1 1 What is Homosexuality and is

1

1. What is Homosexuality and is its causes? 2. The Gay’s Agenda for Society, the Law, the Church 3. What does the Bible Say about Homosexuality ? 4. The Bible: Liberal Views vs. Traditional views 5. How can we help others trapped in homosexuality? 6. Conclusion 2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

The Gay Agenda Through a carefully created, decades-old propaganda campaign, homosexual activists have successfully cast homosexuals as a disadvantaged minority. They have repackaged and sold to the public, behaviors which for thousands of years of history, every major world religion and uncompromising human biology have long identified as immoral and sexually deviant. 11

The Gay Agenda – The Goal At its core is a concentrated effort to remove from society all traditional notions of sexual morality and replace them with the postmodern concept of sexual relativism. In other words all sexual appetites are equal and when it comes to sex there is no right or wrong. “If it feels good do it. ” 12

The Gay Agenda – The Plan of Attack Demand a comprehensive acceptance of homosexual conduct – by force of law through federal edicts Capture special protected “minority” status to those with deviant sexual preferences and changeable sexual behaviors Order that homosexuality be not only tolerated but also celebrated Hijack the language of the civil rights movement and disingenuous rhetoric of “tolerance” and “diversity” Brand conservative Christians as “homophobic” and “discriminatory and “hate mongers” 13

1972 Gay Rights Platform 1987 Gay March on Washington The Gay Agenda – The Plan of Attack I. II. “Repeal all laws governing the age of sexual consent” “Repeal all legislative provisions that restrict either the sex or number of persons entering into a marriage unit” III. “The government must provide protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, public accommodations and education just a protection is provided on race, creed, color, sex, or national origin. ” IV. “Anti-homophobic curriculum in the schools” (teaching children that “alternative” sexual “orientation” is acceptable. V. “The government shall ensure all public education programs include programs designed to combat lesbian/gay prejudice. Institutions that discriminate against lesbian and gay people should be denied tax-exempt status and federal funding. 14

Use “Hate Crimes” laws to punish all who don’t accept their position The Gay Agenda – The Plan of Attack v Ocean Grove Campground a Christian organization in New Jersey’s lost is tax-exempt status in 2007 because the organization refused to rent its facilities to a lesbian couple for a civil commitment ceremony v In 2007 a Massachusetts father was arrested because he would not leave the school when the Kindergarten class was indoctrinating his child on homosexuality and would not let him opt out his child v In 2005 a Swedish minister was sentenced to jail for preaching about homosexuality from the new Testament book of Romans 15

Use “Hate Crimes” laws to punish all who don’t accept their position The Gay Agenda – The Plan of Attack v In 2006 Catholic Charities stopped doing adoption work rather then place children with Same Sex Couples v In 2004, eleven Christians were arrested in Philadelphia and charged with a hate crime for preaching the Bible at a public homosexual street festival. They could have served up to 47 years in prison v A Christian photographer in New Mexico was taken before the Human Rights Division for refusing to photograph a “commitment ceremony” for a lesbian couple. 16

The Gay Agenda – The Plan of Attack Clinton Fein, a noted homosexual activist addressed the Gay agenda in a 2005 article aptly titled “The Gay Agenda” v “Hate crimes are just the beginning. Once passed in all 50 states we’ll begin campaigning to eliminate homophobia entirely” v “Homophobic inclinations alone, even without any actions should be criminal and punishable to the full extent of the law. ” v “Make sure that a gay presence permeates every level of governance” v “Demand that the institution of marriage is destroyed. James Dobson was right about our 17

The Gay Agenda – The Plan of Attack Kirk and Madsen in their book “After the Ball: how America will conquer it Fear and Hatred of Gays in the 90’s” laid out a 3 prong approach which has become a hand book for the gay agenda • Desensitization • Jamming • Conversion In other words: Portray gays as victims, Give potential protectors a just cause, Make gays look good and victimizers look bad. 18

The Gay Agenda – Desensitization Glamorize and normalize homosexual conduct in our public schools Create Block buster movies portraying homosexual heroes like: “Philadelphia”, “Brokeback Mountain” and create Homosexual television shows with characters like: Will and Grace, Ellen, Six Feet Under Homosexual characters on TV 1961 -1970 = 1 1971 -1980 = 58 1981 -1990 = 89 1991 -2000 = 341 2001 - 2008 = 450 2009 Fall line up will have 2 X the number of gay and bisexual characters in prime-time series then 2008 19

The Gay Agenda – Jamming refers to the public smearing of Christians, Traditionalists or anyone else who opposes the Gay Agenda Kirk & Madsen wrote, ” wherever possible associate those who oppose homosexuality with “Nazi horror” & the “Klu Klux Klan” “To win over the public, gays must be portrayed as victims in need of protection” Create marketing spin by cleverly crafting jamming words like: “homophobe”, “hetrosexism”, and “hatemongor” Portray conservative churches as “badly out of step”, “antiquated backwaters” 20

The Gay Agenda – Conversion “Conversion means the conversion of the average American’s emotions, mind and will through a planned psychological attack. Downplay the imagery of sex and reduce gay rights to an abstract social question as much as possible. ” “in order to achieve widespread acceptance of “gayness” remove the focus of what homosexuality really is - and shift into the craftily manufactured specter of ‘gay civil rights. ’” “Most people are repulsed with the mechanics of homosexuality but everyone if for civil rights. Of course the gay lifestyle has nothing to do with civil rights and everything to do with conduct. There in lies the deception. ” 21

The Gay Agenda - Attack on the Law • Gay activists wage a war on our laws though this message: “Homosexuals are an oppressed, disadvantaged “minority” with an “orientation” identity as innate and fixed as African. Americans’ and Hispanics’ – gays deserve special legal status and privileges under civil rights law equal to those of granted to traditional minorities like these. ” • This message is crafted and tailored to meet three “criteria” established by our courts and civil rights authorities in awarding special “protected” or “suspect” status to disadvantaged minority classes. 22

The Gay Agenda - Attack on the Law Criterion 1: Averaged as a whole group, the class must have suffered a history of societal oppression evidenced by lack of ability to obtain economic mean income, adequate education or cultural opportunity. Which might make sense until you realize 23

The Gay Agenda - Attack on the Law • Numerous marketing surveys show gays as perhaps Americas most affluent self-identified “subculture” • Average income for Gays is approximately 3. 5 times the national average • 3 times as many gays go to college as the average citizen • 65% of gays are travel overseas vs. 14% average Americans 24

The Gay Agenda - Attack on the Law Criterion 2: Averaged as a whole group, specially protected classes should exhibit obvious, innate, immutable or distinguishing characteristics, like Race, Color, Gender, National Origin, or Disability that clearly defines then as a discrete group. But 25

• Gay activists claim incorrectly that 10% of the population is gay (Kinsey’s 1948) but Kinsey has been discredited and only 2. 3% of American men have reported homosexual activity in the last 10 years. • The claim that “gayness” in inborn and unchangeable is untrue: current research shows that gays can and do change their sexual orientation. (84% shifted at least once in a lifetime, 32% at least 2 shifts, and 13% at least 5 shifts during their lifetime ) • In anonymous surveys less then 40 years ago almost no homosexuals answering said they were “born homosexual” • Studies of twins raised apart show no basis to assume genetic origins for homosexuality 26

The Gay Agenda - Attack on the Law Criterion 3: Specially protected classes should clearly demonstrate political powerlessness Which seems reasonable unless you know that 27

• Gay activists have in recent years demonstrated enormous political clout with high-pressured lobbying tactics to a position of almost irresistible influence • Politics responds to money and The Human Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF) is the 39 th largest PAC in the United States • Gay militants raised $3. 5 million for Bill Clinton’s campaign • Gay activists use the “Victory Fund” to empower openly gay candidates • According to the Washington DC Convention and Visitors Association the 1993 “March on Washington” spent more then $177 million. More than any other single event in history 28

History of Same Sex marriage, Civil Unions, Registered Partnerships 1970 - Jack Baker & Michael Mc. Connell apply for a marriage license in MN 1989 - Denmark - RP 1993 – Norway- CU 1995 – Sweden- RP, Hungary -RP 1996 – Iceland- CU 1998 – Netherlands- CU 1999 – France- RP 2000 – The Netherlands- SSM 2001 – Finland, Germany, and Portugal approve same sex partnerships 2002 – Argentina- CU, Belgium -SSM, Canada -SSM, 2003 – Croatia- CU 2004 – Luxemburg -CU, Israel -CU, New Zealand -CU, South Africa -CU, United Kingdom-CU, 2005 – Uganda -SSM, Latvia- SSM, Spain- SSM, Connecticut - CU, 2006 – Mexico -CU, Slovenia -CU, New Jersey -CU, 2007 – Colombia -CU, New Hampshire -CU, Oregon -RP 2008 – Connecticut -SSM, Maryland -RP, California -SSM, Ireland –CU Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson joined in a Civil Union 29

The Gay Agenda against the Church First we need to realize that the version of the Bible we read might effect our discernment of certain topics. While all versions of the bible claim an attempt to remain faithful to either the literal meaning or the intent of the author, the Bible version you read may can have a big impact on your understanding of any given passage. Different translators use different words in conveying an author’s thoughts. Second we need to understand how the Radical Gay Agenda will freely use any version that is easiest to twist for their purpose. Consider the example of two Greek words Malakoi and Arsenokoitai found in 1 Corinthians 6: 9 30

The Gay Agenda against the Church King James Version (KJV) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, New International Version (NIV) Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders , nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. Young' s Literal Translation (YNG) have ye not known that the unrighteous the reign of God shall not inherit? be not led astray; neither whoremongers, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor sodomites, 31

The Gay Agenda against the Church English Standard Version (ESV) Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality The Jerusalem Bible (TJB) 2008 Do you not realize that people who do evil will never inherit the kingdom of God? Make no mistake -- the sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, the selfindulgent, sodomites, (2007) The Jerusalem Bible (TJB) 1967 You know perfectly well that people who do wrong will not inherit the kingdom of God: people of immoral lives, idolaters, adulterers, catamites, sodomites, Catamite = a boy kept by a pederast; Pederast = a man who practices pederasty; Pederasty = Sexual relations between a man and a boy 32

Radical Christians Vs Traditional Christians Factor The Bible's authority Creation stories Radical View The Bible was written by authors who were intent on promoting their own religious and spiritual beliefs. The writers lived in a pre-scientific age, which treated slavery, genocide, mass murder, and the oppression of women as acceptable behaviors. Since meaningful scientific study of sexual orientation did not begin until circa 1950 CE, biblical authors had little or no awareness of the topic. When the Bible and science disagree, we have to give major weighting to the findings of human sexuality researchers. Most interpret the creation story in Genesis as composed of myths derived from earlier Middle Eastern pagan writings. Some do not accept that the story implies the fall of humanity. Traditional View The Bible was written by authors who were directly inspired by God. Thus their writings are seen as inerrant -- completely free of error as originally written. The Bible as the actual Word of God and is the prime source of all religious, spiritual and moral truth. Whenever the Bible and science disagree, the former must be right. They interpret the Garden of Eden story in the book of Genesis as indicating the fall of humanity into sin. They view homosexual 33 behavior as one manifestation of that sin.

Radical Christians Vs Traditional Christians Factor Radical View Traditional View Basis of study Radical theologians generally look for applicable biblical themes, like those advocating justice, love, monogamy, caring, commitment, etc. Conservative theologians typically look for proof texts -- passages that clearly and directly deal with the topic. Basis of truth What the authors of the Bible meant + what church tradition says + what reason and science tell us + what personal experience informs us. "Sola Scriptura" -- solely the Bible. God's expectations Christians should be open to the Holy Spirit teaching the need for change. This has Christians should follow the Bible, God's happened in the past over matters like word. It is the source of absolute truth, is slavery and the role of women. It is fixed and unchangeable. happening now over equal rights for those 34 with a homosexual orientation.

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? • Genesis 19: 4 -11 • Leviticus 18: 19 -22 • Leviticus 20: 10 -14 • Romans 1: 24 -27 • 1 Corinthians 6: 9 -10 • 1 Timothy 1: 10 • Jude 1: 7 -8 35

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? Genesis 19: 4 -11 NKJV 4: Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. 5: And they called to Lot and said to him, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them [carnally]. “ 6: So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, 7: and said, "Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! 8: See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof. “ 9: And they said, "Stand back!" Then they said, "This one came in to stay [here], and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them. " So they pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break down the door. 10: But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. 11: And they struck the men who [were] at the doorway of the house with blindness, 36 both small and great, so that they became weary [trying] to find the door.

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? Genesis 19: 4 -11 Radical View Although Sodom and Gomorrah are widely recognized as symbols of immorality this passage can not be construed as condemning loving committed relationships. The sin displayed in this story is about gang rape. Also Ezekiel 16: 49 describes the sin of Sodom as “pride, excess food, Prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. ” Sodomites were condemned because they were serving alien gods as part of the Canaanite fertility cult. Traditional View Sodom and Gomorrah are widely recognized as symbols of immorality and shamelessness; the judgment of God falls on such immorality. The word Sodomite has become, in the English language, a synonym for one who engages in homosexuality. This passage associates same-sex relationships with evil desire deserving of God’s most severe judgment. 37

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? Leviticus 18: 19 -24 NKJV 19: 'Also you shall not approach a woman to uncover her nakedness as long as she is in her [customary] impurity. 20: Moreover you shall not lie carnally with your neighbor's wife, to defile yourself with her. 21: And you shall not let any of your descendants pass through [the fire] to Molech, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I [am] the LORD. 22: You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It [is] an abomination. 23: Nor shall you mate with any animal, to defile yourself with it. Nor shall any woman stand before an animal to mate with it. It [is] perversion. 24: 'Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these the nations are defiled, which I am casting out before you. 38

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? Leviticus 18: 19 -24 Radical View The author is addressing the sin of using another person or animal to meet one’s own selfish sexual needs. This is part of the purity regulations designed to keep holy Israel separate from unholy Canaan. The Christian Church no longer takes purity codes literally. For example Leviticus 20: 9 says 'For everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death…” Either we take all verses literally or none. One can not willy-nilly pick and choose which verses to take seriously and which ones to not take seriously. Traditional View This passage clearly states that homosexual intercourse is an abomination and a perversion as bad as bestiality. There is no passage in the Bible clearer then “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It [is] an abomination. This is a direct commandment prohibiting homosexual unions. Including loving same sex relationships 39

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? Leviticus 20: 10 -14 NKJV 10: The man who commits adultery with [another] man's wife, [he] who commits adultery with his neighbor's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress, shall surely be put to death. 11: The man who lies with his father's wife has uncovered his father's nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death. Their blood [shall be] upon them. 12: If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death. They have committed perversion. Their blood [shall be] upon them. 13: If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood [shall be] upon them. 14: If a man marries a woman and her mother, it [is] wickedness. They shall be burned with fire, both he and they, that there may be no wickedness among you. 40

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? Leviticus 20: 10 -14 Radical View A literal interpretation of this passage would require the death penalty for homosexual intercourse, even for those who are in loving, committed relationships. Does the church wish seriously to propose this? Then we have to follow other purity rules like - those born of an illicit union shall not be admitted … even to the tenth generation. No Ammonite or Moabite shall be admitted… even to the tenth generation. Levitical prohibitions fit squarely in the same Old Testament purity concern that Jesus condemns in the new Testament Traditional View This passage says that Homosexual intercourse is an abomination worthy of the death penalty for both partners. This passage clearly calls homosexual intercourse and abomination and the persons who engage in such acts must be held accountable for his actions. 41

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? Romans 1: 24 -27 NKJV 24: Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25: who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26: For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27: Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 42

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? Romans 1: 24 -27 Radical View Paul’s main concern is the proper relation between creator and man. Pederasty is condemned because it’s the domination of one over another. Homosexuality is treated not as one of the sins of the gentiles but as one of the consequences of the root of their sin – letting the true God be their God. We can all agree that it is morally wrong whenever sexuality expresses itself as: • a surrender to one’s own lust, or • an exploitation of another person, or • a misappropriation of God’s creation Traditional View Here Paul is equating homosexuality with ungodliness, wickedness, and idolatry. This wickedness expresses itself in a perverse confusion between creation (us) and creator (God). Paul makes no distinction between abusive, hierarchical homosexuality (pederasty) and “loving” homosexuality, because he denies that such a thing exists, although ancient writings clearly demonstrate that homosexual orientation existed. 43

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? 1 Corinthians 6: 9 -10 NKJV 6: 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, [fn] nor sodomites, 6: 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 44

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? 1 Corinthians 6: 9 -10 Radical View The two Greek words Malakoi and Arsenokoitai are translated here as homosexual and sodomite. In fact, Malakoi means “effeminate” and is the word used for call boys whom the arsenokoitai took to bed. Paul is again merely talking about abusive exploitive relationships as one example of the sort of immorality Christians used to be guilty of and should now avoid. We all agree that no one should be exploited. Traditional View This passage suggest that homosexual activity belongs to the unredeemed, pre. Christian life and that it has no part in the life of a born again Christian. The passage admittedly is not about homosexuality as such, but it is about immorality of which homosexuality is an example. 45

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? 1 Timothy : 8 -10 NKJV 1: 8 But we know that the law [is] good if one uses it lawfully, 1: 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for [the] lawless and insubordinate, for [the] ungodly and for sinners, for [the] unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 1: 10 fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 46

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? 1 Timothy : 8 -10 Radical View The Bible is silent on consensual sexual activity within a committed relationship, Condemnations found against sex outside of marriage made sense in biblical times because it was a pre-scientific age, contraceptive techniques were unavailable. Safe, consensual, non-exploitative sex between mature persons can be moral if it is genuine and spiritually elevating. Homosexuals should be encouraged to seek relationships that are loving and constructive Traditional View The list of sins in verses 10 -11 is allencompassing and bears unmistakable resemblance to the Ten Commandments: honor your father and your mother, you shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. The bible is consistent; homosexuality is on a par with murdering one’s parents. Homosexuality is a profound sin which will prevent a person from attaining heaven. 47

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? Jude 1: 7 -8 NKJV 1: 7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 1: 8 Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. 48

Where does the Bible talk about Homosexuality? Jude 1: 7 -8 Radical View Although Sodom and Gomorrah are widely recognized as symbols of immorality this passage can not be construed as condemning loving committed relationships. The sin displayed in this story is about gang rape. Also Ezekiel 16: 49 describes the sin of Sodom as “pride, excess food, Prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. ” Sodomites were condemned because they were serving alien gods as part of the Canaanite fertility cult. Traditional View The sin of Sodom was Homosexuality. And this letter from Jude clearly states that, “Just as Sodom and Gomorra and the surrounding cities, which likewise acted immorally and indulged in unnatural lust serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire 49

What did the Church Fathers Say? 50

What did the Church Fathers Say? Clement of Alexandria [150 -215] In his book "The Instructor", he laments homosexual acts. He gives three reasons: (a) He feels sympathy for those who are seduced, abused, and misused. He objects to the practice of holding youth in slavery to satisfy the perverted pleasure of the rich. (b) The behavior pattern of homosexuality is considered contrary to nature. (c) It is a undesirable, outgrowth of excessive desire for the luxurious and the sensuous. Origen [185 -254] Origen alluded to homosexuality in his book "On Prayer". He proposed that God does not give us over to temptation with the intent that we should succumb. If persons persist in sinful activities, they become ensnared by their sin, exchanging the glory of the immortal God for an image made to look like mortal man. " And thus being of a "depraved mind“ they turn to sexual and exploitation. 51

Athanasius [296 -373] In his book "Against the Heathen", he analyzed pagan theologies and analyzed the behavior which became controlled by unreasonable passions and pleasures; people were unable to perceive the possibility of any other life style. Those not satisfied with their physical and social roles used this theology as permission for their licentiousness, including homosexuality, which Athanasius described by quoting Romans 1: 26 -27. St. Augustine [354 -430] "As persons become involved in the great abomination of fornication or homosexuality, they cannot think or attend to anything else. That individual eventually becomes a captive of violence, lust and carnality. He or she becomes a slave to the body. This preoccupation drives out the proper reason for being - that is, to function as the temple of the Spirit of God. When this temple is defiled by sin, it is abandoned by God, and mankind is left to his unworthy preoccupation. ” St. Basil the Great In his book "God is not the author of evil" he said that homosexuality is an "ignominious life style which changes the natural processes into those which are unnatural". This in turn reduced the glory of God in man to the level of the animals. It is not to this end that man was created in the image of God. The acts of God and of those devoted to Him are to be in harmony with nature and with the concerns of the gospel. 52

How can we respond to those who are trapped in a homosexual lifestyle? Real Life questions and Real Life Answers 53

Question: Answer: I think I’m attracted to others of the same sex. Does that mean that I’m gay? Not at all. A person can feel like being physically close and affectionate with someone without ever doing anything sexual. Most people don’t decide to have these feelings but can decide not to act on them. 54

Question: I am attracted to others of the same sex, will I ever be attracted to member of the opposite sex? Answer: Yes. One study found that 26% of all 7 th graders where not sure if they were gay, but only 2 -3% of adults think of themselves as gay. 84% of all gays shifted their sexual orientation at least once during their lifetime, 32% at least 2 times and 13% shifted their sexual orientation at least 5 times in their life 55

Question: I have strong sexual feelings for the same sex. Shouldn’t I embrace those feelings? Answer: Sex hormones are very active and strong in teenagers but they are not very focused. As you get older you will better understand those feeling and urges. In fact surveys on sexual enjoyment show that committed Christians have the highest satisfaction over all other groups 56

Question: Answer: What can I do instead of embracing the Gay lifestyle? Remember to develop other talents and interests. While sexual adjustment is important so are career, school and hobbies. And even if you have temptations you can choose not to act on them. Homosexual thoughts become habitual. Avoid further contact and avoid pornography. Consider joining a Christian support group. Pray and ask for Gods mercy 57

Question: Answer: Aren’t people attracted to the same sex born that way? While some scientists who study DNA believe that genes control sexual feelings, no gay gene has been found. We do know that some individuals become orientated at such an early age they think they are born that way. We know also know that Homosexuality is a learned behavior developed by an initial experience followed by same sex thought patterns followed by more 58 experience

Question: Isn’t it society’s disapproval of homosexual behavior that causes higher rates of mental health problems in homosexuals? Answer: Not necessarily. The Netherlands is one of the most gay accepting countries in the world and yet, gays in The Netherlands have significantly higher incidents of depression and mental health issues then heterosexuals in The Netherlands 59

Question: Answer: Can someone change their sexual attraction from Gay to straight? Yes many people have changed from Gay to straight. Some have changed with support of the Church and some have changed without any attempt to change. One study found that 78% of gays surveyed after 5 years changed their sexual orientation. Of those who changed orientation 45% were clinically depressed when first surveyed and only 3% were clinically depressed after changing orientation 60

Question: Answer: What if my teenager says he’s gay? Don’t argue! Disagreements over morality and behavior challenge all families. Remain secure in your faith. While loving your child you don’t have to accept their choices. Assure your child that your love for them is separate from your concern over homosexuality. Remind your child that 75% of all teen boys who think they are gay at 16 do not think they are gay at 25. 61

Question: What if my adult child says he’s gay? Answer: You have little control over the actions of your adult child, how you react is key. Ask yourself how you would react if your child was involved in a sinful heterosexual relationship. Remind yourself that we all sin. Be loving but do not allow homosexual behavior in your household. Pray for them and if possible pray with them. Keep a list of therapists and organizations handy. Become Expert in this field 62

Question: Homosexuals aren’t hurting anyone. Who cares if someone is gay? In the past 40 years society has changed its views on homosexuality. People were told that homosexuality was inborn, genetic, unchangeable. Psychologists taught us that 10% of the population was gay and that changing them was wrong. Today we know the truth. Encouraging an individual to remain homosexual might cause depression, self-loathing and thoughts of suicide. We do not need to accept the pressure tactics of a well funded vocal minority. There is nothing “gay” about the homosexual lifestyle. Answer: 63

Question: What is reparative therapy? Answer: Reparative therapy is a counseling approach that has the goal of redirecting sexual attraction from homosexual to heterosexual attraction. The counselor helps a person toward healthy non-sexual relationships with same sex peers. Although the results can be impressive, the approach can not be used with all people 64

65

Together we’ve looked at: ü The definition of homosexuality ü The causes of homosexuality ü The Gay Agenda’s tactics for society and the law ü What the Bible says about homosexuality ü What the Church fathers said about homosexuality ü How to answer those who are confused over the issue 66

As with all moral issues, our beliefs about our origin determine our attitude. If we believe that we arose from slime by a combination of random events plus the struggle for survival, it’s understandable to say that there is no higher authority then man, and that we make our own rules. However, if as we believe, there is a loving God who planned each of us and gave commands to follow and rules to live by, then we must do so. God has set forth His standards in the Bible, beginning with the foundational teaching in the book of Genesis. 67

68

Here are the results of a the survey May 2008 Nov 2003 Favor 38% 30% Oppose 49% 62% Unsure 13% 8% There are many bible verses that deal with homosexuality but one has only to read Leviticus 18: 22 to understand God’s intent. When the Lord was asked for a sign of his second coming he told them “iniquity will abound” ( MT 24: 12) This preoccupation with homosexuality is one phase of declining morality 69

70

Gay Churches like The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC), or Homosexual religious leaders like England’s Bishop John Robinson or New Hampshire’s Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson are an embarrassment to Christianity. In our Orthodox understanding, salvation is not static but dynamic, it is not a completed state. Homosexuality is a sin and therefore anyone who practices it – AND DOES NOT REPENT is not saved - he or she is against salvation. We believe that the two terms, "gay" and "Christian" are mutually exclusive, incompatible, and incongruent. 71

So how then should we as Orthodox Christians respond to Homosexuals? First we must be mindful that Christian morality means nothing to non Christians. The Most homosexuals consider Christians to be aggressive, judgmental, and hateful towards them. We must approach this topic with gentleness and reverence. Homosexuals are found in many families – they may be our cousins, neighbors, or loved ones. We all sin and Gays and Lesbians need as much love as we all do, and that means loving them with out passing judgment. 72

That doesn’t mean that we need to accept their behavior or allow our definition of marriage to change. For those who claim to be Christian we should gently share the truth of scripture; for those who are not Christian we should start by sharing the good news of Christ. Let us follow Jesus example in John 8: 7 “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first. “ Jesus was kind, forgiving, and protective of people who sinned sexually. But he also commanded them to stop sinning. And that is exactly how we should react. 73

GODISNOWHERE 74

GOD IS NOWHERE 75

GOD IS NOW HERE 76

And Glory be to God for Ever 77