An issue that I've seen exploding is that of homosexuality. The media has had countless stories in the past few weeks of suicides of homosexual youths. Tyler Clemnti's suicide was headline news. Due to cruel exposure, the Rutgers University student reasoned that suicide was his only option. This final act of hopelessness would cliche 5 more times within just 11 days. In total there were 9 suicides of openly gay youths in September alone.
While we know the bibles stance on homosexuality, I was thankful for a recent article in the Awake (published by Jehovah's Witnesses). It posed the question How can I explain the Bibles view of homosexuality? I found this information timely and was very thankful to Jehovah that his slave continues to enlighten, not only our young people, but all of his flock.
Although I agree with the Awake that many people do find "homosexuality as nothing more then an alternative lifestyle", there is also the side of homosexuality that has always been there. The people who engage in these acts are ridiculed and harassed. They are treated like black people were in the 1950's and 60's. And to treat people any kind of cruelty is anything BUT Christian. I was again thankful to the Awake, when it mentioned that Jehovah's Witnesses reject homosexual conduct not people. It goes on to say that we show kindness to all people. Matthew 7:12 says: “All things, therefore, that YOU want men to do to YOU, YOU also must likewise do to them" Its wonderful to know that true Christians would ridicule anyone. 1 Peter 2:17 says: "Honor [men] of all sorts" Of course this doesn't mean we change the bibles "moral code" and accept homosexual conduct. The bible does however mention people who once practiced homosexual conduct changed in order to serve god.
Many of today's churches are being divided due to issues in regards to same sex marriage, and gay rights. But the divisions deeper than issues alone, its the ideas that these religions of Christendom promote that are not biblical. Not only are some religions accepting same sex couples to marry within the church, but some have gone as far as to say homosexuality does not exist! That it's simply an illusion in ones mind...and that it can be cured.
Living in a community with plenty of Mormons, I've come to learn that there is so much more then what meets the eye. Sure, we see them walking happily to church on Sunday morning, boys all in white shirts and khaki pants. But there are flaws. These flaws come from the fact that they some claim to be Christian...
President Boyd Packer of the LDS church said Quote, "Some suppose that they were pre-set and cannot overcome what they feel are inborn tendencies toward the impure and unnatural. Not so. Why would our Heavenly Father do that to anyone?" And yet, the bible doesn't not once speak of the biology of homosexuality. Of course our heavenly Father would not do that to anyone. If we ask that question in regards to homosexuality, then we'd have to apply it to all sin. Everyone, as descendants of Adam are born sinful. Romans 4:12 says "Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin...spread to one men.." Then again, unless Adam really is the archangel, and Eve is to be commended for her choice, anything is possible
In a nut shell, True Christians respect all people. We love our neighbor as our selves, and live up to the words at Philippians 2:3, "considering that others are superior to" us. With that being stated we believe in worshiping with spirit and truth. (John 4:24) Jehovah's Witnesses realize the importance of excepting all people, in doing so, however we do not change the law of the holy scriptures. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 states "men who lie with men....will not inherit gods kingdom", we don't attempt to change that. As well as not attempting to change the Bible, we never "lean upon our own understanding", or "the commands and teachings of men." (Col. 2:22) We love all our neighbors as ourselves, and realize our sinful state. we know that god is not partial. (Acts 10:34) We as a religious organization, and in an attempt to live up to being True Christians, we don't add to the homophobia so common in this world. We proselyte with the intent of giving all people the chance to hear this good news of the kingdom. Matthew 24:14.
John 13:34,35: I am giving YOU a new commandment, that YOU love one another; just as I have loved YOU, that YOU also love one another. By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves.
No comments:
Post a Comment