You're right. I stand corrected and I humbly apologize for having appeared to place you in the same category as some others on this subforum. I really didn't intend to do that, in fact I believe from having read your post that I COULD ask you such questions and receive intelligent responses. My delivery was not as good as it might have been. Sorry. I CAN see concern for others in your post. You're also correct in bringing to my attention the fact that dogma is/can be evident on both sides of this issue.
If you have any constructive advice/comments/input re the issue of homosexuality and the questions I posed, however, feel free to post them.
How I wish I had all the answers my friend. No worries about any offense. I speak far too rashly far too often. As for the questions you asked, I will make an attempt.
Before doing so, I will stipulate that I hold to the view that marriage is only between a man and a woman and homosexual
activity is a sin. I will not give verses for as you have said, most homosexuals know them better than I and find them unhelpful. I also want no debate as that debate is long since played out. I only say all this as it will colour my advice. I am Christian and believe Jesus is the only way. You need to know where I stand. If you can accept that that is my view, then here are my answers. If not, you will not find much of use.
Really my advice to homosexuals would be the same as for heterosexuals. Complete celibacy outside of a male-female marriage. Did I do this? No. But I believe it to be Biblical and right. Not only that, but I see monogamy as the only safe option. Also, I do not see it as necessarily a bad thing to be celibate for life. While I understand that our culture makes much out of sex and our sex drive there is a higher joy than sex can provide. Sex is but a foreshadow and a symbol of much greater things to come, as is marriage.
As for turning straight, that is simply ridiculous. If they could, I am sure many of them would have, if only to avoid the stigma of homosexuality. No, the fact is that one cannot be debated into changing in this anymore than I could overcome sin in my life intellectually. God is the only one who can change our hearts.
If there is a Christian struggling with this, then prayer is the answer. Only God can give victory. There are also some great resources for helping those in this situation.
Of course I know many Christians do not hold the view that homosexual behaviour is sinful. To them, and to non-Christians, I would simply advise to spend time in the word and in prayer. Perhaps one day God will convict you in your heart that this is sin. Or perhaps He will not. Either way, spend time with Him. He will do what He knows is best for those who seek Him.
