Title: Homosexuality and the Church
1Homosexuality and the Church
- Presented by Lindsey Hansen and Nicole Nesse
-
- Emily Sonnesyn and Dalay Hirsch
2The Evolution of Societys View on Homosexuality
- Before There is nothing wrong with the choice
to practice homosexuality. - Next Those who do practice homosexuality cant
help the way they are. - Then How dare we think there is anything wrong
with the choice to practice homosexuality or that
one choice is better than another choice. - Now It isnt a choice its genetic! They
cant change.
3A Matter of Biology Is homosexuality really a
choice?
- Facts from the Journal of Homosexuality (the most
extensive review ever published in scientific
journals) - This exhaustive investigation concluded that no
difference in the bodily measures could be found
the theory of bodily differences between
homosexuals and heterosexuals has finally been
abandoned. (p. 43-44)
4- Twins Studies If homosexuality is genetic, then
all identical twins should have the same sexual
orientation. - The concordance rates for MZ twins (identical)
was 50...Such results are problematic (p. 139) - The fact that biologic brothers and adopted
brothers show the same incidence of homosexuality
strongly suggests that it is environmental in
origin. (p. 139)
5Scientists cannot prove that homosexuality is
genetic therefore, it must be a multi-factorial
behavior.
- Factors that can contribute to the behavior
- Environment
- Family
- Peers
- Mentors
- Media
- Heredity
6- Specific factors that have been linked with
homosexual behavior - poor family dynamics in general
- a rift in the father-son or mother-daughter
relationship growing up - feelings of being an outsider among one's peers
during childhood and adolescence - instances of sexual abuse/incest
7A Matter of Psychology Can people who practice
homosexuality change?
- If you ask me if I miss living as a lesbian, my
answer to you would be, "No way!" - Linda D. Carter (www.exodus-international.org)
8A Matter of Sociology
- Is there any reason to say that the choice to
practice homosexuality is not healthy?
9Homosexuality is not healthy
- May shorten life span by 20-30 years
(Psychology Reports 1998, 83 p. 847-66) - Higher rates of
- Sexual diseases
- Cancer and heart conditions
- Violence among homosexuals
10Homosexuality is
- Not genetic
- Changeable
- Not healthy
11What is Marriage?
- Marriage is a sacrament designed by God that
serves as a metaphor for the relationship between
Christ and His church. Tampering with His plan
for the family is immoral and wrong. To violate
the Lords expressed will for humankind,
especially in regard to behavior that He has
prohibited is to court disaster. - Psychologist Dr. James Dobson, from his book
entitled - Marriage Under Fire
12Same-Sex Marriage Why Not?
- The legalization of same-sex marriage will
destroy the traditional familyGods design. - Becomes merely a partnership and confuses the
younger generation - Men and women bring different qualities to the
relationship - Will lead to polygamy and other alternatives
13- Children will suffer, and they will suffer the
most. - Studies have concluded that kids do best when
raised by loving, committed mothers and fathers. - What about divorce among parents of the same-sex
raising children? - Will lead to the rise of immorality, resulting in
a culture that will emotionally affect children.
14- Religious freedom will be jeopardized
- Hate speech and the Bible?
- Non-profit organizations could lose their tax
exemptions
15- The gospel of Jesus Christ will be severely
restrained - The family is Gods primary means for evangelism.
(Malachi 215) - To moralize and legalize behavior that has been
prohibited by God Himself is unacceptable.
16Homosexuality is wrong
- You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a
female it is an abomination. - God (Leviticus 1822)
- If there is a man who lies with a male as those
who lie with a woman, both of them have committed
a detestable act they shall surely be put to
death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them. - God (Leviticus 2013)
17I Corinthians 69-11
Wrong but Forgivable
- Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not
inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived
neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor
adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor
thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor
revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom
of God. - Such were some of you but you were washed, but
you were sanctified, but you were justified in
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the
Spirit of our God.
18However, there is no scale for sin.
- All sins are equally bad in Gods eyes
- God offers grace to the sinners who repent
- Such were some of you but you were washed, but
you were sanctified, but you were justified in
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the
Spirit of our God. - (I Cor. 69-11)
19The Churchs Role
- Therefore, the Church needs to accept individuals
who practice homosexuality as sinners just like
everyone else. - However, that does not mean tolerating or
blessing homosexual behavior.
20Condemnation vs. Scolding
- He said to them, He who is without sin among
you, let him be the first to throw a stone at
her. (John 87) - Then neither do I condemn you, Jesus declared.
Go now and leave your life of sin. (John 811)
21Definition of Marriage According to Robert
Williams Author of Toward a Theology For Lesbian
and Gay Marriage.
- Marriage is a lifelong union of two persons in
heart, body and mind, as set forth in liturgical
forms authorized by this church, for the purpose
of mutual joy, for the help and comfort given one
another in prosperity and adversity sometimes
also for the procreation and/or rearing of
children, and their physical and spiritual
nurture.
22Purpose of Marriage
- Children
- Mutual help
- Companionship
- Remedy against fornications
-
23Children
- Many couples get married to start a family
- Not all heterosexual marriages have couples
seeking children - In fact, some of the most serious problems that
do significantly affect the welfare of children,
such as incest and child abuse, are found almost
ENTIRELY in traditional mother-father
households, almost never in single-parent or gay
or lesbian households. - -Robert Williams
24Mutual Help
Remedy against fornication
- Marriage is a binding agreement that
- each partner will remain loyal to one
- another
25Companionship
- A life long partner
- If homosexuality is not a choice then why cant
two people of the same sex be married? - Seeing that it was not good for Adam to be alone
God created a companion. -
26Homosexuality and The Church
- According to Gerard Loughlin author of gathered
at the Altar Homosexuals and Human Rights, The
Church has to expand its vision and see that gay
men and lesbian women, as well as bisexual and
transgendered people, are as fully human as
anyone else. - Churches should celebrate rather then condemn a
homosexual couples love.
27Homosexuality in the Baptist Church
- Northwest region of American Baptist Church voted
against banishing two Seattle churches that
accept homosexual pastors and welcome practicing
homosexuals as members. - Vote was 161 in favor to 92 against
- Movement towards accepting homosexuals in the
church.
28Homosexuality in the Bible
- Homosexuality is specifically addressed ONLY 5
times in The Bible. - Not an overriding theme
- Less importance
- When talking about sexual morality Jesus mainly
talks about divorce, he never mentions anything
about homosexuality.
29Bible Verses
- When they kept on questioning him, he
straightened up and said to them, Let anyone
among you who is without sin be the first to
throw a stone at her. - - John 87
- Genesis 191-25
- Sodom and the raping of angels
- Leviticus 1822
- Thou shall not lie with a malepunishment is
death. - Leviticus 20 9-10
- all who curse father or mother shall be put to
death - Romans 1-2
- all wickedness that should be put to death