In the first part of “The Swinging Pendulum,” I discussed extremism and how it affects all aspects of society. I also mentioned how the pendulum is swinging from one extreme to another in viewing racism in America.
Like racism, homosexuality affects a group, a country, and an individual in a similar manner. Targets of slurs, taunts, and physical harm, homosexuals have sought to find acceptance and friendship in a society fiercely protective of its ideals and morals. Unfortunately such ideals are guarded and upheld by imperfect people, whether Christian or not, who often lack the very love and compassion as commanded by Christ himself, and who find themselves quick to find fault in others while ignoring their own sin and disobedience that God plainly sees.
Nevertheless, regarding homosexuality, make no mistake as the Bible is clear in Leviticus 18: 22:
“‘Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; this is detestable.’”
and in 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11, it states:
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor theives nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Now obviously, it takes believing that the Bible really is God’s messages, words, warnings, instructions, and love letters to mankind to accept what Scripture has stated about homosexuality. But for one to simply to choose not to believe in the Bible or to believe it is nonsense written by men does not mean it is. Anyone can refuse to believe anything. But simply believing or not believing has nothing to do with its reality or fallacy. Just consider yourself an ostrich in that case.
So what is a homosexual to do?? What is the extent to which rights are given to homosexuals in a society none too thrilled by its practice?? How should Christians or non-Christians treat homosexuals??
First of all, the Bible is clear that homosexuality was grounds for expulsion, or to be cut off from their fellow people. This isolationist view does paint a somber picture for the life of one who has sex with another of the same gender. But in a world of growing technology, could it be that homosexuality is perhaps a genetic defect, or a chromosomal malfunction, or be the result of some other biological origin rather than a perversion made by choice?? No one can say for sure, but the main thing required is love and compassion. In matters such as these, it is far better to imitate Christ first, and the apostle Paul second, in his letter to the Corinthians.
In 1 Corinthians 5: 12-13, Paul states:
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.
With regard to public policy and rights afforded, it gets complicated. It first must be understood that morality comes from within. It cannot be legislated with full compliance or success. No amount of legislation, laws and regulations can actually change a person’s desire to obey those in authority. With that said, we are seeing the pendulum swinging from one extreme to another in homosexuality, both in terms of the decrees handed down and in the treatment of others.
The gay and lesbian community has made advances in achieving acceptance like never before. Although lines are being drawn in this divisive issue, homosexuals are increasingly finding acceptance in the ink of a governor’s pen.
According to an article at WorldNetDaily.com, California’s Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, just signed into law the outlawing of terms in California schools deemed negative to the gay and lesbian community. What terms are those?? They would be none other than the words “Mom,” “Dad,” and “husband and wife.” In addition, the governor has ordered public schools to allow boys to use girls’ restroom and locker rooms, and vice versa, if they choose, in an attempt to make them feel most comfortable with their own gender identification.
“We are shocked and appalled that the governor has blatantly attacked traditional family values in California,” said Karen England, executive director of Capitol Resource Institute.
“With this decision, Gov. Schwarzenegger has told parents that their values are irrelevant. Many parents will have no choice but to pull their children out of the public schools that have now become sexualized indoctrination centers.”
There is no other way to say it. Gov. Schwarzenegger’s utter lack of good judgement for all has waned in favor of incompetence and political pressure and correctness. Therefore his lack of vision and his gross gubernatorial shortsightedness places his decision front and center before King Solomon’s Court. (Keep in mind, that not on trial here is his effort to help people find acceptance. People of all backgrounds and lifestyles are to be judged by God, but it is his particular response to the problems at hand which is now being addressed.)
To ban the terms “Mom” and “Dad,” and “husband and wife” in public school is ridiculous in its most elementary form. It is profoundly absurd and has opened up a universe of problems in allowing boys to use girls’ restrooms and girls to use boys’ restrooms. Does he honestly think only gays and lesbians are going to “identify” with one restroom or locker room of the opposite sex?? And you thought the Catholic Church was a breeding ground for sexually immorality. Now, all one has to do is claim to be gay, and they’re in, no questions asked.
What clearly is needed here, as in any case, is balance – balance in good judgement, ideas, and acceptance for all. With strong leadership across the board focused on ideals and compassion, it can be achieved. Instead, we have a swinging pendulum, showing the way to a newly acceptable extremism, not the traditional extremism of a Judeo-Christian past, but of an extremism of relative truth, political correctness, and of the morally void present.
