Same-sex relationships have become so common place in the media that at some point or another, those of us who usually abstain from argument and participation, find ourselves in a position in which we eventually have to express an opinion. The social impact that the media has in society creates some form of propaganda, setting the agenda for the conversations you and I have on a daily basis.
Today I come off the bench and choose where to stand. However, the more I evaluate my position on this battle ground, it becomes difficult to know where to stand. Two things are clear however. Firstly - I cannot accept homosexuality. My beliefs just don't have room for me to embrace it.
Secondly - I cannot accept the inhumane manner in which homosexuals are treated. They are human beings. My brothers and sisters, and as such they deserve to be respected and protected. So where do I stand amidst a war of words, opinions, and values?
The answer to this question came by viewing the manner in which I see others who don't share other specific values.
I cannot accept premarital sex. For me, this is against my values. Yet I have loved friends and family who have embraced this practice. I have enjoyed their company, and I know many of them to be better people than I am. I accept them and love them, but I cannot accept that premarital sex is right despite that.
I cannot accept using drugs and alcohol. For me, these things are not just about health, but are about protecting your body as a temple. I have friends and family who have used drugs, and drink alcohol, as well as smoke. I love them too. And once again, some of them have various virtues about them that are far superior to my own. In fact, many of them are so exemplary in many other ways that I try to be like them.
For example, my father was an alcoholic, but he was a good father and sacrificed a lot for me. I love him, and will continue to do so. But I just can't accept using drugs and alcohol.
I can't accept using vulgar language. In anger, I have slipped up a number of times and let a few bombs drop. Sometime's I've had the most unlikely witnesses to such events, and gladly such occurrences have reduced significantly over the years. I have close friends and family who will use no hesitation in profaning the Lord's name or using some other vulgar term. I love them all. They are still wonderful people. And I think I try to be too. But I cannot accept vulgar language.
I cannot accept pornography or prostitution. I believe it is one of the greatest of evils that we face today. I don't know any prostitutes, nor any people who have made pornographic material. But I do know close friends who have paid prostitutes and who are addicted to pornography. Despite this, some of them are really nice people.
They have desires to raise good families, and to be productive citizens. Usually they actually hate themselves for giving into their appetites and one or two even confided in me to help them overcome some bad habits and addictions.
I love them all, even those who haven't yet come to think that what they are doing is wrong. But no matter how I feel about them as individuals, I can never accept pornography and prostitution.
I can't accept homosexuality. I fell in love with a girl once. She was my best friend for sometime. She was kind, thoughtful, and up to this day is one of my favourite people. I later found out she liked girls. That was perhaps a defining moment for me in my perspective towards people who have same sex attraction. I still care for her, and up to now I consider her a close friend. I would even die for her. But my convictions just can't allow me to accept homosexuality.
Its a hard place to stand on this battle ground. THe lines don't always seem as clear as black and white, but in some cases they are for me. What is clear for me is that you don't have to embrace my values for me to love you and care about you and even fight for your rights. But even when I do, there are certain things I just cannot accept.
Even if I myself become guilty of any of the above practices, I do so knowing that a value has been compromised. At that time, I sitll believe I'm worthy of someone elses love and respect. I'd love myself, but I can't just accept that.
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