Upside Down... ~ Homosexuality ~

   This series of articles will examine, from a scriptural perspective, a number of issues that are contributing to the steady degrading of our nation’s culture.  The culture of a nation has to do with the predominant beliefs, values, practices, attitudes, social behavior and morals of its people.  A nation’s character is identified by its culture.  Solomon penned God’s wisdom and warning: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Prov. 14:34).  The word “reproach” means “shame, disgrace.”  When sinfulness and wickedness predominantly identify the culture of a nation, that nation stands in shame and disgrace before God.  Our culture is imploding, and as a result our nation is self-destructing.  Our culture has been turned upside down!

     The first cultural issue that will be addressed is the promotion of the gay lifestyle- homosexuality- as being normal, good and wholesome.  Is the gay lifestyle godly?  This article is not advocating or condoning hatred or violence against people who are gay.  Those behaviors are, themselves, ungodly.  This is simply an attempt to objectively consider homosexuality in view of what the Bible says.
   Advocates within the gay movement have been skillful, effective and determined in promoting a positive image of homosexuality, an image absolutely opposite to that of only fifty years ago.  Propaganda, marketing, political pressure, intimidation and a great deal of flawed information have been used in this campaign.
   We were told for many years that approximately ten percent of the population is either homosexual or has homosexual tendencies.  More accurate and recent analysis, however, has demonstrated that the true figure is more like one to three percent.  A significant number, considering the population of the nation to be something over 321,000,000 as of July, 2015.  Still, the total is vastly smaller than previously stated.
   A great many advocates are adamant that homosexuals are homosexual from birth.  Yet, the nature vs. nurture debate is far from settled, despite what many people would have us believe.  The search for a supposed gay gene has been unsuccessful.
   How does God view homosexuality?  Does the Bible have anything to say about it?  Plenty!  Moses put it clearly and bluntly: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman.  It is an abomination.” (Lev. 18:22).  Again, “If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination.” (Lev. 20:13).  The apostle Paul wrote, “Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful…” (Rom. 1:27).  Paul further stated, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived.  Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,…” (1 Cor. 6:9).  The scriptures clearly and emphatically declare homosexuality to be sinful and ungodly.
   How serious is this sin in God’s eyes?  He destroyed cities because of it!  Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed largely due to the open practice of homosexuality (Gen. 19).  He also allowed the tribe of Benjamin to be nearly wiped out due to sexual immorality that included homosexuality (Jgs. 19-20).  The next article will consider gay marriage…