Gay People Cannot Be Christian

For those still playing at home, I've messed the rounds up so far, so I'm playing Devil's Advocate for the remainder. ===== The most relevant discussions are those concerning Paul's letters. OT references to homosexuality provide a theological and historical basis to his position; however they are secondary to what he he details. The most detailed treatment of homosexuality occurs in Rom 1:18-32. Paul's argument is that the whole world, Gentile and Jewish, falls under sin and is in need of the righteousness of God provided in Jesus. From the sin of the Gentile world, Paul indicates God's response - 3 times Paul states that God "gave them over" (v. 24, 26, 28) i.e. God adjudicates sin with sin. Homosexuality then results from man's departure of the truth. It is a just punishment for exchanging truth for lies (v. 24); the fury of God upon unrighteousness (v. 18). Paul reveals homosexuality as an additional symptom of ungodliness and unrighteousness of men (v. 18). The indictment is clear. Naural law: "against nature" or "unnatural" (para physin, v. 26) usage of physin in Rom 11:1-14 and 1 Cor 11:4 is not contextually similar to Romans 1 - para physin was common in Jewish usage indicating that which was against the divine design - (Wold; Out of Order, 1998). Homosexuality is a symptom of a specific problem - that of idolatry. Paul is showing the penalty of idolatry upon a person. Paul is clearly indicates homosexuality is revolting because it exemplifies in sexual terms the rebellion against God. Paul states that God has set the Gentile to be (both male and female) "in the lusts of their hearts to impurity" (v. 24). It is sinful. It violates the divine plan of God - present from creation (see Genesis) - for the union of male and female in marriage. 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10 Additional references in the NT make overt condemnation of homosexuality: Words in question (arsenokoitai), and (malakoi) for 1 Cor 6:9 (pornois) for 1 Tim 1:10. Homosexuality was not novel in Paul's day. His understanding would have been influenced by the Old Testament text and law - hence his usage of arsenokoitai. It reflects the Hebrew of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13. Use of pornos and malakos strengthens the arguments that Paul was specifically targeting homosexuals. Paul is condemning vice and sin practiced by an unbelieving world, which ought not to be practiced by God's people. These behaviours are specifically "unrighteous" (1 Cor 6:9) and "lawless and rebellious" (1 Tim 1:9). Why this means you can't be homosexual and Christian: The Bible has a specific blueprint for life. The Bible has a sure word of truth which not only serves for salvation but specifically equips an individual for all facets of life (1 Tim 4:15-17; 2 Tim 3:16-17). Divine order is explicitly stated in the opening chapters of Genesis. It is confirmed throughout the rest of the Scriptures as the Holy Spirit endeavours to teach God's plan on marriage and family. Jesus referred to divine order when queried about the divorce and marriage (Matt 19:4-5). Jesus referred to the divine order not only for its permanence, but also for its nature regarding sex - a man for a woman. Scriptures condemn *any* violation of the divine order, whether through immoralities (1 Cor 6:16-20; 1 Thess 4:1-8; Heb 13:4); breach of God's designed roles (Eph 5:21-33) and through perversion of the sexual roles (Rom 1:18-32; Lev 18:27; 20:13). Homosexuality is a perversion of the divine order. That's it. Man is fallen. Man is corrupt. Humanity is beset with many infirmities. It is a Christian's role to live life the way God intended it. To condemn homosexuality in all its forms as a perversion of the divine order is necessary. It is not a sign of homophobia or bigotry. It is a Christians position to be on the side of righteousness. For a true Christian - God is truth - and the truth for a Christian is to obey "You shall be holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). God is the only relevant referent. His plan is divine order. Christian doctrine demands homosexuals require from Christians and the Church an informed position about their doomed state. Homosexuality is a *state* of sin. It is not analogous to a lustful thought, and envious twinge, a burst of anger, a lie. It is a living constant expression of man's fall, an expression of man's sin and is a state that directly contradicts God's divine plan for humanity. Until they come to repentance and faith in Christ, and transform via Holy Spirit - they are not Christian.