The "Religious Right" More Valuable Than You Know
By Kevin Roeten (12/13/06)
Some relate the Religious Right to any religious problem occurring over the centuries. You even hear people like Rosie O'Donnell equating radical Islam with Christianity, and Elton John advocating removing religion in general. It seems that condemning Christianity is the politically correct action "du jour".
The biggest schism to date is same-sex ‘marriage’. The Catholic Church does note, however, that this does not mean that homosexuals are not often generous and giving of themselves. The conjugal love of a man and woman actually represents the twofold purpose of marriage: the good of the spouses, and the transmission of life.
Three recent papers published in the Archives of General Psychiatry have challenged typical homosexual behavior. One study showed that homosexual men were 5 times more likely to show suicidal tendencies and thoughts than their heterosexual counterparts. Another study showed a significant increase in depression, anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, substance abuse, mental health problems, and suicidal tendencies as well.
In Archives of Sexual Behavior, Dr. Robert Spitzer(Columbia) recently studied 200 homosexuals. Spitzer noted that after their “change” efforts, 66% of men and 44% of women had been in a sustained heterosexual relationship within the past year, rating emotional satisfaction a ‘seven’ or higher on a 10 point scale. How erroneous to believe that changing someone’s sexual preference is comparable to making a short person tall.
In a recent interview, Dr. Dean Hamer(National Cancer Institute), gay himself, said “There is not a single master gene that makes people gay.” Per Nicanor Austiaco(PhD/Biology/MIT/HPR), “All the evidence to date has not conclusively proven that genes determine homosexual behavior in human beings.” In retrospect, the widely held belief that a single gene determines homosexual behavior is a myth. The same argument could be used to excuse human behaviors that are immoral---including rape.
Because homosexuals are not born ‘gay’, certain issues come to light. First, homosexual practices are condemned numerous times in the Bible. It’s all or none for real Christians—you can’t pick and choose what you believe to be right. Second, homosexual thoughts are not always sinful, only the act itself. Therefore, any direct discrimination of any person is rejected by Christ, and is not Christian. Third, the Church loves and respects homosexuals, but does not condone homosexual actions or the legal recognition of homosexual unions. It has always loved the sinner, but hates the sin. Fourth, the Church wants homosexuals to join their congregation, with the intent of reform. People with homosexual inclinations are to be treated with respect and compassion. God wants that. He likely would have said “Go, and sin no more.” And Five, true Christians are not intolerant of gays, but they are of the ‘gay’ lifestyle. If someone believed something to be wrong, it would be disingenuous to be tolerant of that sin.
Unfortunately, you consistently hear that same-sex unions are a ‘right’. Bottom line, even the Constitution and Declaration bestowed to these acts no alleged ‘rights’. Marriage has always been a privilege. No one has a ‘right’ to marry, but may do so under the correct conditions. If those conditions are not met, not allowing a marriage does not constitute discrimination. Damage is done, however, when all Christians are labeled ‘homophobes’, intolerant, mean-spirited, and hypocrites. But ‘sacrament’ is the furthest intention from a same-sex couple who want to get ‘married’. Altering the definition of marriage is everyone’s concern—not just those seeking special privileges.
Most realize that religion is necessary for a good afterlife. It is a foregone conclusion that if God really came down to earth, took the trouble to actually ‘die’ a horrible death for all mankind, and raised from the dead—then God would make sure any ‘word’ He passed on should easily be understood by every human. Instead of advocating homosexuality, He said He “fulfilled the Old Testament”. A thinking person should question homosexuality immediately. No ‘homosexual’ gene has ever been found, homosexuality discontinues the proliferation of the human race, it is a purely selfish act, it is condemned in the Bible and refutes the only ‘primer’ that man has for his conduct, and has only proliferated in the last 20 years. Any bet on the ‘reality’ of homosexuality is fittingly undesirable--especially if one’s eternal life rides on it.
Without a doubt, the Religious Right can sin with the worst. But at least they know the correct road to take, and that mortal death is not the end of that road. It’s interesting that true Christians hope and pray that every homosexual comes back into the ‘fold’. Maybe instead of the problem, the Religious Right actually contains the answers many are looking for, but are afraid to get.
Kevin Roeten can be reached at http://kevinroeten.us/
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