by Andrew J. Zintl

Created on: August 18, 2010

Homosexuals and Christians seem to be involved in a never-ending battle.  Homosexuals accuse Christians of being intolerant homophobes.  On the other hand, Christians stand by their belief that homosexuality is sinful.  Both sides find the opinion of the other understandably offensive.  In such a situation, is there any hope for a reasonable truce between the two parties?

The Bible is clear on the issue that homosexuality is sinful in the eyes of God.  That is not to say men feeling an attraction to other men or women to other women is necessarily sinful.  Having respect for members of our respective genders is perfectly normal.  What is sinful is sexualizing that feeling and the act of engaging in homosexual sex.  Christians who hold to the inerrancy of Scripture are extremely unlikely to change their minds on this point, nor should they be expected to do so, since that would compromise their religious beliefs.

However, if the manner of any individual Christian comes across as insulting in stating their belief, aside from the inherent offensiveness of the message itself, than that person is in error.  Any person claiming to be a Christian should always be graceful toward those outside the church.  Their message to the world is doomed to be offensive to those who are not Christians already, so there is no need to rub salt in the wound by putting on an offensive or hostile manner in speaking it.  To act in such a way gives Christ a bad name among those who are not Christian; as does compromising on whether homosexuality should be regarded as a sin or not.

On the other hand, homosexuals and their supporters have been extremely vocal in decrying Christians as intolerant, homophobic, or racist bigots.  Often, that seems to be the case however the Christian acts when they claim that homosexuality is sinful.  The very act of stating that belief is enough to earn them any or all of those negative labels, regardless of their manner in stating their belief.  Such ad hominem attacks do nothing to resolve the issue and just destroy any chance for a reasonable dialogue.  Acting that way seems to be attempt to destroy the credibility of the person speaking against homosexuality by tarnishing his character in the eyes of the public.  Such underhanded tactics only serve to mislead those not trained in logical argumentation.

Both sides need to examine their behavior and strive to rectify it if necessary.  Christians need to remember not to condemn the person and should only condemn the behavior itself.  Homosexuals and their supporters need to drop their knee-jerk tendency to immediately resort to ad hominem attacks.  The two parties don’t have to agree on the issue, since that is probably impossible anyway, but both should show mutual respect for the humanity of the other side in the debate.

Learn more about this author, Andrew J. Zintl.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.