There is much to be said on Christian attitudes towards homosexuals. Recently, some who claim to be Christian have taken a militant approach to homosexuals and used the Bible to justify persecuting them and denying them of all rights. Whether their case is supported by the Bible shall be examined.

Before we begin this examination, however, it is important to point out that homosexuals need to respect the right of heterosexuals, particularly Christian heterosexuals, to reject homosexuality as sin, as deviant behavior, and as biblically and morally wrong. On the other hand, it is also important that homosexuals not be persecuted by Christians and be denied certain basic civil rights and liberties.

What is unfortunate is that many Christian believe in applying Old Testament justice to people today who commit particular sins. In the New Testament Christ changed the treatment for certain sinners. Was Christ then implying that the Old Testament system of justice was wrong? Absolutely not! God's purpose in the Old Testament was to emphasize His justice through the uniquely theocratic relationship that He had with the nation of Israel at that time. Why did God do this? One reason for why God so emphasized His justice in Old Testament times is precisely so that we can appreciate His undeserving mercy in the present New Testament times. This is why Christ forgave and released the woman caught in committing adultery. According to Old Testament standards this woman should have received the death penalty.

God's eternal justice, of course, was finally and ultimately satisfied in the death and atoning work of Jesus Christ for our sins, and through repentance and faith in the resurrected Christ we imperfect humans (who will always have some kind of sin) are freely forgiven and receive the promise of eternal life.

Sincerely,
Babu G. Ranganathan
(B.A. Bible/Biology)
www.religionscience.com