This has nothing to do with Christian music, but the topic of homosexuality and Christianity comes up often on this blog when we’re talking about gay Christian music, so I thought I’d share it.It’s a message for Christians – maybe you’ve never considered what this man has to say, or maybe you came to this same realization a long time ago and are grateful for a reminder. Either way, the questions he raises about how Christians treat homosexuals are important to consider.And it’s not a “love the sinner, hate the sin” bumper sticker mentality I’m talking about. Derek Webb said it best when he told me:
“If you are not compelled to be in a relationship – like a loving relationship, like a friend, somebody who you really care about, and I don’t mean like a token, I mean somebody who you just naturally in your life you’re living life in such a way that you encounter and engage with and become friends with and enter into a relationship with people who are not like you and don’t believe the same things as you – if you’re not doing that, you need to be doing that.
But if that’s not you, and you don’t even know or go near or have any idea about gays or lesbians, then I would wager that you might not be really qualified to speak too much about this.
I’m not saying it’s going to change your moral conviction. That’s not my concern so much. My concern is the way that moral conviction comes out of your mouth. The way your theology becomes ethics and expresses itself coming out of your mouth. I mean, that is SO much of the battle we’re fighting.”
RELATED POSTS:Part 2 Of My Interview with Derek Webb: Cursing In Songs, HomosexualityCCM veteran Ray Boltz comes out of the closet and confesses he’s gayChristian artist Brian Bates shares his thoughts on how to respond to Ray Boltz, Clay Aiken coming out of the closetGot a gospel or Christian music news tip? Send me an email!Click here to subscribe to Gospel Soundcheck by email and have the Gospel Soundcheck headlines delivered daily to your email inbox. And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter!
posted November 11, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Great comments and quotes Joanne! I do sincerely Agape love gay people and we have some in our church. They know where we stand theologically on the issue as conservative evangelicals, but they also know that we love them unconditionally and have done a good job of that. It has been challenging on both sides for us to love each other and totally disagree. But God has made it possible and to Him be the glory. We love others not based on what WE think people deserve, we love people we disagree with because that is who we are with Christ in us. Our love is not based on the ‘do’s and don’ts.’ Our love for others is based on what Christ has done for us! Rock on lady!
posted November 11, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Not sure why my name didn’t post on above comment but here it is! http://www.BlessedHopeCC.org http://www.Churchatmovies.com Keep up the great writing Joanne!
posted November 11, 2009 at 3:37 pm
I never thought I would find myself in the situation I am in now. My 23 year old daughter told my husband and me (about one year ago) that she is a lesbian. This came out of left field for me. She always had boyfriends, always talked about her wedding, children she wanted, etc. I had a fight with God for quite a while (He won, as I always knew HE would). It’s been a tough, LONG year for me. I could not love her for a LONG time. My husband never stopped loving her, but he understood my feelings. It is SO HARD! I know one day my love for her will be as strong as it was, but right now, it really is not. I pray every day for God to give me the strength to be that mom (again) to my daughter.
posted November 13, 2009 at 9:05 am
I think it’s important to remember that not all Christians have the same view of homosexuality, and that there are Christian churches that truly welcome and bless all of God’s children, without exception. I am happy to be a member of such a church, and glad that my children are witnessing love in action, rather than fear and hatred perpetuated in the name of Christ.
God bless us…every one.
posted November 17, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I have to weigh in here. This is a deep struggle for me and I don’t think it should be. Can I be loving and caring and still affirm the teachings of the Bible? See I think I can, but many seem to disagree. The Bible says what it says about this issue and I am powerless to change that. That being said, I am called to love people right where they are too. Could it really be that simple? Accept all the teachings of the Bible and live accordingly. Love God enough to listen to what He says and love my neighbor too. Sorry if that makes me sound bumper sticker.
posted November 29, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Jesus says the highest commandments are to love God with everything you have AND to love your neighbor as you do yourself. If we would follow these the rest would fall into place.
posted December 8, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Plain and simple, Christian Homosexual is an oxy-moronic term. YOU CANNOT BE A CHRISTIAN and a HOMOSEXUAL at the SAME TIME! I can quote scriptures all day here from Genesis to Leviticus to Corinthians and how God dealt with the issue. As Christians following the pattern of Christ we are often ridiculed by our stand to warn the people (as Major Prophets Isaiah & Ezekial did) but not understood that to warn is to love & save! The Love of Christ is to tell the truth to the people because the ultimate goal is to be saved and eligible for heaven. As a homosexual, (the utmost selfish act of sexual behavior) the only way to please GOD is to come out of a lifestyle that slaps Him in His face! He made us male & female and there should be NO confusion of the matter! Is it not what GOD wants out of us & not what WE want as human beings to satisfy our flesh?!!! What are homosexuals so adament about? The Right for same sex individuals to cohabitate and have sexual intercourse with each other? IF NOT, why not just be friends? If so, You are wrong! Besides nasty, this is so selfish to want more for yourself than what God wants for us! This is what got satan kicked out of heaven! God loves us so much that He wants us to strive for perfection in our behavior.
posted October 22, 2010 at 5:27 pm
I know I’m a little late to this…but Mark J. Weaver, you are WRONG. I am living it every day! I am a Christian man who happens to be homosexual. So there.