Change

In previous generations, strong walls of ignorance, prejudice, and misunderstanding were built up between the Church and homosexuals. In short, the Church has messed up pretty badly, and most of these cold walls remain today. However, I hope that my generation will be one that reverses the Church's injustices toward LGBT people and seeks to reconcile with the LGBT community. Here are some ways that I believe we can start to do this.



1. Affirm that God loves everyone, and that all people are valuable

To be loved is a fundamental need of every heart. We all long to be loved by God, by family, by friends, and by a spouse. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." While you and I were still vile, wretched sinners, God inexplicably loved us. And He calls us to show the same love to everyone around us.



2. Acknowledge the real pain and discrimination that LGBT people have to go through in our society

If you come from a privileged, white, straight, male, Christian point of view, like I do, it can be hard to understand just how much LGBT people have to go through. However, the stories of anti-gay discrimination and bullying are not hard to find. Try to put yourself in their shoes, and you'll soon recognize that homophobia is still a very real problem in North America.

I'd strongly encourage every straight Christian to watch a short film called "Love is All You Need?" This film does an amazing job of portraying what it is like to grow up as a homosexual in a heteronormal world. It's only 20 minutes long, but it broke my heart. I pray that it breaks yours as well.
(Caution: This video contains a disturbing scene and may not be suitable for ages under 16)



3. Admit that gay Christians do exist, they didn't choose to become gay, and they can be followers of Christ without somehow "becoming straight"

Okay, this is a big one. First of all, let's define our terms. The word homosexual means someone who is sexually and romantically attracted to people of the same sex. That's the definition, whether we like it or not. Being homosexual is not an action, and it's not a choice. It simply means being primarily attracted to people of the same sex.

There are many people who experience same-sex attractions, and yet are dedicated followers of Jesus. One of these people is a writer named Matt Moore. In a blog post from 2012, Matt explains, "I don’t choose to be attracted to men. I hate that I find myself attracted to men." However, he goes on to say, "Jesus gives me more joy than sex with men or pornography ever did." In another blog post, Matt hit the proverbial nail with these words: "The promise of the gospel is not to make you 'straight', but to make you holy and blameless before God; not by your own righteousness, but Christ’s."

Another gay Christian who I respect very much is Vicky Beeching, an amazing musician and dedicated theologian. She just came out as a lesbian a couple days ago, in a newspaper interview published on August 13. Her story is quite powerful, and it's worth taking the time to read.

The reality is that for many (most?) gay Christians, their same-sex attractions don't disappear and they don't become straight. This really shouldn't surprise us, as God didn't promise to make our temptations disappear once we follow Him. Instead, God promised to give us strength (Isaiah 40:29-31), provide us a way out when we are tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13), and catch us when we fall (Psalm 37:23-24).



4. Genuinely love and accept homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgender people in your community and church

It's easy to say we love others, while acting toward them in ways that are actually unloving. Remember, love is a verb.

Do we inadvertently contribute to homophobia in casual conversations and in the words that we use? Are we willing to step outside of our comfort zones and show radical, Christ-like love to everyone around us, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight alike? Are your church's doors actually wide open to LGBT people?



5. Agree to disagree on the theology of sexuality

Passages such as Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:24–27, 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, and 1 Timothy 1:8–11 seem to clearly indicate that sexual relations between people of the same sex are sinful. However, not all churches and not all theologians hold to the traditional interpretation of these passages. So we need to seriously think about how to respond to those who we disagree with.

If a dedicated Christian believes that same-sex relationships are not sinful, how should we treat them? Should we shun them? Throw our Bible at them? I'm of the "radical" belief that we should actually work together with them to advance the kingdom of God.

I understand this is very controversial. Some churches are of course not willing to condone Christians who are in same-sex relationships, and for good reason. However, we should still acknowledge that many Christians in same-sex relationships in other churches are actually trying to follow God the best they can, and we should be willing to love them and work together with them.

After coming out, Vicky Beeching told a reporter, "The Church is still my family. Family do not always agree or see eye to eye. But family stick together, and I am committed to being part of the Church, working for change." I think we should follow her example. Yes, theology is very important. But sometimes we have to agree to disagree, and work together with Christians who have very different theological views than us.



6. Understand that fighting against same-sex marriage in the political sphere will not help advance the Gospel

Before Jesus ascended into heaven He instructed us, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matt 28:19-20). He did not say, "Therefore go and change the laws of all nations, forcing them to conform to your beliefs."

I believe that sexual relationships between people of the same sex are sinful. I believe that we should not permit same-sex marriages to take place in our churches. However, I no longer see any point in trying to make it illegal for an unbeliever to marry the person they love.

My hope is that the Church will aim to reconcile with homosexuals, instead of further polarizing people through anti-gay politics.

Reconciliation will take a long time, but I believe that one day love will win out. So please join me in deciding to be an ally instead of an antagonist.


Read more:

Homosexuality and the Christian Community

A Christian Case for Same-Sex Marriage

Redeeming "Tolerance"