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BY TONY HOSS
For decades the debate between those in favor of homosexuality and those opposed to it has been raging. The former are those in favor of same sex relationships, and the later are those that advocate what the scriptures teach concerning such relationships; they are against them. The alliance of those in favor of same sex relationships have accused their opposition of being bigoted and prejudiced. Many like to use the term “homophobic” against those that oppose same sex relationships. The term “homophobic” is defined as having or showing a dislike or prejudice against gay people. In general, this is not a true statement about all that oppose same sex relationships. There is no doubt that there are those that oppose the gay lifestyle because it personally offends them, however, not everyone who is opposed to homosexuality is opposed to it merely for personal reasons. Many are opposed to the homosexual lifestyle because of what they know the Bible teaches about such relationships.
What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Are homosexuals simply misunderstood, or is “homosexuality” the victim of unfair bias, or is it described in the Bible as an activity that is an abominable sin? Do we as a people need to know what God has said on the subject? In the following weeks I want to discuss the question, “Is homosexuality really a sin?” Regardless of what many think, this is a fair question to be asked and it is a question that needs to be answered from God’s inspired Word. If we look for the answer to the question from the Word of God, we will answer it from the perspective that it makes no difference what we think. We look to the objective Word of God for the answer because we know that on the day of judgment we will not stand before the judgment seat of man, but we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Understanding that we will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ we know that all we do must be according to the Word of God. Therefore, Christians and all opponents of same sex relationships should hold their view understanding what God says about the issue and not from a personal perspective.
I know that many who will read this article and the next few in a series will not agree with all that I write. So, I ask that you exercise patience as we discuss this most sensitive issue. It is important because the souls of men are at stake. As I write I ask that you receive what I write in the manner it is written. I write on this topic with love and with truth (Eph. 4:15, John 4:24, 1 Peter 1:22). It is my responsibility to write in wisdom of the scriptures (Col 4:5). As you read the related articles in following weeks, I will put every effort into writing concerning this issue in that fashion.
(Tony Hoss is minister at the Centerview Church of Christ, Elizabethton)