In this new generation the belief that we are free to make our own choices is in constant battle with traditional religious views; causing violence, separation of families, and discrimination. Homosexuality is just one issue that has caused much controversy in the past due to the religious views of The Christianity culture. Many Christian argue homosexuality is frowned upon in the Bible and even use direct verses from the scriptures to justify their actions when taking a stand against homosexuality. However, aside from analyzing direct scriptures the concept of Christianity is to love one another like yourself, and just because someone has opposing sexual preferences is no reason to abandon them from what is right.
For the past century society along with Christianity has seen homosexuality as a sickness, weakness, and flaw but never accepting it. Benadusi the author of the book " The Enemy of the New Man" writes "Although there was no specific law regarding the “crime” of homosexuality, the repression of the “vice,” as well as the persecution of any behavior that did not conform to state-imposed rules, were the basic instruments that Fascism implemented in its attempt to completely regenerate Italian society and the Italian people" (Benadusi 2012). This is one example how during the early 19th century the Italian Government went about exterminating those who were homosexual or stood against the beliefs of the government. The same can be said for other countries like Germany
The way people ultimately view homosexuality, whether in religion, politics or modern popular culture, is all determined by traditional or changing points of view. This essay will discuss mainly liberal and conservative Christian interpretations of the Bible, including many verses that may support or condemn homosexuality. It will also discuss the political views and laws against same-sex marriage and the social activism in the homosexual community. This is all about view points and it has many conflicting views and arguments.
Heterosexism, according to Warren J. Blumenfeld, is the system of advantages given to heterosexuals based on the social construct of gender roles and heterosexual norms, while marginalizing and oppressing homosexuals and others who do not fit into the heterosexual culture (373). The enforcement of this system is known as heteronormality. This is seen in the binary system, which is a social construct that divides people into different strictly bordered categories organized by “social roles, values, stereotypes, and behavioral and attitudinal imperatives, expressions, and expectations” (Blumenfeld 373). Those who stick to the binary system, maintain power and privilege. People who may live in the binary system, but also intentionally
The word “gay” has gone through drastic changes. Traditionally, it was a positive term that meant to be “happily excited” or “jolly” (Merriam Webster, “Gay”). It was used regularly to express one’s feelings about life. Today, it has a far different meaning. Now people use the word gay to label homosexuals, those with feminine qualities, or those who do something thought to be outside of the norm for their gender. “Being gay” went from expressing someone’s happiness to describing his sexual preference. The definition of gay has changed so much that its original meaning has become archaic and lost to the times.
The topic of homosexuality in religion has many sides. There are those who believe that it is a sin in God’s eyes and according to the Bible, and there are those who believe the God and the Bible are not specific to homosexuals. It is a tough debate based on whether you are a religious person, how you were raised, and where your morals and ethics stand. You cannot truly believe one way without taking into account the other side and have valid proof to back it up.
Many Christians supports homosexuality and gay marriages. In fact, I know a few Christians who said to be homosexual. I praise them for standing up for what they believe and this demonstrates despite the fact of Christianity is seen as homophobic, there are Christians that acknowledge homosexuality. Many Christians that are homosexual still believe in the Bible and that God exists. Furthermore, in the article The Relative Importance of Ethnicity and Religion in Predicting Attitudes towards Gays and Lesbians, it expresses that Baptists and Catholics do not fundamentally contrast in their attitudes towards lesbians or gay men. For example, in the book of scriptures it expresses that God created man and woman, He saw that coupling was good and He blessed them and told them to be productive and reproduce. The Bible does make a strong qualification when it comes to marriage; it states that an individual should marry the opposite sex. Not only does the Bible, by default, deny same sex marriages, but tradition and nature prohibits it also. The idea is against every tradition known to human race and is obviously against
Religious fundamentalism can be a powerful force, and in most cases homosexuality is taught to be morally wrong. There is a equally strong need for a more inclusive and accepting society where people are equally valued no matter the individuals sexual nature, race, social status, or religious beliefs.
Regarding this issue I have personal experience and for the most part what I've encountered on the one hand are those who adhere to modern theological doctrines of men which redefine sin and claim, "The Bible does condemn homosexuality, but only abusive or exploitive homosexual acts. The prohibitions mentioned don’t apply to us." Or they say, "Same sex sexual behavior is a sin, but same sex sexual attractions are involuntary, so they don't require repentance." And on the other hand are those who adhere to old theological doctrines of men which redefined the Law and claim, "The law is a rule of life for believers. It still applies to Christians." Underlying it all is dialectic "reasoning"—a philosophy (most Christians are duped into using) designed to get you to take your eyes off of Christ Jesus the LORD and turn your ears from His words in the Holy
Homosexuality has become accepted by many in our culture today. PBS estimates that there are 9 million members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community (Greve, Joan. “LGBT America: By the Numbers.”). This makes up 3.8% of the US population. Some of these members identify as Christians. So this poses a couple of questions: does the Bible really condemn homosexuality, can you be a gay Christian, and can two people of the same sex be legitimately married? These are important questions for churches to have answers to as the LGBT movement is becoming very popular.
People in general will always disagree on something due to their fundamentals beliefs that was either taught to them or in their mind they come to a definitive conclusion. With this in mind, a person who was raised in a good Christian home will more than likely be raised to believe that homosexuality is a sin. That a man should not be with another man or that a woman should be with another woman. That is what many people have been set to believe for a very long time. This applies to relatively every religion and also to people who are not religious, but that does not mean it should be automatically accepted as such. Gay marriage has been a universal controversy around the world for centuries, even the bible mentions homosexuality as a sin. For decades, this has been argued as gay people have fought for the right to be married. In the article “Gay Marriages: Should They Be Legalized?” it stated that, “the Supreme Court declared in 1967, is "one of the basic civil rights of man" (and,
The topic of homosexuality has been a very hot topic over the past several decades. The term homosexuality can be defined as the “sexual desire or behavior towards a person or persons of one’s own sex” (“Homosexuality”). There are many people who either agree or disagree with the aspect of homosexuality, and there are others who are indifferent. Many Christian churches around the world, especially in the United States, have stated their opinion against homosexuality. They based their beliefs in the verses in 1st Corinthians 6: 9-10, which says, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor
Other studies conducted suggest that homosexuality might be base on difference in the brain structure of homosexual and heterosexual males. In 1991, Simon LeVay, a researcher at salks institute for biological studies in San Diego, found that an area of the brain called INAH-3 was larger in heterosexual men as in homosexual men [6]. INAH-3 is a small cell cluster in the hypothalamus that is involve regulating male sex behavior. LeVay’s finding provided clues that prove that sexual attraction to some extent might be biological. Other studies following levay’s study suggest that homosexuality might be base on genetic. It is believe that “gay gene” is passed from mother tho son.
A major reason for the fear and objection towards homosexuality is organized religion. Whether we notice it or not, we as humans follow many everyday concepts from the Bible. Examples would be, to not steal, murder, or commit adultery in marriage. The Bible also states that homosexuality is unethical and should be avoided as other sins. These are all great to follow, if you conform to the rules of the Bible. Religious back up should not be used in order to deem something wrong or unethical. It is essential to understand, to deem homosexuality ethical or not, rational decision-making must occur. One must analyze the pros and cons; if the pros outweigh the cons, homosexuality is ethical, and visa versa. One who explicitly follows an organized religion must follow the rules of a higher power (God). Getting rid of this obstacle will leave room for autonomous decisions on homosexuality, and eventually its place in good ethics.
Opposition to gay marriage has increased since the summer and a narrow majority of Americans also oppose allowing gays and lesbians to enter legal agreements that fall short of marriage. Moreover, despite the overall rise in tolerance toward gays since the 1980s, many Americans remain highly critical of homosexuals and religious belief is a major factor in these attitudes.
even though sexuality can be considered universal, the sexual behaviors affiliated with it offer different attitudes in various communities. Sexuality is aligned to sexual attraction where individuals can identify themselves with a broad range of sexuality that is bisexual, gay or being lesbian. Sexuality can change over time in a person depending on the circumstances surrounding him or her. It may be affected by the social circle and emotional imbalances that may occur in an individual. Interestingly there exists sexual inequality among many societies in the world. As observed, many societies encourage men to have multiple sex partners but forbid it in women. Moreover, pre-marital sex is promoted in men, but women are flaunted if they participate in pre-marital sex. Across the globe, Western Europe has embraced certain norms in sexuality such as homosexuality whereas African society embraces a negative attitude towards the same.
Homosexuality is genetic! How can this statement be true? It is indeed true in the precise fact that Romans 3:23 points out, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Humanity has been cursed with being genetically embedded with sin and a sinful nature. The current worldview is that homosexuality and multiple sexual orientations come from nature, and not nurture. This viewpoint is correct in that it is human nature to sin and seek out one’s own selfish desire. However, No one is prescribing a remedy for this sin. “Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:34) What the world has done is celebrated this sin and deceive youth through their much-wanted desire for acceptance and identity. There is a copious amount of research out there, along with world definitions of each orientation, and a call for acceptance of others’ orientations. There is also the other side of the argument and the fundamental truths that come from the word of God. Various resources are available to help youth leaders, teachers, parents and pastors to have a higher understanding of this cultural issue and the solutions and treatments available for youth struggling in this area. Spiritual leaders in the home, church, and schools ought to be prepared to teach on these topics readily, since this world, in which many youth are daily immersed, will readily present its own point of view with utter