“A homosexual's best friend is the Holy One, blessed is he”

The quoted statement comes from a prominent Orthodox rabbi in Israel, Yaacov Medan. Homosexuality is such a controversial subject that I bet a lot of people will dust off their Hebrew even if it’s rusty in order to follow the words in the original:

חברו הטוב ביותר של ההומו        זה הקדוש ברוך הוא

The best friend bar none of the homosexual -    it’s the Holy One, blessed is he.

Out of context that may sound trite, but in context (full report in English; in Hebrew) the statement has a ring of authenticity. Medan will not please everyone. He went on to say:

יש צורך בחילוק ברור לחלוטין    בין המעשה לבין האדם

טשטוש ההבדל    יכול להביא אותנו לדברים חמורים

There needs to be an absolute clear-cut division    between the act and the person.
Blurring this difference    could lead us to grievous things.

That’s also because Medan expects that a good-faith effort will be made, on the part of “those of the contrary inclination” (in Hebrew: בעלי נטייה הפוכה ), to refrain from acting on it, and, if possible, to live as heterosexuals. Thus:

אדם צריך להתייצב        בפני הקדוש ברוך הוא         בלב נקי,

ולומר עשיתי כל מה שאני יכול

A person must stand    before the Holy One, blessed is he,    with a clean heart,
and say: “I have done all I can.”

Another quote worth citing (HT: David Stein):

אני חש שמידת האמונה הנדרשת        מהציבור היקר הזה    היא מידת אמונה

שאני לא נדרשתי להשיג    ואולי לא אשיג אותה

I feel that the degree of faith required    of this precious public    
            [the conference's audience of homosexual Orthodox Israeli Jews]
is one I have never been required to attain,    and perhaps will not attain.

Yaacov Medan is probably best known to the general public for a comprehensive and widely rejected proposal he co-authored with Ruth Gavison meant to reorder the life of Israel with respect to religion-state issues. 

Comments

[David E. S. Stein]

Coincidentally, I myself just bookmarked the same news report. For that article shows once again, and poignantly, how the personal connection between individuals can override ideological fault lines.

I was actually most impressed by Rav Medan's respectful and empathetic remark that "I feel that the degree of faith required of this precious public [that is, the conference's audience of homosexual Orthodox Israeli Jews] is one I have never been called upon to attain, and perhaps will not attain."

[JohnFH]

David,

You're right. That is an absolutely beautiful quote. I hope to find time to add it to the post.

[danielandtonya]

John,

Sorry to not comment first about your post. But we have a question- Are you using a new Hebrew font? It looks a little different and very very nice.

[JohnFH]

Hi Daniel and Tonya,

On my end, I continue to use the SBL font. On your end, I assume you have a different default font.

[Bob MacDonald]

John you made me dream in Hebrew on this one. I will see if I dare write the Hebrew - must figure out Niphal and Pual! I need the passive and the indirect speech.

To be called to faith is to wrestle - even if it is on behalf of others who are different. To stand before God with a clean heart is to stand cleansed not by one's own doing.

To say action can lead to 'grievous things' is to assume that universality of similarity that simply is not.

Still it is a step toward gentleness - against which there is no law.

[Bob MacDonald]

John is ולומר a modern spelling?

[JohnFH]

Bob,

It goes back to Mishnaic Hebrew.

In Mishnaic Hebrew (not always reflected in Modern Hebrew):

לֵאמֹר became לוֹמַר on the analogy of the imperfectיֹאמַר

לאכול became לוֹכַל by the same analogy;

ללכת becameלילך

לנסוע became לִסַּע

Cool if you ask me.

[Bob MacDonald]

Cool OK - like ice - hard! I am trying to translate a poem into Hebrew as a response to this post. A first time for me doing such extended translation into Hebrew. I am finding it very hard work.

[Bob MacDonald]

John - I have done it. My dreamed response to this post. It will be strangely full of pointing errors I fear!

You are writing so much these days, I understand you have not time for correcting Hebrew exercises like mine. But thanks for the stimulus in all the great posts.

[Truman 1]

Truman 1,

This week’s subject is very difficult to talk about because of the strong beliefs that individuals have on the matter. I can see where both sides are coming from because at one time before I really learned about homosexuality believed that it was wrong and that these people are making this decision to be like this. It took the forming of friendships with both men and women that are homosexual for me to realize how wrong I was on the matter. Many of these people to not want to by gay and looked at as different or weird it simply is just who they are and they can not help how they feel. Being a homosexual has nothing to do with being a good person, or friend. Many of these people are more religious than individuals that are heterosexual and keep a good relationship with God. There are also some great examples of individuals that are homosexual that are able to form better and healthier relationships than heterosexual couples.

[Mission 2]

I think the idea a being homosexual, but not acting on it, is a very lame deal. The love, companionship, and sexual gratification that heterosexuals get to enjoy (and often live for) are not for gays to enjoy? I think it's important for everyone to feel this way, regardless of sexual preference, because life is about facilitating relationships. No one is an island. It is unfortunate to think of how many people are gay and live as a heterosexual in order to please those around them, often with fear of being shunned from their family--the very base of where most of our love and companionship should derive from.

[True Grit 1]

I see this topic to be very dynamic, everyones views seem to be changing constantly over time. Even from the government and legal perspective, rules are slowly changing in the homosexual relationship’s favor. Which I believe to be a very good thing. Diversity is great, and more and more people are beginning to see it. The most important goal of a life time is indeed happiness. No matter an individual’s sexual preference, finding happiness is key whether you find it in a relationship with someone of a different sex or the same sex.

It is still in my belief that we are all taught to be open-minded and not judgmental, so looking at a homosexual individual would be going against my beliefs. All of God’s people should be treated equally, disregarding their sexual orientation.

[Pulp Fiction 3]

I believe that over the years the society we live has began to accept homosexual relationships more and more. In years past it seemed as though homosexuals could not display their affection toward a person of the same sex, but today, though a lot of society still doesn't accept it, homosexuality seems to be more accepted. Whether you are a homosexual or heterosexual I believe you deserve the right to display your affection and have a life full of laughs and love.

The problem that most homosexuals seem to have is letting their parents know. They fear that their family is not going to accept who they are and change their feelings toward them. This is still a problem in society today that needs to be worked on.

[Nell 5]

I for one do not hold any prejudice against those who are homosexual. I believe that it is unfair for homosexuals to be shunned just for being different. I don’t think that people have the right to tell others who to love. It is no one’s business, other than the people who are involved in the relationship. Reading the assigned passages in the Bible, a lot of them talk about how being homosexual is evil and wicked and that they should be punished. One cannot chose to be homosexual, they simply just are. People say that some things in the Bible should not be taken literally. Maybe this is simply one of those things?

[Chariots of Fire 5]

The Bible says, marriages should be between a man and a woman. Many people use this argument over and over again to prove their belief that homosexuality is wrong. But no one ever said that the Bible is meant to be read literally.

When the Bible was written, homosexuality wasn’t as prevalent of an issue. Therefore, the need to write about gay marriages was non-existent. I think He was trying to make the point to keep it within the same species. Sure homosexuals cannot produce viable offspring on their own, but the need to reproduce is not a necessary as it was previously. The world is becoming overpopulated anyways and there are many children without homes. Those children a gay couple could provide a home for.

[Chariots of Fire 5]

I have to agree with Missions 2’s idea that being homosexual but refusing it is a bad idea. I agree that they should enjoy everything that comes with a relationship as does heterosexual couples. I think that it was bizarre to even suggest that a gay man marry a gay woman because that is not how they feel.

I believe that is not a good marriage or relationship to have. Homosexuals are humans too and have sexual drives, just not for the opposite sex. I think it is wrong for them to deny themselves the gratification every human deserves.

[Nell 1]

I am heterosexual but I do not feel that people who are homosexual should be looked at differently just because they like people of the same gender. God loves all of his creation and therefore these people should be treated just the same. Everyone was created differently and that is what makes us all special. I see the debate with this topic and it seems very sensitive to some people. We were created in God’s image, but it was never mentioned that God was gay; therefore people have strong views against homosexuality. I am neither for nor against homosexuality. I believe that people should do what makes them happy and that individuals need to form healthy and happy relationships. If this means two females or two males, so be it. Everyone deserves the same respect and equality regardless of their sexual orientation because that is what God would want us to do. On the contrary, many use the argument that God wanted marriage between man and woman. Homosexuality that is discussed in the Bible seems to discuss homosexuality as evil but I agree with Nell 5, maybe this is just one of the things that should not be taken literally in the Bible. During Biblical times, the homosexuality of people was not as dominant as it is today, therefore not as much is instructed about it. Everyone will form their own opinion about homosexuals but I feel that everyone should keep an open mind. Just because someone may be homosexual does not mean they cannot be a believer of Christ. The definition of a believer is not solely based off of sexual orientation.

[Pulp Fiction 4]

I myself am not against homosexuality, however I feel that it should not be discussed throughout the Bible. I feel that God created us so men and women should be together. I do have an open mind with homosexuals, and I do not think that it is wrong, I have a gay cousin who I love dearly, I do not look at him any differently in anyway. I know that God loves him and accepts him just like any other person. But as I said before homosexuality just should be looked passed when it comes to the Bible. Back then this was not as big of an issue as it is now, and I hate seeing the way people who are homosexual treated the way they are today, just because it shouldn't be discussed in the Bible, it does not give anyone the right to judge or mistreat someone who chooses to be gay.

[True Grit 2]

Homosexuality may not be the ideal situation from the bible stand point but it's also not right to discriminate people who are different. This is why I will not judge others for the way they are if they are different than me.

[Praying with Lior 2]

I agree with True Grit 2, that we should not discriminate against people who are different from us. I believe people should be able to be with whom ever they want and who ever make them happy. If that happens to be with people of the same sex, then they should be able to express their love freely and without judgment. They should not have to try to change who they are so they fit in with what our society considers to be normal. The bible confuses me, I do not understand why God will forgive murderers, but when it comes to the issue of homosexuality it is not acceptable?

[Chariots of Fire 2]

I just have a comment about the assigned reading for this week. First Corinthians 6:9-10 says that "wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God" and includes male prostitutes and sodomites in the list of people. Then at the end it says that these people were washed and sanctified in the name of the Lord. I feel like Paul thinks that they can just be baptized of their sin and that the wrongdoing will just be "washed" away. I think that back then people didn't understand homosexuality and just thought of it as an evil act. People don’t just choose to be homosexual and I'm glad that it is better understood and more accepted today than it used to be.

[Breaker Morant]

I guess once we look at it from a biblical or Christian perspective, things begin to get very debatable. Why should we shoot bible verses at one another to prove who is following the 'righteous path' that God has created for us? I do not find anything wrong with homosexuality. I agree with Chariots of Fire 2 that people do not choose this lifestyle. I personally know some persons who are Christians and are gay/lesbian. They still have the same, strong faith and love for God as before but just have different desires when it comes to a relationship.

[Marilyn]

Coincidentally, on Tuesday night, my book club discussed Andrew Marin's "Love is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community." Marin is an evangelical with a Chicago-based ministry to the GLBT community.

Marin's message is similar to Medan's: point a gay person to God, and God will do the sorting. Or, in the words of Billy Graham, "It's the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge, and my job to love."

While most of us would likely take issue with some of what Marin has to say, my [very conservative on gender issues] book club was in agreement that he offers excellent practical advice on how to encourage members of the GLBT community to seek God.

[JohnFH]

In society at large, it's not obvious that acceptance of the idea that heterosexual and homosexual love are on a par continues to grow. It seems to me that the acceptance is real, but only goes so far.

Regardless, no one will deny that in many institutions and organizations, including orthodox Jewish, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, evangelical, and conservative Protestant settings, not to mention the Boy Scouts, there is limited to zero tolerance for homoerotic expression.

In all of these contexts, the right to free sexual speech as it were clashes with the image of the ideal family, the biological norm as it were for homo sapiens, or more precisely, the biological norm with promiscuity removed: two parents, a female and a male who raise their own offspring.

I do not think it is likely that religions, not just Judaism and Christianity, but Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, are going to stop upholding and reinforcing that norm. At the same time, allowances will be made in societies as a whole to protect if not encourage the formation of some kinds of non-traditional families.

Finally, the chances of a family composed of lesbian or gay parents plus children who are the biological offspring of at most one of the parents receiving legal status are slim in most countries of the world, with no change likely in the near or even the distant future.

Both "church" and "state" are likely to remain committed to their traditional roles of encouraging "Plan A's" and stigmatizing "Plan B's." But the basket of arrangements considered Plan As and those considered Plan Bs may change somewhat.

[Chariots Of Fire 1]

An act is immoral if it discriminates based upon color, culture, or looks. Unless it's an issue of preservation of one's self or of others. What do I mean by that? An act is immoral if it is excluding a person or a group based upon color (the visual difference in race), culture (the customs and belief of a certain race), looks (the physical appearance) unless it's an issue of preservation (protecting or saving yourself and others (everyone *Not just one race*).

[True Grit 3]

The subject of homosexuality is such a touchy subject. I have heard people over the years say such horrible things about gay people. I personally support people who are homosexual, because the only person that can judge you is God, and I would never judge somebody on how they live their life. Times are changing for gay people, which is a great thing to se, such as gay couples being able to adopt and have children of their own. I think in the near future homosexuality will be even more accepted.

[Breaker Morant 5]

I agree with what True Grit 3 says about how homosexuality will continue to be more and more accepted in our society as time goes on. However, because of the strong ideals that Christianity and Judaism have (among other religions), I don’t see same sex couples being accepted by many religions in the future. This whole topic has brought a question to me. What is to be said about the gay man or woman who accepts the bible and Christianity (or any other religion)? Will they not be accepted because of their sexual orientation? I guess I don’t understand why religion would turn away members based solely on sexual orientation.

[The Truman Show 4]

There is no question that homosexuality is a very controversial topic. I feel that I have no right to judge any homosexual people just like they have no right to judge me. Times are definitely changing and the acceptance of homosexuality is evident. I have the same questions and confusions as Breaker Morant 5 stated before. If they have accepted and dedicated there lives to the Lord or their God, what happens then? Since no one can 100% correctly answer these questions, I do again feel that no person really has the right to judge them.

[Nell 3]

I like what Medan had to say. I would agree that no one has the right to judge someone based on their sexual preference. Eventually we will all be judged by the only judge that really matters, God. However, I have been taught through my religion classes growing up that homosexuals are sinning, but I know that it’s said God loves all his creations equally. I was wondering if the Bible actually says anything about homosexuals, and does it say whether God finds it acceptable or not.

[Breaker Morant 5]

@ Nell 3
I found some verses in the Bible that address homosexuals. “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is an abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22 KJV) And: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” (Leviticus 20:13 KJV) These quotes make it pretty clear where the Bible stands on homosexual relationships. We can all have our opinions on the matter but clear answers are hard to find outside of the Bible. Society has taken strides to become accepting of same sex relationships but I’m unsure if religion will do the same.

[Praying with Lior 10]

I agree that religion (based on the laws in the Bible) will probably never view homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle; however I can’t help but think about the teachings we learn from the New Testament. We are supposed to love our neighbors, and especially those that are different from us. Then why should accepting homosexuals be any different? As much as I hate to say it, Christians are being complete hypocrites when they are openly against those who choose to have a different lifestyle than them.

[Pulp Fiction 1]

Homosexuality will be a topic of discussion and disagreement for the rest of my life. I have not one problem with gays or lesbians. I agree with Praying with Lior that it may not every be an acceptable lifestyle. I do think however more and more people will become accepting of this lifestyle. Some states are now allowing Gays the right to marry which is a huge a step.

[Shawshank Redemption 4]

I agree with Chariots of Fire 5. I also believe that since homosexuality wasn't as prevalent when the bible was written, so therefore it isn't written about as much and most certainly wasn't understood. Some people still don't understand it and it has been around a lot more than it was back then. I think people just need to be more accepting of other people and not be so judging. Because there could be homosexual couples who look at straight people as weird. And they bring up a great point about over population. Since there are so many kids that are in foster homes and need places to live, gay couples would be great homes for them because the kids would grow up on a loving home, (hopefully), and they will learn to accept people for who they are. With that said, I was confused by the statement of,
The best friend bar none of the homosexual -

it’s the Holy One, blessed is he." I don't fully understand what they are trying to say. Are they saying they don't believe in homosexuality? And if they are I would encourage them to be more open and understanding of other people.

[Dead Man Walking 2]

I would agree with many of the statements above. The bible may say one thing in your translation and another in a different translation. So I am hesitant to use it as a base for what should and shouldn’t be thought in regards to many things. I also find it endlessly funny that those so called ‘enlightened’ leaders in many religions are the first to condemn others for their actions. The way that I see god is that he will make a final decision and if he is as forgiving as the Bible says then there is no need for them condemn others.

[shawshank redemption 5]

When saying, “A homosexual's best friend is the Holy One, blessed is he,” Medan could be saying many different things. He could be saying that a homosexual’s best friend is God because his sexual orientation is such a sin he better love God or he’ll go to hell or he could be saying that the homosexual is so rejected by everyone else but the Lord still loves him. I’d like to think he meant the second possibility rather than the first.
My mother is a lesbian. I have a real dad and she is my real mom, things just didn’t work out. My mom was abused sexually, physically, and mentally by men her whole life and always felt different, but she didn’t come out until later in life. She has had so many physical ailments and surgeries for cancer and other reasons, but she is still the strongest woman I know. People ask me how I know God is real and I say, “If God wasn’t real, my mom wouldn’t be alive.” No one understands the physical pain she endures every single day and all she’s been through.
I guess you could say maybe God cursed her for being homosexual and caused all her disorders and abuse, but I don’t believe that. My God is not an angry God. My God would not punish someone just for being homosexual. God created everything on earth, every soul, every idea. I don’t care what the Bible says about it, I believe that if God was so against homosexuality, he wouldn’t have created the idea of it.

[Pulp Fiction 2]

If what Yaacov Medan says is true, then he is stating that being homosexual is not a choice but instead the way someone is born. Medan is saying that being homosexual is okay as long as the individual tries not to act on his/her urges. He specifically says that as long as a person tries to not act on these urges by saying, “I have done all I can,” then he/she still has a clean heart. With this thought process, there is no longer the argument of whether or not being homosexual is a choice and therefore you can not hold the fact a person is homosexual against them in a negative way and it is not a sin to be homosexual. It is however a sin to act on these urges unless a person has tried everything in their power to not act.

This is an interesting thought because the most prominent argument one gets when debating the topic of homosexuality with a religious person (being Jewish, Christian, or other) is the idea that being homosexual is a choice. Here is a prominent, well-respected rabbi going against this and stating the exact opposite.

[Lior A]

This is a very difficult subject to fully understand. Growing up in a semi-strict Lutheran household, I went to parochial school for 10 years and did not get any sort of education on homosexuality. When it came up in Bible readings in class, my teachers reduced it to a sinful activity worth of damnation that needn’t be discussed. Since that time, I have obviously been faced with homosexuality in public high school and now college and have numerous friends who identify themselves as homosexual, bisexual, or pansexual.
However, I didn’t question my religious “stance” on homosexuality until my brother came out to me last year. As the only person in my family who knows, it’s been a definite burden on my heart. I have had to re-evaluate my beliefs and look at the Bible with an open mind. I have found that God loves His children no matter what. That being said, homosexuals do not decide to be gay. When Medan says that homosexuals should, if possible, live as heterosexuals, it implies that gays can choose whether or not to be gay. I believe that homosexuals are put on this Earth, similar to those with disabilities and diseases, in order to teach other humans charity, humility, tolerance, love, and respect.

[The Mission 4]

I would have to agree with my group member (Mission 2). I would also like to know why homosexuals have been looked down upon. If we are all Gods’ children then the homosexuals are also. So why are we discriminating agents them? Is it because of the old theory that homosexuality was a sickness or disease. Or as said in class that homosexual acts were used as a show of dominance and they didn’t want people to abuse or spread these acts because they were not for love but dominance. These are some thoughts of mine of how the fear of homosexuality began. I do not like how society has created a negative view of homosexuals. It has been proven that homosexuality is nothing more than a simple switch in that persons genetic make up. I do not believe that anyone choses to be a homosexual. Why would they when they now that every day the world is against them. The world is already a curial place people just don’t choose to have it made worst for them. If you are saying that they need to be this line were the churches stops trapping into people’s lives I total agree. It should not matter what the person is. What matter is are they willing to accept God as there savior. That is all that the church should be concerned about. Then they should focus on nurturing this new persons believe. God never stopped teaching to group of people because of this color or their believes he tried to save all of his people. Just look at the story of Johan. Johan didn’t want to help a group of people because they were not worth his time and he ended up in the stomach of a big fish. If we are so religious and are supposed to be true followers of God why can’t we see his plain message written thought the Bible. Come on now we sang song children that even expressed it. Jesus Love Me! If Jesus can love us with all of our faults why can’t we show compassion to this group of people who have never done anything wrong to us?

[Truman Show 2]

This subject use to be very uncomfortable but it is occurring more and more every day. Being faced with it can be difficult unless you state your opinion carefully and respectfully. I used to have a hard time with it because there are many parts of the Bible like 1Timothy 1:8-11 and Leviticus 20: 13 that warn us about such acts and lifestyles. However the more I read the scripture the more I learn that it is not up to us to judge or have an opinion of others. It is God’s and the scripture has these warnings for us ourselves not to commit such acts. I don’t want God to Judge me for the way I judge others so I am on the neutral side of this topic. The lifestyle is not right but the people (many our friends, family, and neighbors) do not deserve to be judged by anyone but God himself. For the longest time I wondered why so many people painfully dealt with sexual identity issues but I came to a shocking understanding after reading Romans 1:18-32.

[Nell 4]

This is one of the topics I really don't like to talk about much, because it is such a controversial topic. Discriminating against someones homosexuality is wrong, but we all have done it throughout our life whether we think so or not. It's not easy accepting homosexuality, but I would have to agree with many others that as years go by things will change, but that will just take time.

It's discriminating when you label homosexuals as gays and lesbians, because you are giving them a title. Everyone is a human being. There sexuality makes them no less or different.

[shawshank1]

Chariots of fire 5 said it best. Homosexuality was not very prevalent in the bible as it should have been because homosexuality wasn’t as prevalent of an issue. Therefore, the need to write about gay marriages was non-existent. however the bible does speak of it and it says that it is wrong. (Corinthians 6:11, Leviticus 18:22) Sure homosexuals cannot produce an offspring on their own, but the need to reproduce is not a necessary as it was previously. It will be interesting to see how the government and religious groups react to the growing number of homosexuals in our population. The only way to truly justify if homosexuality is correct is through scientific research now.

[Dead Man Walking 5]

Like the above posts, I too believe that this is a very controversial topic and I do not like to talk about it much. I have nothing wrong with homosexuals and I believe that they are treated very unfairly. In think that today's society puts a lot of pressure on homosexuals and makes it so that they have to try to live a normal life, as a heterosexual. I think that people should be able to do whatever they want because this is America, isn't it? Even though, we don’t have strict rules that say, Two guys or two girls shouldn't be in a relationship, we still put pressure on by making fun of them or acting different towards them. This is about all I can say for this topic because it is such an important topic for so many individuals in today's world.

[Pulp Fiction 2]

Medan says that homosexuals should live as heterosexuals, he is not implying that it is a choice to be homosexual. In fact, I believe he is stating the exact opposite. Medan says that being homosexual is not the sin; it is acting on these homosexual urges that are the sin. So, to help to fight these urges, Medan promotes the idea that a homosexual man and woman become married and have children, which by doing so they will help each other cope with their “sinful urges.” By not giving the individual the chance to confront the opportunity to fulfill their homosexual urges, Medan believes the homosexual will be able to live life without homosexual sin.

[The Truman Show 5]

While I do not agree with the concept and acts of homosexuality, I believe they should be allow to have all the rights and benefits that heterosexuals enjoy. One thing they deserve more so than others is faith. Everyone was created in the image of god, now I'm not saying that God is gay, but he created everyone regardless. Medan's idea of coping with "sinful urges" is just unrealistic, I don't think it would be very effective in dealing with the urges. But like I said before, God created all of us, homosexuality shouldn't be persecuted the way it has been since God has a plan for all of us.

[Dead Man Walking 3]

I tend to lean to one side on this debate. I do not get why the bible says a marriage is between a man and a woman. Maybe (like the other posts) it’s just at that time they really didn’t have to deal with those problems. I see that In Leviticus it talks about how a man cannot have sex with another man, and vice versa with females. I always ask myself why are these people made the way they are to love the same sex if they are not supposed to? Is it another test? One of the things I look at is they say many different rules in the Old Testament that we do not follow. They said to kill a child if he is disobedient, but we know that the child just doesn’t know better.
Romans 1: 27 reads, “Men committed shameless acts with men and received in their own persons the due penalty for their error.” It goes on telling about how they were filled with every kind of wickedness, evil covetousness, malice, and so much more! I just ask, “But why?” They are born like this! It goes into saying they deserve to die. Being a homosexual is something you are born with, why would he wish such bad things then!?

[chariots of fire 3]

I don’t judge people based on their sexuality, or race or social rank for that matter, I feel that everyone deserves a chance to be heard. I don’t think that somebody should be labeled or treated differently because they are a homosexual. Even though the bible says that being a homosexual is a sin I feel that people have the right to choose what they want, and some people can’t help the way that they feel. The passages referred to homosexuality as being evil and immoral, I don’t think that a choice such as who you decide to love should categorize a person as evil.

[Lior 4]

Being a member of the ELCA, I have had more than my fair share of debates on this topic. I feel that homosexuals shouldn't be treated any differently than any other person. Homosexuality is indeed a sin, but we are all sinners, one way or another. However, the issue at least with the ELCA currently is allow gay pastors to preach. I do not approve of this and not because of the homosexuality. I disapprove of a gay pastor preaching the same way I disapprove of a heterosexual pastor preaching with his mistress sitting in the front row. How can someone preach about God when he is openly disobeying his commandments?

[Rev. Bryant J. Williams III]

Dear John,

Paul, after indicating who will not inherit the Kingdom of God (not an exhaustive list), then states in I Corinthians 6:12, "and such WERE some of you," (emphasis mine). This indicates that the person who had practice the lifestyle previously mentioned no longer were practicing that lifestyle.

Finally, Michael Bird, 05/12/2001 post at http://www.patheos.com/community/euangelion/ quotes Wheaton College President, Phil Ryken,

"I’m lecturing on the Bible and Homosexuality next Tuesday night to some students and as I prepare I think of several three experiences that have deeply shaped my views on sexuality:

1. I’ve seen homophobia at its worst. Back when I was in the Army I once had to physically restrain a drunk platoon sergeant from attacking a gay couple walking down the street.
2. I’ve been frustrated with trends in churches where people want to either (a) take the values of Opray Winfrey and Ellen Degeneres and baptize them in a light dressing of Christianity; or (b) some church folks seem to think that God hates homosexual sins more than heterosexual sins.
3. I remember once leading an ecumenical Bible study with nominal Anglicans, liberal Catholics, a fiery Lutheran, and a Pentecostal girl. After a volatile and almost violent debate about homosexuality the Pentecostal girl said, “Well, I used to be a Lesbian and Jesus saved me from that lifestyle”. That pretty much shut up the conversation there and then! What do you say to that?"

I refer to #3 of the above quote. There is the often claimed remark by those who are of the homosexual persuasion that, "I was born this way." That may or may not be so. But for the sake of argument, let us assume that the above is true, then that would indicate that the homosexual is just as much a sinner as any other individual since we are all sinners. God is requiring us to repent of that sin and live a holy life.

Again, "and such were some of you, but now ye are washed, justified, sanctified and redeemed."

Rev. Bryant J. Williams III

[Truman Show 2]

I was raised not to judge people on their race or sexuality, so I believe that everyone should be treated the same. Medan says that there needs to be a division between the acts and the person, and that “those of contrary inclination” make a good-faith effort not to act on it and try to live as heterosexuals. This tells me that Medan thinks that it is not a sin to be homosexual; it is the act of homosexuality that is the sin. While Christianity will probably never see homosexuality as acceptable, the homosexual lifestyle has become more acceptable in the U.S. with some states allowing gay marriage.

[TheTrumanShow1]

Session 23, “A homosexual's best friend is the Holy One, blessed is he”
I agree with Medan that the act of living a homosexual life is a greater sin or dilemma than the person liking those of the same sex. However I do also believe that every person has a choice in the types of relationships they indulge in. God gave each and every person the gift of free will so that we may follow Him and His laws out of love and not because we have to. Some might believe that they were born gay, but I think that it is an event or series of events that lead to them believing this. Also that it is possible to still live as heterosexuals or to change to not be interested in the same sex anymore. Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things in Him who gives me strength,” so if one doesn’t think they can change, all they have to do is trust completely. If not then they should not act out on their homosexual feelings since it is a sin and goes against the very purpose of God creating one man and one woman in the beginning tocomplete each other. As stated in the article, “A person must stand before the Holy One, blessed is he, with a clean heart, and say:I have done all I can.”

[Shawshank 2]

Homosexuality will always be a controversial topic because of the broad views and opinions society has. However, after generations it could turn out to be a socially accepted issue. If we think about divorce and how many years ago it was heavily frowned upon, but now we don’t look at it as such a big deal. Many people get divorces and it just a way of life. I feel socially accepting the transformation of homosexuality will take a lot longer than divorce but eventually it will happen. This topic is not very cut and dry whatsoever, I know I feel on the fence about many views on homosexuality. I can’t say that if I had a gay friend that I go out and rally with he/she but I would in no way shape or form do anything to humiliate or attack them either.

[Dead man walking 4]

The quote “The best friend bar none of the homosexual - it’s the Holy One, blessed is he” is not accurate at all. This is because the only reason society frowns upon gays and lesbians is the bible and the lord. If there is no verses and passages describing their sexual acts as sins it would completely eliminate the argument of same sex couples. If anything these two sides are enemies not bestfriends.

[Dead Man Walking 6]

I believe that homosexual relationship has begun to accept more and prevalent than it used to be. Some society and religions still do not accept that problem though. In the Bible, a lot of passages talk about how homosexual is an evil and should be punished. Marriages should be between two people with opposite sex. Therefore, many people use this argument to prove their belief that homosexual is wrong. But do they know that people have that problem do not choose to be who they are. In my opinion, I think homosexual is not wrong at all. People should not discriminate against them because they have different view of the relationship. They still a human being and should have the right to live.

[Chariots of Fire 1]

I like what Medan said: “There needs to be an absolute clear-cut division between the act and the person. Blurring this difference could lead us to grievous things.” I do not approve of homosexuality, and God does not either, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t care and love people who are homosexuals. They are still people. Hating them or condemning them isn’t going to solve the issue. That’s just going to push them away. God still loves them, and wants to change them.

[The Truman Show 5]

Were does Medan feel he gets the power to make such a statement that he has.
“to refrain from acting on it, and, if possible, to live as heterosexuals”,
To make such a statement would have to take a lot of courage, though I don’t agree with him. Though I myself am not a homosexual, I have some understanding to what a statement like this could do to a person’s self-esteem. To tell someone that hey must hide their true identity from not only the world but from your spouse, this is completely wrong. Medan said “to live as heterosexuals”, in the context that homosexuals should behave as heterosexuals do. That would include marriage to someone of the opposite sex. I cannot express how much this statement troubles me, and my thoughts towards the people who fight the homosexual community.