I believe the blame for the misconception is the Church. It is within human nature to criticize, because once we criticize, we temporarely take the spotlight off our own flaws. Christians are too bound by this nature. The Bible clearly condemns
sin and unrighteousness. That means we are all guilty and punishable of death. (For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, remember?
) It is true that "conservative" Christians tend to disregard their sins (whether it be a "small degree" sin such as pride or a "larger degree" sin such as fornication) and point out the flaws of more evident sins such as homosexuality. Human nature is to blame for this. But clearly, from a Biblical perspective, homosexuality is sin, and sin eternally seperates you from God and must be asked for forgiveness.
As for being baptised AFTER you have gotten "rid" of your homosexuality, this, IMHO, is flawed Christian doctrine. By reading the book of Romans, one observes that you cannot EARN your way to heaven. To instantly rid of your homosexuality is a work in itself, and suggests that we earn salvation. Paul clearly states the contrary in Romans. (Romans 11:6, and the entire book of Romans)
Now do not get me wrong. In the book of James, we are clearly given the depiction of what it truly means to believe. We are taught that faith without works is dead (James 2:20) Therefore in terms of homosexuality, if one were to convert to Christianity, he must acknowledge that it is sin in his life and must strive to allow God to rid it from him. It's all about drawing the line between what it truly means to
believe in Christ. But by no means does his "works" save him. Same applies to an alcoholic, or something as trivial as having a lying problem.
Any thoughts?
[This message has been edited by Apollyon, 12-04-2003]
[This message has been edited by Apollyon, 12-04-2003]