I've written extensively about homosexuality and the church and the issue has never been more timely: billboards claim Jesus approved of homosexuality.
The billboards are inviting Christians to be more Christian by not excluding gays and lesbians from their churches, while asserting that it is OK in the eyes of God to be homosexual -- a practice thought by many conservative Christians to be an abomination. ...With statements such as "Jesus affirmed a gay couple" and "Ruth loved Naomi as Adam loved Eve," the billboards assert homosexuality has been around for thousands of years. The billboards also offer a scripture reference that is meant to validate the message.
The scripture reference from the billboard pictured above is Matthew 8:5-13 and there is no reason to believe that it has anything to do with homosexuality.
Christians face a difficult dilemma when it comes to homosexuals. On the one hand, homosexuality is no graver a sin than any others and we have a responsibility to love homosexuals, share the gospel with them, and encourage them to build a relationship with God. On the other hand, to many homosexuals their sexual orientation is the central defining characteristic of their life and any suggestion that homosexuality is displeasing to God is an immediate obstacle to further discussion. As an added wrinkle, while no graver than other sins, homosexuality is particularly damaging to society and to families. How can Christians love and minister to homosexuals while simultaneously not embracing or accepting homosexuality?
(HT: RD.)
