Matthew's Journal

Coming from a liberal, pro-gay Christian perspective, I think there's a big difference between those who advocate hatred, ostracism and even violence against gays - such views, I believe, have no place whatsoever in a Christian church; and those who take a "love the sinner, hate the sin" sort of position - that is, those who say, "Of course one should have compassion for gay people as for any other people, and Christians should not hate or commit violence against anyone. But, the Bible is very clear that homosexual practice is a sin, and the church must lovingly but firmly proclaim that, and must call gay people to live holy and celibate lives.". I think there are many Christians who do take that view, though in the media we only tend to hear from the hate-mongers. I believe such views are wrong, and sometimes damagingly wrong, but there I think it should be possible to agree to differ, and to remain in communion, and I don't think it helps to call people with those views bigots and fundamentalists and so forth. (Perhaps I'm biased, as those were my views in my younger days.)

While the greater sin, I think, is on the part of those who deliberately foster hatred and violence against gays, I think liberal Christians can be guilty of tarring all those who take a traditionalist position on sexuality with the bigot brush, and I don't think this is right, Christian, or helpful.