What The Christian Church Believes
The Christian Church Believes:
That sexuality is a good gift from God. Sexuality (sexual desire and awareness) has
biological, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions.
That regardless of origins of sexual desire, we have choices to make in how we will manage or express that sexual desire. Unlike the animal world, we need not be controlled by our biology; we have the capacity and responsibility to choose our responses to our impulses.
That the Bible teaches that either celibacy or a lifelong marriage between one man and one woman is God's design for humanity. The Bible is clear that nurturing the lust for or participating in homosexual, premarital, or extramarital sexual behavior is sin.
That Christ offers cleansing from sin and a relationship with Himself to anyone who cries out to Him for mercy. When first turning to Christ, the penitent one may be unaware of the full nature of her/his unrighteousness. As that person trusts Christ and His Word and is open to the teaching of the Christian community and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the person will grow in Christ-likeness and holiness of life.
According to I Corinthians 6:9-11, those who were adulterers and homosexual offenders are among those, "washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
That the Christian community is called to be a place of refuge, a safe place, where the sinner finds healing relationships of love while learning the ways of God. As a safe place, the church's stance is that we all stand in need of forgiveness and cleansing, that there is not hierarchy of sins and that we all need the prayers and caring support of one another.
Further, to create a safe place, the church must clearly state the Word and will of God and offer support and pastoral guidance in bringing all aspects of life, including our sexuality, into conformity to the will of God.
The Christian Church Believes:
That sexuality is a good gift from God. Sexuality (sexual desire and awareness) has
biological, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions.
That regardless of origins of sexual desire, we have choices to make in how we will manage or express that sexual desire. Unlike the animal world, we need not be controlled by our biology; we have the capacity and responsibility to choose our responses to our impulses.
That the Bible teaches that either celibacy or a lifelong marriage between one man and one woman is God's design for humanity. The Bible is clear that nurturing the lust for or participating in homosexual, premarital, or extramarital sexual behavior is sin.
That Christ offers cleansing from sin and a relationship with Himself to anyone who cries out to Him for mercy. When first turning to Christ, the penitent one may be unaware of the full nature of her/his unrighteousness. As that person trusts Christ and His Word and is open to the teaching of the Christian community and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the person will grow in Christ-likeness and holiness of life.
According to I Corinthians 6:9-11, those who were adulterers and homosexual offenders are among those, "washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
That the Christian community is called to be a place of refuge, a safe place, where the sinner finds healing relationships of love while learning the ways of God. As a safe place, the church's stance is that we all stand in need of forgiveness and cleansing, that there is not hierarchy of sins and that we all need the prayers and caring support of one another.
Further, to create a safe place, the church must clearly state the Word and will of God and offer support and pastoral guidance in bringing all aspects of life, including our sexuality, into conformity to the will of God.
Disclaimer: This may not necessarily reflect the views of all Christians, but this page was prepared to to assist people who are interested in at least learning what the churches based on biblical teaching have said about homosexuality. As a Christian educator who strongly believes in the importance of a continuing loving dialogue on critical issues -- a dialogue marked by serious consideration of marginalized voices, by prayer, by patience, by listening, by respect, and ultimately by a commitment to follow in the way of Jesus -- I offer this page as a resource for study and consideration of these issues. If you have any questions or comments about this page, please address them via email.
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