From: John W Burgeson (jwburgeson@juno.com)
Date: Wed May 28 2003 - 10:30:39 EDT
>>
I know how you feel, John, but it certainly is true that color of skin
and
sexual "orientation" are not in the same category. Changing skin color is
not an option.>>
The argument is, of course, that they ARE in the same category -- neither
is a chosen characteristic but is part of the individual, either genetic
or as a result of environment or (most likely) both. I have yet to meet a
homosexual brother or sister who affirms that the characteristic was
chosen in any sense. Bluntly, Wally, they can no more change than a
person of color can choose to change skin color. Michael Jackson has, I
think, tried to do this but I understand the effort was not successful.
>>However, I too know some people who admit to a homosexual inclination
but
they resist it and behave according to sexual norms and much of what the
Bible teaches. That is an option.>>
I agree, and it may, indeed, be an option for some people. But I am
convinced, not all, not even many.
I know two persons who are transgendered. They have their own problems to
deal with, and they are substantial. One was female when I met her three
years ago -- today he is male. Not his choice at all -- the change had to
be made. HE is also studying for the Christian ministry.
"At what threshold is someone's appetite one to which a person should not
yield in your opinion?>>
Let me ask you the reverse question. Suppose homosexuality were the norm,
and you wished to be a minister but would have to renounce your
heterosexual union and repent of it to do so? Think of how hard that
would be. I have tried this thought experiment, assuming that I really
really felt the call of our Lord to ministry. The real thing would tear
me up.
Trying thought experiments like this (putting yourself in the other
person's shoes) is a useful exercise. Such experiments prove nothing, of
course, but they do -- partially -- get to the feelings involved.
Scholars disagree on the issue, I know. That is why my position statement
(on page 2, section 10 of my web site) reads as it does. And why I do not
"celebrate" homosexual orientation as necessarily a "good thing." There
are five levels possible (see my web site). I am somewhere between level
3 and 4. I consider level 1 to be a non-Christian stance. And level 5 to
be somewhat wooly-headed. I could be (as my position statement affirms)
wrong.
John Burgeson (Burgy)
www.burgy.50megs.com
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