Why the Church is Losing the Debate on Homosexuality

From where I sit, the American church is losing the cultural debate over homosexuality.  With the current precedents being set by courts around the country, and the beliefs of the generations in their teens and twenties, I estimate gay marriage will cease to be an issue in less than 10 years.

Why has the tide turned?  I see several reasons why the church has lost ground on this issue.

Hypocrisy:  The American church let sin slip in by failing to address sexual purity - from heterosexuals.  Instead of railing against heterosexual promiscuity, the church has ignored it.  However, the church has tried to paint homosexual sex as the ultimate evil.  God views sin as sin.  One is not greater than another.  Any sin keeps us from God and requires Christ blood to purify it.

By failing to address sexual impurity, the church put self into a box.  God isn't against sex.  He's against sex outside of marriage, which is defined by one man and one woman.


Emotional Issues:  With the publicity surrounding shows like Ellen and Glee, homosexuals have put a human face on the issue.  Many people who in the past would have kept quiet about their sexuality are boldly proclaiming it.

As more church-goers know those who identify themselves as homosexual, there is a reluctance to address the issue.  It is never easy to talk to a friend about sins in our life or their life.   The cost of the confrontation is tension and a loss of relationship.


Failure to Follow Christ's Commands:    Jesus wants us to love others as ourselves.  We are not excused from failing to love sinners or those different from us.  But in the area of homosexuality, Christians have tried to shun gays.  Perhaps it is fear, but we have failed to reach out to the gay community with compassion and love.  Instead of leading the compassionate charge in addressing AIDS and other issues, the church is perceived as not caring.


Popular Opinion:  The "science" says that homosexuality is the way people are made.  And maybe it is.  But it is also a choice people can make, just like a person can choose to steal or not, or to lose their temper and strike someone.  We don't give those people a pass, but we will give people a pass on sexual practices.  The church has failed to point this double standard out.

I'm sure that there are other reasons why the church is losing ground on the homosexuality front.  But unless the church takes an honest look at itself, apologizes for its past mistakes, it will continue to lose the battle in the heart and mind of the public.