Homosexuality In The Church
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There are foundationally two opposed schools of thought on the issue of homosexuality in the church. There are those who oppose homosexuality as non-indicative of Christian standards and those who embrace homosexuality as non-normative, but legitimately indicative of Christian expression. Those who oppose homosexuality as non-indicative of Christian standards affirm that homosexuality is condemned by the Scriptures and is not representatively 'essential' for expressing one's humanity as made in God's image. Those who embrace homosexuality as non-normative, but legitimately indicative of Christian expression affirm that Scripture is inconclusive, in itself, for making a persuasive determination and is representatively 'essential' for expressing one's humanity as made in God's image. Within the precept of argumentation, each school of thought considers specific Scriptural texts, Church Traditions, Personal experiences, and the Contributions of Science. Also within the malaise of arguments is interjected both biased convictions and fears.
The school of thought that opposes homosexuality as non-indicative of Christian standards affirms that Scripture prohibition homosexuality. Richard B. Hays in his article, Awaiting the Redemption of Our Bodies: The Witness of Scripture Concerning Homosexuality summarizes his reflections on Genesis 19:1-29, Leviticus 18:20 and 20:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10; and Romans 1:18-22 when he wrote, "We must affirm that the New Testament tells us the truth about ourselves as sinners and as God's sexual creatures: marriage between man and woman is enormous to form human sexual fulfillment, and homosexuality is one of many tragic signs that we are a broken people, alienated from God's loving purpose." (Siker, p...