Few would deny that homosexuality is talked about more openly today than it was several decades ago. And just try to say that you disapprove of it! likely, you will be bombarded with criticism. One girl told me that i must be prejudiced against people of other races, because my opinion of homosexuality amounted to the same thing “prejudice!”
So in connection with this last thought, we should add that, from a Christian perspective, your identity is given and unchangeable: according to the Bible, you are a person, male or female, created in the Image of God. Obviously, you are free to accept or reject this idea as you see fit. You can also elect to self-label or self-identify in any way you choose. But the point we’re trying to make is that you don’t have to feel locked into any particular understanding of your identity simply on the basis of your sexual feelings or someone else’s arbitrarily devised labels which have been newly created in the last several decades of human history. Shut out all the political “noise” on this subject and take a close and careful look at your options. Remember that “gay” is just an artificial construct: a word that means what other people say it means – nothing more, nothing less. We’d encourage you not to allow yourself to get locked into that category.
Just saying, just because you think you’re standing up for the LGBT community doesn’t justify for you to put down other people’s religions and dump hate on them. I’m Christian, I’m not homophobic. I have friends who are and I don’t hate on them, and even if I don’t agree with their beliefs, we co-exist peacefully and happily.
John – this is on the Christian Medical Society website – so the vast majority of us are Christians who take our faith seriously. Your post shows that you have been deeply hurt by religious people. Jesus is not the same as historical Christianity. Yes, there was war in heaven as Lucifer attempted to take over from the Almighty. Yes, Adam and Eve sinned and that fall lead to all the sin and pain that followed. What you left out was the forgiveness and love that God has for His children. I have seen gay men leave the gay lifestyle as they have drawn closer to Jesus – some to a life of celibacy, some to heterosexual relationships. We serve a powerful and loving God who loves you and wants the best for you. That best will not include homosexual relationships because it is harmful (and one of those harms is spelled out in this article). Praying for you.
Explain homosexuality to others.
To the LGBT person: Be careful taking a hardline stance on something that isn’t your foundational identity. Your main identity shouldn’t be defined by your sexual orientation; rather God should define it. People are entitled to their beliefs. Many examined Scripture, believe that sexual intimacy is for a man and woman in marriage, and aren’t homophobic or hateful. If these people are loved ones (being loving towards you) why shut them out? Don’t distance yourself because they don’t agree with you or the kind of relationship you might have. Don’t treat others who disagree with you the way you wouldn’t like to be treated. They might be intolerant in your mind for not agreeing with you. However, are they treating you poorly? Do they love you less? Do they not value you anymore? Don’t become intolerant by not giving them margin to have different views.
Very informative. Two suggestions on Homosexuality:
1. This would benefit from a statement letting the reader know this information is not intended for the purpose of bigotry, hatred, or otherwise harm to those in the LGBTQ+ community. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only. – Those who identify as LGBTQ+ need to be loved. Information concerning the emotional and physical harm associated with this community need to be shared. We should seek to do both. 2. I wish this information was presented in a video. Given our day and age, this may make easier for some to digest.
To polarize a crowd, bring up sexual reorientation. Religious fundamentalists who believe homosexuality is a matter of choice consider it obvious that gay people can reverse their decisions. The opposite camp argues that gays are “born that way,” and thus that sexual reorientation therapy is ineffective, as well as cruel and demoralizing.
Seek professional help if you feel you may be experiencing homosexual/homosexuality tendencies.
Sexual attraction is a complex subject. The origins of sexual feelings often lie deeply hidden within the individual psyche. We believe they are best explained in terms of developmental psychology and trait development, and that there is no single “one-size-fits-all” theory to account for them. In spite of this, it is feasible, to gain valuable insights into some of the factors that may have contributed to the shaping of your present state of mind. There are a variety of tools to help in this process, including: individual or group therapy, prayer, healthy relationships, discipleship, reading and writing in a journal. In turn, these insights can be useful in freeing you from emotional bondage and enabling you to live according to your consciously chosen values. As a first step, we suggest you seek out the assistance of a trained Christian counselor – with a biblical worldview – who is compassionate, understanding, and experienced in the area of same-sex attractions.
Sexual orientation is not a disease, defect, or mental disorder. The idea that family issues can change one’s sexuality is a myth. Try not to let it worry you or cause stress and anxiety. It is common to be unsure or uncomfortable with your sexuality. Talk to people you trust about how you feel. This includes family, friends, doctors, or counselors. They can help you process your thoughts and feelings, and make you feel better and not alone.
We’d also like to encourage you to excise the word “inevitable” from your vocabulary. It simply isn’t true that you must “inevitably” act on your feelings of same-sex attraction or any particular sexual attraction or urge for that matter. We understand that feelings are difficult, if not impossible, to control. They can blind-side you and take you by surprise. Fortunately, the same thing can’t be said about actions. There is such a thing as self-control, and it is possible to subject your behavior to your will regardless of what your emotions are saying. Habits can be changed. This takes discipline and determination, and perhaps most importantly, support from caring and non-judgmental individuals who share your values, but it can be done.
