Originally published in Christian Today
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has said he would rather go to hell than worship a God who was homophobic.
The South African Nobel peace laureate made the outspoken comments at the launch of a global United Nations campaign against homophobia.
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The Free and Equal campaign will promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, as well as an end to homophobic discrimination and violence.
Archbishop Tutu said he was as passionate about the campaign as he was about ending apartheid in South Africa.
“I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven. No, I would say sorry, I mean I would much rather go to the other place,” he said.
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“I would not worship a God who is homophobic and that is how deeply I feel about this.”
Archbishop Tutu has been a long time campaigner in support of gay rights.
He said discrimination against homosexuals was “unjust” and that they should not be seen as a “peculiar breed” but as human beings.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said the UN was working to decriminalise homosexuality in more countries and wanted governments to strengthen protection for members of the LGBT community.
“I constantly hear governments tell me, ‘but this is our culture, our tradition and we can’t change it’… So we have lots of work to do,” she said.
The dictionary defines “homophobia” as intense hatred or fear of homosexuals or homosexuality. Another word used is antipathy i.e repugnance or disgust.
I don’t believe that God hates or fears homosexuals. Infact He loves them. The church, i believe, should have the same attitude to homosexuals. I’d like some views on whether God is satisfied with the sexual preferences ( and practices)of homosexuals.
I guess that I need to purchase a new translation of the Bible! In my Bible it says that (1Co 6:9) “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 homosexuals, nor sodomites,”
(NKJV). So either the Bishop has got hold of a hitherto unknown translation which we all need to adopt, or else he certainly will not be in heaven with God and the rest of us.
Sure, homosexuality is no greater sin than adultery, theft, murder etc. However, it is a sin and Scripture says that the wages of sin is death ( Rom 6:23).
No, I do not hate or despise homosexuals, they are simply sinners like the rest of us; but I surely think that any “Christian” who promotes homosexuality (or any other sin) has drifted very far indeed from the God of the Bible.
God hate sin. But loves the sinner. Tutu is a man pleaser saying things to sooth man Only the truth can set man free
Desmond, you might just go there as your antics are saying: GOD – Tutu is doing this to appease, sooth the ears of your alternative “friends”. I put the love of people before YOU Almighty God. Not a good idea. Yes God loves homosexuals and lesbians but they have to do something to earn their rightful place in eternity: Repent and stop their SIN, that God detests. Tutu wont change that by making a reckless statement. Teach “them” the whole counsel of GOD.
God created humankind “in his image, male and female” to be heterosexual, and to work together in managing His creation. The LGBTs make God in their image/imagination, what they want Him to be. Acts 17:29
God does not hate homosexuals – He loves ALL sinners, and calls them to repent of their sins, and trust Jesus Christ Acts 17:30.
Many have changed their sexual orientation, no one has been able to change their race. Tutu devises a false syllogism.
It is a deceitful myth to say people are born gay or straight. It is a bias; one can choose to yield or resist.
God will judge all of us on our deeds Rev 20:12, not on our orientations.
One cannot stand for Biblical principles and promote homosexuality at the same time. God’s Word is His Word, not Desmond’s. We either accept It in it’s entirety or we don’t. Our choice will be judged by our God. The thing that irritates me though is that Desmond claims to be a Christian but refutes God’s Word. This behaviour leads others astray and away from the true Gospel. I support all comments above and will continue to stand for God’s Word come what may.
Oor God se liefde is klaar gepraat,as hulle bely sal hulle hemel toe gaan.Tutu het ook gese dat hy beslis glo dat Jesus die Dalai Lama ook sal hemel toe vat,dit is nie net vir Christene nie.Jammer, Tutu het nie n idee van die verlossingsweg nie.En dis n kerkleier!
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Thats so sad. we need more prayers.