by Stan Mitchell

"Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexual offenders ... will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9,10).

A religious organization in our country has just elected an openly homosexual cleric to the level of archbishop. I watched on television as he declared, somewhat sarcastically: "It seems that this time God is actually moving in his church!" The message of the Bible, he went on to explain, was that no lifestyle should be excluded.

I have been fascinated by the silence of religious leaders and churches on this matter. Could it be that our thinking is so confused, or have we decided not to decide on the matter?

Back in the 1930's, when NAZI Germany was rearming, Britain was in, as we would say, heavy denial. Winston Churchill stood one day in parliament and made the classic description of a government that was completely indecisive: "Government," he said, had "decided only to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute, adamant for drift, solid for fluidity, all powerful to be impotent."

Is homosexuality wrong? How would we decide on such an issue? Does the Bible tell us its view on the subject? And if so, would we decide to proclaim that view? Is the Bible's message intended to teach us to accept all lifestyles? Isn't Christianity itself a lifestyle? If so, doesn't that by definition exclude alternative lifestyles? Make no mistake, the Bible is clear on the subject; the real question is whether Christians will decide to say so! Or will we remain silent, hoping those ugly symbols will just go away.

I know some will protest that the church is called on to be loving. Beloved friends, it is also called on to be godly. Homosexuality is not the only sin mentioned in scripture, but it is sin. While homosexuality is an alternative lifestyle, it is not an alternative for the Christian.