“Why do Christians hate gay people so much?” That’s a question asked in this video by Floodgate Productions. As Christians we are called to speak God’s truth and call sin sin. We are also commanded to love one another. Too often, we focus on the speaking and teaching part, but fail in the love part. [Read more…]
One Voice Against Hate Within Our Churches
Last week, a youtube video of Baptist pastor Charles L. Worley exposed some pretty hateful anti-homosexual speech. Instead of just stating the fact that homosexuality is a sin (which we agree with) and backing it up with what the Bible says, in this short 2 minute clip he suggests what should be DONE with homosexuals, lesbians, LQBT’s as a group.
Here is the video…
Dan Kimball on Homophobia Within Our Churches
I just finished reading a book by pastor and author Dan Kimball titled “They Like Jesus But Not the Church”. It’s an incredibly well written book. It covers many subjects related to our emerging culture and how non-Christians view the church.
His main theme is that many of these outsiders love Jesus, who he was, what he stood for, and what he taught, but just as passionately oppose and are repelled by the church.
We aren’t doing very well applying the teaching of Jesus and expressing His love to others that have different opinions, beliefs, and lifestyles.
More often that not, what outsiders feel is judgement and rejection rather than love and acceptance. We don’t have to agree with everyone to love others and respect them as a person…a fellow human on this earth.
In Dan’s book, he has a very comprehensive covering of the topic of homosexuality and how to address it within our churches. One big point worth noting here it that we need to treat homosexuals as people…not objects. We can’t talk with or about homosexuals as if they are some inferior class of humans or that they are some broken object we can “fix”. For the other points, get and read the book.
There ARE homosexuals or people with same-sex attractions within our churches. Many leave the faith because of the jokes, the ridicule, and the hurtful ways we talk about homosexuals…usually while they are still in the closet.
They feel rejected, unloved, and frankly hated by Christians. Jesus taught us how to love others and this isn’t what we are doing. So, my call to action is this: if you are a homosexual, have same-sex attraction, or are in a church which seems to be out of touch or blind in this area, I encourage you to check out Dan’s book.
Give a copy to your pastor and senior leadership. It’s eye opening and shows a very Biblically based and experienced based look at this issue. It may very well provide the answers you seek on how to positively address this topic within your church.
And to anyone reading this who has felt rejected by the church. You are indeed loved by God. Even if you hate the church, I do hope and pray that you will continue to love Jesus!
Obama Won’t Defend 1996 Defense of Marriage Act
(New York Times)
President Obama has determined that the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which bars federal recognition of same-sex marriages, is unconstitutional and should not be defended by the Justice Department. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr added “The president and I have concluded that classifications based on sexual orientation are unconstitutional.” Such classifications should be subjected to a strict legal test intended to block unfair discrimination.
President Obama concluded that classifications based on sexual orientation are unconstitutional
What do you think about the decision?
Originally posted on http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/us/24marriage.html?scp=1&sq=obama%201996&st=cse
Barbara Bush (twin daughter) Supports Gay Marriage
“I’m Barbara Bush, and I’m a New Yorker for marriage equality.”