Anti-Homosexual

by Shane Claiborne

Many people in the gay community don't seem to have issues with Jesus but rather with those claiming to represent him today. It's very much an "us-versus-them" mentality, as if a war has been declared. In the book, unChristian, 9 out of 10 people see Christians being anti-homosexual. How can Christians change this perception by showing compassion and love to all people, regardless of their lifestyle?

Comments

Brother Aidan-Boniface

Very much discussion but would such a diversity of opinion among "Evangelicals" be acceptable if we were talking about slavery or even racial discrimination?

Brother Aidan-Boniface

Very good discussion but would such a diversity of opinion among "Evangelicals" be acceptable if we were talking about slavery or even racial discrimination?

Bob Daly

I like Shane's tone, and loving way that he is attempting to reach the homosexual community, but he completely mis-understands the difference between Judging and warning. When Christians talk about Hell, Condemnation and Judgment it is to warn sinners about the coming judgment. Sure God is Love, and part of that love is seen in the fact that he is also just, he must judge all sinners. Shane could be comforting unrepentant sinners into thinking they are excepted by God, when in reality repentance and forgiveness has not happen. I hope that once in one of your communities someone calls these sinners to repent, but in all the things I read and heard from you I have yet to here you ask sinners to repent.....I hope I'm wrong, Peace.

Mike

I disagree that Ted Haggard's sexual misconduct shouldn't be surprising to evangelicals. That we're all sinners is true; what happens next when we repent and follow Jesus is a powerful work of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and conform us to the image of Christ. This is a real work, and one that should be visible in the life of any of the redeemed. That the leader of a large flock was so entrenched in idolatry is absolutely shocking.

Fred Bowers

To answer Bob Daly's request for un/non-believers "to repent" is in essence judgment and not warning. What many like Shane and myself are allowing for is: the Spirit to work. When we become "exhorters"- even with the best of intentions - we minister through fear (i.e. "talk about Hell, Condemnation and Judgment"), and the message of hope, love, and salvation is lost. But when we preach only Jesus and lead others to Him, then the Spirit is able to work, and God's grace can come through. And to use the wording "unrepentant sinners" by default creates an absolute mental divide, and colours those out of union with God as not being willing or capable of repenting. Which is not true.

sCARAMOUCHE

@FRED - Paul spent a lot of time warning people to "flee from the wrath to come". He also said that "knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade people". While I get your point, I feel it is leading to a "salt-less" Christianity that only wants to show the marginalized that we "understand" them. In reality, while we should be making them our friends it should also be understood that we must persuade them to flee from their immorality. Otherwise we just make nice friends out of people that are going to Hell.

Chantel

thank you, this was beautiful.

let there be Love =)

bob

Ew. A lot of saying nothing in so, so, SO many words. It's a lot more black and white than they like to admit. Shane Claiborne has a chance to be a real radical and stand up for something, an oppressed group of people and instead he supplies a bunch of bullshit hot air on how he doesn't really know but that's okay and isn't that nice? Not so nice if you're gay and of all the oppressive, hateful, condemning texts in the Bible the ones about you are some of the few people can't seem to ignore. This reeks of "love the sinner, hate the sin." Perpetuation of oppression through charitable "acceptance." How original.

Arial

Can't really be nice about sin...being eternally damned is hard to get around...

I think this what the Holy Spirit's power is for, to turn our hearts, regardless of how we feel about whatever issue. There really is no arguing with God.

Correction is love.

Humility is not fearing to say what hurts, even if it is the truth.

Kyle

i believe people need to live and let live. better yet love and let love. Shane got good motives but i dont think homosexuals are going to hell. Because its like this. Eph: 29 says not to swear, but right before someone dies the say shit, are they going to hell? No. And i love how christians are so quick to say that sin is horroble but when they sin they fall on repentance. Im no christian but i worship, serve , and do the lords will. I pray an read my bible. And i live a christian life but i dont want to be looked atlike most christians are. Very judgemental. I'm an activist for Christ!

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