The Homosexuality Issue

[Dave-W]

What is your definition of the word "charisma"?

A gift of supernatural grace from the Holy Spirit.

 

[ubicaritas]

Indeed. The problem, of course, is that it's unlikely that all homosexuals have this gift. Even if you think homosexuality isn't ideal, it's a reasonable accommodation to allow gay people who don't have that gift to have gay marriage. We make accommodations for people in atypical situations all the time.

From an ELCA Lutheran POV, it's problematic because it amounts to asserting a gay person should hope for something that is not clearly promised in the Scriptures. Offering a "maybe" is not the sort of thing a Gospel-centered church should be known for, it threatens the integrity of our witness and does nothing to persuade doubtful consciences to trust in God (after all, if God fails to make somebody straight despite his supposed desire to do so, then why trust him at all?).

 

[dreadnought]

A gift of supernatural grace from the Holy Spirit.

Well, getting back to what Paul said about remaining celibate having advantages over marrying, I think he's right.