In the next 4 weeks our high school group will be addressing sexuality. One of the teaching topics we will be dialogging about is homosexuality.

I have tried my best in the past 3 weeks to get my hands on any scientific, theological, psychological, and philosophical content that adequately handles the homosexual issue in relation to the Christian faith.

How do we respond to homosexuals that are Evangelical Christians? (and if you do not know any and/or you do not believe that they can be “Christians” you need to expand your theological world view!)

Homosexuality can be broken into two categories: 1) homosexual orientation and 2) homosexual behavior. Homosexual orientation is not a choice. Homosexual behavior is a choice.
Although this raises the question of: How can God simply deprive a homosexual from his sexual and emotional expressions? ( I am still grappling through this question.)

Homosexual Evangelical Christians are torn not only between their sexual orientation and traditional biblical interpretations, but also between the homosexual community. I have found that Evangelical homosexual Christians can act in celibacy while acknowledging their sexual orientation.

The funny thing is that Jesus never condemns homosexuality. Jesus only condemns the judgmental religious people who look for sin in the lives of others without dealing with the sin in their own lives (Matthew 23). hmmmm….sound familiar to a brand of Christianity?
Jesus responds with love, respect, and dignity to everyone.

The Torah illustrates that homosexuality is wrong (Lev 18.22, 20.13, & Deut. 23 17-18). It is the Torah’s goal to clearly define the moral code (10 commandments) and purity code (eating shell fish, sexual behaviors, etc).

The Pauline perspective talks a bit about homosexuality and immoral sexual acts (1 Tim 1.10-11, 1 Cor 6.9, and Romans 1.26-27).

I argue that God designed human sexuality to be expressed only within the loving bounds of a monogamous, heterosexual marriage relationship. However in reference to the homosexual issue: I recognize the consistent biblical teaching that homosexual relationships are not a part of God’s design for humanity. Homosexual expression is not a viable lifestyle for believers. At the same time, I do not believe it is biblical to elevate any particular sin above the other, and it is essential to provide a redemptive, healing, experiential, and safe community for those who struggle with any thing: same sex attraction, anger, self image, depression, identity, and the list can go on and on.

My question to you is: Can homosexuals enter the pearly gates? Can one honestly say Jesus will not let a homosexual in? Based on your answers, what are the implications for the 21st century church in how we respond to homosexuals who are in church?

I have a hard time saying that Steve, who is struggling with his homosexual identity, will not get the nod into the gates, while me, Jeremy, who is deeply struggling with an anger issue, will get the nod into the pearly gates.  Thankfully, I don’t have to play God.  I will leave the judgment up to God.

I would love to hear any perspective and feedback. If you disagree with me, I will beat you up. ; )

© 2009, Jeremy Zach. All rights reserved.