Christian author Jen Hatmaker drew a lot of negative reactions after she said in an interview with Religion News Service that homosexual relationships can be "holy," and that she would gladly attend the weddings of her gay and lesbian friends. Her comments have since led to LifeWay Resources pulling her books and Christians have been weighing in on social media as to whether she is right on homosexuality.
The latest to comment is Pastor Shane Idleman of Westside Christian Fellowship in Leona Valley, California who said there's nothing wrong in showing compassion for those trapped in sexual sin. However, showing love and concern for one's gay brothers and sisters does not mean Christians approve of their lifestyle.
"Those who strongly believe in the Bible and God's will regarding sexual behavior also strongly believe in unconditional love and forgiveness," he wrote in an article for The Christian Post. "To say that authentic Christians hate or fear those trapped in the homosexual lifestyle demonstrates a gross misunderstanding of the Christian faith. To "confront in love" simply comes from a desire to honor God and to truly love and care for others."
When people depart from the teachings of the Bible, Christians must make a stand and guide them towards the right path, Idleman said. Unfortunately, he said, they are deemed irrational, judgmental, bigoted and intolerant every time they do so.
Idleman added that Jesus condemned "all" sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and woman. He said in Matthew 15:19, "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications... these defile a man." This means that any sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and a woman is considered harmful and immoral.
At the same time, people cannot successfully argue that Jesus approved of homosexuality simply because He did not use the term "homosexual," Idleman said. To jump to that conclusion would also mean Jesus approved of necrophilia, pedophilia, incest, and bestiality. But Idleman said people, especially Christians, should know better.
Jesus also said that since the beginning of creation, God created people male and female so that they would be joined together and become one flesh. "Marriage between a man and a woman is God's plan since creation. No matter how many laws are passed in favor of gay-marriage, it will not change God's mind. Man often rebels against God; this is nothing new," Idleman said.
