|
Homosexuality
|
The
most Conservative view (typically promoted by
the main conservative Christian organizations)
|
The
most Liberal view (typically followed by
religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and
human sexuality researchers)
|
| What
it is? |
Something
that one does; a chosen lifestyle. |
Something
that one is; an unchosen orientation. |
| What
causes it?
|
Poor
parenting sets up the individual. Addiction traps them in the lifestyle.
Demon possession may be involved. |
Genetically
predetermined plus some unknown environmental factor in early childhood |
| At
what age does it become obvious in an individual? |
Teenage
years, after puberty when it is chosen. |
Homosexual
orientation can be detected in pre-school children. |
| Is
it sinful? |
Yes.
It is more serious than many other sins. It endangers the family |
It
is not inherently sinful, if it is safe, consensual and within a
committed relationship. |
| Is
it natural and normal? |
It
is an unnatural, deviant behavior. |
It
is normal and natural, for a minority of humans. |
| What
should a homosexual do? |
Remain
celibate. |
Choose
either celibacy or monogamy with a same-sex partner. |
| God's
attitude |
Loves
the sinner; hates homosexuality which is always sinful. |
Loves
the person; approves of the relationship if it is based on love. |
| Is
it changeable? |
Yes,
through counseling and prayer. But it requires effort because it is so
addictive. |
No.
Sexual orientation is fixed. |
| Is
reparative therapy effective? |
Yes;
an effective method to changing homosexuals into heterosexuals |
It
is a useless, ineffective, and potentially dangerous therapy. |
| Are
anti-discrimination laws beneficial? |
No.
It would grant them special privileges, and encourage more youth to
become gay. |
Yes.
They are a heavily discriminated-against minority in need of protection. |
| What
happens to children of gays and lesbians? |
A
large percentage will become homosexuals. |
The
vast majority of their children will be heterosexual -- apparently more
accepting and less judgmental than average. |
| Should
gays be allowed to marry? |
No.
Gay marriages threaten regular families |
Yes.
To be allowed to marry is a fundamental civil right. |
| Should
gays be eligible for ordination? |
No.
It would be a major lowering of standards. |
Yes.
One's orientation has no bearing on the ability to be a priest, minister
or pastor. |
