Loving our Neighbor?

Anyone who pays any modicum of attention to current events is aware of the Chik-fil-A kerfuffle that took place last week because of CEO Dan Cathy's affirmation of traditional marriage.  I won't rehash the details, but it was encouraging to see the level of support for Chik-Fil-A in my area last week as all three were at capacity all day long. 

From all reports that I have seen, the "kiss out" that was supposed to take place on Friday was a bust.  Not surprising, since homosexuals make up only 1-3% of the population, although one would never know it given their ability to generate attention.

It is incredible to see the hypocrisy of the media and politicians who are always promoting that great American virtue, "tolerance".  Cathy never mentioned homosexual marriage in any of his comments, yet the hue and outcry from those who favor homosexual marriage was immediate, vicious and unrelenting. 

Those who demand "tolerance" seem to be unwilling to practice it themselves.  The reason is that they have a false definition of the word.  In the classical definition, to tolerate something means the willingness to put up with opinions or behavior, even though one disagrees with them.  Now it seems, not only does one have to put up with homosexuality, one has to agree that it is normal behavior and affirm those who practice it.  To do otherwise is to be "intolerant".  The word has been robbed of its meaning.  It is impossible to tolerate something unless one disagrees with it.

There has been a lot of acrimonious debate from both sides of this issue.  Regrettably, some of it comes from those who call ourselves Christians.  How are Christians supposed to respond to those who want to change cultural norms?  To those who want to impose their morality on the rest of society and redefine an institution that has existed since the dawn of civilization?

One good answer comes from Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City in his DVD series, "The Reason For God".   Keller sits down with a group of non-believers and takes on the tough challenges to the Christian faith.  In one segment entitled, "What gives you the right to tell me how to live my life", he takes on the question of homosexuality.

One of the group asks him,  and in a not so kind manner I think, "What is the Christian view of homosexuality?".  Keller acquitted himself very well saying that the Christian response was on three levels.

The first thing he says is that our response must be one of love.  The Scripture presents this in the parable of the good Samaritan and in Christ sacrifice for us on the Cross.  We must treat everyone with dignity and respect, especially in addressing this issue.

Secondly, Keller brings up the doctrine of grace.  He says that he attempts at every turn to pull out the arrogance that Christians can easily fall into by reminding them that they are not saved by being "good" people, but solely by the grace of God.  

Thirdly, he approaches it from the fact that Christians believe that God created us with design and purpose.  In the area of sex, he designed it to take place between an man and woman within the confines of a lifelong marriage.  When we follow God's design, we maximize our joy in what He has given us.  When we don't follow his design, we miss out on God's best and suffer the attendant consequences.

The third point can be a powerful argument when presented in light of his first two.  We speak out against normalizing homosexuality precisely because we love our neighbor and want what is best for him or her.  The homosexual lifestyle is subject to a whole host of physical and psychological ills.  Who in his right mind wouldn't want to steer his neighbor away such  destruction?