Why we need to welcome homosexuality in the church
For a long time, the Christian Church has condemned and even persecuted homosexuals as sinners and enemies of God. However, many Christians believe this is not what Jesus would want us to do. They believe that God would want us to welcome homosexuals into our community and that there isn’t much of a biblical basis condemning homosexuality in the first place.
We think that the church should be welcoming to all people regardless of gender or orientation. Here’s why:
The theological case against homosexuality is kind of weak
There are a total of 31,102 verses in the Bible. Of these, only six open into passages that say something about homsexuality. Of these six, it is difficult to conclude that they speak of homosexuality as we understand it today.
In Genesis 19 and Judges 19, the homosexuality that is condemned refers to sexual violence that was taking place in those cultures and to the culture’s stigma in general against anything that violates masculinity.
In Leviticus, the author writes “man must not lie with man,” but it’s easy to understand that this was a stigma of the culture as well as a concern of this small tribal nation that wanted to grow and develop large, healthy families.
The few instances homosexuality is mentioned in the New Testament, it’s very likely that it is referring to the practice of pederasty, which was sexual exploitation of young men by older men that was common in the Greek culture of that time. This is why Paul refers to “homosexuality” as a self-centered lust that is driven by desire to “consume” rather than to love and includes it in a list of vices.
Furthermore, the Jews and Christians of the time didn’t have a broad cultural understanding of homosexuality. The phenomenon of homosexuality on a culturally wide level is more modern. Many Christians believe it shouldn’t be subject to the scrutiny of ancient texts that have specific contexts in specific times.
Love your neighbor
Regardless of whether you agree with the interpretations above, it’s hard to argue against the words of Jesus Himself.
When asked what the greatest command of all is, this is how Jesus responds:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.”
Matthew 22:37-40 (MSG)
It’s very powerful that He says everything in God’s Law hangs from them.
EVERYTHING.
When we treat others with unkindness, when we exclude and when we condemn, even if we claim to do it in the name of God, we’re not because it's a direct violation of these two commands. Frankly, if there is ever any doubt on what you should do as a Christian, don’t confuse yourself by combing through passages that have specific context for specific audiences. Turn to Jesus’ words and practice what He called the greatest commandments. If you can do this, then trust in Him that everything else in God’s Law follows.
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. We are currently going through a new sermon series titled “To Hell With Normal.” It’s all about redefining what we consider normal in life as we seek to make our lives more like the way Jesus would have them to be.
Do you want to grow in your faith or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.