I don't intend for my reply to be a comprehensive "final word" answer to the concerns raised in this thread, but I did want to weigh in, late as I may be, with some clarifications.
The Bible is the ultimate authority. Whatever we think, feel, or believe must be brought under the authority if Scripture, regardless of our opinions.
The Bible clearly teaches that homosexual activity and lust is sin. If I understand @EDAC's post, he's not disputing this point.
Homosexuality is not the most urgent issue in the context of eternal destiny. Yes, it is sin, but it is rejecting Christ that separates a man or woman from God for eternity. I would argue that American evangelicalism has lost tremendous influence and opportunities to preach the Gospel and glorify God by so often making homosexuality an ultimate issue.
The Bible also clearly teaches us to bring our desires under submission to Christ. He redeemed us for His purposes, not that we may seek ours.
The subject of abstinence as a response to homosexual inclination is not as simple as the subject of homosexual activity and lust. That does not excuse us from discussing it, but it does demand that we take the utmost care to recognize that people on both sides of the discussion are, in fact, people, created in the image of God and desired by God to receive Christ as savior and be conformed to His likeness.
At this time, I am not closing this thread nor am I banning anyone. There is a tremendous amount of thought and experience that has gone in to these posts and I don't feel it benefits us as individuals or as a community to close down discussion at this time.
I hope to return to this thread soon to post more, but please trust that I have taken time to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider how I should respond, but immediately and in the near future.
I ask that you all would pray for me as well, that I would respond in a way that ultimately glorifies God and would point other toward Him rather than drive them away, all the while speaking truth in love.
The Bible is the ultimate authority. Whatever we think, feel, or believe must be brought under the authority if Scripture, regardless of our opinions.
The Bible clearly teaches that homosexual activity and lust is sin. If I understand @EDAC's post, he's not disputing this point.
Homosexuality is not the most urgent issue in the context of eternal destiny. Yes, it is sin, but it is rejecting Christ that separates a man or woman from God for eternity. I would argue that American evangelicalism has lost tremendous influence and opportunities to preach the Gospel and glorify God by so often making homosexuality an ultimate issue.
The Bible also clearly teaches us to bring our desires under submission to Christ. He redeemed us for His purposes, not that we may seek ours.
The subject of abstinence as a response to homosexual inclination is not as simple as the subject of homosexual activity and lust. That does not excuse us from discussing it, but it does demand that we take the utmost care to recognize that people on both sides of the discussion are, in fact, people, created in the image of God and desired by God to receive Christ as savior and be conformed to His likeness.
At this time, I am not closing this thread nor am I banning anyone. There is a tremendous amount of thought and experience that has gone in to these posts and I don't feel it benefits us as individuals or as a community to close down discussion at this time.
I hope to return to this thread soon to post more, but please trust that I have taken time to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider how I should respond, but immediately and in the near future.
I ask that you all would pray for me as well, that I would respond in a way that ultimately glorifies God and would point other toward Him rather than drive them away, all the while speaking truth in love.