'My Husband's Not Gay' Sparks Major Protest
Jeff, Pret and Curtis are men who say they are attracted to men but are not gay. In fact, all three are married to women; all have children. They are Mormons, and believe that a gay lifestyle is precluded by their faith.
"My Husband's Not Gay," the TLC show that tells their story, airs this Sunday. The show has sparked major protests. One petition drive seeking the show's cancellation has garnered more than 80,000 signatures and wants TLC "to stop telling America that LGBT people should lie to themselves and to their faith communities about who they are and who they love." Another critic calls the show's premise "false and dangerous."
If you agree with God's word on the subject of sexual activity, you find yourself increasingly in the cultural minority. The State of California has made it illegal for a Christian counselor to discourage homosexual activity. Some psychologists want opposition to homosexual activity classified as "intolerant personality disorder," with criminal penalties for "homophobia." Yale University, which now holds an annual Sex Week with live demonstrations of sex toys, recently banned a formerly gay evangelical speaker who had been invited by a student group to speak. (For more on persecution of those who affirm biblical marriage, see my How Does Same-Sex Marriage Affect You?).
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As people called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), how should we respond?
First, let's understand the other side. Many people consider the biblical position on homosexual activity to be outdated, bigoted and hateful, and believe it should be opposed as actively and strongly as possible. Of course, I disagree with what I just wrote. The biblical position is God's best. However, many either don't know that position or reject it, some with great animosity.
Second, let's earn the right to express biblical truth. Christians are to be "careful to devote themselves to good works" (Titus 3:8). We must show those who disagree with Scripture that God loves them and we do as well. No matter how others respond, God's word is clear: "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling" (1 Peter 3:9). Rather, "let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Christians have been in the minority before, and have confronted far greater persecution than we face on this issue today. As you speak God's word with both clarity and compassion, be encouraged. You are planting trees you may never sit under. And God is honoring your faithfulness, today and in eternity.
Thomas Jefferson: "The patriot, like the Christian, must learn to bear revilings and persecutions as a part of his duty; and in proportion as the trial is severe, firmness under it becomes more requisite and praiseworthy. It requires, indeed, self-command. But that will be fortified in proportion as the calls for its exercise are repeated."
