About sexuality & Darren Hayes (yes, I'm a fan!)

[ Darren, if you're reading this, "Hi" from your home country Australia ;) ]

I've been a huge fan of singer Darren Hayes (remember Savage Garden?) ever since high school. He is one of the few artists that I've been consistently buying music from in the last decade. In fact, he even sang at our wedding... *ahem* via MP3.

Anyway, earlier yesterday Darren posted on Twitter some comments that has caught my attention. He was responding to some crude & hurtful comments about his homosexuality made by one individual who, sadly, also directed him to a gay-hate website which quotes from the Bible.

I have doubts that this individual is really a Christian because it appears that the motivation behind his distasteful actions isn't from religious piety... but actually greed (can you see the Amazon affiliate marketing book link at the bottom of that website?) . But he's certainly succeeded by grabbing Darren's attention... and also his 12,000+ followers!

Maybe the best way to make quick money these days is to stir up famous people over the Internet?

But anyhow, another issue remains unaddressed: How SHOULD Christians* relate to gay people in a respectful manner? Aren't there passages in the Bible that speak against homosexuality?

There's much to say on this topic and I felt humbled (yes, really) when I decided to write a few words about it.

There are 3 things I would like to say.

1. Yes, the Bible is at odds with homosexuality, but...

We need to be aware that the Bible is ALSO against many other types of sexual behaviour that falls outside of a heterosexual marriage, such as perving at someone (Matt 5:28). I confess that I've committed this many-a-time... ashamedly even as a Christian! :(

So am I less guilty than the gay person when I judge my own behaviour? No! This is precisely the reason why I needed Jesus in the first place...because of my inability to live up to God's original design for man.

2. Be gracious, like Jesus

Old Testament law forbids prostitution (Lev 19:29), but notice how Jesus treated prostitutes:

• Luke 7:36-50 tells the story of Jesus welcoming and forgiving a sinful woman (prostitute)... despite religious opposition!
• Jesus often angered religious authority by hanging out with tax collectors and "sinners". Matthew 9:9-13 records one incident. In fact, Jesus made a surprising statement in Matthew 21:23-32 that tax collectors and prostitutes have a better chance to enter God's kingdom than the religious authority!
  

Therefore, it is clear that Jesus' example demonstrates that sinners ought to be won through love and not hate. The same principle applies to relating with our gay friends and the gay community.

3. Don't be a homophobic Christian

By definition, homophobia is really "the fear (phobia) of homosexuals".

There's a common misconception nowadays that if someone disagrees with homosexuality, they should automatically be labelled as "homophobic". But this is not true at all.

If homosexuality WAS part of God's original design for sexuality, I'm definitely all for it! But sadly, this is not the case.

However, just because the Bible doesn't allow for it doesn't mean we need to "fear" it. I have friends who are gay, yet I enjoy their company as a friend. Christians ought to be gracious enough to associate with people whom they disagree with, just as Jesus did.


So to wrap up my little sharing, I invite both sides to take time to learn from one another.

• Christians: If your gay friend claims he/she was born with same-sex attraction, don't quickly dismiss this and say it's just a personal choice. If God's original design for creation is indeed falling apart (Rom 8:18-21), I'm not too surprised to see people being born this way. My theology allows for this unless you prove me wrong otherwise. If you want to be heard, you must first learn to listen.
• Homosexual friends: If Scripture is indeed God's inspired Word, we need to hold Scripture's authority over man's desires and longings.... even if they are natural longings. There's too much at stake if the claims about Jesus are actually true. Therefore friends, I invite you to really investigate its claims before quickly dismissing it.
  

But what about Christians who struggle with same-sex attraction?

• It may come as a surprise to some, but there are many Christ-loving people around the world that struggle with same-sex attraction in the same way that some heterosexual Christians struggle with, say porn. Some are able to change their orientation, but some cannot. Therefore, we must be extra sensitive to the brother or sister who is fighting such a battle.
• If this describes you, it may be wise to speak with your pastor or another Christian whom you trust. It may also be a good idea to find a Christian support group in your local area.
  

If you would like to think deeper into this issue, please download & listen to this excellent talk by Ray Galea, a Sydney Anglican minister:
http://sermonplayer.com/download_rss/11662-rss-68895-1.mp3


Thanks for your attention!

Andy

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* A Christian is someone who believes that there's good news and bad news for humanity. The bad news is that every human being (gay, straight, bi-sexual, hermit, you name it!) deserves death and punishment from God because they don't want their Creator to rule their lives. But the good news is that, out of love, God sent Jesus to save us from this...by punishing him instead! Forgiveness from God is thus received by turning away from this rebellion and turning to Jesus for rescue.