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*This is an on-going series on gender and sexuality*

I’ve blogged about same-sex attraction in the past, so I am going to direct you to those posts, while highlighting content of interest. I’ll also link to other helpful resources, such as from the author and speaker Joe Dallas.

♦  Same-sex attraction, part 1. This post has some important preliminary thoughts before delving into the Scripture in part 2. For example, behavior in life has 3 contributing causes: genetics, environment, and personal choice. This should help us be more compassionate towards those struggling with same-sex attraction. Besides choice, other factors influence our behavior. And we all have certain sins that we have a tendency towards. Something that tempts me, may never tempt you, and vice versa. It is harder for us to relate to the sin that does not tempt us, and we need to be more conscious of that fact.

♦ Same-sex attraction, part 2. I carefully consider Scripture in this post. A couple points:

Sometimes it is brought up that “Jesus never said anything about homosexuality in the Gospels” – With the point that if homosexuality was really sinful or a big deal, surely Jesus would have addressed it. But Jesus not directly mentioning this can actually demonstrate the opposite point. See the post for more.

In the debate over same-sex relationships, it is sometimes said that it is “about only 5 or 6 verses in the Bible.” So…those of us who consider such to be sinful are made to look foolish, as though we have little scriptural support for our view and we misinterpret a handful of verses. But I think that is a simplistic view that fails to consider deeper biblical principles. Those 5 or 6 verses are really a secondary, not primary, reason for the view that same-sex relationships are sinful. Those verses simply confirm the underlying biblical principle, and our focus should be on the later. See the post for more.

♦ Christian author and speaker Joe Dallas is a helpful resource. Dallas lived as a gay man for a time in his youth but left that way of life. I heard him speak in person many years ago, and read his book: A Strong Delusion: Confronting the “Gay Christian” Movement (1996). He has written other books since then, including one banned by amazon.

Somehow Dallas fell off my radar for awhile, and then I stumbled back upon him. I’m thankful, as his writing and speaking is very helpful. He is a mature believer with solid thoughts about the Christian life in general, not just sexuality issues. He is also a valuable resource for Christians with a gay loved one who need advice about how to handle the relationship. I recently watched a video on his facebook page about “timing” when it comes to speaking truth. Timing is important, and the “right” thing said at the wrong time can be destructive to a relationship. (That applies to many things!)

Below is a recent class Joe Dallas taught at a church. It will serve as a great introduction to Dallas, if you are not familiar with him! The talk is one hour, and that follows with 30 minutes of Q & A. The talk has two focuses: insight and equipping. That is, insight into understanding homosexuality and equipping Christians to better interact with gay loved ones and those with pro-gay beliefs. He makes some important distinctions, such as the difference between homosexual orientation, behavior, and identity. He also emphasizes how LGBTQ concerns have become an apologetic issue, and we as believers need to be able to “reason” with people. (This blog post continues below after the video.)

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♦ A book I reviewed: From Queer to Christ by George Carneal. See HERE.

♦ A brief review of another book about a celibate gay Christian HERE.
There is a growing movement of Christians who are same sex attracted yet want to honor orthodox, biblical views about marriage /sexuality – and thus choose celibacy. Learn about ReVoice HERE.
UPDATE, Oct. 2022. I saw hints that ReVoice was drifting, and it seems, sadly, true. See HERE for details. “we saw evidence that gender ideology is increasingly a part of what Revoice offers, which as we know runs contrary to what Scripture says in the creation mandate.”

Next post in this series is HERE.

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