First, I believe that homosexuality is a sin.
Second, I believe that the biggest black eye on the American church is how we’ve treated homosexuals.
So, I have a suggestion. This is really gonna tick off some folks, but you have a year to get over it and even prepare for it.
You see, on a Wednesday in April, gay students observe a Day of Silence. Here’s the description at Wikipedia:
The Day of Silence is an annual student-organized day of action to protest the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, and their straight allies. Students take a day-long vow of silence to symbolically represent the silencing of LGBT students and their allies.
So how about if our Christian kids vow to stand with gay students in protesting the bullying and harassment on that day in 2008?
Here’s what prompts my proposal: The Day of Silence was observed a week ago Wednesday in most schools. A friend forwarded me an email alert from a Christian legal defense organization in California touting victories in helping Christian students who were suspended due to their reactions to the Day of Silence. Let me quote:
An estimated 3-4,000 students in the Sacramento area chose to stay home on the Day of Silence to avoid being confronted with pro-homosexual protests. Other students concerned about the one-sided messages determined to wear clothing and distribute literature which peacefully highlighted the dangers of homosexuality. Dozens of religious students were disciplined for expressing their viewpoints at Inderkum, Rio Linda and San Juan high schools. Approximately thirty students at Rio Linda alone were sent home, suspended or given “Saturday school.”
This organization leapt into action and came to their defense, getting reversed the intended actions against the students.
Now let me state: I think these Christian students have every right to respond in whatever way they choose. I even think the schools were wrong to discipline them.
But I also think the parents of the Christian students are wrong if they didn’t discipline them. I can dream of the day that I hear Christian parents across the country saying, “How could you think that wearing a ‘Straight Pride’ shirt on that day could possibly be showing the love of Christ?! You’re grounded.”
Yeah. Right.
Please understand that I am as conservative as they come. Died-in-the-wool Red Stater (in a Blue State). But this is one of those instances where our faith must trump our politics.
I can hear the comments: “But if we do this, we take the risk of portraying that we support homosexuality!” Considering our pathetic past with the gay community, I say we take that chance. Here’s our opportunity to live out “hate the sin, love the sinner.”
And I see it as no coincidence that this week I happened to read an exceptional article in Christianity Today by noted author and singer John Fischer called “Learning to Cry for the Culture: Let’s remember Francis Schaeffer’s most crucial legacy—tears.” Let me close this rant with a beautifully-stated sentiment, greatly influenced by Schaeffer, one of the greatest minds of the previous century:
Jesus asked us to love our enemies. Part of loving is learning to understand. Too few Christians today seek to understand why their enemies think in ways that we find abhorrent. Too many of us are too busy bashing feminists, secular humanists, gay activists, and political liberals to consider why they believe what they do. It’s difficult to sympathize with people we see as threats to our children and our neighborhoods. It’s hard to weep over those whom we have declared enemies.Perhaps a good beginning would be to more fully grasp the depravity of our own souls and the depth to which God’s grace had to go to reach us. I doubt we can cry over the world if we’ve never cried over ourselves.
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April 27, 2007 at 22:39
Hello –
Just read your ‘support of gays’ article.
These are ‘nice words,’ but, it isn’t the Gospel.
Read Romans – Paul never minced words…we are not to support gays…we are to call upon them to repent and turn from sin and come to Christ…
it is this kind of philandering with sin that is causing the Gospel to be mocked…
they see some Christians making a stand and others condoning or supporting gays.
Read the Scriptures!
There is no room for condescension, friendship with the world is enmity against God.
We are not to be friends to the world…we are to speak the truth in love and exhort and rebuke with longsuffering unto repentance…
sorry, this is not the Gospel…this is the mainstream, watered down, apostate representation of another Jesus, who I do not recognize as my Lord and Saviour who commands all men everywhere to repent.
April 28, 2007 at 00:02
Interestingly, right after the passage in Romans that mentions homosexuality, Paul speaks out against judging others as we ourselves are guilty of the same sins.
Maybe we should read a little further from our favourite proof texts
April 28, 2007 at 03:15
i agree with loving on those that are gay because if we push them away, who else is gonna let them know about christ? The woman who commented first (layna) has a good point, but what we fail to forget is that Jesus himself sat with the sinners. That is not “philandering”, its loving on someone who is ignorant to God’s word. Dont get me wrong, i dont support the gay movement, but i WILL NOT turn my backs on them either. they deserve prayer and love all the same. no sin is greater thatn the other, so we must not judge or condem those who are gay. who are we to do so?
April 28, 2007 at 05:53
Amen Layna! Your response was very well said and in truth.
I acknowledge that homesexuality is real, but I am not called to affirm that lifestyle as anything other than sinful.
If that is seen as intolerance, then so be it.
The real issue facing most Christians (except Episcopalians) is in reaching out to homosexuals, “Do we allow the unrepentant homosexual to become members of the church?” I am commanded to tell them the Gospel truth and let the Holy Spirit move them to repentance. I don’t think they should ever be considered social lepers, outcasts or unreachable.
April 28, 2007 at 05:59
Mikey, it’s a noble and appealing ideal, but I don’t think it will do any good.
Here’s why: The debate about homosexuality is polarised, and the polarisation has been imposed on the date by the LGBT side of the table. Until the LGBT community can accept that it is possible that Christians [i]do[/i] hate the sin but love the sinner and that their sexual [i]preference[/i] is not genetic but entirely malleable, any approach to encourage change, nay [i]debate[/i], can only be seen as “homophobic”. The debate is not operating on a level of reason and evidence. It has become irrational and politicised.
On that basis it will be difficult to untangle any claim about “homophobic” bullying or harassment. What may have been a measured, calm and reasonable presentation of moral reservations about same-sex relationships can and will be spun into an assault on a person. Consequently, showing solidarity can only send the wrong message.
What’s the alternative? I like the idea of some kind of presence at these events, but silence wont make a case. I’d suggest some kind of flyer that makes the Christian case – opposition against actual bullying, harassment and assault, but at the same time inviting the LGBT community to consider what Christians [b]actually[/b] believe.
That way, should there be a crisis in the life of a homosexual, they will have an opportunity for support and healing through a local fellowship of Christians.
April 28, 2007 at 06:36
Well said and very eloquent… and quite correct.
April 28, 2007 at 08:10
I must humbly disagree with Layna’s assertion, to some extent. The gospel is being mocked because “Christians” appear to be self-righteous hypocrits who codemn homosexuality while on their second marriage, or while allowing singles to sleep together before marriage and still be active members. The list can go on of course.
Actually, we are called to hate the sin and love the sinner. As Paul says, we wrestle not with flesh and blood but with the principalities of darkness. Our fight is not with sinners, as we are just like them, save Jesus. Our fight is with the father of lies, the one who is bliding them.
While I do not condone homosexuality, I see nothing wrong with standing up against hate. I have no problem supporting those who are being harassed and or beaten, or worse, just for the way they live. If sin were a justification for violence we would all be dead.
Jesus did not die on the cross after we repented, God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8) We are not above the master. We too should love people while they are yet sinners, yet not condone the sin. Then we can speak the truth in love, because we will be loving.
April 28, 2007 at 10:48
I have a hard time seeing Christians condeming liars in the same way as homosexuals. Layna used a verse to support her stand and rightly so. However, lets put the whole gospel in perspective. In Revelation 21:8 the bible claims, “the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Note that this is quite an exquisit list. But among all of those “horrible” descriptions we have liars. How about the works of the flesh as stated in Galatians 5:19-21, “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Lets be quick to judge homosexuals in the same way we do those who pratice HATE, JEALOUSY, FITS OF RAGE, SELFISH, ENVIOUS and THE LIKE. I agree with someone who said that the Church has failed in reaching the homosexual community. Maybe we should be their friends (afterall we are friends with liars, jealous folks, selfish people, etc). Sad to say, we see these behaviours even in those who proclaim to be Christians, but yet we want to condemn the homosexuals.
I want to be clear: I condemn homosexuality. But I do to the same extent that I do the other sinners. However, I invite friendship with “sinners” and invite them to a friendship with Jesus Christ and He can and is willing to change their heart. If anyone is without sin, let him throw the first stone.
April 28, 2007 at 12:00
While well intended, I think any show of support would send at best a conflicting message, at worst a dangerous one. As someone well versed in the workings of the gay movement, I understand that the main intent behind any homosexual protest is to further the push toward acceptance of the lifestyle. I could no more perform any action to support the gay lifestyle than I could to support the lifestyle of two people fornicating (and fornication has become mainstream, even among Christendom). Christians will do well to discern between performing a good act and performing an act that makes oneself feel good. We can all agree that unwarranted violence against any group is evil, but we must translate that belief into actions that do not condone the sin. Unfortunately, the homosexual movement and many of its adherants regard the oft touted position of “hate the sin, love the sinner” as a hypocritical cliche, not as a true, though overly-simplified, understanding of how God relates to all of us failed humans. Not even gay people accept a fence-sitting approach to relating to their lifestyle.
April 28, 2007 at 12:00
Great post. I agree completely.
I have to disagree with the guy who said the other side has polarized the issue. I agree that many on that side have, but many on “our” side have too. There are many Christians who think homosexuality is an unforgivable sin. While they turn a blind eye to divorce, fornication, greed, or gluttony, they are very vocal about homosexuality. Why is that the pet sin of the church?
Just because you stand up with homosexuals against hate, doesn’t mean you condone their lifestyle. I believe Layna is completely wrong in saying “we are not to support gays”. Of course we are. We are not to support homosexuality, but we are to support gays. If Christians didn’t accept sinners and “support” them, no one would ever have shared the Gospel with me and I would still be a lost soul.
April 28, 2007 at 12:07
By the way, here is one Christian group’s reaction: http://www.dayoftruth.org/main/default.aspx
April 28, 2007 at 14:33
Great job, Mikey! Some thoughts to add:
1. While I/we recognize that homosexuality is not the Creator’s plan for mankind, as I recall it, the Biblical passages [New Testament] calling for confrontation of sin refer to Believers getting other Believers back on track. And this, too, is to be done with LOVE. The judgement of non-belivers is to be left to God, as each of us is all too imperfect to assume that responsibility. [Then there’s that matter of being judged ourselves with the same intensity as we have dished it out…]
2. There is an order of operation in changing a person and it starts in the Heart. Until a person has been reached with the Gospel, there is no power in them to counter temptation and evil habits. [That’s why we are only called to confront those who have the Power but don’t appear to be accessing it.] Until the heart of a Gay Person has been touched by the Savior, there is no power in that person to confront their sin and heal it.
3. In this country, at least,there is a difference between how we are to treat each other as human beings and how we view matters of good and evil. We have the law of Man and the Law of God. We are directed to obey both as much as possible. Regardless of how we view the morality of being homosexual, gays are still human beings and entitled to basic human rights. Both the law and the Bible require us to treat others with dignity and respect of person. If SINNERS are to be bullied, ridiculed, beaten, raped, murdered, denied education, housing, employment, legal protections….then WHO among us is safe??
4. Social factors notwithstanding, just how sure are we that there are NO biolgical homosexuals? We have every other form of genetic mutation occuring in nature, from two-headed snakes to hermaphrodites (look it up); and if it is POSSIBLE to be biologically screwed up, who gets to decide who is “legitimately” gay and who isn’t?
I would support the day of silence, not because I support homosexuality per se but because I support Humanity. “Better to be silent and thought a fool, then to speak and remove all doubt.” K+
April 28, 2007 at 18:16
It is true that we should love the sinner but hate the sin. But if we don’t say anything to let the homosexuals and lesbians,etc. know that what they are doing is wrong, then we are supporting their habits. Have they ever seriously prayed about their decision and read the Bible about what God says about homosexuality?
April 29, 2007 at 01:54
What a great idea – but unfortunately one that as you stated too many “Christians” will adamantly oppose something like this. What I always come back to is that we are to love the sinner and not the sin. I don’t recall anywhere in the bible where Jesus bashed people for not following Him and the path he desires for us. His life here on Earth were about love and compassion. When we genuinely reflect Christ’s love for others, they can see Him through us. However, if we continue to isolate people, and bash their behavior, more and more people will turn their backs and walk away.
Treat others as Christ would have you treat them (including Christian to Christian behavior) and others will see His love.
April 29, 2007 at 05:13
What is interesting is that the Bible says very little about homosexuality. It says a lot about money, violence, dishonesty, revenge, divorce, and other problems with society. And yet Christianity seems to be unwilling to clean its own house. If one calls themselves a Christian, is prolife and anti-homosexual, then all those other problems seem to be less important.
I don’t think the gay and lesbian community is in any danger of thinking that Christianity condones their lifestyle.
I think its possible to stand up against hate, ridicule, and violence and avoid saying, “Oh by the way, I’m anti-homosexuality.” It just seems so self-conscious and contrived. I don’t find any examples of Jesus taking this approach. If he were to tell the story of the good Samaritan today, I believe the Samaritan would be gay.
April 29, 2007 at 06:32
Let me begin by saying that I am a conservative, Bible believing (and teaching) Christian. I also have friends who are practicing homosexuals and lesbians.
The issue here seems to be the difference between tolerance and acceptance. As Christians we are to tolerate gay and lesbian people as fellow human beings that need salvation and prayer just as the rest of us do. As Americans we are to tolerate their right to live as they please. They have that right. It is unfortunate that the Christians who do speak out against this lifestyle are labelled “intolerant” because they refuse to “accept” the behavior as normal and something God can bless.
The students who would not participate in the Day of Silence had every right to do what they did. Christians need to peacefully stand up for their right to be heard as well. In case anyone hasn’t noticed, it is open season on Christians in this country and Christians are the only group of people that it seems to be OK to openly discriminate against. I applaud these students for any peacefull effort to educate the public on the difference between “tolerence” and “acceptance”. The key is that it must be done in an attitude of love and a loving matter. It’s OK to disagree agreeably.
April 29, 2007 at 10:32
Open season on Christianity? For a few hundred years, Christians in our country have had open season against anyone who opposed them. Now that the pendulum is swinging the other direction, we’re getting so defensive. Remember that he who is last shall be first and he who is first shall be last.
Amen to everything Karen said, above.
When Christ got angry in the Gospels, it was always at “religious” people for letting religion get in the way of the truth of God’s love. The Sadducees and Pharisees were all about following the right rules, the money changers in the temple put money above worshipping God and welcoming seekers, and Peter cut off the ear of a soldier because he thought it was his duty to protect and defend Christ. Jesus got angry at those people, not at the adulterous woman and the prostitutes. Why are Christians so ANGRY about homosexuality? Could it be that our own physical revulsion makes us see that particular sin as different than the sin of being fearful, or of being a liar? Are we putting our own flesh between God’s love and a sinner’s need?
April 29, 2007 at 19:58
I think we need to pray first before doing anything else. Ask the Holy Spirit for clarification on how to go about loving the sinner, but being very firm about hating the sin. If we were to rally against abuse against homosexual/lesbian people, then we may be sending a mixed message to them. Perhaps the best way to go about this is to have a public prayer that asks God to eradicate abuse and judgement, but also for conviction by the Holy Spirit so that homosexual/lesbian people will understand that their alternative lifestyle is really an alternative to sin. These people have been preached to numerous times, and will most likely just shut Christians out when they hear that God does not approve of such a practice. Therefore, prayer is needed. FERVENT PRAYER. We as Christians must be truthful to them that they are sinning, yet love them and tell them we are praying for God’s healing and restoration in them to turn away from their sin. At the same time, we need to intercede in prayer; only God’s Spirit can convict a person’s heart to repent and be transformed. It is our job to be the living testimonies of His mercy.
April 29, 2007 at 23:03
There must be a relationship change (with Christ) before there can be a lifestyle change. This applies to more then just being gay. Conviction and repentance comes with the Holy Spirit.
Remember when you walked eight miles into the woods it took you eight miles of walking to get out.
Some of us are still walking…
April 30, 2007 at 05:50
What always concerned me about pointing the finger, considering the concept of Grace, is that I wonder if pointing out sin is more related to pointing out how bad the sin is, or more to point out how good the Christian is.
April 30, 2007 at 09:33
How can rallying “against abuse against homosexual/lesbian people” send a mixed message? It would send a message to them that we love them and God loves them and we are trying to show them God’s love. How is that mixed?
What is the point of a “public prayer”? If we are truly trying to intercede with the Holy Spirit, let us go into our closets and pray to Him. If we just want to show off in the streets and make it a political display, shame on us.
I agree with the others above. Let’s love all the people created in the image of God. We will speak the truth to them in love and let God handle the conviction and life change. We will simply be vessels for Him to use as He sees fit.
April 30, 2007 at 09:51
Let me hasten to say also that I disapprove of homosexuality and despise homosexual behaviour. However, I think the problem rests with us.I see an evil working within our churches where we categorize sin, so that breaking the speed limit, or swearing at that guy isn’t as bad a sin as homosexuality or murder…rubbish. I actually agree with Layna to some extent, except that we must reach place as Christians where we put enmity between ourselves and OUR struggles. So to the same extent that we speak out against OUR own sin, we speak out against the sins of the world, and try to do as much as possible to help people to recognize their sin.
The church in my country (Jamaica) tries to speak out against it, but we have a type of christianity in some of our churches here, where fornication/adultery is not a sin until the woman becomes pregnant.This double standard always buys us the response “too much ipocrit inna di cherch” (There are too many hypocrites in the church)...sadly it is true. As christians we are not righteous or in some cases not even striving to be. How then can we expect the world to be? We are sinful too, thank God we have found our Saviour. Why don’t we pray and try to help homosexuals find their saviour?
April 30, 2007 at 12:55
I’m for a rally to rally against the rally for the rally…this is all so absurd.
April 30, 2007 at 12:58
thank you muzik316
i agree fully with your statement. relationship with Christ and time make room for lifestyle change.
we really have to learn to speak the truth in love. checking our motives before we try to “correct” someone. one of the first lessons in witnessing is to develop a relationship of sorts with them that you are reaching. don’t just start hammering them with the Bible, but get to know them and why they do what they do. it’s hardly ever as simple as it seems. i really think instead of trying to counter/support the Day of Silence for GLBT we need to start reaching out to our neighbors no matter what their situation and be the witnesses that Christ has called us to be. what i’m saying is, let’s not focus on one specific issue but focus on being God’s representatives on earth to all people. and i’m talking to myself as well when i say this.
April 30, 2007 at 14:41
I agree with the original post. I was raised with the idea of “hate the sin, but love the sinner,” but as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to believe that we as Christians are wasting too much of our time “hating sin” and not spending nearly enough time “loving sinners.”
I’m not aware of any commission from Christ to denounce the sins of the world; they tend to be rather self-evident after all. He did, however, command us to proclaim the Good News and make disciples through out the world. I tend to think that it is our job to tell people about the Kingdom of God and His great love. We should leave it to the Holy Spirit to wrestle with each individual over his or her own sins.
Or, as Mark Lowry said much better than I, “I’ve got enough of my own sin to hate, so why don’t I hate my sin and you hate your own sin. And then we can just worry about loving each other.”
April 30, 2007 at 21:11
why isn’t there a Day of Silence for Christians who have been persecuted, martyred, etc…?
I don’t think Christians should participate in any way shape or form in a political move that is a pro-homosexual slant. I don’t see any such days being enforced by schools to defend other lifestyles (namely Christianity) so in all honesty this is a really biased, politically motivated event.
I’m a conservative. I believe homosexuality is a sin. However, I also strongly believe that a person is a person and should be loved regardless. I don’t love homosexuals. I love people. But I hate their sin.
There is a difference between sitting with a sinner and eating, and standing up in front of a country in support of their life style.
People are people. I don’t need a politically charged government sponsored day to state that.
I’m not going to teach my kids to stand up on a day of silence or observe a day of a silence for homosexuals. I’m going to teach my kids instead to stand up for people wrongfully persecuted…any day.
It’s honestly the priniciple of it all. When they come up with a “Day of Silence for Persecuted Christians” then I’ll start thinking about it. Maybe that sounds calloused and narrow minded. Oh well.
April 30, 2007 at 22:46
I’m not sure I can add much that hasn’t already been said, but to chime in and say kudos! For God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!
May 1, 2007 at 22:56
Christ would be the first one to step in and protect a sinner from being stoned (or other such activism). He did this on at least two occasions and afterward told the sinner to go and sin no more. By all means save the homosexual from violence and hate but don’t neglect to tell them of God’s love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. Also tell them of the need for repentance and of His final judgement.
If you don’t it’s like throwing a drowning man a life preserver and then leaving him out in the ocean while you leave in the only boat that will save him.
Concerning the day of silence. I’m all for it. In fact, let’s extend it the other 364 days of the year. That would be a dream come true for the majority of us.
May 2, 2007 at 05:03
You all might find helpful, relevant, thought-provoking, the websites of Chad Thompson, a conservative radical challenging xian post-lgbt who has been addressing this very subject in public schools and colleges across the country for a number of years now. Chad is also a good friend and brother, honorable and brave: Inqueery – inqueery.com and Loving Homosexuals As Jesus Would – lovinghomosexuals.com. Great resources for continuing the discussion.
May 2, 2007 at 16:04
First I want to state that I agree with your article.
I am a Senior at San Juan High School where protests against the Day of Silence are still currently going on. In fact, these protests are occuring as I write this.
Out of curiousity, I decided to research the media coverage concerning the recent protests and the accuracy of the coverage. I was very disheartened to find that on the whole, the coverage has been widely misconstrued.The media seems to believe that the anti-gay protestors have been suspended for Bible verses on their shirts, but I can assure you that the reasons for their suspensions go so much deeper than that.
As a student at San Juan High, I have had the chance to witness the events that have lead up to these protests and suspensions—and I have to agree with my high school administration’s decision to suspend the anti-gay protestors.
I, who consider myslef a Christian and a conservative, was greatly offended by the anti-gay shirts. Not because of the Bible vereses, but by the attitudes and the arrogance of the protestors. Some of the anti-gay protestors I know personally, and I have been observing their hateful actions, and words since almost the very beginning of the school year. To be perfectly honest, I feel like they are taking the Day of Silence and are blowing it completely out of proportion. In fact, I doubt that many of them even know the truth about what they are protesting. Most of them just seem like a bunch of rowdy kids who want to feel like they belong to a cause—even though they may know nothing about what they are protesting.
I am very sad that the faith that I share with these students, a beautiful and wonderful faith, is being tainted by their hate and pride. They seem to have forgotten that we are ALL sinners, and if we are guilty of one sin we are guilty of ALL SINS. How can they expect God to look upon this display of hate for their fellow man with approval.
Jesus died for us all. I find it hurtful that these protestors think that they are serving God’s will by wearing shirts that say ” Gays Go to Hell” and think that is okay as long as they have loving Bible verses on the back of their shirts. they claim that they are being suspended simply for Bible verses, but in actaullity they have been suspended because they have broken guidelines they agreed to with GSA concerning what each organization’s shirts can and cannot say. They went back on their WORD so they wer dually suspended. How is that unfair?
Not only are these protests continuing to make learning difficult in school, they have also tainted unbiased students against Christians. I even hear students saying things like ”... it’s those dumb Christians protesting again…” It seems that these protestors are pushing people even farther away from Christ, and are putting a label on every Christian our school.
I, for one, am deeply saddened by that.
I think that these protestors have a valuable lesson to learn, and that is one of Respect for your fellow man. Jesus died for all of us, and further more, He loves all of us.
In no way am I saying that these protestors should be forced to support Gay Rights or the Day of Silence. In fact, thats not even what the Day of Silence is about. The Day of Silence is about respect, about being treated humanely and respectfully. Not about becoming gay for a day! And shouldn’t Christains support humane treatment anyway?
Another thing I woudl like to note is the maturity of the GSA of SJHS in this whole ordeal. They have not counter protested, they have not acted out in violence, and they have complied to all orders from the administration. Even the head of the Christian Club at school sent the head of the GSA advisor a boiuquet of flowers in support and respect for the GSA and the students in the Day of Silence, and their respect toward those who disagreed with their silent protest.
I am sad that these anti-gay protestors who avidly call themselves Christians, feel that it is okay to parade around with God’s holy name on their shirts as they continue to display hate, pride and arrogance toward fellow students and EVEN the staff of our school.
How can they believe that that is okay?
How can they spit in the face of a faith that I love, and say that they are doing it in the name of God?
Faith is wonderful. Hate is not. Hate is not of God.
The events that have occurred at my school may not have been the same as those in other schools, but I just wanted you to know my side of the story.
I just think that more people need to remember WWJD in all that they do. In fact, it seems that these anti-gay protestors have been acting the most un-Christian during this entire ordeal.
Thank you for taking the time to read a young teen’s views.
May 4, 2007 at 15:48
I am a youth pastor just outside of our nations Southern homosexual stronghold of New Orleans. I deal with homosexuals on nearly a daily basis. Now, Im not as well educated as some of you who post so as hard as it might be try to find the meaning behind my babblings.
While I think the orignal post of this thread has the best of intent. I’m not so shure that it was prayed out very well. I have taken the time to read through this entire thread and I have found people using scripture for both parts of the argument and presenting very good arguments. The question is not weather or not picking on someone is wrong. The question is do we want to stand up for something that is blatently against scripture. So you want to stop other kids from picking on gays? How is a day of silence going to do that? The only thing accomplished during this event will be those participating are showing support for the lifestyle. I myself cannot imagine a Christian wearing a shirt that says “Gays go to Hell”, this is something that you other Christians around need to take the offending brethren behind the shed and have a good talking to them.
We are to live our lives above reproach. This means that the Homesexuals should know that the Christians are not going to be the ones throwing stones, but it also means that we are not agreeing with their lifestyles. The members of the gay community that call me friend know where I stand. They do not come around me unless they need something simply because they know the conversation will turn to their lifestyle. And, Yes is a big deal because it is also public rebellion against God.
In conclusion, if any of my students participate in any event sposored by the gay community, or any other anti-God/anti Biblical principle group, They will do such without my blessing.
May 6, 2007 at 11:52
i as well would like to become more educated in this topic. the best way i can think of is talking with people who consider themselves homosexuals. but here’s my uneducated thought: i feel like many people in this discussion feel like it’s our responsbility to change the world where i strongly believe that we, as christians, are not called to change the world we are called to love like Christ and do our best to glorify and honor our Lord and Saviours name. Christ has all ready conquered the world(John 16:33).
also i think a lot of us christians need to get over ourselves. we are no better than a practicing homosexual and yet we don’t bat an eye over the fact that Christ stood with us and is standing with us to the point of eternal life. we feel like we deserve it more or something. so i’m not sure what i believe about taking the day of silence but i do believe that either way we need to realize we are no better than the practicing homosexual and not allow the stream of grace and love from Christ stop in us.
May 7, 2007 at 16:47
Doug thank you for your thoughts. I completely and totally agree with everything that you had to say. Thank you for coming out and speaking out to show that it IS God’s love that is the issue here. Not the sins of people. Everyone one planet earth sins and no sin is greater than another.
God has promised to forgive those who ask for forgiveness. He also loves those who are not yet strong enough in their faith to ask for that forgiveness. He is not going to hate someone because they have sex with the same gender, only we humans are going to do that. To show God’s love, we need to accept others as they are and try to show them the way to God. Then, if it is His will, they will be changed.
I do not think that homosexuality is a sin. I think that homosexual “actions” are a sin. Loving someone – even someone of the same sex – is not a sin in the bible. Plenty of men loved other men, and women loved other women in the Bible. I could give you examples, but I would really encourage you to read the Bible for yourself and let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart.
Your sister in Christ.
May 8, 2007 at 13:05
I think that the protest was wrong. The took it a step further and protested in front of the princiapls home. That crosses the line. The da of silence did not say ANYTHING about being anti-Christian. Jesus associated himself with sinners so they could be in his presence. He reached out to them. The church, and most conservatives have had a hard line approach to homosexuality. The stance should be we don’t condone it, but are not going to condemn you. We have to remember the freedom that gives us are ability to worship Christ openly is a double edge sword. It works both ways. And the day of silence? Just a tool to raise awareness.
Awareness is important due to the fact ignorance is the way that many hate crimes and intolerances begin. They don’t have to “push” being gay or lesbian your childs choice and convert them but they have to be aware of it and accept those people and treat them equally in society. If you remember back in biblical times, Christians were persecuted because of their faith. The more we use tactics like the protesters the more we are going to push away potential people from the church by casting a negative image on ourselves.
May 14, 2007 at 20:22
I strongly suggest getting the movie God & Gays: Bridging the Gap (www.godandgaysthemovie.com) and going to their conference in August, also on the site. It’s comprehensive and you get to hear first hand from the people who are directly involved and effected by these kinds of discussions. Then you take it from there.
May 23, 2007 at 18:32
I am a Christian man that has struggled with and identified as gay for the most of my life.
I have tried the exgay movement and found no “healing”. I have found some healing in my long term relationship with Christ. In God’s time I will be whole and in his eyes I am already whole by the blood of his son Jesus.
I like your idea of standing with gay students. The church needs to find something in common with the gay community in order to reach them. All I have ever felt from most churches is hate. It does not matter that I am not sexually active they still hate me.
Christians need to realize that Christians and gays have a common enemy. Satan and his forces want to keep us apart. He wants Christians the Church destroyed, unable to accomplish her mission of going into all the world and preaching the gospel to all people. He also wants gays to burn in hell (note that is what satan wants not what God wants).
Satan is accomplishing his mission by bringing hate between the church and people who identify as gay.
How can you tell me about Jesus and his love for me if you hate me?
How can I hear you if all I perceive from you is hate?
If my identity is gay and you say you love me but hate my sin it still registers as hate to me.
The church has to somehow get past this if she is going to reach gay men and women for Christ. Your idea is a step to build a relationship between Christians and gays. A small step in the right direction.
The problem is there are very few Christians that have any desire to reach the gay community – most like satan want to see us burn. (not exactly Christ like in my opinion).