June is Pride Month, and during this time, there is a lot of discussion about whether homosexuality, among other things, is a choice or is dictated by biological processes. I believe that question to be irrelevant. It starts from the premise that nontraditional sexuality is wrong and can only be proven not to be if somehow there is no choice in the matter.
Let us begin, instead, from the premise that it is not wrong. There are, no doubt, those among you who want to begin bringing out Bible verses to refute that. First, let me say that you cannot pull anything from the Old Testament without condemning yourself in the process. If you have ever eaten a cheeseburger or shrimp, have ever worn a polycotton blend, or talked back to your parents, you are guilty under the law (especially since you have missed sacrificing on all the Days of Atonement you have been alive). Second, you might try and give me passages in the New Testament where it seems homosexuality is condemned. I could argue their context and interpretation with you, but I am not going to waste my time; you would not believe me anyway.
No, instead I assert that principles outweigh specifics. This is, after all, how we judge laws in this nation, right? We have a principle of Freedom of Religion: if a specific law hinders that, it is deemed to be unjust. Thus, too, our understanding of Biblical Principles versus potential specific verses. Here now are the principles:
- Respect the Image of God that is in all people. First, do not kill them, but also do not abuse them; do not take away their free will without just cause, do not slander them or mistreat them, do not lie to them, and do not treat them as lesser than you, for as much as you do to any person, you have also done to Christ.
- You are to defend and protect those who are weak, those who are different from you, and those who are outcast, for God loved you when you were weak and a stranger and outcast.
- Love one another even as Christ loves you, that is, to the point of death.
- Judge none, for with whatever standard you apply to others, it will also be applied to you.
Love. Respect. Acceptance. These are not new ideas. They are not part of “woke” or “PC” culture. They are Biblical Principles. Yes, LGBTQ+ need to be out and loud, for in silence there is oppression and danger. They need to be visible and vocal to protect those who are out and those who are not. If you are not LGBTQ+, I guarantee you know someone who is, even if you are unaware of it. Be accepting and supporting, and it is OK to ask how to do that. Admit you want to be a better ally, the word that is in vogue but really just means “decent human being,” but are unsure of how. Do not misrepresent yourself or your beliefs. Stand up against oppression. Be ready to admit fault. Most of all, remember that this is not about you. It is not about how you feel or what you have experienced. It is about the other person. You are just there to support, and like the beams that hold up your roof, you should support and not draw attention to yourself.