Biblical Data
Heterosexuality is the Creator’s design leading to life [see Genesis
2v18-25].
Homosexuality is thus a distortion to the Creator’s design leading
to death and therefore against Biblical moral prohibitions and condemnations [e.g. Leviticus 18v22; 20v13; Romans 1v26-27].
Homosexual practice and orientation are to be distinguished.
The Biblical references are to the practice or act.
The practice or act is wrong and sin bringing guilt and condemnation.
The orientation is a mis-orientation bringing temptation to sin.
Several false objections are sometimes raised to the above:
1. The Biblical practices do not equate to modern homosexuality.
For example, that the Bible condemns homosexual rape not faithful monogamous
homosexuality.
However, the various prohibitions and condemnations arise as expressions
of the background created design of heterosexuality
and are absolute and unqualified.
2. The Old Testament condemnations are redundant and abolished.
For example, the sacrificial and clean-unclean system and various other
miscellaneous laws.
However, the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New not abolished, such
that its morality of the creation order and principles of the law are
maintained in its instructions under love [Romans 1v26-27; 1 Corinthians
6v9; 1 Timothy 1v10].
3. Opponents of homosexuality are inconsistent in not also applying
its death penalty.
However, the death penalty laid down for the situation of national Israel
transforms to excommunication in anticipation of eternal judgment in
the voluntary situation of the Christian community
4. The New Testament is about love not condemnation.
However, love must not be divorced from truth and righteousness.
It calls for repentance from any wickedness and then extends forgiveness
and acceptance.
Homosexuality is not the only, or even the major, form of sexual immorality.
Heterosexual rape, incest, adultery and along with other extra-marital
sex are all prohibited and condemned in the Bible [Romans 1v26-31;
1 Corinthians 6v9-20].
Forgiveness is available for homosexual practices, as with all sin, through the atoning death of the Lord Jesus upon true repentance.
Scientific Data - Realities & Myths
Several myths are commonly propounded as fact:
1. Homosexuality is natural, normal, innate and genetically determined.
For example, people are born homosexual.
However, research has not demonstrated links between genetic makeup and
behaviour. Instead, there is an overwhelming correlation indicative of
a causal relation between homosexuality and developmental influences
such as emotionally distant fathering.
It is also explicable by regular processes of habitualisation.
Even it does prove to be genetically determined, abstinence is a mandated.
2. Homosexuality cannot be reoriented.
For example, there’s no such thing as a ex-homosexual.
However, many do experience a substantial and lasting reorientation of
sexual preference.
Cognitive and non-cognitive counselling enabling someone to grieve their
childhood pain and loss, re-habitualisation process, along with good
accepting support, prayer and the power of God’s Spirit, present
significant opportunity for reorientation.
3. Homosexuality is a viable alternative healthy lifestyle.
For example, many homosexuals are in faithful monogamous relationships.
However, homosexual lifestyle correlates to significant reductions in
several health parameters, in part due to homosexuality being a persecuted
minority, but also to other matters such as promiscuity, homosexual sexual
practices.
Pastoral Practices
1. The Biblical teaching as outlined above is affirmed.
2. Homosexuals are welcome amongst the church community...
i. To hear God’s word.
ii. To find personal support in working through and struggling with the
issues.
3. Homosexual practice is not approved or endorsed,
but practicing homosexuals are exhorted to repent in abstinence.
4. Homosexual orientation finds sympathy and compassion with support
and encouragement
i. To maintain the difficult struggle to resist temptation
ii To undertake the painful, possibly only partially successful, process
of reorientation.