Listen up people, its time to get a few things straight.
Just because I don't support gay marriage or believe that homosexuality is morally right does not mean I am homophobic.
This post is not to about whether or not homosexuality is ok, it is about labels and assumptions and stereotypes. Christians get stereotyped too. People want tolerance and acceptance and accuse Christians of hating and offensive speech; but do you know that Christians are some of the least tolerated of any religion? Christians are persecuted, murdered, bullied and slandered across the entire world.(restrictednations.aspx)
I am so sick of stating my opinion on gay marriage then having people jump down my throat because my opinion is different then theirs.
Yes, I recognize that there are Christians out in the world who have said horrible, offensive things about homosexuality.(i.e. Westborough Baptist) I am so, so sorry that this is how Christians are represented. I am ashamed when I think of how they have treated others in the name of Christ.
But what happens is the media jumps all over the offensive talk and slander, never showing the Christians who disagree with that attitude. Thus the representation of a Christian is a homophobic, self-righteous bible thumping asshole who takes it upon themselves to misinterpret the word of God and cause harm to other people.
I have gay friends, I interact with gay people, and I treat them the same as any other person. What? A Christian who has gay friends? Impossible! I should be telling them of their sins and inevitable damnation!
No actually, because as a Christian I am called to show love to others, to forgive them of their sins, because how am I any better? I sin too, so much. I do not agree with homosexuality. Most of these people know my opnions, they understand I don't agree. If they asked me why, I would tell them. But thats not what this post is about.
The point is hypocrisy, stereotypes and assumptions against my beliefs.
Many people, when I tell them where I stand, seek to change my opinions. They say that they can't change who they are and I shouldn't try to change them as a person. But I don't believe that someones sexual urges makes up WHO they are as a person. They believe sexual desire reflects one’s identity. By putting pressure on me to accept homosexual behavior as normal and virtuous, they seek to change MY identity as follower of Jesus. The label most important to me is “Christian.” My identity – in Christ – is central to who I am. So I could say the same thing and call you intolerant, bigoted, and hateful for trying to change a conviction that goes to the core of who I am as a Christian. I don’t say that because I don’t believe that’s your intention. But neither should you think it’s my intention to attack a homosexual person or cause them harm merely because I disagree.
To treat someone with disrespect and hatred while claiming that you are acting in the name of Jesus is to be the biggest hypocrite. How can we be a representation of His love if, simply, we are not showing love to others? That does not mean supporting the decision, that does not mean agreeing with it. It means that I should show love and care to others, and through my actions lead people to Christ.
Just because I don't support gay marriage or believe that homosexuality is morally right does not mean I am homophobic.
If you want to know more on why I don't agree with homosexuality, this article covers it nicely.
How I Wish the Homosexuality Debate Would Go – Trevin Wax
