Expert: Eleanor Edwards - 3/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: I've learned in church that homosexuality is a sin, which made sense. But then in my psychology textbook, it says that it is caused only by genes, not a choice of any kind, and that there are even gay animals. So I just don't know what to think right now, so I was hoping maybe you could help me?

Thanks for reading!
--Emily

ANSWER: Hi Emily,
Thanks for your question but boy, it's a tricky one because you're right, the bible does teach that homosexuality is a sin. But then when you see people who are so obviously homosexual, I can understand why your psychology textbook would suggest it's a genetic thing.

But whilst homosexuality is a sin, so is lying, stealing, murder and being rude to ones parents! I don't believe God sees sins as little sins and big sins, sin is sin. You only have to sin once for you to be unholy and unfit for an eternity with God in heaven.

That's why God's gift of Jesus is so special and precious because by dying on the cross, Jesus took the punishment for all the sins I have ever committed and all the sins I am yet to commit. I try on a daily basis, with God's help, to live by the motto "Be holy because I am holy, says the Lord" and every day I fail Him in some way.

I know the church likes to battle over the sinfulness or otherwise of homosexuality but personally I prefer not to enter the arena. I am not a homosexual but I have plenty of other sins I'm not proud of.

Are you asking this question because you think you might be gay or just because you were interested in such an apparent contradiction between church and your studies?

And where are you at with Jesus stuff because that's the most important thing you will ever learn. I've been reminded this week that our place here on earth is for just a heartbeat of time. We are passing through. But where we're passing through to is vitally important. Does that make sense?

Sorry I can't give you a definitive answer Emily but if there's anything you'd like me to try and explain more, feel free to ask another question or send me an e-mail. I'll include my address at the bottom.

I have to ask one last question if I may, if your church is teaching about the sin of homosexuality, is it also teaching about how Jesus is the cure for all sin?

I look forward to hearing more.

In His love and service,
Eleanor x
eleanor@eleanoredwards.co.uk

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for answering me and being interested! No, I'm not asking because I think I might be gay, I know that I'm not. The reason I ask is because I was interested in the contradiction, but also because I sometimes feel bad for the people who are fighting so strongly for their rights  such as marriage. They always say how judged and inferior they feel, and I wish they wouldn't have to feel that way. Sometimes I want to support them, but not if it's wrong.

I love and believe in Jesus more than anything, and I really just want to do what God wants me to. I know people say to "accept the person but not the sin," but sometimes I find it hard not to accept all of it.

My church hasn't taught anything about the sin of homosexuality for a while now, but often I'm reminded of how Jesus is the cure for all sin.

Answer
Hi Emily,
Thanks for the follow-up. I can totally understand you feeling bad for people when they talk of how judged and inferior they are made to feel by the church. It is, I believe, one of the church's biggest errors. The church is not there to judge, it is there to love as Jesus loved.

Have a look at John chapter 8. The 'church' of the day were condemning the lady for being in adulterous relationships. They brought her to Jesus. Jesus told them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." They all left.

I believe it is totally acceptable for you to feel compassion for people who are fighting for the right to be treated with respect. You don't have to agree with what someone is doing to be able to empathize.

As for doing what God wants you to do, that's brilliant. It took me 30 years to get to that place! I would encourage you to give this all to God. Each day, follow Paul's advise at the start of Romans 12 and offer yourself to God as His servant. Tell Him you'll do whatever He wants you to do that day, He just has to ask.

And tell Him when you're struggling to love someone. If you ask Him to, God can give you more unconditional love.

The most important thing is to start and keep talking to Him off and on throughout the day.

I hope that helps some Emily and please keep in touch, I'd love to hear how your journey with God is going.

In His love,
Eleanor x
allexperts@eleanoredwards.co.uk