My church just changed their stance on homosexuals. What do I do?

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

One thing that needs to be made clear, is that blanket statements can't be used when talking about sexuality. From what I understand, sexual preferences can be the result of different things coming together. Here are the main two;

Physiological development - within the womb

Are People Born Gay? Genetics and Homosexuality

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biology_and_sexual_orientation#Studies_of_brain_structure

Environmental Factors - how a child is raised, what they're exposed to (trauma/abuse - sexual abuse including sexism, parental neglect or abuse either to their children or spouse, abuse or neglect from someone of respect - teachers, head of church etc. - and lack of equal interaction between girls and boys/women and men).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environment_and_sexual_orientation

Homosexual Behavior Largely Shaped By Genetics And Random Environmental Factors

Yes, people can be born with pre propositions that could result in homosexuality (this is not the same as being born 'gay', rather it means in the right environment a person's sexual development could result in homosexual preferences). However, whether someone chooses to live in the homosexual lifestyle or not, is a choice.

Putting my 2 cents in here (didn't read the 3 pages).

Yes, people are born gay. Why? Because of sin. We all have a predisposition towards sin, no matter what it may be (lust, alcohol abuse, greed, anger, lawlessness, etc). We are all born sinful.

Now, the problem comes when others reject that the sin is unnatural and don't address it. When you become complacent, you feed the sin and God can't work. Homosexuality is not normal. No sin is "normal". It is not God's plan for our life to be sinful. Just take a look at what he did with the Flood and Sodom and Gomorrah.

I also don't doubt the above post regarding environmental factors, which is more confusion than anything else...or society saying it's all right and then it makes a person think they could try it.

Homosexuality is one lifestyle that is the hardest to back away from because there is a bunch of denial with it, in addition to the hardening of the person's heart. It's even harder when the world says there is nothing wrong.

With any sin, change can only come from the Holy Spirit's work. But mentoring and discipleship should come from the church.

If a church is disregarding sin, there is a problem. It no longer becomes a church, but a feeding ground for the devil. I would get out ASAP.

Aibrean said:

Putting my 2 cents in here (didn't read the 3 pages).

Yes, people are born gay. Why? Because of sin. We all have a predisposition towards sin, no matter what it may be (lust, alcohol abuse, greed, anger, lawlessness, etc). We are all born sinful.

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This is where we need to be careful, because some people are born with physiological differences that have been shown to be a contributing factor in what sexuality an individual might reside in.

The other thing too, is we can't put all the blame on a homosexual for being a homosexual, some (if not most, at least with those that I have meet in person) are homosexual's as the result of something traumatic (abuse).

The only sin here that the homosexual is committing, is engaging in homosexuality. If we wish to help someone who is struggling with homosexuality, we need to be prepared to give them a shoulder to lean on and walk with them (as Jesus has done with us).

We are all born with the capability to do evil, but if we convict without offering a solution, we are guilty of hypocrisy. And that's something we can't support in the church.

true2theword said:

been a Christian since you were born?.........never heard of such a thing!

Ephesians 5:3-4 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of IMPURITY, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be OBSCENITY, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

flaunting around in see through wet t-shirts is obscene behavior, not to mention the unchristian effect it has on men, trying to seduce men with your body is very unChrist like, it doesn't matter how much money you raise for a good cause.

the means don't justify the end result

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Thanks for telling it like it is!

The million dollar question is: Does the church still believe that homosexual lust and behavior is sinful?

That is what the Bible teaches. It doesn't say that anybody is born gay, nor does it say that nobody is born gay. Catholics for example, believe that gay people are born with a weakness that predisposes them to the sins of homosexual lust and action, but they need to not commit those sins. Is that your church's new stance? Or is your church's stance that since people are born that way, homosexual lust and behavior is no longer sinful?

If the stance is the latter, then I would try to find a new church. If the stance is the former, then I would stay, but be watchful.

Out of curiosity, what is your denomination?

Since we are on the topic, and after careful consideration, I am figuring that the time is right for me to post this link. It is worth a read; undoubtedly "preaching to the choir", but still provides food for thought that many of us (and I speak for myself) tend to forget at times. The author points out right away that homosexuality is without a doubt sinful, but also goes on to state that it is no worse than other sins. He also explains that while it has its place, we should not get so caught up in focusing on "pointing out sin" that we miss out on telling people the message of the gift of salvation - the very Savior who can cleanse them of all sin (including homosexual lifestyles) - while remembering that we have our own weaknesses and issues in our own lives to work on, as imperfect as we are.

My hope is that this link is found somewhat helpful; it explains the issue better than I ever could. I truly don't wish to stir a problem.

Twenty-First Century Bondservant: On a Balanced Approach to Homosexuality

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Rebuke them

I don't think I have time to read all nine pages, but these are my views.
I think there could be some truth to the "born that way argument," because we are all born sinful.
Yes, it is rebellion against God. We all rebel against God. I believe that certain people may be born with an inclination towards certain sins, and that each person struggles with different things. In my opinion, homosexuality is wrong, but it could be that some people are born with that inclination.
Does being born a certain way justify all related behavior?

I find it hard to believe that someone could act like one of those crazy flaming homosexuals, because they are born that way.

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Don't you know that men are born with high voices, chihuahuas and gay lingo? It's not like they put it on or something.

abacabb said:

Don't you know that men are born with high voices, chihuahuas and gay lingo? It's not like they put it on or something.

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Chihuahuas and lingo? No. Definitely not. (I don't even know ANY gay guys with chihuahuas...which is good, I don't like ankle biters.)
High voices? Yeah...that is more likely just natural. As are certain tendencies and mannerisms.

Any advice?

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get over it? There is not one church I have ever attended that I was in 100% agreement with- some preach hell for children born outside of marriage, others like reptiles a bit too much for me, some downright engage in voodoo-I split with others over whether or not I should wear a head covering or whether or not Jesus drank wine--yada yada...

Take what you like and leave the rest-unless you are the pastor-Can't believe you made it to 30 w/o finding something else you did not like or are you one of those "sin is measured kind of belivers" (where you think one sin is more bad than another) ?

I am in full agreement with mine. It's not impossible.

If Not For Grace said:

get over it? There is not one church I have ever attended that I was in 100% agreement with- some preach hell for children born outside of marriage, others like reptiles a bit too much for me, some downright engage in voodoo-I split with others over whether or not I should wear a head covering or whether or not Jesus drank wine--yada yada...

Take what you like and leave the rest-unless you are the pastor-Can't believe you made it to 30 w/o finding something else you did not like or are you one of those "sin is measured kind of belivers" (where you think one sin is more bad than another) ?

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Galatian 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

I am really troubled by both extremes in regards to this issue. I certainly am hesitant to homosexuals having positions in the church because it is sin. However, what other major issues do we as the Christian church turn a blind eye to? What about those who have committed adultery and divorce? I believe the Bible to be very clear on both. Do we throw a big fuss about some in leadership who have done this?

It seems to me that in many congregations we do not do enough to reach out to gays to show Christian love. What about reaching out to teens who are bullied and giving them our ear and a shoulder to cry on when they feel suicidal(so they can come to the knowledge of Jesus rather than die and be separated)? We say hate the sin, love the sinner(which I agree, but this applies to more than one type of sin), but how loving are we? Christ didn't distance himself from the prostitutes and the drunkards but at the same time he wouldn't put them in positions of power with in his ministry. Love and respect with knowing the Bible for certain and WHY you believe what you believe. They don't have to be exclusive.

Pray to god also I think you should in yourself do studying on your own. I never though homosexuality was a sin Jesus never spoke and only six passages. Also there are near death experiences of a gay man and lesbian woman going to heaven

SayaOtonashi said:

Pray to god also I think you should in yourself do studying on your own. I never though homosexuality was a sin Jesus never spoke and only six passages. Also there are near death experiences of a gay man and lesbian woman going to heaven

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Jesus is God and God is the author of scripture and scripture tells us homosexuality is a sin.

Just because its not in red letters doesn't mean Jesus never spoke. The Word speaks.

SayaOtonashi said:

I never though homosexuality was a sin Jesus never spoke and only six passages.

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How many does it take before they count?

Albion said:

How many does it take before they count?

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One would do.