don't criticize me for reading what you typed -- even if you did not intend to say what you said.
To be a homosexual is to espouse the homosexual lifestyle as being legitimate. Abraham lied on more that one occasion, but he was not a liar. His lying was out of character with who he was. The Bible says, "And there shall in no wise enter into it (heaven) any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, OR MAKETH A LIE: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." Rev 21:27
I have friends who consider themselves to be homosexual. One close friend struggles with the temptation, but (as far as I know) don't not engage in sexual activity. Besides the fact that he is a very good longstanding friend (and a brother in Christ), I try to make extra time to do things with him because he also struggles with loneliness. He needs to be accepted by a man with whom he knows that he has no chance of becoming sexually involved. I am pro-homosexual (that is, I want to affirm men and women who struggle with unrighteous attractions), but I do not condone sexual activity outside of marriage. (Frankly, I am pro-sinner, even though I don't condone sin!)
I have studied most of the pertinent works regarding homosexuality and Christian theology and I can see how some people can come to the conclusion that homosexuals should be accepted into the leadership of church life without exclusions, but I can't get past some basic aspects of theology and gender that are implicit in the scriptures and simple biology. Yet, I can understand that when some things are somewhat questionable in the Christian life, it is probably best to err on the side of grace rather than law. However, for me and my understanding of the Bible, it is more important for believers to hold the sexual standard of chastity before marriage for all believers than to make concessions for those who are weak.
Summation:
Yes, I am a friend to homosexuals and I make no bones about it. Yes, I believe the Bible and take a fairly conservative view concerning sexuality. But I also affirm homosexuals as people who are struggling with sin and unwanted attractions. I believe they should be church members and enjoy the fellowship of men and women in the church. I think the heterosexual men of the churches should go out of their way to extend hospitality and fellowship to homosexual men. I think the heterosexual women of the church should go out of their way to extend hospitality and fellowship to lesbians. But churches should not move anyone with sexual sin in their lives into leadership positions or should confirm or condone same-sex unions.
Clear enough?