The Editor, Sir:
I am an avid reader of Ms. Angela Philipps' articles, 'Single in the City', which appears in the Outlook magazine of The Sunday Gleaner. I have always found them to be very realistic and motivating. The opinions expressed are as if I were writing the articles myself, and they are always food for discussion with my adult daughter.
However, I found her article appearing in the magazine dated January 20, 2008, appalling, revolting and very disconcerting. I was so disappointed with its contents, and wondered if she had just conjectured the information to have an article for publication! For sensationalism! I have been tormented since reading it, and I feel it is my moral obligation to point out a few facts to her, as I am passionate about this topic.
She said the meaning of the word 'gay' got changed somewhere along the line. I agree with her. That word had the most beautiful meaning in the past. It connoted lightheartedness, cheerfulness, joyousness. It had a positive meaning. Today's society has debased this beautiful word to the point that one is almost afraid to use it. It has become another 'bad word'.
Fools
She asked ' ... why did we do such a silly thing?' Has she ever read the Bible? She certainly will find her answer there. That's because we have become fools! This is stated in Romans chapter 1 - 'becaus they knew God, they did not glorify Him, ... their foolish hearts were darkened ... and they became fools.'
"Why are we as a society against same sex relationship?" she also asked. Jamaica is a highly religious society, and most Jamaicans were raised on the Bible. The Bible explicitly condemns homosexuality, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Bible describes the act as an abominable sin. The Oxford Dictionary defines 'abominable' as: causing hatred or disgust, unpleasant, loathing. Another definition is - being so distasteful to make you want to throw up, vomit!
Homosexuality is rampant these days, and the practice is being accepted in the world's society. Persons, like you, would want us to believe that it is normal and accept it. It is not normal and should not be accepted as such. It is a detestable act and is the lowest level of human depravity. It is a sin against nature. It is sexually immoral, and it is heresy to say otherwise.
Be fruitful and multiply
I agree that each person has the right, as a single person, to date whomever they wish, providing they are not hurting anyone, but the Bible speaks to the fact that they should not be of the same sex. Remember God told Adam to be fruitful and multiply. If they had practised same-sex relationships, the human race would have ended then.
Ms. Philipps stated that people should have freedom to do what they want, providing no one gets hurt. She seems to be alluding to anarchy. Do you really believe that having 'the right' makes it right? Is armed robbery OK as long as no one gets hurt? After all, having a gun gives one the right to pilfer and pillage. Right!
Again, Romans chapter 1, states 'God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonour their bodies among themselves'. It adds 'For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature'.
It makes further reference to what the natural use of woman was - 'men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another ... God gave them over to a debased mind, to do these things which are not fitting'. Homosexuality is an unnatural practice!
Genesis states that God created everything and declared them all GOOD. Homosexuality is not good. Therefore, it was not created by God. We can conclude that since it exists, it came from Satan, who brought sin into the world. The exhortation in 1st Corinthians chapter 8 is to - 'Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body!
Ms. Philips is soooo ... wrong about gays not trying to convert those who are not. I have been 'privileged' to several of their advances accompanied by offers of finance and favours. I am not gay, I have no inclinations and do not patronise places known as gay establishments. Is this just coincidences or is it that their 'gaydars' need servicing? It is a known fact that homosexuals are promiscuous, they are not necessarily attracted to every member of their sex, but they are attracted to a lot.
I think that children reared in a same-sex environment are at a disadvantage, just like those raised by gunmen and drug dealers. They are influenced by these persons whether physically or psychologically. These persons are their role models, they strive to be like them when they grow up. Anything not in keeping with that of their surroundings is the exception. Any extreme, unnatural environment, whether heterosexual or homosexual, can be a disadvantage to child rearing.
It is a sin
I agree that homosexuality is not the only sin, however, that does not make it right. It is a sin, just like lying, stealing, adultery, fornication, etc. All sins need to be laid at the cross, repented of and never done again. It is wrong to try to whitewash homosexuality by suggesting it is natural. She should not try to make everyone feel good at the expense of ignoring the words of the Bible. It is high time homosexuals come to grips with the fact that persons referred to as 'homophobics' are the ones with their interest at heart. They are the ones who are willing to stand the ridicule of others and the name calling, to point out to them that they are going in the wrong direction, and make the effort to steer them on the right track. In most instances they are their friends, not enemies! It is not hateful to tell homosexuals that their practice is wrong, neither is it tolerant to accept it is as okay.
Homosexuals should not be loved any less than heterosexuals. Christians should pray for their salvation just as they do for any other person living in sin. With repentance (asking for forgiveness and turning away from the sin) and trust in Christ, a person who sins through homosexuality can be forgiven. It does matter that persons happen to be gay, but THERE IS HOPE IN CHRIST.
I am, etc.,
Juliet
