A man approaches a Christian and asks him if he believes homosexuality is a sin. Tacit to his question is the greatly-feared dichotomy “If you don’t support homosexuals, you hate them.”
*The man smiles as the microphone inches closer to the Christian’s face*
It’s called a false dilemma.
You present two choices as if they’re the only available options and force the victim to select between the two, without informing the individual that other options exist. It’s fallacious.
Unfortunately, the gay pride movement has been hijacked by a particular false dilemma, a logical fallacy that has led to bitter controversy between two groups, namely, Christians opposed to homosexuality and those who favor it (not strictly Christians who favor it). The fallacy goes something like this: “If you don’t support homosexuals, you hate them.”
And then, once the microphone is shoved in the face of Christians, they tremble and stutter, fearing the inevitability of the evils inherent to either option.
Choice 1: If the Christian sides with homosexuality, he is heralded by the culture for his willingness to think progressively, embrace tolerance, and position himself in line with the flow of modern morality and values. However, he also faces opposition to centuries of church doctrine, teaching on the sinful nature of embracing such practices. Is it worth it (or right)?
Choice 2: On the other hand, if the Christian opts to voice opposition to homosexuality, he is immediately bombarded with terrible titles like “bigoted”, “close-minded”, “judgmental”, “intolerant”, or “hateful”, titles assigned by groups who claim to be widely accepting and open to all types of people and beliefs (the irony is just so rich).
*The Christian sighs into the microphone and shrugs*
The church is very divided on this matter. In fact, many have left churches because of this issue. Here is what the Bible says (briefly) about homosexuality:
“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 men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:9
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” – Leviticus 18:22
“For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.” – Romans 1:26-27
Christians who favor homosexuality are split on these verses. Some argue that the verses are merely taken out of context, while others contend that the Bible is the result of human contrivances, or was a product of the culture of that time period (i.e. not trustworthy and inferior to modern cultural morality). Both issues would require separate articles (or even books) to address them, however, I will say in passing that it is difficult to take those verses out of context, and the inerrancy of scripture is a much deeper matter that should leave any serious Christian horribly unsettled
But those are separate matters. The pressing question is this: “is it hateful for a Christian to voice opposition to homosexuality if he believes that the Bible condemns it?”
In short, no. In fact, it can’t be (if done properly). Christian beliefs and values don’t allow for it. For a Christian, the most urgent call with which he is faced is the salvation of others. Everything he does is to be necessarily directed at glorifying God, and included in this is his unwavering devotion to ensuring that he has done everything possible to provide his fellow human beings with the truth, and he is to speak that truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). And this is done not because homosexuality somehow harms the Christian, but because the Christian loves and cares deeply for another human being who, according to what he believes, is sinning. This isn’t a judgmental act or one done from a hypocritical position of pride. It is one performed with overflowing love, a love that is bound by eternity, defined by passion and zeal, and constituted by an absolute humility and selfless concern for another’s ultimate flourishing, even if it means facing harsh criticism. And if it is done with love, it can’t be hateful.
[“I love you too much to be silent.”]
The Christian is held captive by that which he believes to be true. Ultimately true. He does not have the luxury of forfeiting or suspending his beliefs for the demands of the culture, even when faced with bitter labels or potential isolation. He is a servant of a sacred text, a text that necessarily does not condone acts he is called to embrace. Yet, he is urged by the culture to divorce himself from his beliefs, compromise his devotion, and adhere to a standard that breaks the very foundation of his beliefs. What else can he do but hold dear to the demands of his own beliefs or crumble beneath the pressure?
That isn’t very fair. Would you want to belong to a culture that berates people who refuse to abandon the core values of their heart? That certainly isn’t accepting, loving, or tolerant…
[The failure to tolerate intolerance …is intolerant.
Forbidding someone force belief …is the forcing of one’s belief
Condemning another’s judgment …is judgmental]
*At last, the Christian steps to the microphone and speaks*
“I do not believe this is right. I know that, according to the Bible, which I believe to be the infallible word of God, He decrees perfect laws that are both timeless and given in love to His people. Therefore, I can show no greater love than to uphold these laws and give these transcendent words of life to my brothers and sisters whom I desperately want to see with me in eternity. The most hateful thing I could do is remain silent, keeping from you that which I believe to be the path to human flourishing, ultimate joy, and eternal salvation. I find myself in a position reminiscent to that of Martin Luther as he, with an ancient microphone thrust into his face, sheepishly proclaimed:
‘I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one’s conscience is neither safe nor sound. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen.’”
* 