Former homosexual and manager of New Living Way Ministry, Andre Bekker, has lodged two complaints with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), alleging discrimination against former homosexuals.
His first complaint, which follows an open letter he wrote in August, is against the United Nations Human Rights office, Constitutional Court Judge, Edwin Cameron; Archbishop Desmond Tutu and The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay. He says that former homosexuals are denied rights as a minority group as evidenced by their exclusion from the UN GLBTI equality campaign launched by the respondents in Cape Town in July. He requests that former homosexuals be afforded the same protection under sexual orientation non-discrimination laws that is granted to GLBTI minority groups, and that equal awareness and respect should be raised for them.
In his second complaint he accuses the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) of broadcasting a one-sided story of the GLBTI community and ignoring his several attempts over the past three and a half years to get the broadcaster to produce programmes that accommodate the viewpoint of former homosexuals. He said he provided the SAHRC with documentary evidence of his attempts to correspond with the SABC. He says the SABC should give former homosexuals as much airtime as it gives to the GLBTI community.
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“I received an email this morning from the SAHRC informing me that I will receive correspondence from them during the cause of next week regarding both these matters,” said Bekker, whose organisation advocates for the constitutional rights of former homosexuals and ministers to people with unwanted same-sex attractions.
There is NO such thing as ‘unwanted same sex attraction’.. Sexual attraction is something that is as natural as your eye colour. People like Andre bekker should be locked up in jail, for basically forcing people too change, just because he earns a salary out of it. He, himself said he struggles with it on a daily basis. In other words, if you are gay, accept it! Hundreds of you gay teens take their own lives, because of people like andre.
Dear Damian
Please provide me with any scientific proof that Homosexuality is caused by genes in the same manner as eye color or skin color. You can at most say that some people are predisposed.
Damien, no people is forced to change. In the same manner as you have the right to self-determination so has everybody to decide for their own lives. Further more you are wrong in that I receive a salary out of it. People coming to me for counseling/therapy first of all do it out of their own free will. Secondly they are not charged any fees.
Damien can you please inform me where I have said that that I struggle with it on a daily basis? The opposite is true, I have no attractions to the same sex any more.To avail yourself of the truth, please read my story http://www.learntolove.co.za/index.php/people-s-stories-dealing-with-same-sex-attraction/god-s-amazing-grace.
It is very interesting that you say that teens take their lives because of people like me. I myself had three suicide attempts and many constant suicide thoughts but that had nothing to do with anything else than then my own internal struggles. Gays in the Netherlands which is a very gay accepting country don’t even show that acceptance of their lifestyle has any influence on their suicide tendencies.
Without going to any other research I invite you to read: Gay & Lesbian Medical Association,s Top Ten Things Gay Men Should Discuss with their Health Care Provider. Are we to be blamed for the higher risk of HIV infection, More substance abuse, More depression and anxiety, greater risk for STD infection, the risk to die of testicular, colon or prostate cancer, higher alcohol abuse, more cigarette smoking,more problems with their body image, higher risk for eating disorders, higher risk for papilloma virus? You see Damian its dangerous to be selective in what you want to blame others for. What a person sow he reaps.
Dear Andre – there is plenty of scientific evidence to demonstrate that sexual orientation is set by biological factors and not a matter of “choice” as you claim. Here is one reference to such a study from 2009 – “20091201 – Gay by nature: Part one (“We know that just under half the variation in sexual orientation is down to genes. Then the rest of the variation is down to ‘non-shared’ factors, and those, like hormones, are primarily biological.” “Sexuality is a complex human trait, just like IQ or personality. It is determined not by a single gene, but how several genes work together. A whole range of features with reproductive disadvantages can be maintained in the gene pool down the generations, if only a portion of the genes responsible are advantageous to heterosexual carriers.” For the whole article see http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/01/gay-by-nature-part-one/ and the second part, http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/02/gay-by-nature-part-two/ Further I can tell you that there is no such thing as a “former homosexual” – unless you are speaking of a dead gay person. To sum up, let me leave you with the facts underlying your so-called “ex-gay” fallacy (or is that phallusy?)
http://www.truthwinsout.org/pressrelease/2009/06/3112/ In his groundbreaking new book, “Masters of Sex”, author Thomas Maier discovered through investigative reporting that the results of Masters & Johnson’s study were entirely fabricated. Virginia Johnson acknowledged that the results were fake. She had actually argued in 1978 that book should never have seen the light of day – but it was already to late in the publishing process to undo the damage. One can not overstate the importance of Maier’s findings. They undo the very underpinnings of the so-called “ex-gay” therapy movement, further showing that there is no scientific evidence or data to support the outdated idea that gay people can become heterosexual through therapy. Indeed, many people who have undergone such “treatment” claim the experience was harmful and that they were psychologically damaged. The American Psychiatric Association says that attempts to change sexual orientation can lead to “anxiety, depression and self-destructive behavior.”
Damien just a further point I need to make is that “orientation” is something that you can not discriminate against. Just as you self identify as gay I self identify as I former homosexual who believes he is not born gay. The bill of rights that protects you, protects me. As I have to tolerate and believe in diversity so you have to. All people human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Sexual orentation and gender identity are integral to every person’s dignity and humanity and must not be the basis for discrimination or abuse. Maybe you need to learn some respect and tolerance for your fellow human.
If you are not gay, then you are straight. Why must you be called ex gay?
If you are not born gay, why is it such a struggle for you? Cause i cant yurn any straight men gay! Cause they were born STRAIGHT!
You were born GAY! Thats why you are like you are. Its NOT a choice to be gay!!
Surely it is absurd to define yourself as “ex”something… why not call yourself ‘heterosexual’? How can you want rights for something youre emphasizing youre not?
Lance, I’ve been reading your comments and it’s obvious that you are not who you are pretending to be. You have just enough knowledge of the Bible to almost successfully pose as a Christian, but Bible knowledge does not a Christian make. Your real agenda is to try and cause dissention amongst Christians against Josh Gen, and try to make out that there is division in our ranks. But when you saw the article ‘Ex-gays face discrimination, SAHRC told’, you just could not help yourself, and you just had to have a go at an ex-gay as well. And you’re quite an expert on homosexuality matters, aren’t you Lance ? Quite the expert !Go ahead, complain to the editor and try and have this letter removed, but I am exposing you as an imposter. So Lance, or whatever your real name is, go and take your deception elsewhere where you won’t be so easily exposed. Unlike you, Lance, Mr Bekker is a brother in Christ, and unlike you Lance, Mr Bekker walks in the light.
Patrick don’t call unclean what God has called clean. And don’t judge. Your assessment is hopelessly inaccurate although I’d give it 100% for imagination (although yours may have run away with you a bit). You are indeed speaking to a brother in Christ who has walked with Him for around 35 years now, who has studied His Word for much of that time including at a university level … but most importantly who God has been working on for a very long time now. Stop being silly. (I think you may be projecting some of your own issues onto me in the absence of knowing anything about me beyond a few things I have written in this article). Don’t mistake being challenged in your thinking by a brother for deception and don’t mix up disagreement with dissension. If you do you will never mature in Him. I’m sorry if my words are upsetting to you but I felt the need to say them … and maybe God can use them to help you become a bit more loving and a little less of a drama queen?
Lance
It is more complicated than what you sugest. Gay, bisexual, lesbian, ex-gay, all these are social political terms and for that matter a legal term. It describes how someone self-identifies him/her self. Ex-gay is an unfortunate term but that is the term that is widely use and it means more than what it says. “Ex-gays do not believe that homosexuality is innate and believe change is possible. Many have experienced complete sexual orientation change, while some still have unwanted same-sex attractions and choose to live lives of chastity.” Further more the people that discriminates the most against Ex-gays are the GLBTI community and their supporters. We hated, not tolerated and marginalized because we do not self-identify as people born gay and believe change is possible. Change however is not something that can be seen categorical but should rather bee seen as something taking place progressively and on a continuum.
Andre makes a good case supporting his cause! He is an example of change occurring if one makes that personal decision.
I know more than a few ex-ex-gays. Are you also supporting their rights then? Sorry I dont buy your argument. Except for the part where you admit its ‘political’. It seems to me that youre playing a political game yourself. That said I think you SHOULD be free to believe whatever you want to and not be maltreated for it… even if everyone else believes its trite rubbish. I guess they have the same right to believe that too then and you will honour their right in this as well?
Lance
I also know Ex-Ex gays and yes orientation is fluid. It is nothing new. That sexual desire and behaviour are flexible was demonstrated by the Kinsey Institute in 1970. It reported that 81% of 684 gays and 93% of 293 lesbians had changed or shifted either their sexual feelings or behaviours after age 12. 58% of the gays and 77% of the lesbians reported a second shift in sexual orientation; 31% of the gays and 49% of the lesbians reported a third shift; and 13% of the gays and 30% of the lesbians reported even a fourth shift in sexual orientation before “settling” into adult homosexuality.
The shifts reported by these subjects varied in degree, but some were quite dramatic – about a quarter of gays and a third of lesbians once had heterosexual desires and 5% of heterosexual men and 3% of heterosexual women once had substantial homosexual desires. Heterosexuals in the study were much less likely to report shifts in their orientation. Even so, 29% of 337 heterosexual men and 14% of 140 heterosexual women reported at least one shift; while 4% of the men and 1% of the women reported at least three shifts. Immutable things like eye colour or skin colour don’t change once, much less three or four times!
No doubt we deal with the matter on an even hand on the political front as is the GLBTI community and yes I respect every bodies rights equally because they are all human beings
Actually, no, Kinsey’s study conflated behaviour and desire into one and included a huge number of male prisoners! This meant that a large proportion of his study engaged in same sex behaviour because there was no alternative in the (obviously) single sex environment that is your typical prison. I also think you need to look at much more recent research lest you look like you are cherrypicking to suit your argument rather than being completely honest and open to ALL the facts. But I think the ultimate “shifting” is you! … when you shift away from the fact that you are either homosexual ro heterosexual (or bisexual) and ex / ex-ex / ex-ex-ex / ex-ex-ex-ex are just directions between these basic orientations. You have all the rights you need as a heterosexual. And if you are not heterosexual then you are homosexual (or bi) and should be supporting LGBTI rights. Period.
Applying the Scriptures to Every Sphere of Life and Thought,
Promoting the Biblical and Christian Worldview
http://65.175.91.69/Reformation_net/default.htm
Coalition on Revival – Reform 500 FIRE – Manual :
Homosexuality : page 48 – 50:
http://issuu.com/frontlinefellowship/docs/cor_manual_covers
What does the Bible say about homosexuality? Is homosexuality a sin?
The Bible consistently tells us that homosexual activity is a sin (Genesis 19:1-13; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). Romans 1:26-27 teaches specifically that homosexuality is a result of denying and disobeying God. When people continue in sin and unbelief, God “gives them over” to even more wicked and depraved sin in order to show them the futility and hopelessness of life apart from God. 1 Corinthians 6:9 proclaims that homosexual “offenders” will not inherit the kingdom of God.
God does not create a person with homosexual desires. The Bible tells us that people become homosexuals because of sin (Romans 1:24-27) and ultimately because of their own choice. A person may be born with a greater susceptibility to homosexuality, just as some people are born with a tendency to violence and other sins. That does not excuse the person’s choosing to sin by giving in to sinful desires. If a person is born with a greater susceptibility to anger/rage, does that make it right for him to give into those desires? Of course not! The same is true with homosexuality.
However, the Bible does not describe homosexuality as a “greater” sin than any other. All sin is offensive to God. Homosexuality is just one of the many things listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that will keep a person from the kingdom of God. According to the Bible, God’s forgiveness is just as available to a homosexual as it is to an adulterer, idol worshipper, murderer, thief, etc. God also promises the strength for victory over sin, including homosexuality, to all those who will believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 4:13).
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/homosexuality-Bible.html#ixzz2bkxepI4n
What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah?
The biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah is recorded in Genesis chapters 18-19. Genesis chapter 18 records the Lord and two angels coming to speak with Abraham. The Lord informed Abraham that “the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous.” Verses 22-33 record Abraham pleading with the Lord to have mercy on Sodom and Gomorrah because Abraham’s nephew, Lot, and his family lived in Sodom.
Genesis chapter 19 records the two angels, disguised as human men, visiting Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot met the angels in the city square and urged them to stay at his house. The angels agreed. The Bible then informs us, “Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom — both young and old — surrounded the house. They called to Lot, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.'” The angels then proceed to blind all the men of Sodom and Gomorrah and urge Lot and his family to flee from the cities to escape the wrath that God was about to deliver. Lot and his family flee the city, and then “the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah — from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities…”
In light of the passage, the most common response to the question “What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah?” is that it was homosexuality. That is how the term “sodomy” came to be used to refer to anal sex between two men, whether consensual or forced. Clearly, homosexuality was part of why God destroyed the two cities. The men of Sodom and Gomorrah wanted to perform homosexual gang rape on the two angels (who were disguised as men). At the same time, it is not biblical to say that homosexuality was the exclusive reason why God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were definitely not exclusive in terms of the sins in which they indulged.
Ezekiel 16:49-50 declares, “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me…” The Hebrew word translated “detestable” refers to something that is morally disgusting and is the exact same word used in Leviticus 18:22 that refers to homosexuality as an “abomination.” Similarly, Jude 7 declares, “…Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion.” So, again, while homosexuality was not the only sin in which the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah indulged, it does appear to be the primary reason for the destruction of the cities.
Those who attempt to explain away the biblical condemnations of homosexuality claim that the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was inhospitality. The men of Sodom and Gomorrah were certainly being inhospitable. There is probably nothing more inhospitable than homosexual gang rape. But to say God completely destroyed two cities and all their inhabitants for being inhospitable clearly misses the point. While Sodom and Gomorrah were guilty of many other horrendous sins, homosexuality was the reason God poured fiery sulfur on the cities, completely destroying them and all of their inhabitants. To this day, the area where Sodom and Gomorrah were located remains a desolate wasteland. Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a powerful example of how God feels about sin in general, and homosexuality specifically
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/Sodom-and-Gomorrah.html#ixzz2bkyA4YoC
Is it possible to be a gay Christian?
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). There is a tendency to declare homosexuality as the worst of all sins. While it is undeniable, biblically speaking, that homosexuality is immoral and unnatural (Romans 1:26-27), in no sense does the Bible describe homosexuality as an unforgivable sin. Nor does the Bible teach that homosexuality is a sin Christians will never struggle against.
Perhaps that is the key phrase in the question of whether it is possible to be a gay Christian: “struggle against.” It is possible for a Christian to struggle with homosexual temptations. Many homosexuals who become Christians have ongoing struggles with homosexual feelings and desires. Some strongly heterosexual men and women have experienced a “spark” of homosexual interest at some point in their lives. Whether or not these desires and temptations exist does not determine whether a person is a Christian. The Bible is clear that no Christian is sinless (1 John 1:8,10). While the specific sin / temptation varies from one Christian to another, all Christians have struggles with sin, and all Christians sometimes fail in those struggles (1 Corinthians 10:13).
What differentiates a Christian’s life from a non-Christian’s life is the struggle against sin. The Christian life is a progressive journey of overcoming the “acts of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21) and allowing God’s Spirit to produce the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). Yes, Christians sin, sometimes horribly. Sadly, sometimes Christians are indistinguishable from non-Christians. However, a true Christian will always repent, will always eventually return to God, and will always resume the struggle against sin. But the Bible gives no support for the idea that a person who perpetually and unrepentantly engages in sin can indeed be a Christian. Notice 1 Corinthians 6:11, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
First Corinthians 6:9-10 lists sins that, if indulged in continuously, identify a person as not being redeemed—not being a Christian. Often, homosexuality is singled out from this list. If a person struggles with homosexual temptations, that person is presumed to be unsaved. If a person actually engages in homosexual acts, that person is definitely thought to be unsaved. However, the same assumptions are not made, at least not with the same emphasis, regarding other sins in the list: fornication (pre-marital sex), idolatry, adultery, thievery, covetousness, alcoholism, slander, and deceit. It is inconsistent, for example, to declare those guilty of pre-marital sex as “disobedient Christians,” while declaring homosexuals definitively non-Christians.
Is it possible to be a gay Christian? If the phrase “gay Christian” refers to a person who struggles against homosexual desires and temptations – yes, a “gay Christian” is possible. However, the description “gay Christian” is not accurate for such a person, since he/she does not desire to be gay, and is struggling against the temptations. Such a person is not a “gay Christian,” but rather is simply a struggling Christian, just as there are Christians who struggle with fornication, lying, and stealing. If the phrase “gay Christian” refers to a person who actively, perpetually, and unrepentantly lives a homosexual lifestyle – no, it is not possible for such a person to truly be a Christian.
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/gay-Christian.html#ixzz2bkykzkHu
What does the Bible say about being a lesbian? Does the Bible mention lesbianism?
Some are under the assumption that, while the Bible condemns gay sex between men, it nowhere condemns being a lesbian/lesbianism. Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 mention men having sex with other men, but say nothing of women having sex with other women. In the Sodom and Gomorrah account in Genesis 19, the men of the cities wanted to gang rape other men. First Corinthians 6:9 mentions effeminate men, very likely referring to homosexuals, but does not mention lesbians. So, does the Bible in fact condemn male homosexuality, but not lesbianism?
Romans 1:26-27 puts this invalid assumption to rest: “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” Clearly, this passage puts lesbianism on equal ground with male homosexuality. Lesbianism is described as women exchanging natural relations (with men) for unnatural relations (with women). According to the Bible, being a lesbian is just as sinful as being a homosexual male.
There’s an implication in Romans 1:26 that lesbianism is even worse than male homosexuality. Notice the phrase “even their women.” The text seems to suggest that it is more common for men to engage in sexual depravity, and when women begin to do it, that is a sign things are getting really bad. Men usually have much stronger sex drives than women, and so are more prone to sexual deviancy. When women commit unnatural sexual acts, then the degree of immorality has truly become shameful. Lesbianism is evidence of people being given over to “the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another” (Romans 1:24).
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-lesbian.html#ixzz2bkzCtz4A
Why are Christians homophobic?
By definition, homophobia is fear of homosexuals, but its meaning has been broadened to include hate for homosexuals. Correspondingly, being homophobic tends to manifest itself through an outward demonstration or behavior based on such a feeling. This, in turn, sometimes leads to acts of violence or expressions of hostility. The truth is that homophobia is not just confined to any one segment of society. It can be found in people from all walks of life. Such hate groups have viciously attacked homosexuals and have used especially violent language in attempting to persecute and intimidate homosexuals.
More often than not, Christians are said to be homophobic simply because they condemn homosexual behavior as sin. But the fact is that the term homophobic is merely a word used by homosexual activists and supporters in their attempts to deflect a genuine criticism of an immoral and unhealthy practice. Without question, there are people and organizations who have developed an irrational hate of homosexuals and who are prepared to use violent actions to inflict suffering upon homosexuals. However, the problem is that the homosexual-rights activists have accused anyone who opposes homosexuality of harboring similar hatred. Therefore, Christians who rightly discern that homosexuality is an unnatural sin are equated with violent lunatics who hate for hatred’s sake.
While the Bible strongly condemns homosexuality, it never instructs that homosexuals are to be hated. As Christians, we are to speak out against the perversion of homosexual activity. The Bible is explicit in its condemnation of it, as well as God’s wrath towards those who practice such behavior. As Christians, we are called to clearly and lovingly call sin for what it is. Using the term homophobia to refer to anyone who opposes homosexuality is a distraction, not a valid argument or accurate representation. A Christian should have only one fear regarding homosexuals, the fear that they will suffer eternally because of their decision to reject the only means of salvation—the Lord Jesus Christ who offers the only hope for escape from a degrading and destructive lifestyle
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/Christians-homophobic.html#ixzz2bkzsANZl
Can a person be born gay?
In 1996, The Advocate, a gay and lesbian magazine, asked readers what they believed the potential impact would be to the advancement of gay and lesbian rights if a scientific discovery proves a biological basis for homosexuality. About 61 percent of the magazine’s readers asserted that such scientific research would advance the cause of gays and lesbians and lead to more positive attitudes toward homosexuality. For example, if one can be born gay, much as one can be born with brown eyes, then a fair society could not possibly condemn him as being unnatural or immoral. To that end, gay activists and the liberal media have actively encouraged the idea that homosexuality is inherited and unchangeable, and researchers have diligently sought scientific evidence to back up that claim. Unfortunately for the pro-homosexuality movement, the research on this subject has failed to establish any scientific evidence that shows a purely genetic basis for homosexuality.
The controversy began with the work of Simon LeVay, M.D. In 1991, LeVay tested the brains of 41 cadavers and noted differences between homosexual versus heterosexual males. The hypothalamus, an area believed to regulate sexual activity, was smaller in homosexual males than in heterosexuals. Dr. LeVay believed the differences proved a biological basis for homosexuality, but he failed to consider a variety of reasons, other than genetic, that the brains were different. First, all 19 of the homosexual cadavers had died of AIDS, a disease known to affect the neurological system. It could be that the disease had shrunk the hypothalamus. Second, scientists who study brain biochemistry know that the way a person thinks affects the way his brain functions; specifically, it affects the neurochemicals released in the brain and the way certain pathways grow and change. Could the structural brain differences have started with the difference in thoughts between homosexuals and heterosexuals, rather than with genetics? Third, there is no proof linking hypothalamus size with homosexuality, either as a cause or effect.
In 1993, Dr. Dean Hamer, a pro-gay activist, made the astounding claim in his research that there may be a gene for homosexuality. His team of researchers began a series of gene linkage studies, in which families with several homosexuals underwent genetic analysis to determine if any chromosomal variants could be found in the family and if the variant correlated with those individuals who displayed the homosexuality. Although Hamer’s study sample was very small, he found a significant linkage between gays and a marker on the maternal X chromosome, Xq28. Additional studies with larger sample sizes produced conflicting results in the linkage to Xq28. It is important to note that Hamer’s experiments have never been validated; in fact, other groups of researchers have discredited Hamer’s work as non-replicable or even fraudulent.
Even if there were some genetic commonalities among homosexuals, associated characteristics do not prove a causal link. To illustrate, a genetic study among professional athletes would probably show that a significant percentage of these stars share certain genetic sequences. One might erroneously conclude that the genetic sequences for increased speed, agility and strength prove that engaging in professional sports is a heritable trait. However, no genetic sequence can account for human choice and the effects of environment. People who have the genetic traits of an athlete may naturally gravitate toward professional sports or be encouraged to play. Although athletes share some common traits, being a professional athlete itself is not heritable. The culture in which an individual matures and the choices he makes decide his career path.
There are many researchers who cite environmental factors as major contributors to homosexual feelings. They strongly believe that negative early childhood experiences in an unloving or non-supportive home environment are a critical part of this process. Common elements seem to include an emotionally withdrawn or physically absent father and an overbearing, fawning or over-protective mother. In many cases, there are reports of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Disruption of gender identification may contribute to the development toward homosexuality. This process begins between ages two and four. During this phase, children move from their primary connection with the mother to seek out deeper attachments with the parent of the same gender. For males, the relationship between a boy and his father is the primary means of developing a secure gender identity. As a father and son share time together, the father expresses his value and interest in the son and gives to the son a sense of masculinity. The boy begins to develop a sense of his own gender by understanding himself in relation to his father. Conversely, a mother who is distant, abusive, or physically absent or a mother who is viewed by her daughter as being weak (such as when the mother is abused by males) may disrupt her daughter’s identification with being feminine.
Peer attachments with same-sex friends also play a role in developing gender identity. Eventually, after years of interaction and bonding with same-sex peers, children enter puberty and begin to pay attention to the opposite sex. When this natural process is disrupted, it feels natural for a child to love and crave the attention of those of the same sex. When children with certain temperaments initially perceive rejection of the same-sex parent, they detach and bond with the other parent. They begin to adopt the patterns and attributes of the opposite sex. However, there is always a longing for a connection with the same-sex parent, love and affirmation from the same gender. These children believe that they were born that way, having craved love and attachment with the same-sex parents for as long as they can remember. Homosexual behavior thus begins as an emotional craving, not a sexual craving. It reflects a legitimate need for non-sexual love, an emotional need that ultimately becomes sexualized with the onset of puberty.
Most researchers have concluded that sexual orientation is a complex, multifactorial issue in which biological, social and psychological factors combine to play a role in the ultimate sexual orientation of an individual. According to Julie Harren, Ph.D., the formula for this interplay between factors might be represented by these equations:
–Genes + Brain Wiring + Prenatal Hormonal Environment = Temperament.
–Parents + Peers + Experiences = Environment.
–Temperament + Environment = Homosexual Orientation.
What’s missing from these equations are the existence of a soul, the choice of the individual, and the temptation of the devil (see James 1:14).
Although it may be easier, psychologically, for a homosexual to believe that homosexuality is inborn, the accumulated scientific evidence suggests otherwise. Homosexuals may have a genetic predisposition, but human choice is still a factor. A predisposition is not a constraint. Ultimately, sexual orientation is determined outside of the womb. For those who are unhappy living a homosexual lifestyle, this truth offers hope for change. Clinical experience has shown that, with help, some homosexuals can change learned responses and defense mechanisms to early painful experiences.
In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, the sin of homosexuality is listed right next to theft. Just as there is no genetic excuse for stealing, there is no genetic excuse for homosexuality. Environment, culture, and choice make one a thief, and the same factors make one a homosexual.
Christ died for homosexuals. God loves persons of all sexual orientations, just as He loves all sinners. The Bible says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus Christ “is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). The gospel of Christ “is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). In Christ alone we find the definitive source for healing, restoration, forgiveness, and comfort. He is the way by which we can all experience the affirming, unconditional love, value, and acceptance of our Father in heaven.
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/born-gay.html#ixzz2bl07kqIr
Does God hate “fags”?
There is a “church” in the United States that promotes the slogan “God hates fags!” This group pickets gay parades, gay bars, gay events, etc. This group has even picketed the funerals of gay people, shouting to the attendees that the gay person is now burning in hell for being a “fag.” On its website, this group has a counter which updates daily how long a certain gay person has supposedly been in hell. Recently, the “God hates fags” group has begun protesting at military funerals, claiming that the soldier was killed because the USA is supporting the homosexual agenda. Is there any truth to their claims?
Proverbs 6:16-19tells us, “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” Notice that homosexuality does not make this list. It would be more biblical to promote phrases such as “God hates liars” and “God hates murderers.” In fact, the Bible nowhere directly states that God hates homosexuals.
That does not mean that the Bible approves of homosexuality. The Bible consistently tells us that homosexuality is a sin (Genesis 19:1-13;Leviticus 18:22;Romans 1:26-27;1 Corinthians 6:9). Homosexuality is described as an abomination.Romans 1:26-27teaches explicitly that homosexuality is a result of a continual rebellion against God. When people continue in disbelief, the Bible tells us that God “gives them over,” allowing them to experience their sinful desires and the resulting consequences.First Corinthians 6:9proclaims that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. Homosexuality is immoral and unnatural. It is a perversion of the “natural order” and, more importantly, of God’s view of sex.
With all that said, the Bible does not describe homosexuality as a greater sin than any other. All sin is offensive to God. Homosexuality is just one of the many things listed in1 Corinthians 6:9-10that will keep a person from the kingdom of God. According to the Bible, God’s forgiveness is just as available to a homosexual as it is to an adulterer, idol worshipper, murderer, thief, etc. God also promises the strength for victory over sin, including homosexuality, to all those who will believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation (1 Corinthians 6:11;2 Corinthians 5:17). While the Bible declares that God hates all workers of iniquity (Psalm 5:5), the Bible nowhere singles out homosexuals as objects of God’s hatred.
Does God approve of homosexuality? Absolutely not. Can a person truly be a Christian and at the same time a practicing homosexual? No (1 Corinthians 6:9). While the “God hates fags” group is correct in proclaiming that homosexuality is sin, it fails miserably in the tone of its proclamation.Ephesians 4:15instructs us to “speak the truth…in love.”First Peter 3:15teaches us to proclaim the truth, but to do so with “gentleness and respect.” We must uphold the truth of God’s Word in proclaiming the sinfulness of homosexuality. However, we must uphold this truth in a loving, gentle, and respectful manner. We must warn homosexuals about the eternal dangers of continued rebellion against God. At the same time, our message should be focused on the forgiveness and freedom from sin that are available through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/God-hates-fags.html#ixzz2blZTU3ZN
Does God hate shrimp?
The essential argument of GodHatesShrimp.com is that we should not condemn homosexuality as a sin based on the Old Testament because the Old Testament also refers to eating certain kinds of seafood (including shrimp) as an abomination, yet Christians do not have any problem with eating shrimp or any of the other forbidden foods. Does the “God hates shrimp” argument have any validity? Yes and no.
First, it is important to note that the title “God hates shrimp” is a reaction to a particular group of anti-homosexuality protestors that are famous for promoting the saying “God hates fags.” The argument is that if God hates homosexuals, based on the Old Testament Law, then God equally hates those who eat shrimp. The Bible nowhere says that God hates homosexuals, however. There are lists of things that God hates in the Old Testament (seeProverbs 6:16-19), and homosexuality does not make the list. Yes, homosexuality is a sin, and yes, God hates sin. But again, the Bible nowhere says that God hates homosexuals, or that homosexuality is any more difficult for God to forgive.
Back to the “God hates shrimp” argument – is it valid? Yes and no. First, a Christian should never make an argument exclusively using the Old Testament Law. Jesus fulfilled the Law, ending its requirements (Romans 10:4;Galatians 3:23-25;Ephesians 2:15). If you use the Old Testament Law as the sole argument for homosexuality being a sin, you should also declare that everything the Law outlaws to be sin: eating shrimp, wearing clothing of mixed fabrics, sowing different types of seed into the same field, etc. No, Jesus fulfilled the Law. Christians are not bound by the Old Testament Law, but rather are to be subject to the Law of Christ (Matthew 22:37-39;Galatians 6:2).
So, if the Old Testament Law cannot exclusively be used to argue for homosexuality being sinful, why then do Christians believe homosexuality is sinful? The answer is that the New Testament also clearly and explicitly states that homosexuality is both immoral and unnatural (Romans 1:26-27;1 Corinthians 6:9). The New Testament confirms the Old Testament command against homosexuality, explains why the command existed, and argues for why homosexuality should continue to be considered sinful. What then about shrimp? Does God still hate shrimp? No. Jesus Himself “declared all foods clean” (Mark 7:19). Jesus later confirmed this in a vision to Peter (Acts 10:15). While the New Testament confirms that homosexuality is sinful, it clearly indicates the food laws to be null and void. God never hated shrimp. Rather, God disallowed the consumption of shrimp to distinguish the Israelites’ diet from that of the surrounding nations, and likely due to the fact that since they are bottom-feeders, shrimp are really not very healthy.
What should be learned from the “God hates shrimp” argument is that we should use the word of God consistently, “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV). As New Covenant believers, we are not to use the Old Testament Law as the exclusive basis for our morality. Rather, we are to study the whole counsel of Scripture and live accordingly.
Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/God-hates-shrimp.html#ixzz2blaGwITo
What does the Bible say about gay marriage / same sex marriage?
While the Bible does address homosexuality, it does not explicitly mention gay marriage/same-sex marriage. It is clear, however, that the Bible condemns homosexuality as an immoral and unnatural sin. Leviticus 18:22 identifies homosexual sex as an abomination, a detestable sin. Romans 1:26-27 declares homosexual desires and actions to be shameful, unnatural, lustful, and indecent. First Corinthians 6:9 states that homosexuals are unrighteous and will not inherit the kingdom of God. Since both homosexual desires and actions are condemned in the Bible, it is clear that homosexuals “marrying” is not God’s will, and would be, in fact, sinful.
Whenever the Bible mentions marriage, it is between a male and a female. The first mention of marriage, Genesis 2:24, describes it as a man leaving his parents and being united to his wife. In passages that contain instructions regarding marriage, such as 1 Corinthians 7:2-16 and Ephesians 5:23-33, the Bible clearly identifies marriage as being between a man and a woman. Biblically speaking, marriage is the lifetime union of a man and a woman, primarily for the purpose of building a family and providing a stable environment for that family.
The Bible alone, however, does not have to be used to demonstrate this understanding of marriage. The biblical viewpoint of marriage has been the universal understanding of marriage in every human civilization in world history. History argues against gay marriage. Modern secular psychology recognizes that men and women are psychologically and emotionally designed to complement one another. In regard to the family, psychologists contend that a union between a man and woman in which both spouses serve as good gender role models is the best environment in which to raise well-adjusted children. Psychology argues against gay marriage. In nature/physicality, clearly, men and women were designed to “fit” together sexually. With the “natural” purpose of sexual intercourse being procreation, clearly only a sexual relationship between a man and a woman can fulfill this purpose. Nature argues against gay marriage.
So, if the Bible, history, psychology, and nature all argue for marriage being between a man and a woman—why is there such a controversy today? Why are those who are opposed to gay marriage/same-sex marriage labeled as hateful, intolerant bigots, no matter how respectfully the opposition is presented? Why is the gay rights movement so aggressively pushing for gay marriage/same-sex marriage when most people, religious and non-religious, are supportive of—or at least far less opposed to—gay couples having all the same legal rights as married couples with some form of civil union?
The answer, according to the Bible, is that everyone inherently knows that homosexuality is immoral and unnatural, and the only way to suppress this inherent knowledge is by normalizing homosexuality and attacking any and all opposition to it. The best way to normalize homosexuality is by placing gay marriage/same-sex marriage on an equal plane with traditional opposite-gender marriage. Romans 1:18-32 illustrates this. The truth is known because God has made it plain. The truth is rejected and replaced with a lie. The lie is then promoted and the truth suppressed and attacked. The vehemence and anger expressed by many in the gay rights movement to any who oppose them is, in fact, an indication that they know their position is indefensible. Trying to overcome a weak position by raising your voice is the oldest trick in the debating book. There is perhaps no more accurate description of the modern gay rights agenda than Romans 1:31, “they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.”
To give sanction to gay marriage/same-sex marriage would be to give approval to the homosexual lifestyle, which the Bible clearly and consistently condemns as sinful. Christians should stand firmly against the idea of gay marriage/same-sex marriage. Further, there are strong and logical arguments against gay marriage/same-sex marriage from contexts completely separated from the Bible. One does not have to be an evangelical Christian to recognize that marriage is between a man and a woman.
According to the Bible, marriage is ordained by God to be between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-6). Gay marriage/same-sex marriage is a perversion of the institution of marriage and an offense to the God who created marriage. As Christians, we are not to condone or ignore sin. Rather, we are to share the love of God and the forgiveness of sins that is available to all, including homosexuals, through Jesus Christ. We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and contend for truth with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). As Christians, when we make a stand for truth and the result is personal attacks, insults, and persecution, we should remember the words of Jesus: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/gay-marriage.html#ixzz2bl0oFwW1
Should a Christian attend the wedding of a gay couple?
First, a word of encouragement: if you are the kind of friend that a gay couple would invite to their wedding, then you are probably doing something right. When Jesus ministered, those who were despised by society, the tax collectors and the sinners, drew near to Him (Matthew 9:10; Luke 15:1). He was a friend to them.
Further, no one sin is greater than another. All sin is offensive to God. Homosexuality is just one of many sins listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that will keep a person from the kingdom of God. We all sin and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). It is only through Jesus Christ that we may be saved from sin’s eternal consequences. (Please see What does it mean that Jesus saves?)
Some would contend that a Christian should have no qualms about attending a gay wedding and that one’s presence at a gay wedding does not necessarily indicate support for the homosexual lifestyle. Rather, they view it as extending Christ’s love toward a friend. The thought is that one’s presence at a wedding ceremony is an act of love and friendship toward the person—not toward the lifestyle or spiritual choices. We do not hesitate to support friends and loved ones who struggle with other sins. Showing support and unconditional love could open doors of opportunity in the future.
The problem is that a gay wedding is a celebration of two people who are living a lifestyle that God declares to be immoral and unnatural (Romans 1:26-27). “Marriage should be honored by all” (Hebrews 13:4), but a gay wedding dishonors marriage by perverting its meaning. Unlike weddings of those in other faiths, a gay wedding does not qualify as a marriage, according to what God declares marriage to be. A marriage between a non-Christian man and non-Christian woman is still a marriage in God’s eyes. It is still a fulfillment of the “one flesh” relationship that God intends (Genesis 2:24). Even a marriage between a believer and an unbeliever is a valid marriage (1 Corinthians 7:14), even though God commands believers to avoid such marriages (2 Corinthians 6:14).
A gay union is not a marriage in God’s eyes. God ordained marriage to be between a man and a woman for a lifetime; to take that holy and blessed union and link it to something God declares to be unholy is unconscionable. How can we ask God’s blessing on a union that He declares to be unnatural?
Suppose a Christian could attend a gay wedding and somehow communicate clearly that he is supporting only the individuals getting married and not their lifestyle. The individuals he is supporting are still holding an event which celebrates their immorality. There is no way around the fact that a gay wedding ceremony is a celebration of sin. We support an alcoholic friend by helping him refrain from drinking, not by going to a bar with him. We support a friend addicted to pornography by making him accountable and getting him help, not by helping organize his magazine collection or creating more hard drive space on his computer. In the same way, we support a homosexual friend by helping him out of the lifestyle, not by signing a guest book at a celebration of homosexuality. We do not truly help our friends by attending an event where their sin is applauded.
It is admirable to show love to a friend. It is good to seek opportunities to witness to and show kindness and love to our gay friends. However, such motivations are misguided when it comes to attending a gay wedding. It is never our goal to drive our friends away from Christ, but Christians have a responsibility to stand up for righteousness, even if it results in pain, division, or hatred (Luke 12:51-53; John 15:18). If invited to a gay wedding, it is our conviction that a believer in Jesus Christ should respectfully decline.
But, that is our conviction. A gay wedding is not an issue the Bible explicitly addresses. There definitely is no “you shall” or “you shall not” in God’s Word regarding attending a gay wedding. Based on the reasons and principles listed above, we cannot envision a scenario in which attending a gay wedding would be the right thing to do. If after much prayer, study of God’s Word, thought, and discussion, you are led to a different conviction, we would not disparage your faith or question your commitment to Christ.
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/gay-wedding.html#ixzz2bl2CzluA
Why are Christians opposed to marriage equality?
“Marriage equality” is the latest catchphrase to be thrown into the gay marriage / same-sex marriage debate. The term “marriage equality” is an attempt to reframe the conversation and ascribe a certain level of irrationality to those who oppose same-sex marriage. To oppose the recognition of homosexual unions as marriages is one thing. But it is much more difficult to oppose “equality” in marriage rights. What American would deny equality? However, attaching a new label to the cause does not change the core issues in the debate. If “marriage equality” means “gay marriage,” Christians should be opposed to it.
Why are Christians opposed to marriage equality? The question itself is misleading. Not all Christians are opposed to marriage equality, gay marriage, or whatever else it is called. Many Christians support gay unions being legally recognized as marriages. Such Christians generally hold that sexual morality should not be legislated and that, in a free society, people should be able to marry whomever they want. Biblically speaking, this is a tragic mistake.
The Bible is abundantly clear that homosexuality is an unnatural sin (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). The Bible presents marriage as God’s invention, and God has defined it as a covenant between a man and a woman for a lifetime (Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 7:2-16; Ephesians 5:23-33). Biblically speaking, a homosexual union is not a marriage. It does not matter if the government legislates a new definition of marriage. It does not matter if society is overwhelmingly in favor of same-sex marriage. A homosexual union always has been, and always will be, a perversion of God’s creation.
In modern societies that are increasingly secular and non-Christian, the marriage equality debate is eventually going to be won by the gay rights movement. Barring national repentance and a revival of the Christian faith, gay unions are going to be officially recognized as valid marriages, with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto. But, whatever society does, it cannot change the fact that followers of Christ are to align with, and submit to, His Word. And His Word unequivocally declares that marriage is between one man and one woman. As Christians, we accept the fact that we live in a secular and ungodly nation, but we esteem the unchanging Word of God over society’s modulating mores. “Let God be true, and every human being a liar” (Romans 3:4).
Christians do not need to fight against homosexual couples being granted civil unions and the governmental benefits such unions provide. Tax breaks, inheritance rights, hospital visitation rights, etc., are not addressed in the Bible. But, when it comes to the definition of marriage, Christians should stand firm. God created marriage. No human being has the right or authority to redefine it. No matter what governments and societies sanction, homosexual unions will never truly have equality with heterosexual marriages.
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/marriage-equality.html#ixzz2bl2VU1r5
What is Westboro Baptist Church?
The Westboro Baptist Church is a congregation in Topeka, Kansas, started by Pastor Fred Phelps. They are an independent church, not affiliated with any denomination. They are known for their virulent protests against homosexuality and anything and anyone they consider supportive of the “homosexual agenda.”
The Westboro Baptist Church is well known for picketing places and events they see as supporting either homosexuality or Jews. This has grown to include actual gay and lesbian events, churches and organizations they feel do not repudiate homosexuality sufficiently, and the funerals of soldiers (who fought in a war they say was caused because of America’s tolerance for homosexuality). Although known in Topeka since the picketing of Gage Park in 1991, they came to national attention in 1998 after the horrific murder of admitted homosexual Matthew Shepherd who was beaten and left to die tied to a fence outside of Laramie, Wyoming. Members of the Westboro Church protested at Matthew’s funeral and his murderers’ trials and created a website saying Matthew was burning in hell.
In addition, members of the Westboro Baptist Church believe that natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and war are all God-initiated judgments on the evil in the world. They state that the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. occurred because God wanted America to enter into a war they couldn’t win, thereby losing the lives of countless soldiers. Every tragedy, they claim, is judgment because of support of homosexuality or Jews or because of attacks on Westboro Baptist Church members.
Westboro Baptist Church: The Messages
1. “God hates [everybody]”
What began as the rallying cry “God hates fags” has now devolved into a comprehensive inclusion of nearly every group, every nation, and every person who is not involved in Westboro Baptist Church. They are quick to assert that God hates anyone who does not believe exactly as they do and who does not act as they do.
Does God hate everybody? Because of who God is, and the fact that He is holy, He has no choice but to hate sin and the sin nature—that deep part of an unbeliever that incites rebellion against God. But God also loves everyone.Romans 5:8states, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus said inJohn 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” Laying down one’s life for another is the highest expression of love; therefore, Christ’s sacrifice is His demonstration of love to people still burdened with a sin nature—unbelievers.
God also shows His love through Hiscommon graceto all His creation. “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made” (Psalm 145:9). Jesus said God causes “his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45) and God “is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). Barnabas and Paul would later say the same thing: “He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy” (Acts 14:17). In addition to His compassion, goodness, and kindness, God also shows His patience to both the elect and the non-elect. While God’s patience for His own is undoubtedly different from His patience with those whom He has not chosen, God still exercises “longsuffering” toward those whom He has not chosen (Nahum 1:3). Every breath that the wicked man takes is an example of the mercy of our holy God.
God also exhorts His followers to love, even to love those whose natures and objectives are diametrically opposed to our own: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:44-45b). Also, “You are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (verse 48). God wants us to love our enemies so we can be more like Him, showing compassion to others as He has had compassion upon us.
2. “[Everybody’s] going to hell”
The members of Westboro Baptist Church are quick to assert that those they name are going to burn in hell. The problem with this is that although we are to measure others’ actions by the Word of God and encourage fellow believers toward maturity, we are never to make a judgment about another’s salvation (Matthew 7:1-2). Jesus warns His disciples against proclaiming the guilt of others before God. To be a condemning judge of others is to show that one is still under the condemnation of God. We are not the absolute standard. We are not the final word on the matter. To make such a dogmatic pronouncement is to usurp the place of God.
The vehemence with which Westboro Baptist Church denies God’s compassionate love for all people and declares others’ position of salvation reflects their belief in hyper-Calvinism. Calvinism states that man can do nothing to save himself from judgment; God elects those He will save (Romans 8:29-30). Hyper-Calvinism takes this further, saying since God alone elects those He will save, witnessing is futile. It also denies the concept of common grace—the beneficence God shows toward all His creation by providing good things (Matthew 5:45b) and holding back evil. This is a dangerous misconception about God’s grace that leads to great anxiety and doubt of a person’s own salvation. Westboro Baptist Church’s extreme hyper-Calvinism also explains why they do not care about offending people. They believe if a person is elect, he/she will believe, no matter what. They believe if a person is non-elect, he/she has absolutely no possibility of salvation. Therefore, hateful, angry, and vehement rhetoric does not matter, as it could not possibly change a person’s eternal destiny. Westboro Baptist Church rejects the idea that offending people could turn them away from faith in Jesus Christ.
Westboro Baptist Church: The Method
The way in which Westboro Baptist Church spreads its message is mostly through websites and picketing. They are proud of their ability to picket several different places every day, often bringing their children along with them. They hold signs declaring “God hates ___”, and yell at passersby. Their websites are filled with declarations about the judgment of God and the specific sins they believe public figures have committed. They include much vile name-calling and usually come around to accusations of support of homosexuality. Christian leaders, churches, and para-church organizations are as quick to attract their wrath as any secular institution. This tone is completely contradictory to the teachings of the Bible (Ephesians 4:1-6,29-32;1 Corinthians 13:1-2,4-7).
Part of the methodology of picketing with intentionally offensive signage is to antagonize people to the point of violence. When this occurs, Westboro Baptist Church is quick to take legal action. Westboro Baptist Church has a team of experienced lawyers at their disposal. Sadly, some of Westboro Baptist Church’s activities are funded by the financial gains from this litigation.
Westboro Baptist Church: The Misrepresentation
The members of the Westboro Baptist Church claim to speak in God’s name, but do so in a way contradictory to what God shows us in the Bible. They see themselves in the same role as the prophets of the Old Testament and associate prophecies about Old Testament nations to America. But God’s prophets rarely warned without also giving a chance of redemption or the promise of a future hope (even if the prophets didn’t want to (seeJonah 4:2). The “prophecies” of the members of the Westboro Baptist Church are much more straightforward:
“Our message to this evil world is that God hates you, and you better prepare for the return of Christ in power and glory. Jesus came the first time to save; and Jesus will come the second time in vengeance, because you do not obey the Gospel. It will be soon, and you will experience the wrath of the Lamb, face to face.” (GodHatesAmerica.com)
Even when God told the prophet Jeremiah not to pray for the deliverance of Israel from the Babylonians (Jeremiah 7:16), He still gave the promise that Israel would be restored (Jeremiah 51). God will separate Himself from those who choose to reject Him, but His message is one of hope and reconciliation, not violent dismissal.
Most disturbing is the way Westboro Baptist Church claims to represent God to the world. God’s primary concern regarding the world is not homosexuality. He is much more concerned with the hearts of anyone who rejects Him and indulges in continual sin. And when Jesus did confront someone with a chronic sin, the message was simply, “Stop” (John 8:1-11).
By asserting that every tragedy from Hurricane Katrina to the death of children is a direct judgment of God either for homosexuality or attacks on Westboro Baptist Church members, they present a picture of God completely contradictory to His true character. God is not the cause of all the tragedy in the world. He graciously interacts with people living in a world damaged by sin, using circumstances created by evil to draw people closer to Himself.
If anything is to be learned from Westboro Baptist Church, it is the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and grace in interacting with others. We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We are to defend the faith with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Love, gentleness, and respect are completely lacking in the methods and message of Westboro Baptist Church.
Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/Westboro-Baptist-Church.html#
Sorry but from what I have seen of alleged former homosexuals all that they are is more repessed homosexual. Now he might have been bisexual as that is not uncommon and they do switch back and forth sometimes for years at a time.
“There is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof is death & destruction” Let us live this life on HIS terms not ours. Jesus loves us ALL the same!
Andre Bekker,
To be honest, I find your claim a bit diconcerting. While you claim in the comment section that this is a ‘political game’, I am dumbfounded as to what exactly you would like to change.
An ex-gay, by definition, will enjoy the same rights and statutory protection as heterosexual persons, not so?
By no means can I speak for the LGBTI community, but I find this type of claims dangerous, as it poses a tangible threat to LGBTI in general. The problem is that homosexuality is stigmatised by the general public – heavily. This is the reason for Prides, for awareness, and for minority protection.
Why would you want to gain sympathy for ex-gays in the public? Correct me if I am wrong, but in your (warped) view, their lifestyle would mimick those of heterosexuals. So where is the danger, the stigma?
As to your claims about the Kinsey Scale. Kinsey never proposed a shift in sexuality from, one end of the pendulum to another. Instead, Kinsey submitted that most of the general public hover somewhere around the middle. Also, you seem to think one can influence your place on this scale by a ‘mindset’ or by attending sessionsa to ‘cure’ yourself.
I think basing an argument for or against homosexuality on science or human reasoning is flawed because it elevates the wisdom of men above that of God. This is specially so when one is dealing with distorted scientific findings and fallen humanity.
So what if you can argue and present yourself as an eloquent and astute person. You are still empty without the wisdom of God. You may ramble and postulate as an expert. You might present yourself as a human rights campaigner and attempt to make the Christian faith malleable to outsiders. You are still nothing if you think you know better than the Almighty.
I am clear on what the Bible teaches concerning homosexuality and no empty rhetoric will convince me otherwise. I am also clear regarding my obligation to love homosexual or differently “oriented” people. What must be clear to all of us is that God does not exist for our pleasure – whatever that is, but we exist for His. We are not created to do what we like or what makes us feel good, this is what hedonists do. We are created to serve and obey God. If a person has a problem with this basic requirement then he should not call himself a Christian and neither should he horde space on this platform. Such people have enough space in “secular” media that continues to support their “cause.”
If such people want to create a god after their own kind they can do so but the One who dwells in heaven has created us after His kind. He is right and we are wrong and that is the end of the story.
Hanno (and others), if you have the courage please read ‘A Letter to Louise’ at http://www.godmademegay.com
Andre,
Suppression is not a cure!
Wake up – and accept you are living a lie…
This is a business to you – and we all know its not going well with your ministry… Maybe ask God why he’s not blessing this ministry????