Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Colin Wong
Supporter
Homosexuality is not a greater sin than other sins (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). The act of homosexuality is wrong. The Bible clearly tells us that (Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27). The condemnation comes from Leviticus 20:13. Leviticus 20:13 If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them Unfortunately, they forget it also applies to adulterers. Deuteronomy 22:22 "If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die, the man who lay with the woman, and the woman. So clearly according to the Old Testament, homosexuality is no more "greater" a sin than adultery since judgement by God for both is death. Yet in today's culture Christians find it much easier to forgive a non-repenting adulterer than a gay person. And if in the pre-Jesus world, adultery is punishable by death, then so too should pornography, for Jesus equates lust with adultery, as far as the heart is concerned. Matthew 5:28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. - Jesus There is unfortunately a double standard set by Christians when it comes to sexual immorality. Many can forgive a recovering adulterer but cannot forgive a gay person who is struggling with his tendencies (but not act on it). For more information see: What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
Jason R.
There are three things together that make homosexuality so controversial in our culture. 1. Homosexuality is one of the few sins that is celebrated in our culture. We don't have Pride Parades that celebrate Liars, Adulterers or Thieves. This makes homosexuals sin extend beyond the sin of homosexual acts and further into haughty pride, idol worship and a contempt towards God that is out-weighed by most other sins. Romans 1:18-27 alludes to homosexuality being part of an over-arching contempt towards God by people. 2. Homosexuality doesn't appear to be harmful between consenting adults. With lies, someone is being deceived, with adultery, someone is being cheated on. Homosexual acts, like fornication between consenting adults, seem to be victimless. However, God forbids homosexuality, not only because it is so harmful to those involved, but harmful to the community and culture. It doesn't seem to be common knowledge, but those who practice homosexuality are statistically much more likely to be substance abusers, commit suicide, suffer from depression, suffer violence & battery from partners, and have much shorter life spans. 3. The Bible is clear that homosexuality is not only a sin but a crime (Leviticus 20:13). It is ranked up with other death-penalty crimes like murder, adultery and kidnapping. Not all sins are equal (Luke 12:47-48, John 19:11, Luke 20:47, John 19:1) unless you generalize that they all separate you from God. These 3 pieces together create enormous tension between those that oppose and support homosexuality. Supporters think it doesn't harm anyone and celebrate it as a different kind of "love", despising a God who condemns them so strongly; while Christian opposers believe it to be extremely harmful and dangerous both to those who practice it and those that affirm it.
Seth Freeman
I think there are a number of reasons as to why homosexuality is so controversial. I agree with Colin above that homosexual acts are sinful. Simply being homosexual is not a sin, but the act of it is. It's like the alcoholic, it's only when he becomes drunk that he's sinning. He's not sinning the next morning when he's sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee. I think the biggest reason that homosexuality is such an easy sin to pick on and point out is because it's very public. It's not like the heterosexual husband looking at pronography behind closed doors. The homosexual is out, walking around, and literally wearing his sin on his sleeve (for those who are "out"). So on the one hand, it's more difficult of a sin to hide. Secondly, we are very good at telling other people what is wrong with them. We are very good at pointing out sin in others. Our flesh does this because it helps mask our own sin. So people find homosexuals an easy target, and we see the hypocrisy that we are all so guilty of. Thirdly, as society continues to degrade and decline morally speaking, more and more sin will become at first tolerated, then accepted, then embraced as normal. We see this happening here in America. Morality is on the decline, so more and more sin is becoming justified and accepted. So now, even within the church itself, we have some claiming that homosexuality is an acceptable practice. This is very sad.
Emo Tenorio
In my humble opinion the controversial aspect is driven by the narcissistic intelligentsia incessant harping on all their communication levels 24/7. Torah, Bible believers and most of humanity in the march of time, have viewed these practices as abnormal or an abomination. Until the early seventies it was still on the physiology books as a mental disorder, (under threats removed). Today the combined forces of the intelligentsia not content with what the current status is have crossed the street, from their side to our side. Demanding that we must not only allow these practices, but that we approve, promote and loving bless them or bah, bah. Mandate we teach them to our children in our schools and colleges, as normal practices, and force private businesses to promote as well. No matter our personal religious beliefs in a nation that was founded on the freedom of the citizen to choose religious belief or none, but equal under the law. That the power of the state can now be used to help you get your mind right, is what is really controversial.. When the total power of the state can be used against an unfavored people, history shows that it will not end well for those who are not favored! The freedom they demand to do what is right in their own eyes, they are not willing to give to those who say....I choose not to partake thank you. The crumb of freedom man grants you today, they will return for tomorrow.. 1Cor. 16:13 in the Lord's freedom warrior on.
Nathan Toronga
I think the long and short of it can be broken into three parts: 1. While all other sinners are remorseful and seek to repent, homosexuals do not see the need to repent. They demand to be accepted as they are. Well, all sins are an abomination, and the sinner must repent in order to be accepted by the God of heaven. 2. While other sinners are ashamed of their sins, and dare not declare that I'm a fraudster or habitual liar, homosexuals demand recognition and actually organise themselves into a formidable force. 3. Most importantly, while gamblers and drunkards and other doers of social vices keep away from the Church, only doing so when they desire to repent, homosexuals want to bring their practices into the Church. They're not contented to live their lives and let others live theirs. All in all, it is fulfilment of prophecy. Our Redeemer is near! Bless.
Anonymous
Moral relativism is the genre of today. The world is worshiping the god of "Fairness". This fairness comes from the narcissistic self,which is in fact the fruit of Satan. This is really the foundation of his fall from heaven. God is not fair. That is true but he is just. The bottom line is that the attributes of God are unknown and not understood. What does it mean that God is Holy? What is Sin? Until one understands these things by reading the scripture,it will not make sense until there is a meeting with the only one that can bring us to the richness of his grace which is the light of the world that is Christ. The popular world view will not understand this: "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it" John 1:5
Paul Jass
Yes, homosexuality is a sin just like all sins. All men sin and fall short of the glory of God. What makes the homosexual sin different from other sins is when we all sin (not including homosexual sin) we normally ask for forgiveness and sincerely try to sin no more. A homosexual person normally has not the intent to stop homosexual sinning. They choose to continue to be a homosexual, thus the choose to continue sinning. Where is the repentance? The forgiveness of sin comes to two parts; part 1 the asking for forgiveness, and part 2 the sincere attempt to sin no more. Homosexuals may indeed do part 1, but where is part 2?
Carol Shelton
When the fall of man occurred, creation started to deteriorate. Man's life span shortened, disease, death, sin became rampant. I believe SSA (Same Sex Attraction) is a symptom of the decline. It afflicts some from birth (because of the Fall of Man). How painful to feel like you are in the wrong body. You feel like a female but you are obviously male (or vice versa). Homosexuality is another sin symptom but homosexuals should not feel excluded from becoming a Christian. When the homosexual understands he is a sinner (and according to scripture in both OT and NT, homosexuality is a sin (as is adultery or sex outside the safe bounds of marriage...and AMERICANS ARE REALLY SINNING. It is considered abnormal to abstain from sex because you are unmarried.) and wants to be saved, he can cry out to God, confessing his sinfulness and accept the salvation which only comes through Jesus. That said, the homosexual, will still be dealing with SSA. Find a good bible teaching church and a pastor you can be transparent with. Listen to BBN (BIBLE BROADCASTING NETWORK) on the Internet. Read your bible systematically. Pray about everything. Nothing compares to a close walk with our Lord. There is a web site, Venus, run by Charlene Coltrane who was a prominent leader in the LBGT community in the Southeast. She became convicted of homosexual sin and immediately changed the theme of her magazine from promoting homosexuality to helping people come out of the lifestyle. There is a great peace being a Christian. And I did not really address the question! Homosexuality has become accepted as normal. The Bible does not teach this. Orthodox Christians (that's what we are because we adhere to God's unchanging Word.), refuse to bend on this. It is going to get uglier. Persecution against Christians will increase. My friends, we must be able to clearly state what and why we believe. We have to be serious about God, our walk with Him. And we must not whine.
JD Abshire
According to The Word of God it shouldn't be controversial. It is sin and an abomination to God also an indicator of the of the shameful, moral state to which society has declined. Romans 1:32 "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."
joyce whaley
I’m saying this in love because the word of Gods states “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” Galatians 6:1. I believe that the Lord Jesus didn’t expound on homosexuality with condemnation and indignation because he didn’t come into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be save John 3:17. Everybody can be reached if the presentation is appropriate. The word of God states “with loving kindness have I drawn you” Jeremiah 31:3. Oftentimes we take a few scriptures and we begin to bash people when all sin stinks with God. Yes, some sins are abominable to him however re-read Galatians 6:1 I’ll make a long story short Case and point: I met a lady in passing she began to share with me that her son was gay. She also began to tell me how she prepared a list of scriptures to give him telling him about his lifestyle and how God is displeased and that he is going to wind up in hell. I looked at her and said what! I began to tell her that everyone that is in sin or committing sin knows they are in sinning especially if they hide themselves (in Genesis 3:7 Adam and Eve hid themselves because they knew they were naked) I then asked her to try a different approached, whether he takes the matter to God to deal with him with or not he is still her son. For some strange reason we think that if we address certain matters as soon as we notice them they will be corrected faster, wrong answer they don’t. She told me that one day as he was exiting her car that he dropped his protection. I told that the next time she sees him to give him back his package and say “baby you left this in my car I’m glad you are protecting yourself” the word of God states that one who wins souls are wise”. Proverbs 11:30 We all have skeletons in our closets (hidden sins) approach one with the spirit of meekness considering yourself. My grandfather use to say “that is it wasn’t for the grace of God that wrong that I see, I could have been a partaker of” Amen. Paul stated that “I will show you a more excellent way” 1 Corinthians 12:31. Perhaps Jesus didn’t expound because he figured that we would seek his face to find a more excellent way to address the matter.
rogers ward
We are also instructed to love the individual, but hate the sin. As Jesus said to the adulteress "let him who is without sin cast the first stone". Why do we try to weigh some sin worse than others? Grace and mercy is always more (greater) than sin and death. It may surprise some that heaven will be filled with many ex-sinners.
Chris Dibbern
I think part of it has to do with what we find disgusting. When we were children, which of us wouldn't have found our parents kissing each other disgusting and unnatural, or our sister giving us a peck on the cheek disgusting and unnatural? We grew up, and we found hormones. The world was turned upside down - what was once disgusting became right for us, even desirable, in the proper context. Beyond that, even non-sexual affections became more desirable once we learned their meanings. So, part of the problem, I think, is that people never found cultural, experiential or biological reason to change their attitudes toward gay affections and sexuality. To this day, I still find it off-putting to see even simple affections between men. But, I am not gay. Now, here's the part the readers aren't going to like, but I feel I have a responsibility to put this view out there, anyway: Romans 1 talks about exchanging one's natural orientation for unnatural. This means, if a straight man experiments, or has a power trip, or whatever else, with gay sex, he is sinning. However, if there are men born gay, then Romans 1 does not condemn them! Leviticus. The book for levitical priests. Right? Yet, we are all priests in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 2:9. So, no, Levitical laws cannot be ignored. However, it should be obvious from "do not wear clothing of more than one fiber" (Leviticus 19:19), and other hard-to-understand commandments, that we cannot apply Levitical laws without understanding their original intentions, in love. To do otherwise is to behave like the Pharisees. So, how do we search for their intentions? Romans 13:8. Love fulfills the law. Matthew 22:40. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments (about loving each other). It is made plain to us: the original intention of all commandments is to help us both to know Love, the One Who Is Love, and to learn to love each other. So, until you understand whether two born-gay men cannot be married according to the Law of Love, then you don't understand the Levitical law well enough to condemn that action. Lean not on your own understanding. Let them marry and walk in the Lord. If their actions are wrong, the Lord Himself can convict them through the Holy Spirit. It's not up to us. Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil. The stakes are high, and I see no reason to condemn gay marriage, even while assuming all commandments in the Bible still apply. The so-called "gay lifestyle," however, is another story.
Jack Gutknecht
Homosexuality is so controversial because men are fighting against the truth. We love darkness rather than light, we don’t want to do what God says is right; we’d rather practice sin. Four Bible verses are dead set against it. 1 Corinthians 6:9 “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! The sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners, practicing homosexuals,” (you get the idea). 1 Timothy 1:10 “sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers – in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching.” Read the context in 1 Timothy 1, and you will discover that the verse preceding this verse says, "the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers," Leviticus 18:22 “You must not have sexual intercourse with a male as one has sexual intercourse with a woman; it is a detestable act. Leviticus 20:13 “If a man has sexual intercourse with a male as one has sexual intercourse with a woman, the two of them have committed an abomination. They must be put to death; their blood guilt is on themselves.”
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible