I'm wondering if you can point me to some good resources to help deal with the charge of "discrimination" often leveled at Christians over a stance against homosexuality and same-sex marriage (or against anyone who considers these things to be wrong). How do you answer that?

 
 
I'm not sure what resources to point you to, but I brought up your question to a number of fellow workers in the ex-gay ministry I serve with. The best response to this charge, I believe, is that those making the claim don't understand discrimination. It is wrong to make people suffer based on unchangeable characteristics such as the color of one's skin or gender. Homosexuality, however, is a lifestyle choice, and those demanding the "right" to marry do so based NOT on an unchangeable characteristic but on the basis of a lifestyle. (Which, of course, is eminently changeable.) It's "apples and oranges."

Homosexuality is defined by one's behavior (acting out), but civil rights are defined by who/what you ARE, not what you DO. (Incidentally, I would argue that there is a difference between experiencing same-sex attractions, which are not chosen and which constitute temptation, and choosing to follow through on those attractions in ways God calls sin. I like what musician Dennis Jernigan says: "We are not defined by our temptations!")

And although this argument doesn't hold any water with those rebelling against God, I still think it's worth saying: If God says something is wrong, it's going to be harmful regardless of what the world says. That's another good reason to prevent people from getting "married," because their activity is going to be harmful, and it is in society's best interests to prevent harm. (This doesn't really have to do with your discrimination question, but I was struck by the wisdom of it when my friend mentioned it.)

So. . . there you have it. I hope it helps.

Sue Bohlin
Probe Ministries

About the Author

Sue Bohlin is an associate speaker with Probe Ministries. She attended the University of Illinois, and has been a Bible teacher and conference speaker for over 30 years. She serves as a Mentor Mom and speaker for MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers), and on the board and as a small group leader of Living Hope Ministries, a Christ-centered outreach to those dealing with unwanted homosexuality. She is also a professional calligrapher and the webmistress for Probe Ministries; but most importantly, she is the wife of Dr. Ray Bohlin and the mother of their two grown sons.

What is Probe?

Probe Ministries is a non-profit ministry whose mission is to assist the church in renewing the minds of believers with a Christian worldview and to equip the church to engage the world for Christ. Probe fulfills this mission through our Mind Games conferences for youth and adults, our 3-minute daily radio program, and our extensive Web site at www.probe.org.

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