Many heterosexuals seem to believe that homosexuality is simply a lustful desire for their same gender. Although this is partially true, the same can be said for heterosexuals who lust after the opposite gender.
God created us humans emotional as well as sexual beings. He created us to live in community, not isolation. The church has taken a position of isolating sinners. At the turn of the 20th century a drunk was shunned, now churches sponsor AA groups or their own alcohol recovery programs, and have accepted the medical idea that some people have a genetic predisposition to alcohol or drug addiction. At the turn of the 20th century abortion was considered homicide, now the church has abortion counseling services not only to prevent abortion but also to help women with the emotional side effects of having an abortion. At the turn of the 20th century homosexuals were shunned and the church has not changed their way of thinking on this issue in spite of the anecdotal evidence (and before 1973 researched evidence) that homosexuality can be traced back to home environment.
Homosexuality is more than sex just as being heterosexual is more than sex. Gay men are attracted to other men for the same reason straight men are attracted to women. It is an emotional need, not a physical need. The same is true of lesbians. Straight men are also attracted to other men; although this attraction is not sexual it is a desire to fulfill the emotional need to be with other men. The same is true of women. The next time you are at a social gathering watch how the men will congregate and gossip about sports, business, and other subjects of mutual interest. In most gatherings men will hit each other, lay an arm across another mans shoulder, etc. You will notice the same with women. What we consider primitive societies have huts or gathering places where only men are allowed. This is part and parcel of our genetic makeup.
In gay men this need to fellowship, socialize, and be in community with other men has been sexualized, usually as the result of real or perceived childhood trauma. The same is true for lesbians. Now these statements are not universally true since not all gay men or lesbian women can identify any childhood trauma, however, childhood trauma is the major cause, again per studies done before and since 1973.
Heterosexual’s focus on the sexual component of homosexuality and totally ignore the underlying emotional and spiritual needs of the gay community. “Physician heal thyself, and then we will accept you.” This in spite of the fact Jesus met the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of all who came to Him before He preached God’s truth not after. The woman at the well is a great example of this as well as the woman taken in adultery. He did not condemn either woman, but He also did not approve their lifestyles. Jesus dealt lovingly and kindly with sinners and allowed them to see they needed more than simple acceptance of who they are by fulfilling their need for fellowship and community, then He taught and they responded.
Julie, I understand where Morgan is coming from, but she is looking for a quick and easy solution to a problem that even “civil unions” will not cure.
Morgan, although I understand your position, I cannot nor will I ever accept your thesis that the legalization of “civil unions” will empower the gay community to put an end to short-term relationships. Your emotional needs will never be fulfilled in the arms of another women or a man for that matter. Unless or until you are totally comfortable with yourself as you are you will never be happy or at peace. The very fact you find it necessary to debate this subject on a Christian message board is indicative of your own emotional struggles. And these struggles have absolutely nothing to do with “civil unions” or acceptance of your lifestyle by conservative Christians. No, I am not a mind reader and no I don’t think you are so juvenile you don’t know your own mind; I believe you are focusing on externals and society and not on the real issues. In time, I believe you will understand what I am saying even though today you will not accept it and will deny it.