by Joe Wrighter

Created on: January 16, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

The issue of gay rights is quickly becoming one of the biggest debates among modern christians. This, of course, is a reflection of society in general. In just the past decade, acceptance of homosexuality has become much more widespread, at least in the United States. The idea of legalizing gay marriage was unthinkable for most people just 20 years ago, but now it is legal in one state and has been on the ballot in several others.

The times are certainly changing, and that leaves the church in an awkward spot. The traditional view of the christian church, or at least those who take the Bible literally as the word of God, is that homosexuality is a grievous sin. Therefore, it cannot be tolerated. But if the church holds to that belief, many people will label christians as unloving and intolerant.

Though it sounds cliche, true believers should look at Jesus and ask themselves how he would treat gay people. Would he vote to give them the same legal rights as married heterosexual people? I don't know, but I know that he treated sinners and outcasts with love and respect, even though he condemned their sins. Christians need to understand that true humility requires us to look at homosexuals as people with the same basic condition as anyone else: sinful flesh.

The proper response for christians should be to teach what the Bible says about homosexuality, but realize that this doesn't mean they should hate homosexuals or try to force them to change.

Learn more about this author, Joe Wrighter.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.