Handling the barrage of homosexual half-truths

Resisting strategies that try to make us compromise God’s Word

by Adrian Bates

Published: 18 December 2007(GMT+10)

Photo by Mike Thorn, www.sxc.hu

The 2006 Census results showed the number of same sex couples in NZ was less than 1% of all couples living together, not 10% as has been so commonly cited.¹ This surprisingly minimal result demonstrates yet again that media hype muddies the waters when it comes to reporting on homosexuality. A percentage of the popular press does not seem to believe in ‘letting the facts stand in the way of a good (gay) story’. One recent story lampooned the South Island Town of Gore as the ‘gay capital of NZ’. Yet, subsequently, a search by the Sunday Star-Times newspaper was ‘unable to locate any same sex couples in the town’.²

The fact is that when it comes to homosexuality people are faced with hype, hoopla and half truths. Realistically we expect such propaganda from the secular bandwagon but unfortunately people need to be aware that much spin and confusion is now oozing from some Christian sources as well. This is surprising considering the clear teaching of the Bible on the issue. Of course, the biblical doctrine on homosexual behaviour is founded on the way that God created mankind at the beginning (He made a man and a woman, not a man and a man) and His intended pattern and purpose for sexual relations.

Spelling out the ‘stumbling blocks’

To successfully navigate this murky subject in Christian circles we should be aware of three popular strategies used powerfully to try to make us accept homosexual sin and divert us from ‘taking heed according to God’s Word.’ (Psalm 119:9)

1. The term ‘Sexual-Orientation’

   This term is not found in the Bible but is central to the way liberal churchians will attempt to guide the whole discussion. Be aware these are dangerous ‘weasel words’ that must be securely pinned down. This is best done by starting from what is known and agreed about the sin of homosexuality and working back from that solid biblical ground to what is less defined and disputed.

   a) The Bible condemns homosexual acts as sin.³

   b) The Bible condemns homosexual thoughts as sin (on the same principle as committing adultery in the heart; Matthew 5:27–30).

   c) The Bible insists homosexual desires become sin unless instantly rejected (James 1:12–15). Sinful thoughts and acts grow out of sinful desires. Although we cannot prevent such evil desires arising in our hearts we are not powerless. When they rise to our consciousness we are faced with a decision. By an act of our will we can either reject the desire and dismiss it from our thoughts, or make the opposite decision and allow the evil desire to stay. The moment we decide to allow the evil desire to stay is the moment we take ownership of the evil desire and that translates into sin as per the principle of Matthew 5:28.

   Here then is the antidote to fuzzy, liberal theological thinking. Homosexual orientation can never be a state of sinless neutrality. Homosexual orientation describes a continuing state involving the deliberate retention of homosexual desires and is therefore sinful as per ‘c’ above. The Bible’s standard is that if a person is tempted by homosexual desires these are to be immediately rejected—in the same way Jesus insisted adulterous thoughts be rejected (Matthew 5:28).

   The clear encouragement of the Bible is that, through the power of Christ, every such person can expect deliverance (perhaps after some ‘warfare’) from such desires (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The Bible’s standard is that if a person is tempted by homosexual desires these are to be immediately rejected—in the same way Jesus insisted adulterous thoughts be rejected
2. ‘Anecdotes’ vs the Word of God

   Beware of the persuasive power of anecdotes. Many so-called ‘experts’ (often operating as counsellors) will parade heart rending stories of persons with a ‘homosexual orientation’ who need ‘understanding’ and ‘cannot help’ their homosexuality. Such ‘case histories’ are embroidered with secular psychology and a complex but bogus body of ‘truth’ is stacked up. Huge pressure is then exerted on conservative Christians to ‘be compassionate’ and ‘accept’ the ‘experts’ findings.

   The final step is to assert that any appeal to the authority of scripture is unrealistic and simplistic. This snare can only be overcome by a wholesale allegiance to the inspired Word of God and an insistence to heed God’s Word rather than that of the ‘experts’. ‘To the law and to the testimony!’ (Isaiah 8:20)

3. Appeal to ‘evangelical’ authorities

   Never accept an opinion just because it is sourced from an alleged ‘evangelical authority’. Certainly many sound evangelical churches remain, but sadly, the term ‘evangelical’ covers a multitude of sins these days. It has rapidly become the camouflage of choice for ‘liberal churchians in sheep’s clothing.’ This fraternity is now routinely found lurking within respected denominations and prestigious Bible Colleges. Such ‘evangelicals’ have a well developed facility for reinterpreting the Word of God wherever it inconveniently clashes with their own opinions. This is nothing new, since we have seen this pattern of behaviour applied to the creation/evolution area, over and over.

   Romans Chapter One shines huge candle-power on how such liberalism operates:

   • First comes a rejection of the plain Genesis creation account (vs 18–23).
   • This is immediately followed by an acceptance of homosexuality (vs 24–27).

   The motivation to be unfaithful to the plain Word of God in both these areas is—plainly and simply—worldly peer pressure.

Avoidance measures

The bad news is to expect more spin, hype and myths about homosexual behaviour from secular media and their eager ‘liberal’ religious helpers.

The good news is that all the above stumbling blocks can be avoided by the common sense application of the Word of God—starting in Genesis:

‘So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.’ (Genesis 1:27)

‘How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.’ (Psalm 119:9)

‘Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.’ (Psalm 119:11)

• Gay ‘marriage’ and the consistent outcome of Genesis compromise

• Homosexuality: What are the biblical and scientific issues?
• Morality and Ethics Questions and Answers

References

1. NZ Census dispels the 10% homosexual myth, http://christiannews.co.nz/2007/07/, 29 July 2007.Return to Text.
2. Gault, L. and Chapple, I., Gore the least gay town in New Zealand, http://www.stuff.co.nz/4145140a19716.html, 29 July, 2007. Return to Text.
3. E.g., Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:24–27, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Jude 7, etc. Return to Text.