By: Paul P. Jesep*/TRT Columnist–
Actor Kirk Cameron upset many when he honestly answered a direct question during an interview about homosexuality. Without hesitation, he condemned it. According to Cameron, homosexuality is “unnatural. … I think that it’s detrimental, and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization.”
Although everyone reading this column disagrees with Cameron’s opinion, he is entitled to it no matter how offensive anyone finds it. But calling his opinion “un-American” as one celebrity did is contrary to the free-speech values in the Constitution. Let’s stay clear of labels.
LGBT reactions to folks like Cameron include anger, frustration and an “I’m not going to take it anymore” attitude. Unfortunately, there is a certain reality that has to be accepted. Take the world as you find it, not how you want it with the snap of your fingers.
The Kirk Camerons aren’t going away. Nor can they be simply ignored, marginalized, or dismissed as unthinking kooks. Even if it’s beneath you to engage with such folks, do it. Pray for patience first. Lots of it. It’s better to keep them in the discussion than push them away. It ends an opportunity to change hearts and minds.
My faith, theology and philosophy are based on the empowerment of holy logic, holy reason and holy common sense gifted from the Creator through Holy Sophia (the Holy Spirit). She guides, inspires and helps to create positive, profound social change, clearing away fear, ignorance and misinformation. She is a revelation who shares the Creator’s unfolding mystery.
It’s also important to remember that because a law provides for a certain protection doesn’t mean bigotry or prejudice ends. They may still undermine the law. As tiresome as it is the dialogue must continue with those who misunderstand LGBT people.
Cameron’s comments are illogical, but don’t personalize them. Society would be better served if the Camerons of the world are asked to define “unnatural” and then discuss why it’s detrimental to civilization. Not one civilization in history has ever collapsed because of homosexuality. Hence, I’d be interested in his evidence. If he can’t offer any credible documentation then maybe seeds will be planted in him to re-think his positions. If you can’t change his thinking you may change someone who is sitting on the fence listening to the discussion.
Catholic bishops, with limited personal experience of falling in love or having physical relationships, should be asked on national television what makes them qualified on matters of the heart. I’d like to know why there’s so much focus on the physical act and why some Catholic men want to discuss it with such detail. Do they understand that being LGBT goes beyond physical intimacy? Do they realize that if a relationship is to last through the years it, like heterosexual relationships, must be grounded in much more than sex? Can they answer from experience?
The Kirk Camerons and Catholic bishops should not be chased away. Get them on panels to discuss their positions with other committed people of faith who disagree. As soon as they’re forced to defend their positions with logic, reason and common sense, not with celebrity status or the authority of a religious office, their arguments fail. This is the best way to bring about change. Don’t name-call (though it’s tempting at times). Talk to them. They can’t win. They don’t have the facts or science on their side. In my opinion, these discussions also will show that those who support LGBT rights are on God’s side.
* Paul is an author, attorney, and a seminary trained, ordained priest in greater Albany, NY. Email questions to Dilovod@aol.com.
Kirks messages is not one of hate but of Love from Jesus Christ who came to save people from their sins. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9 Says Do you now know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals nor sodomites, 6:10, nor thieves, nor covetous,nor drunkards nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. This means all sinners will not get in to heaven unless they repent and ask Jesus forgiveness for their sins and then make Him the Lord of your life. He is the only door according to Gods word the bible (the only Truth there is). So we all fall short of the kingdom of God and need to receive Jesus as our savior so we are forgiven, but then something has gone dreadfully wrong when someone who professes faith in Christ continues to live according to the same sinful patterns exhibited before salvation (1John 2:4).
If you keep living in the flesh, wanting what you want with out regard to living for Christ then you have not given your heart to Jesus and you will live a life separated from Jesus on earth and the after life (in Hell), but you can live in the Freedom of Christ now on earth and receive eternal life when you die if you truly ask Him in to your heart and then help you with this sin (all of our sins). If your heart is not convicted of your sin (which is the job of the Holy spirit not holy Sophia), and you continue in that sin then you are not a child of God. I would truly seek God and His word for His truth not the truth you think you know to be truth. He will show you if your heart is truly seeking Him for the truth, but your heart will become hardened if you ignore this truth and continue to ignor Gods truth, and then you will never believe in the one and only true Jesus of the bible (not the Jesus you think you are following). He can not compromise Gods word which teaches the Homosexuality along with all sin is wrong. Yes it is a sin and I say the truth in love just as Kirk is speaking the truth in love. Anything else would take away from Gods word and His truth and is a lie from Satan. I will continue to pray for Gods truth and most important also His love for all sinners. THat is why He sent His Son to die and rise again so are sins can be nailed to that cross and forgiven for ever if we believe and receive Jesus as our Lord and savior. Please read Gods only truth which is His Holy Word the Bible. He says “do not add or take away from His word”, so any thing added or taken away is not from God but a lie from the enemy Satan Himself. You are being deceived and that is why all Christians are against the sin of Homosexuality. We love the sinner but hate the sin (all sin).
I pray for you to receive His Son and become truly saved and live your life for Jesus only.
God bless you all!