Penal Code 377A

Several decades ago homosexuality was rarely mentioned in our society. Viewed as something sinful, sick or illegal (penal code 377A), it was ignored by most heterosexuals, treated by psychiatrists who view it as sexual deviation, and hidden by many people who wanted to keep their homosexual tendencies from becoming known.

Then things began to change. Great numbers of homosexual persons who previously had been silent about their sexual orientation came out of the closet to declare their homosexuality, to form gay organizations, and to demand a stop to government, cultural, and media persecution.

How should we deal with them, as Christian?

The place to begin is with our own attitudes. If we are afraid of homosexuals “homophobia”, joke about them, condemn them, uncritically accept stereotypes, or are unfamiliar with the complexity of homosexuality and its causes, than we will be ineffective in dealing with them. As long as we have negative attitude persist, we are unable to effectively meet their needs.

Sexual orientation should be considered under 3 terms:

• Nature – there may be some hormonal-congenital influences that have a bearing on later sexual orientation. However, there is no solid evidence to support the view that homosexuality has only a physical or biological cause.

• Critical period – Especially in early childhood, experiences will influence the person’s later sexual preferences.

• Nurture – Sexual orientation and behavior will be influenced by nurture, the impact that comes from one’s home and social environment.

To me, there is a strong evidence that homosexuality is primary a learned condition that is affected mildly by genetic or physiological influences. If this is true, then homosexuality can be prevented by providing learning experiences that stimulate heterosexuality. This does not mean that we can give lecture or reading assignment and expect that this will prevent homosexuality. The learning must start with:

• Building Healthy Home environments. Since homosexuality often appears to arise from undesirable parent-child relationships. The church prevents homosexuality when it stimulates biblically base family patterns. Stable homes stimulate healthy heterosexual attitudes in the family members.

• Giving accurate Information about Homosexuality. It is sad to know the condemnation and horror with which so many Christians react to homosexuality. Growing up in such an environment, people learn to fear homosexuals and to suppress any gay tendencies within themselves. Instead of admitting and dealing with one’s same sex preferences, they keeps them hidden. Since they cannot get understanding and help from parents or church, in time they drift toward homosexual groups who are more understanding, accepting, and loving. All implies that’s issues like homosexuality should be discussed in Church instead of being denied or “condemned.

• Developing Healthy Self Concepts. To have a woman, a man must to some extent feel himself a man. If a man feels inadequate or unmasciline, he may seek safe relationship where he does not have to act like a male or prove his maleness.

Just in case, if you are wondering my position regarding homosexuality.

The Bible says little about homosexuality. It is mentioned in only 7 passages, and is relatively brief. Clearly homosexual is never approved, but neither is it single out as being worse than other sins... : o )

When homosexuality is mentioned in the Bible it is mentioned negatively. It is clear that erotic homosexual acts are wrong.

While overt homosexuality is sinful, homosexual tendencies, feelings and desires is nowhere condemned in Scripture, but when we dwell on such thoughts and continually engages in sexual fantasy, either homosexual or heterosexual, than thoughts become lust, and lust is sin.