Jesus Never Mentioned Gays

by Rev. Thomas E. Sagendorf
Hamilton, OH
Posted on Tue, May 4, 2004

The statements of Sen. Patricia Miller, R-Ind., regarding homosexuality and the church do not speak for all United Methodists. They may, in fact, represent a vocal minority. And they certainly do not reveal the teachings of Jesus, who said nothing about homosexuality, but was very clear about where He stood on lust, adultery and divorce.

The stance promoted by Miller and the Confessing Movement is the agenda of a far-right and primarily secular political coalition that cloaks itself in religious language. Their rhetoric betrays a divisive strategy that seeks to engender fear, and honest dialogue is exchanged for accusation, ultimatums and self-righteous posturing.

Modern research has shown that homosexuality is not a chosen orientation. It makes no more sense to discriminate against homosexuals than those born left-handed, green-eyed or flat-footed. The real threat to our society - to our families and children - is not homosexual union but heterosexual promiscuity.

In light of Jesus' teachings, it isn't difficult to understand where Christians need to focus our energies: pre-emptive war, violence, the death penalty, rape of the environment, poverty amid obscene affluence, hunger, homelessness, families struggling to keep their heads above water, the excessive cost of drugs and medical care, AIDS. These are but a few of the time bombs that threaten to tear our society apart.

Faithfulness to Christ's kingdom demands a wider vision and greater courage than becoming preoccupied with gay bashing while the world burns.