WTM JOURNAL
by Yuri Solomon When the sin of homosexuality is addressed, often Christians find the need to preface it with the notion "It is no worse than any other sin." Would those who say such things, say the same about murder, rape, etc... Do they really believe that all sins are the same? Of course not! What then is the reason for feeling the need to temper the truth with an apology? Is it compromise, sentiment, or fear? Yuri Solomon holds degrees from Gospel Ministry Outreach Theological Institute and the College of Biblical Studies. He is author of the book Biblical Masculinity. More info @ www.wordtalkonline.orgApologize for speaking the truth
7/04/2007 / Christian Apologetics
A cop out! In other words, is it a way to not address the sin of homosexuality like many other blatant sinful practices by professing Christians are ignored in spite of Paul's clear directives, "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat?" (1 Corinthians. 5:11) So is it just an attempt to normalize homosexuality in the grand cesspool of accepted sins in the church?
On the other hand could this be an attempt to tolerate homosexuality? "it is not really ok, but who am I to say so." The popular way of putting it today is "don't judge." This is born not of the "scripture" but of "sentiment." This same false sentimental spirit had invaded the carnal Corinthian church of scripture. And Paul was very clear that we are to judge, "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things" (1 Corinthians. 2:16) Jesus himself says, Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine" (Matthew 7:6.) How can one know that a person is characteristically a dog or a swine, if not by making a judgment? So is this an attempt to ignore the orders of the scripture to judge and not tolerate such behavior?
I am glad to say that I do not believe that either of the above rationales is behind this need to apologize. Yet this should bring no sense of relief as the actual reason for this lack of boldness is far more sinister. The homosexual proponents have so demonized the bearers of biblical truth until they have managed to always keep them on the defensive. The subtlety of this approach by the homosexual proponents has been most affective. This unsuspectingly puts those who stand on the offensive against this sinful practice on the defensive as though a wrong has been committed in speaking against it. So then those who have the power to turn up the temperature of the church and even influence the faulty rationale of the two groups above is demonized in the face of others every time his mouth is opened. Christians spend more time apologizing for the message than communicating the message itself. The result is that the Christian's power to influence others to join the fight is nullified by the weakness of his own speech.
It has appropriately been said that "The Gospel is an offense." Every Christian that bears this message has first been offended by it, only to experience true consolation in believing it. The truth is instead of the church boldly taking them to Mount Carmel challenging, ridiculing and discrediting their voice before the people, they have done so to the church's voice by forcing Christians to wrap their speech in apprehension rather than boldness. Believers must offend the world with great boldness and be willing to face the consequences of the offense. The efforts of Christians must not continue to be spent trying to avoid being seen in this unavoidable light of offense.