>> But what is the correct refutation for their assertion (backed up by scriptural references) that God DOES hate some people? <<
The hatred of God for sin is quite clear Biblically, and those who persist in sin are also under His wrath. However, the proper application of this information is to fear and repent, not to judge (e.g., I Cor. 5:9-13). Although homosexuality is among the sins condemned in various passages, "such were some of you" (I Cor. 6:11). We can never tell that someone will not repent, although we can encourage or discourage it by our words and actions.
The other standard error of such campaigns is to focus on a particular sin, to the neglect of others. "Remove the plank from your own eye" (Lk. 6:41-42), "Therefore you are without excuse, every man who passes judgement..." (Rm. 2:1), etc. Why disrupt the funeral of a homosexual but not that of someone greedy, unloving, or envious?
Dr. David Campbell
"Old Seashells"
Biology Department
Saint Mary's College of Maryland
18952 E. Fisher Road
St. Mary's City, MD 20686-3001 USA
dcampbell@osprey.smcm.edu, 301 862-0372 Fax: 301 862-0996
"Mollusks murmured 'Morning!'. And salmon chanted 'Evening!'."-Frank Muir, Oh My Word!
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