C A R L B. G A R N E R

'COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET'

Even if you don't want to hear it, the news media is still going to tell you. The "gay" community is in the driver's seat these days, and even though they constitute less than 2% of the population, they control the minds of the majority of those in the entertainment industry and the news agencies. Whether through direct control or merely by influence, there will be no TV programs or movies that say anything negative about homosexuals or their lifestyle. Even when they act in blatantly perverse and depraved ways, they are portrayed as merely frolicking, innocent, mistreated children with a new-found liberty.

This past week revealed a network show featuring a young woman who came "out of the closet" sexually, declaring herself to be a lesbian. All of the morning shows and most of the evening networks spent quite a bit of time informing us of the sad treatment of those with this "orientation." On the other hand, those who oppose homosexual behavior (especially if they use the Bible as the basis for their convictions) are characterized as fools, being "out of touch," or some other pejorative or derogatory term.

Unfortunately, there are some who, in their opposition to homosexuality, have used inexcusably vile, perverted means of showing their disapproval. There is no legitimate reason for anyone, especially anyone claiming to be a Christian, to use hateful language, discriminatory practices or violent actions as their means of resistance. So-called "hate crimes" are not committed by those who are acting out of love for Christ or His truth, but out of their own hatred for others. Jesus opposed many evils, including fornication (of which homosexuality and lesbianism are forms), but He did not authorize violence as a way of opposing them. As followers of Christ, we must boldly oppose their sinful behavior, but we must not thereby violate the very principles for which He died.

GOD'S TRUTH ON THIS SUBJECT?
Does the Bible really denounce the practice of homosexuality? Or is present day opposition founded on fear and hatred? Is homosexuality truly another form of fornication? Or is this something in-born, a trait determined by genetics rather than personal choice? Let us answer the first question: Is homosexuality a sin? Please consider the following passages of scripture: Leviticus 18:22 "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." The terms mankind and womankind are from the Hebrew words zakar and ish-shah, terms that are translated most often as simply men and women. This is a very clear passage.
Leviticus 20:13 "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." There is no effective way to put such a spin on these verses as to deny their meaning. Homosexuality is an abomination to God. We are not under the Mosaic law, of which these verses speak, but we can see God's attitude toward such activity.
Romans 1:26-27 "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet." For another verse in which these terms for men and women are used see Matthew 19:4. Again, one must have help to misunderstand the sin attached to homosexual behavior.

Other passages include Genesis 19 and Jude 1:7 which reinforce this conclusion. Read both of them.

IS HOMOSEXUALITY IN-BORN?
This is the most recent excuse for those who defend this perversion. It is totally discredited, however, for no valid scientific basis for such a conclusion has been found. Theories which were seen in the media have now been debunked. Even more important, God's justice would not allow Him to punish someone for an act over which they have no control.
Deuteronomy 32:4:"All his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." It is interesting to note that the church at Corinth was made up of men and women who had at one time been "fornicators...idolaters... adulterers...effeminate...abusers of themselves with mankind...thieves.. covetous...drunkards...revilers...extortioners..." 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. Now look at verse 11; "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified..." Not only does one choose his/her lifestyle, but he/she can also choose to abandon a life that is out of harmony with the Gospel. That is what the Corinthians did. They had been sanctified and justified; not in their old way of life, but now in Christ, having left that sinful behavior. Men and women can still do that today.

According to a recent article in the newspaper, there are presently 30 "gay" characters on TV, and 20 different shows present homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle, fully approved by the advertisers and the public. ABC network is the biggest offender. That is the reality of what our friends and neighbors are watching, and often condoning. That does not change the fact that God calls it an abomination.

We may or may not win this battle, but let us not give up the fight yet!