Perspectives of Grace College Students on Homosexuality as Prompted by World Vision
By Kristin Cassidy
When first considering the policy change of World Vision, I was very pleased to hear of their decision. Not just for the progression of hiring those who were involved within a same-sex marriage, but I thought this new direction was empowering as a Christian organization.
When researching their reasons behind this change, it was clear that World Vision wanted to motivate and challenge Christians to accept those of even unfamiliar lifestyles. World Vision saw this as an opportunity to adjust and adapt to an always changing and diverse world. With same-sex marriage being added to many state constitutions, it was inevitable that this issue would have rapidly approached.
As an American Christian, I see this as an opportunity to critically think about what my true beliefs are. When referring solely back to my faith and the church, I see how the issue of homosexuality could be seen as unnatural or wrong, but when I consider this issue as a young citizen of the United States, I see this as an issue of equality. No matter what the gender, race, or sexual orientation of a person, every person under the Constitution should be guaranteed the exact amount of rights as any other American. This is something I can stand firm on.
Going back to whether my faith permits me to feel the same way, I can say with confidence that if a Christian man or woman wants to pursue a relationship with another Christian man or woman, why not? Growing up in a fairly liberal home has prepared me to think this way, but also knowing the heart of the Gospel, that also can encourage me to love and accept those in any circumstance.
World Vision was taking a huge step in acceptance for homosexual Christians, and I think it could’ve changed the way many modern Christians think today. Unfortunately, World Vision gave in a little too soon to economic demand over social morality when they reversed their decision two days later.
To me, the core mission of World Vision is to spread wealth to those in poverty, so why not hire those who share that passion, no matter their personal preferences? I do understand that it is a Christian-based organization, but I don’t think this decision to allow the employment of Christian homosexuals would have compromised that core mission at all. If anything, it would have only confirmed the value of acceptance among the Christian realm.
By Josh Peterson
In regards to homosexuality, how it is discussed in the Bible and how we view it in society as Christians today, there is not much gray area. There is no doubt that homosexuality is a sin. If you have any doubt of that, read Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, which are just a few New Testament references that regard homosexuality’s sinfulness. Some people will say, “Well, Jesus never condemns it, so it can’t be that bad.” Yes, He does. Upon being asked a question regarding divorce, Jesus responds by affirming that marriage is between a man and a woman who are joined together for life and become one flesh. This is very exclusive. Marriage between homosexuals is not marriage at all, according to Jesus. Homosexuality is a direct contradiction to the natural order of creation, as evidenced by Romans 1.
In light of this, how should we respond to this in America, where homosexuality is a hot topic? Let us look again at the progression of Romans 1. The slippery slope starts with the denying of God and what is evident in creation by worshipping creation instead. America has been there since making the big bang and evolution the explanation for the universe and life instead of God. This then leads to God giving them up to their lustful hearts. America has been there since the movements in the 1960s when sexual activity amongst the unmarried became the norm. This then leads to homosexual acceptance, which is what America is approaching as a society today. So, I ask the question, are you as a Christian honestly going to contribute to the downfall of American society by allowing and promoting homosexual marriage because of the supposed “separation of church and state”? Because if you do, you welcome the next judgment: which is God giving the people over to a depraved mind to do things that are improper.
Furthermore, there is no separation of church and state. That phrase only appeared once in a personal letter written by Thomas Jefferson, which means it has no clout in American politics. Religion has always been a factor in America’s laws. Most importantly, we are called to love God in the greatest commandment. Psalm 97:10 says those who love God will hate evil. Therefore, if you are obeying the greatest commandment, you will hate homosexuality, not promote it.
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