Category: homosexuality

A Matter Of Pride

Brent Pollard

When I was a kid, one of my favorite things about the beginning of June was hearing my mother’s tongue-in-cheek rendition of “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over” from Carousel. While some aspects of Carousel are dark, this song is a joyful celebration of the arrival of summer and the blooming of nature. It exudes optimism. In some ways, we can see this song’s themes of rejuvenation and new beginnings metaphorically resonating with Billy Bigelow’s chance to make things right after his tragic death. That theme of new beginnings and seasonal renewal is what I prefer to associate with June.

Unfortunately, in this day and age, I dread June’s arrival. The joyous celebration of the approaching summer season in June has shifted from hope and rebirth to the sinful attribute of pride. Yes, as we all know, it’s that time of year when pandering businesses surround us with new logos that incorporate the misappropriated rainbow, the chosen symbol for 7.1% of the U.S. population’s sense of entitlement. (Jones) The word “pride” becomes so common in June that it causes nausea. And I am not even addressing the matter of the many shades of sexual immorality that it celebrates. People have forgotten that a small amount of pride goes a long way. They’ve also forgotten that pride goes before a fall (Proverbs 16.18).

When we have healthy pride, we can find satisfaction in our accomplishments. Nothing is wrong with this. Solomon may have thought his overall pursuits were futile, but he recognized that the ability to reflect on the fruits of one’s labor is a gift from God (Ecclesiastes 3.12–13). Pride can also motivate us to put forth our best efforts, knowing that our work positively impacts our community. For example, the men with Judge Gideon raised a chant of “For the Lord and Gideon” (Judges 7.18). They did so because they were proud of their God and their general. When we show our pride in others, we express our belief in the person we praise. So, when we offer pride on behalf of another, it can be beneficial. However, Paul cautioned Timothy not to show such support hastily (1 Timothy 5.22).

But in June, when we hear “pride,” we don’t think of any of those things. What effort or success does one honor when seeking the approval of others for their way of life? Members of the LGBTQ+ community tell us that their genetic makeup determines their sexual orientation or gender identity. If true, isn’t this the same as a redhead being proud of her hair color or a Caucasian being proud of his skin color? Is it not, in other words, someone bragging about something they have no say in? Why isn’t there a “blue-eyed pride month” if we need gestures like what we see each June to show acceptance of a “minority group”? After all, only about 10% of the population has blue eyes. (Moor) There must be something different about the kind of pride promoted in June.

Yes, the pride celebrated in June is sinful. This display is the harmful pride condemned in Scripture, the same pride that led to the devil’s downfall (1 Timothy 3.6). There is a reason why Roman Catholicism considers this type of pride to be the first of the “seven deadly sins.” Pride is the root sin from which all other sins can spring. The Bible defines sinful pride as an excessive love and admiration for oneself, an exaggerated sense of one’s importance, and a disregard for the worth and needs of others. It entails exalting one’s abilities, accomplishments, and status, which can lead to an arrogant and self-centered attitude. John lists this pride as one of Satan’s three main temptations to get us to sin (1 John 2.15–17).

What about psychology? Excessive pride is viewed negatively in this academic study of the mind and behavior. Organizers ostensibly created “pride month” to raise awareness and signal to other members of the same community who were “closeted” that they could freely be themselves publicly and find support from a broader population who would accept them. However, this has devolved into a show of superiority over those not part of their small community. They used to complain that they didn’t have a voice and were left out, but now they want to push out anyone who may tolerate their behavior in a free society but won’t support and celebrate it as vociferously. 

This pride celebration also shuts down all discourse because pride does not allow for perceived criticism. For example, when someone says that specific displays are inappropriate for children, it is automatically interpreted as bigotry rather than an opportunity to discuss how oversexed we have become as a society. It is not a question of one group against another as it is of whether we will allow children to grow up in innocence, free from outside influences, and make these important decisions for themselves. If the “pride community” would listen, they would hear us say that we are also uncomfortable with the flood of sexually charged heterosexual displays. But once again, pride prevents open dialogue. Worse, this refusal to hear causes heated rhetoric on social media with groups like concerned parents being mislabeled things like fascists or terrorists!

As a parting thought, let me say what happens when others impose this pride on everyone in June. The result of such pride is alienation and loneliness. Consistent displays of excessive pride make the proud seem unapproachable, and this makes it harder for them to form meaningful relationships with others outside their small group, stunting their social development. If “pride month” is supposed to make those not part of the LGBTQ+ community accept them, it accomplishes the opposite. It has a chilling effect. It does turn society into “us vs. them.” And it makes some people even more determined to shun and ostracize the LGBTQ+ community when they would have otherwise just left them alone.

Ultimately, disillusioned individuals in the LGBTQ+ community will find themselves feeling even more isolated and depressed because these kinds of excessive displays of pride turn people off. Even though teachers will hide their gender change or sexual preferences from their parents and social media influencers encourage them, these confused youth, whom the devil promises will be like God, only discover their nakedness and shame (cf. Genesis 3.4–7). Consequently, the number of young LGBTQ+ people considering suicide is rising. (Powell)

Once again, I wish to say that this article is not a discussion of biblically permissible sexuality and identity. This article is only about the pride the LGBTQ+ community and their allies praise and celebrate every June and the trouble it causes. In contrast, Jesus left His humble example for us to follow. Paul beautifully describes how Jesus “emptied Himself” to become a servant willing to die on the cross (Philippians 2.3–8). And Paul believed that the only thing he could boast about was his weakness because it highlighted his need for God’s grace (2 Corinthians 11.30). Let us also make June, and every month, a month of affirming humility and acknowledging that in doing so, God can be the one lifting us (Matthew 23.12).

Works Cited

Jones, Jeffrey. “LGBT Identification in U.S. Ticks up to 7.1%.” Gallup.com, 17 Feb. 2022, news.gallup.com/poll/389792/lgbt-identification-ticks-up.aspx.

Moor, Ashley. “This Is How Many People Really Have Blue Eyes – the List.” The List, 21 Dec. 2020, www.thelist.com/299708/this-is-how-many-people-really-have-blue-eyes.
Powell, Tori. “45% of LGBTQ Youth Seriously Considered Suicide in the Past Year, Trevor Project Survey Finds.” 45% of LGBTQ Youth Seriously Considered Suicide in the Past Year, Trevor Project Survey Finds – CBS News, 4 May 2022, www.cbsnews.com/news/lgbtq-youth-suicide-the-trevor-project-mental-health-2022.

Is the Bible Homophobic?

Thursday’s Column: Captain’s Blog

Carl Pollard

Romans 1:27 says, “In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.” 

There is no denying the fact that scripture clearly states that it is a sin to commit shameful acts that go against what God intended. Since this is the case, many will take this verse and others and claim that the Bible (God) is homophobic. 

While the Bible does label it as a sin, it does not encourage Christians to hate homosexuals or anyone else! Homophobia is defined as “having or showing a dislike of or prejudice against gay people.” The Bible does not approve of this. 

Several things we need to consider: 

  • Sin is sin. There is no greater or lesser sin. 
  • Just because some can’t fathom it and feel tempted by it, doesn’t justify hating those who are. 
  • Cheating on a test is just as much a sin in God’s eyes as homosexuality, and both will separate man from God. 
  • Sin will always be found in mankind. 
  • Remember that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. 
  • Just because someone sins in a way that might be different doesn’t give us the right to hate and ridicule them.

Above all else, the Bible calls for us to love everyone. The second greatest command outside of loving God is to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31). 

We are called to love each person. Every sinner; even our enemies. Love the sinner, and hate the sin.

The Religious Freedom Rally For Jack Phillips

Neal Pollard

It was my privilege to be in attendance at the “Religious Freedom Rally for Jack Phillips,” held on the campus of Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colorado. If you do not know, Jack Phillips is the owner of Masterpiece Cake Shop, a business he opened and has operated since 1993. Because he refused to decorate a cake for a same sex couple, Phillips was sued. His case has gone through the various court systems and will be heard before the United States Supreme Court on December 5, 2017.

While the Event Center where it was held was not packed and overflowing, there were hundreds present. I met and walked in with a young man and woman from Sweden, who came to the United States primarily to cover this event for a Christian Magazine in their country. The rally’s speakers included the head of Catholic Charities, the managing director of Jewish values, a state senator, a congressman, part of Phillips’ legal team, university officials, Barronelle Stutzman (the owner of Arlene’s Flowers in Richland, Washington, who was sued by Robert Ingersoll because she refused, out of conscience, to make a floral arrangement for the same-sex wedding of Ingersoll and Curt Freed), and others.  There were many poignant moments and memorable quotes. A team member from the Alliance Defending Freedom, representing Phillips, said, “America did not give us freedom of religion. Freedom of religion gave us America.” Mrs. Stutzman still does not know if her case will be heard by the SCOTUS, and she stands to lose everything financially. Yet, she was gentle, meek, and soft-spoken, though obviously full of conviction. The tone was cordial and respectful, from every speaker to everyone in attendance. The rabbi, Yaakov Menken, said, after talking about ancient, longstanding forms of “political correctness,” that “what is new and profoundly disturbing is the use of civil rights to trample civil rights.” Last of all, Jack himself spoke. It was understated, almost matter-of-fact. He spoke eloquently and simply about the importance of our being able to act in accordance with consciences shaped by Scripture. Everyone spoke of the importance of believing and behaving in accordance with convictions that are dear because they are true.

Today was a stark reminder of the reality of forces who are actively assaulting faith in God and His Word. These are willing to do whatever they can to prevent us from doing what God has commanded us to do—share the pure, unaltered will of the One who gave us life and saved us from our sins. They are not bound by biblical ethics, so they will deceive, distort, manipulate, bully, attack, suppress, and fight divine truth. We are bound by a higher law, but truth, kindness, mercy, and love, as taught by God, will prevail. If not now, if not under our government and institutions, then undeniably at the very end of all things. Don’t lose heart. Whatever else you may lose at the hands of those described by Jesus in Matthew 5:44ff, some things cannot be taken away from us! Hold onto to those things.

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Religious Freedom Rally For Jack Phillips

Should We Let The Devil Make The Rules Of Engagement?

Neal Pollard

Thanks to the hospitality of my good friend, Jason Jackson, I had the opportunity to visit beautiful AT&T Park in San Francisco, witnessing a rarity (a Rockies win) against his beloved Giants.  It was LGBT Night at the old ballpark, an annual sponsorship of “SF Pride.” It was also the day of the historic Supreme Court decision mandating the recognition of same-sex marriage in all 50 states. The crowd was enthusiastic about that event in Washington, D.C., cheering when it was proclaimed over the P.A.  The videoboard featured gay and lesbian couples for its “kiss cam.”  While San Francisco is renowned for its “sexual progressiveness,” the city of Denver has earned a reputation for similar liberality of thought regarding homosexuality. In a growing number of places in our nation and especially among those under a certain age, there is welcoming, sanctioning language for homosexuality and vehement intolerance for the least word of condemnation of the behavior as sinfulness.  Even among those professing to be Christians, there is a changing posture in how or if it is dealt with.  Understanding that no sin is worse than any other, that it is not right to display an ungodly attitude in addressing any sin, and that there should not be an inordinate amount of time, attention, and energy given to any sin to the exclusion of the other, I wonder if even some of our Christian brothers and sisters have become unwitting pawns of the prince of this world regarding this matter.  The devil is at war against the Word and will of God, and he is at war against anyone loyal to such (Rom. 13:12; 2 Cor. 10:3-6; Eph. 6:10ff; etc.).  He wants his cause, the ultimate end of which is the spiritual destruction of all men, to succeed, and he wants the cause of Christ to be overthrown.  We know that his mission will ultimately fail, with there being those who are welcomed by our Lord to heaven (1 Cor. 15:24; Mat. 25:34-39). Yet, most will follow him to everlasting punishment and destruction (Mat. 25:41-46).  He has the bulk of the resources and influence of this world, as he almost always has had in every generation. He has powerfully allies and mouthpieces from Washington to Hollywood and most media and education outlets in between.

  • Who is behind the idea that we are not loving the sinner when we speak of homosexuality as sin?
  • Who would have us believe that we are mean-spirited or unrighteous if we use terms like “unnatural” (Rom. 1:26), “exceedingly grave sin” (Gen. 18:20), “ungodly” (2 Pet. 2:6), “gross immorality” and “going after strange flesh” (Jude 7) to describe homosexual behavior?
  • Who would sell us on the idea that loving the homosexual means keeping quiet about their practice of it, failing to warn them to repent (Ezek. 33:8)?
  • Who would seek to equate a behavioral choice (1 Cor. 6:9) with one’s race or skin color (Acts 17:26; Acts 10:34-35)?

What happened in our nation’s highest court last Friday may have been necessary to shake the church out of its general lethargy and indifference regarding evangelism.  What happened there will ultimately be overruled in the highest court there is (Mat. 25:31ff).  What happened there should not become our obsession, but neither are we wrong to take note of how this is a significant societal erosion.  Jesus implies how intolerable it would be for Sodom and Gomorrah at the Judgment (Mat. 10:15). The Lord overthrew them in “in His anger and in His wrath” (Deut. 29:23). Homosexuality is not the only sin there is nor is it the chief sin, but may we not be intimidated away from calling it what it is—“sin.”

THE ULTIMATE “HATE SPEECH”

Neal Pollard

A couple of days ago, many of the major conservative news outlets broke the story of former Navy SEAL and current chaplain Lt. Col. Wes Modder who was removed from duty and threatened with expulsion from the military.  An office assistant, a young lieutenant junior grade officer, showed up last December with two “Equal Opportunity representatives and a five-page complaint documenting grievances against the chaplain” (foxnews.com). The officer, who turns out to be homosexual, had constantly drilled Modder with questions about his views on the matter. The ensuing handling of the case appears very unfavorable for a person in a position of spiritual guidance trying to use the Bible as the guide in helping people with right and wrong on such matters as sex outside of marriage and homosexuality.

Time will tell how this plays out, but we are living in different times.  It appears that one of the more unconscionable crimes against society is to promote an objective standard of right and wrong which dares to call specific behaviors and lifestyle choices “sinful.”  Readers of my blog have written me and told me they have seen posts of mine occasionally labeled as “hate speech” (I would invite the reader to peruse my archives in search of inflammatory, derogatory, or unkindly written articles).  I have seen writers who would profess to be Christian and/or religious who are caustic, obnoxious, and unnecessarily offensive in tone and manner.  Such hurt the cause of Christ and do not reflect His spirit.  Hateful speech is, by biblical standards, sinful speech.  Scripture speaks against it (Gal. 5:20; Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8).  It also exalts godly speech: “Sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness” (Pr. 16:21), “Let your speech always be with grace” (Col. 4:6), “In speech…show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Tim. 4:12), and be “sound in speech which is beyond reproach” (Ti. 2:8).

But, when we let the world—without knowledge of what the Bible actually teaches—define “hate speech,” we will often get things turned upside down.  We will have evil called good and good called evil (Isa. 5:20).  We need to remain convicted in the belief that nothing could be more hateful toward a person than to have the opportunity to tell them the truth about anything God has revealed in Scripture and speak lies, whether to comfort, avoid offending, or to validate what God will not condone.  We must reach out to anyone who rebels against the will of God in love, but what could be more hateful than encouraging anyone along a path that leads away from Him?  Any word of false comfort and hope is the ultimate hate speech!