Homosexual Oppression by Society - Assignment Example

Homosexual Oppression by Society; What Christians are Called to do The issue of homosexuality and gay marriage is one of the largest and most controversial issues in politics today. Based on much Biblical interpretation, many feel that homosexuality is wrong or define it as a sin. The purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the ideas put forth by society, which oppress individuals who happen to be gay. In addition, this paper will seek to examine how individuals of the Christian faith may act in a positive way towards the gay and lesbian community. The problem that faces society regarding homosexuality is the aspect of certain facets of the religious movement and its persecution of homosexuals. True believers in God’s word and standards do not embrace violence or hatred. This following quote specifically states this quite clearly, “All acts of violence, hatred or mockery toward any and all people should be opposed. Organizations and individuals supporting and/or using violence toward homosexuals do not represent Christians, the Bible or Jesus Christ”(http://familypolicy.net/hope/?p=397). An example of homosexual hatred is the case of Mathew Shepherd, a homosexual who was murdered in Laramie, Wyoming. Mathew Shepherd was a victim of a hate crime and was beaten to death by two young men who were strongly against homosexuality. Mathew Shepherd lay in a coma for 6 days, at which time protesters marched outside of his hospital window carrying signs, which read, “God hates gays” and so forth. When Mathew Shepherd passed away, family and friends had to form a human fence around his funeral service, to keep individuals carrying signs with religious sayings on them, out of view of the mourners. The example of the Mathew Shepherd story is one of many that illustrate the controversy over homosexuality in this country. Another example of societal oppression of homosexuals is the omission of gay boy scout leaders from the boy scouts of America. This is the topic of much controversy and has led to several lawsuits. As it turns out, the Boy Scouts of America, as a private organization, has disallowed homosexual’s form being scout leaders as many are concerned that this will introduce an element of gay teachings into the scouts as well as occurrences of pedophiliac activities. In actuality, because one is homosexual has nothing to do with a propensity for pedophilia or child molestation of any kind.  The Bible clearly teaches its followers to do two things: to love others and to not judge others as stated in 1 John,   “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God, he that loveth not, knoweth not God for God is love” (I John 4:7-8). This verse clearly states that it is the instructions of God to love others. It does not say love certain people and not others but simply says “love one another”. In reference to God’s instructions for His followers not to judge each other, God specifically instructs us not to judge, lest we be judged. Individuals who embrace the Christian faith are not the only sub-group within society to oppose homosexuality. Other religious groups such as the nation of Islam and certain Jewish groups, as well as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witness groups also oppose homosexuality. It is also groups such as white supremacists and other racially motivated groups that are opposed to homosexuality. Primarily looking at why Christians are opposed to homosexuality, it is the feelings and beliefs of many Christians that God is against the act of homosexuality. It is difficult however, for some people to separate the “sin” from the sinner, but Christians are called to do just that as sayd by one website, “The Bible declares that homosexuality is unnatural and sinful. It is a sin grievous to God and repulsive behavior because it rejects God’s design for mankind as heterosexual beings” (http://familypolicy.net/hope/?p=397). It can be said that the root of the problem, or the main controversy arises from the fact that individuals who are Christians base the foundation of their belief on the principles set forth in the Bible. Other individuals, however, may not see things the same way. This is where the conflict arises. If someone does not believe in God or embrace the principles of the Bible, then the act or lifestyle of homosexuality may not in any way pose a moral problem for them. This is something that is entirely subjective because it is only wrong to those who believe in the Bible. Homosexuality is however, a normal way of life to others. Some individuals, who are Christians try to encourage the teachings of the Bible as opposed to judging individuals who are homosexual. Certain individuals, who are opposed to homosexuality not even be Christians but they are so against homosexuality that they are compelled to act out violently towards those that are gay. The true problem comes into play on a political level because gays and lesbians are seeking the same rights as everyone else. The other side of things is that certain aspects of the conservative party, is not in favor of granting equal rights, such as marriage, to gays and lesbians. Many feel that gay marriage is a contradiction to the word of God. And many also feel compelled to want to preserve the sanctity of marriage as set forth by the Bible. A reasonable solution to this enormous controversy would be for people to avoid judging others. For example, the marriage of two people is between those two people and no one else. It is easier to communicate God’s plan to individuals before the decision of marriage is made, then to prevent them from going forth with such a decision. This country and planet is made up of so many different types of individuals with different beliefs and opinions. What is right to one person may be wrong to the next. Just because one individual embraces the teachings of the Bible, does not mean that everyone does. Individuals, who are homosexual, typically feel that they were born as homosexual. The individuals, who embrace the teachings of the Bible believe that homosexuality is a choice and not something that people are born with. Either way, it is not any one person’s job to enforce their opinions on everyone else, but instead Christians can share Christ’s message of hope and love. The foundational assumption that one person can change another, is what causes so much of the controversy. Also, the assumption that one person or a group of people have the right to tell others how they should live their life versus sharing a message of hope with them s another aspect of the problem. Depending on whether one is a Christian or of secular beliefs, decides how they will look at this particular issue. If one is a Christian and embraces the teachings of the Bible, one can view secular individuals or individuals who are homosexual as being at the root of the problem or the ones in the wrong. True Christians who embrace the Bible’s teachings, merely try to educate non-Christians including homosexuals in order to share the word of God. On the other hand, if one is not a Christian and does not accept the teachings of the Bible, one will most likely view Christians or individuals who are against homosexuality as being the ones in the wrong. This is why the best solution is for people to recognize one another’s differences and instead of trying to change each other, simply accept one another. This does not mean that Christians can’t share God’s word with the world. Individuals of the Christian faith look to the word of God for direction in life. The Bible says, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.”(Leviticus 18:22). Most interpretations of this verse translate to anti-homosexuality. The opposition to this is the general consensus of non-religious or secular individuals who feel that individuals should remain free to live their lives including same sex marriage, “ The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has become a well organized and powerful group which promotes rights and privileges for Gay Homosexual Men and Lesbians” (http://www.culture-war.info/GayRights.html). The fact that there are very different sides to this ongoing controversy; shows that it will never improve without a sense of acceptance and tolerance from both sides. Since Christians embrace God’s word as truth, it is up to them to walk in that truth and set an example. The Bible teaches love, kindness and mercy. It is interprete however, by certain individuals, to be a message of judgment, hate, cruelty and punishment. Certain fundamentalist groups, which claim to be Christian, use the word of God as a weapon of sorts. They often take passages from the Bible and translate them to mean that individuals who take part in homosexuality should be put to death or will be sent to hell, ““Homosexuals will continue to spread their form of death and will continue to recruit the peoples sons and daughters and threaten and carry out their threats against any who oppose them." (http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_hate1.htm). It is important to note, that most Christians do not feel this way or agree with this type of message. True Christians are bound by the Biblical creed of love and kindness. Many of a secular view will argue that in most Hebrew translations of those texts, it is not homosexuality that is being discussed but rather idolatry or worship of false gods. One particular aspect to consider is the way in which texts have been historically interpreted, “a closer analysis of the original Hebrew text shows that the passage, and the companion passage of Leviticus 18:22 refer to homosexual sexual rituals in Pagan temples” (http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_hate1.htm). Part of the problem also, is that the Bible is made entirely subject to interpretation. Two individuals may be Christians, but both may have their own unique interpretation of what the Bible means to them personally. This is obvious in that many people, who are Christians do not in any way advocate violence or hatred. But yet, others as in the before mentioned quote, not only advocate violence but also death to people who happen to be homosexuals. This however does not reflect the teachings of the Bible or the feelings of true Christians. This merely reflects a small and extremist group which hates homosexuals and hides behind the Bible to do so. Ways in which institutions can help to solve the problem is primarily, for large church organizations to make it clear that violence and hate are not Biblical principles. Also, it is important for churches that have large congregations, to spread the message of love and peace as the Bible teaches. If the larger, more powerful churches of the world could actively make it clear that intolerance is unacceptable, then perhaps less individuals would feel led to act towards homosexuals with such hate and intolerance. It is the responsibility of Christians to spread the message of love which is ultimately what Christians are called to do. Depending on interpretation, a Christian may feel that homosexuality is wrong. Just as that particular Christian may feel that homosexuality is wrong, someone else may feel that it is the only lifestyle for them or that they were born that way. The best thing to do is for that particular Christian to spread Biblical messages in kind and non-confrontational ways to those that may be actively taking part in a sinful life. There will never be a worldwide condition where everyone either disagrees with homosexuality or agrees with it. The only and most reasonable alternative is to actively accept that everybody is different. What may be right for one person is morally wrong for someone else. There is no right way to convince the world of one right concept. There are many shades of right, throughout the world. The only way to coexist as Christians, with non-Christians or those of secular beliefs, is to spread God’s message of love in a meaningful and passive way. The Bible says “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This verse is well known by not just Christians but even individuals who have only been to church a few times in their life. This verse specifically says that “God so loved the world”. This is crucial as it is the basis for the entire belief system of Christians in general.  The Bible does not say that He only loved straght people or that He did not love homosexuals. In fact, the few verses that vaguely mention homosexuality in the Bible are so subject to multiple translations, that some will argue that it is difficult to understand if they speak of homosexuality or something entirely different. But, the Bible is implicitly clear about the idea that Christians are called to love, to forgive and to treat others with the love of God. If most individuals were focused on this aspect of the Bible, the world would be a happier place.  Works Cited: Religious Tolerance (2008) retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_hate1.htm Gay Rights Versus Traditional Marriage (2008) available from website http://www.culture-war.info/GayRights.html http://familypolicy.net/hope/?p=397). Hope For Homosexuals (2008) retrieved from website at http://familypolicy.net/hope/?p=397  The Holy Bible available from the Gideon Foundation  Bible 12 Clean Draft Rubric Percentage Score 68% 34   Possible Points 50 4 (5) Headings used 10 (5) Uploaded to plagiarism detection site 7 (10) Less than five errors 0 (10) Proofread by adult and peer 7 (10) Correct citations 6 (10) References Read More