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Autor: Michael Goeke
Fecha: 27.02.2011
Category: Sexualidad
I believe the church does play an important part in the community and as God requires should reach out to the hurting and show them love. The author seems to think if the homosexuals are allowed to express their struggle with their sexuality openly then the behavior itself can be address before the individuals put the label of gay on themselves. People will do what they want to do whether others agree with them or not.The bottom line is when you take the sex out of the homosexual relationship you are left with individuals who have needs just like anyone else.The focus should be taken off the sex and placed on the savior.
Palabras clave: homosexuality
Opiniones: 4459
Comentarios: 36
Recomendaciones: 0
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Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
You’re right to say everyone has needs to be met. I think some strong needs that homosexuals feel they have are acceptance and identity. Not that they want the label of ’homosexual,’ but to know that they have an identity that gives them a community to relate to. This brings forth the importance for the Christian community to all see ourselves as children of God because we will be less likely to judge people’s sins and be a more accepting community.
17.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ abrown13:
Are you suggesting that we accept homosexuality as a legitimate way of life for Christians? I agree with your suggestion that the Christian community should embrace a more biblical worldview and that would lead to less judgment, but identity is the watershed issue here. Homosexuals seek to be recognized with a particular identity and for that identity to be the result of society’s acceptance of their lifestyle. No Christian would argue for the acceptance of an unrepentant adulterer as a legitimate Christian lifestyle. That lifestyle is contrary to biblical standards. However, there are some who advocate that very status for homosexuals within the church even though it, too, is clearly contrary to biblical standards.
19.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ abrown13:
I think you are spot on in pointing out that one of the strongest points of the homosexual community is its acceptance. It is intentional in providing this type of acceptance because its members need this. So many have experienced pain and suffering, rather it was hate and rejection from family members and friends or simply the agonizing struggle of trying to understand their own identity. Until the church is willing and able to be accepting of people (not necessarily of their lifestyles or behaviors) we will not be able to reach those most in need of Christ’s love.
25.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ B_Robertson_NC:
I agree with what you are saying, but I’m not seeing that as abrowns point. I’m seeing her arguing that the church needs to be able to offer acceptance to those who struggle with homosexuality. I think acceptance and affirmation are two radically different things. Affirmation says we fully support and affirm your homosexuality. Acceptance says that we recognize this is a part of you and are while we may not agree with it, we want to work with you.
25.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ JediMasterReed:
Yeah that’s it JediMasterReed. I think we need to be accepting of people as a child of God. Not accepting homosexuality as what’s right, but accepting the fact that homosexuals are people to be loved. There is a difference between acceptance and affirmation.
25.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ B_Robertson_NC:
No homosexuality is not a legitimate way of life for Christians, but it is the way a lot of people see themselves and we must be willing to love homosexuals for who they are at their core - children of God.
25.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ abrown13:
You bring up a good point about community. In my experience with a dear friend of mine who happens to be homosexual, there appears to be a deep longing for acceptance for who he is. Unfortuantely my friend was raised in a very conservative Christian family that essentially disowned him upon discovering his orientation. If only we could effectively reach out to the homosexual community in a loving way and show them that Christians are a community of love, not hate. Too many though, in my area I’m afraid, have experienced hate and unacceptance from Christians. This drive thems away, and I don’t blame them, making it difficult to teach them of the love of Christ.
02.05.2013
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
One thing that I have found that is apparent through my friends struggle with homosexuality is that if there is not acceptance paired with confronting and truth teaching in the church then whoever struggles will go to a church that no longer is speaking truth but accepting the condition. Churches must step forward and accept on the basis of the soul not the sin. So many churches or organizations want to link the sin with the soul and say that it is the soul that is being displayed when it is really a desire and sin that is being conditioned to look like truth. The truth will not be spoken by all, but the truth must be spoken. The brokenness needs to be addressed rather than hidden. Some are addressing this brokenness but only to say that it is the true being and that God desires this for their life. Rather the truth is that it is a brokenness that can be mended by the creator, but must be exposed for what it is.
16.03.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ eae0925:
I agree with you that ministers should boldly denounce sin no matter the type. In my church experience I’ve seen were a minister will say homosexuality is a sin but doesn’t address the adulter or fornicator. There are people in churches who say they are christians yet they behave like sinners. How can the church help the homosexual when it won’t acknowledge the other sins that are prevalant in their congregation? All of us need to take a good look at ourselves first then we will realize we all have sin and fallen short of the glory of God.
17.03.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ journey:
I think this is true as well. In too many cases we are quick to forgive the adulterer who marries the one she committed adultery with and yet we do not forgive the homosexual who denounces his ability to love at all. I think there is definitely room for case by case situations. Are some Homosexuals concerned and burdened by their sin...yes. Are some adulterers not burdened by their sin....yes. One of the big problems in the church is that we have stopped calling sin, sin. We have titled it our rights, or our desires. No matter how we decorate it sin is sin, and I’m gravely afraid that we do not see the severity of the situation anymore.
18.03.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ journey:
Very true, Journey. It seems that in many ways, at least in the United States, the loudest and most prevalent attacks against homosexuality have become less about the issue of homosexuality itself and more about the propagation of a particular perspective of conservative politics and fundamentalism. Listening to the words of many churches and speakers who have made their mark by setting themselves up as being vehemently opposed to homosexuality, it does seem that homosexuality has been selected as being far more sinful than any other sin. I think this comes down to the issue of change. While adultery is a prominent sin that does destroy many families and marriages, adultery does not bring with it the radical change in western society that a widespread acceptance of homosexuality. For many, especially those who embrace radical conservatism or fundamentalism, the ideal is to return to a society of the past, not to move forward or bring about a radical restructuring of society.
21.03.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ eae0925:
You are so right people don’t won’t to call sin sin. God said that we are accountable for the things we do in our bodies. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and should be respected as such. It is difficult to take an honest look at oneself sometimes but it is necessary so we see the real us, ask God to forgive us our sins so we can fulfill His purpose in our lives. We need to be about our father’s business.
22.03.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ journey:
This is true we need to be on guard against sin, not just those that we see as sin but the ones that slip past our doorways and end up decorating our house. The ones such as judgement, racism, and legalism. These are sins that are often forgotten becasue of their LITTLE effect on teh sinner, and yet they are as deadly as the rest. We should be teaching and preaching about these issues and waving our flags to take back the battlefield of the mind as well.
04.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ eae0925:
another thing that I have seen is that homosexuality is often discouraged among some groups of believers and it is called sin and dealt with but then once the truth has been exposed and the person made to feel horrible there is no guidence through the issues that remain
11.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ eae0925:
If we want to help those who struggle with what is in the end an idenity crisis then what are we doing to help. First there is little education on how to handle any type of ethics in the church, it seems as though ethical issues are never talked about in public but often discussed in the living rooms and over the gossip chain on the phones.
11.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ journey:
For this to be done, we must admit we have a lot of work to do, and I believe we must begin to root out sin more than we are doing. Not in a legalistic way, God is not bound by rules. But God is a God of Holiness, and we must clean up our act, ALL of us, the gossipers, and slanderers, those who lay swords at others throats with our words, the judgerers who see the persons looks rather that their love. We have a long way to go as a church as a body. We must get busy. But we must realize that this is possible only through the power of God. We seek him first to get rid of our slanderous, adulterous ways.
11.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ eae0925:
I also think homosexuality should be addressed more in our churches. I have yet to hear the word spoken by many people other than youth who talk about their gay friends. This has led to great discussions about homosexuality and Christianity that would probably benefit many adults as well.
16.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ eae0925:
In many ways, I believe that time will simply be the major factor in causing the church to embrace new ways of dealing with those who experience alternate gender identities. For many in our congregations today,especially among older members, homosexuality is still just a dirty secret. Someone may know someone who knows someone that has a "gay" son or daughter.
For younger generations, however, homosexuality is a fact of life. We probably know as many people who are either openly homosexual or struggle with it as we know people who struggle with issues such as alcoholism, drug abuse, adultery, and other such issues to which the church might speak. For the younger generations who will guide the church in the future, homosexuality will not have the same taboo nature, and perhaps will be able to be addressed in a healthy, loving, biblical manner.
19.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ eae0925:
It is encouraging to read the many comments, like yours, that recognize the major hindrance in the church’s ability to minister to people affected by homosexuality. There must be equity when the church addresses the issue of sin, regardless of the sin. Whether it comes from the pulpit or the parishioner, we must see sin for what it is…disobedience to the will of God.
19.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ abrown13:
You are absolutely right! The adults in our churches probably wish the issue would disappear. But, parents must be brought into the conversation and equipped to address it with their kids. For our youth, the existence of homosexuality is a front page issue. It is being discussed in nearly every media on a daily basis. Just consider the number of popular television shows with gay cast members. The subject is unavoidable. They must confront it and we must be respond with a comprehensive biblical view: love of all, humility of self, and boldness in truth.
19.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ B_Robertson_NC:
You are correct in that there is no idyllic past, but I will stand by the conclusion that there are certainly streams which firmly believe that a return to the past will set things right. Look at recent political movements like the Tea Party or religious movements like Primitivism or the King James only mindset. A number of religious communities have attempted to "turn back the clock" as a way of making things right. For so many, this becomes a defensive mechanism to withdraw from current problems. Rather than to engage the homosexual community in a manner of love and offering guidance and acceptance of the individual (not the lifestyle), many Christians would rather, through political movements such as the many efforts to enforce constitutional bans on gay marriage, just obliterate the problem by banning it and never fully confronting the issue. Recently, Tennessee has proposed (and may have passed) a bill which prohibited schools from speaking in any way about anything other than heterosexual relationships before 9th grade. Is denying or ignoring the issue really the way to proceed here?
I am not referring to mainstream conservatism in this nor churches that have a strong sense of tradition, which is extremely important.
25.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ B_Robertson_NC:
I agree! We must be willing to share openly, even if it feels awkward because we are called to live honestly and to love each other as we share life. Parents have some of the most influence on young people and they must be able to share with their children what it means to respond with this comprehensive biblical view.
25.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ journey:
good point jouney. I also agree with you when you stated that there are so many other hidden sins inside that church. As long as the church of Jesus Christ does not ask for forgiveness from Him, it will not make a difference in the world. At the same time, it’s a shame that the average Christian has not realized that part of being a child of God is to allow Him to clean us from our sins every day so that he/she would be able to be a better and powerful witness to others who are hurting in the community.
17.10.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ journey:
Thank you for bringing up a good point. We all need to address the plank in our own eye before we address the speck in our brother’s eye. Homosexual acts are indeed a sin, but so is judging the homosexual who was caught in the act. Jesus did say that those without sin may cast the first stone. There must be a balance between loving the people that we minister to and guiding them on the righteous path. The best way to do that though is by example.
02.05.2013
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
The church plays a huge role in how homosexuals see themselves in the eyes of Christians. In most cases, they see rejection from the Christian community. But I do not believe that Jesus would reject any one of them if they were to meet face to face. Therefore, if we are to reflect Godly characteristics, we must be willing to go the extra mile and step out of the zones we find most comfortable and accept people for who they are. It is not our responsibility to know the hearts of those we minister to. In fact, we can’t know. Therefore, we must minister to everyone with love and compassion because they need to experience the love and salvation that only god can offer. From there, responsibility is turned over to the Holy Spirit to convict them over their sins. Only upon their acceptance of the Holy Spirit’s conviction will they be compelled to change.
20.11.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I think it’s important to remember that the Biblical expectation to refrain from homosexuality is always a commandment to believers. Paul’s words are "among you..." Living a godly life takes the divine enabling of the Holy Spirit and it seems that requiring an ungodly world to attempt to live by godly standards is futile and impossible. We would spend our time more wisely by providing council and encouragment for Christians who struggle with this particular temptation and simply reaching the lost with the gospel then letting the Holy Spirit convict them in God’s own perfect time.
18.06.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
This is a topic that has recently been touched on in my circle of friends. I work with a young girl that is a lesbian and I have invited her to church with me, she hasn’t taken me up on that offer. She says that she is afraid of how people will see her or judge her. I tried to tell her that God is the only true judge and she shouldn’t worry about what anyone else says. I tried to tell her that she is still one of God’s children and that He loves her but she has a sin in her life that she identifies with, same as if someone were an alcoholic, they may have sin taking over thier lives but God still loves them and sent His son to DIE on the cross for her and her sins just like He did for me and my sins. I let her know I am praying for her and that I love her, not her sin! but there are some people in my circle of friends that told me I should have told her that she is going against God and that she is wrong. I tried to tell them that telling someone they are WRONG is no way to get them to change, but just a way to make them want to stay the same even more just to spite me! God is the only one that can change someone’s heart. And I just hope that I can be the person to help plant that seed so God can get into her life and her heart!
16.11.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I believe that homosexuality is a sin and those who practice it should be prayed for. I don’t believe that we should be abusive or disrepectful to them but I do believe that they should extend to non-homosexuals the same courtesy. My experience with homosexuals have been up and down. At times they seem to be just like everybody else. But I have also been in proximity of homosexuals and they have been a lightning rod in relationships.
18.10.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Robert_Setzer:
good point Robert. I agree with you that Homosexuality is a sin and we should pray for them so they will be able to hear the gospel and allow Jesus change their lives. I also believe that we as Christians need to show them the love of God by not being judgemental with them. We all agree that is a sin before the Lord. Therefore, Homosexuals have to confront the reality that they need to experience the forgiveness of their sins and be able to become children of God once they have repented and become a new believer by faith in Christ.
18.10.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I believe the church should speak to all sin. It should be the user as the word is the tool to cut sin on the left and the right. I think the problem comes when homosexuals don’t believe they are in sin. It is just who they are. How can you speak to someone in their wrong when they can’t see the wrong. I just think it is funny that people believe they were born like that. If one believes that a life is a gift from God; why would God encompass His gift with His abomination? So many ministers/pastors are so scared to offend people that they will not speak against it. All I can do it pray that the Holy Spirit continues to convict everyone of their sin. If I was openly truthful about sleeping with a married man, would people so easily condom my sin and be scared to offend in my wrong. This is such a touchy subject. I understand love the sinner and hate the sin. I think it is a choice. Even though that choice may have other factors behind, it just believe it is a choice like fornication and adultery.
17.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ JourneywithCHRISTie:
I agree that there is the element of choice when it comes to acts of sin, but I think we have to be careful about simply dismissing the idea of people being “born like that.” Each of us is born with a sinful nature that promotes sinful inclinations in our hearts. Those inclinations, or desires, are not going to be the same for everyone. I am comfortable in acknowledging that people could be born with the sinful inclinations toward homosexuality.
19.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ B_Robertson_NC:
I understand the inclinations that we are born with but the choice is still ours to make. To be transparent, I was sexually abused at 8 years old and now as a grown woman, I have the inclination to sex myself crazy but if I choose to enthrall in my weakness, can I still preach in my open sin. I think not. Homosexuality is such a touchy subject. I am against it like any other sin. I just don’t understand how openly gay preachers are leading churches. If I was openly dating a married man, I wouldn’t be expected to be able to lead a congregation in my sin; that is out of order. In both instances someone has to speak into their lives on what says the Lord. But I have talk to individuals who feel they can still lead even though they have chosen a life of homosexuality. How can a person in sin lead to live in God’s way?
20.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ JourneywithCHRISTie:
Thank you for being candid about your unfortunate experience. I know God will use its impact for his glory through you ministry. I completely agree with your point of view. No one should be allowed to serve in any ministerial capacity if they are openly living an unrepentant life of sin. The purpose of my previous comment was to address the dismissive way in which we speak of homosexual urges in particular. Homosexuals, regardless of whether they openly embrace their urges, tend to believe they were born “that way.” Rather than claiming people are not born gay, I believe it would be more helpful to look at it from a perspective that acknowledges that we are all born with a propensity to commit sin. That way, we can move the discussion beyond an issue that cannot be proven definitively and, instead, have a conversation about the power of Christ to redeem us from any and all sin.
20.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I agree that homosexuality is the result of a detachment from one’s gender identity. Society encourages women to adopt the characteristics of men to be successful in the professional world while men are being taught to be “sensitive” and to embrace their feminine side. The societal ideal, it seems, is for all people to become gender neutral. The result is widespread gender confusion.
The biblical creation story tells us that “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Gen. 1:27, NASB). God does not make gender neutral people. He makes something distinct: either a man or a woman. We are made in his image. Since God doesn’t have a body, the image cannot be physical. It must be something else, like gender.
Scripture tells us that God has both paternal and maternal qualities. So, the argument for gender makes sense. Thus, there is a masculine heart and a feminine heart, each of which reflects the heart of God. The church needs to restore this theology in the minds of believers, so they can learn to embrace the identity that God has placed in their hearts.
Brian
03.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ B_Robertson_NC:
And through this gender confusion we have empty people feeling as though they are not whole because they do not fit the society mandates placed on them. If we would stop trying to categorize what it means to "be a man, or be a woman," we would have far less judgement on those that dont meet the "normal" ideals.
04.04.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ eae0925:
I agree that we should stop trying to categorize by the world’s ideals. However, the western world seems to be moving for a “gender neutral” identity. There are distinct differences between the two genders and the theological expectations of each role. If not, why would God create male and female?
14.04.2011
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