The behavior of Sodom is found in America today, and that bothers the majority of us. Because we are disturbed by homosexual practices, we are accused of homophobia, which, according to the dictionary, is “unreasoning fear of or antipathy toward homosexuals and homosexuality.” “Antipathy” is “repugnance” or “aversion.” To that definition advocates of the homosexual
lifestyle often add hatred, but aversion to people’s choices does not necessitate hatred. The addition is unjustified. Christians do not hate homosexuals. They are not prejudiced toward homosexuality just because it promotes a position different from theirs. Instead, they are concerned about immorality in any and every form, because God says it ruins precious souls. The practice of homosexuality has no good end, and that is because of God’s will (cf. Rom. 1:24-32; Rev. 21:8). Therefore, when Christians speak against homosexuality, it is not because of any animosity. It is rather, because of love and concern for the souls of men. We want them to live eternally with God, but God will let “nothing unclean” enter heaven, “nor anyone who does what is detestable or false” (cf. Rev. 21:27). This article is written today out of love for the lost, e.g. “men who practice homosexuality” (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
The definition of homophobia says the fear or antipathy is “unreasoning.” If this definition is to be sustained, then our aversion to homosexual practices is not “homophobia,” because it is a reasonable repugnance. The number one definition of “fear” given by dictionary.com is, “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc.” Bible believers have that emotion which is aroused by the ever-present danger that is facing individuals who will not give up the satisfactions of their selfish lusts. Many things threaten moral purity, e.g. adultery, gossip, greed, etc., but homosexuality is immorality of the worst sort. It is unnatural, and those who practice it place themselves under the condemnation of Almighty God! This is not my judgment, therefore, I am not judging anyone. God has spoken, and He is he Judge everyone will ultimately face (cf. John 12:48). We are disturbed by the kind of rebellion that brought down fire from heaven (cf. Gen. 19:23).
It may or may not be “homophobia,” but God’s children have a reasonable fear of homosexuality for at least three more reasons besides the danger facing the souls of those we love. In the next three issues of “The Salem Story,” we hope to explain those reasons in some detail.
–Andy