Editorial: A Christian response to anti-gay laws
In the U.S., an increasing number of states are legalizing same-sex marriage. Sixteen countries have legalized it nationwide, including Canada, South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and New Zealand, the Associated Press reports. The trend disturbs those of us who hold steadfastly to the biblical truth that God’s plan for marriage is one man and one woman.
Meanwhile, in other countries, gay rights advocates decry newly passed “anti-gay” laws. Russia’s recent measure against homosexual propaganda, enacted just before the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, is an oft-cited example.
That law pales in comparison to others. A recently signed Nigerian law sets a 10-year prison term for joining any organization that promotes gay rights.
At least 76 countries retain laws criminalizing homosexuality, the AP reports. In five countries, it’s punishable by death.
‘We should not condone … any vague, nearly unenforceable measure that could result in … the violation of basic human rights.’Followers of Christ should not condone — even by silence — any vague, nearly unenforceable measure that could result in targeting, harassment and the violation of the basic human rights of any person.
While we always stand with Scripture in opposition to sin, we must also distinguish between the sin and the sinner. Jesus did.
We should uphold — for all people — the principle of fairness that our Savior practices as he calls a lost and dying world to reconciliation with the divine.
As we pray that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven, it is imperative that we teach our children personal morality and purity. That includes the permanence and sanctity of marriage.
That also includes respect for all people — even those with whom we disagree. As disciples of Christ, we are for freedom to worship everywhere. We are for freedom of speech everywhere.
And we are for freedom from tyranny — everywhere.
Meanwhile, in other countries, gay rights advocates decry newly passed “anti-gay” laws. Russia’s recent measure against homosexual propaganda, enacted just before the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, is an oft-cited example.
That law pales in comparison to others. A recently signed Nigerian law sets a 10-year prison term for joining any organization that promotes gay rights.
At least 76 countries retain laws criminalizing homosexuality, the AP reports. In five countries, it’s punishable by death.
‘We should not condone … any vague, nearly unenforceable measure that could result in … the violation of basic human rights.’Followers of Christ should not condone — even by silence — any vague, nearly unenforceable measure that could result in targeting, harassment and the violation of the basic human rights of any person.
While we always stand with Scripture in opposition to sin, we must also distinguish between the sin and the sinner. Jesus did.
We should uphold — for all people — the principle of fairness that our Savior practices as he calls a lost and dying world to reconciliation with the divine.
As we pray that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven, it is imperative that we teach our children personal morality and purity. That includes the permanence and sanctity of marriage.
That also includes respect for all people — even those with whom we disagree. As disciples of Christ, we are for freedom to worship everywhere. We are for freedom of speech everywhere.
And we are for freedom from tyranny — everywhere.
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