Black Man Theology

It takes sex between a man and woman to procreate; but, does it take sexuality? There are many debates about sexuality; such as, what is a sexual sin and what is acceptable to God? Should a person have only one sexual partner? Should a person be married before having sex? Is sex only permitted between a man and woman?

It’s important to note that sex was created by God, which means that it is in no way inherently bad. Sex is good! Concurrently, we must note that God’s construct of sex came with boundaries. However, in my opinion, mankind have deviated and ventured outside the boundaries of God’s perfect intention of sex. In this blog, I want to explore homosexuality, the church and God—to examine questions; such as, is homosexuality a sin? What role does the church play, and how does God view it?

Homosexuality is a romantic attraction, sexual attraction or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. Though thoughts and considerations may be new or changing, homosexuality is not a new sexuality. There are many historical theories about homosexuality. According to Psychology Today,  in 1968, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) classified homosexuality as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). However, years later, that diagnosis was nullified by the conclusion that practicing homosexuality does not hinder a person’s livelihood— although it brings a set of challenges. Despite these “challenges,” the APA considers homosexuality a “normal variant of human sexuality”. 

In this debate on the morality of homosexuality, our greatest dilemma will be law vs morals. Our laws may change, but if they are no longer moral, we must keep our morals and endure the punishment of breaking unjust laws.

Over the years, many nations developed sets of morals and laws surrounding sexuality. Those morals and laws were derived from many sources; such as, philosophy, science, Deity (God), etc.. Some nations have permitted homosexual activities without consequence, while others exiled whoever participated in such behavior. To this very day there are still 70 of the worlds 195 countries that still in someway ban or outlaw acts of homosexuality. Though America thinks herself “progressive,” there were still laws prohibiting homosexual acts on the books as recently as 2003. Yet, today in America, we face a historic moment in which our nation is at the tipping point of a new belief system regarding homosexuality. Now, more than ever, people want to understand homosexuality and rather or not it’s wrong. The current debate is attempting to nullify biblical laws that have governed America and guided the morality of western civilization for centuries. 

America adopted some of its laws and morals from those given by God to the chosen nation of Israel. In the book of Genesis, it is written that God created man and woman to “be fruitful and multiply (procreate).” Later on, God, gave laws to shape the culture of His chosen nation to model His desires for humanity in the earth. In the book of Leviticus in the Bible, God expressed who can have sex with who and who couldn’t have sex with who (Leviticus 18). The purpose was to separate God’s people by  their actions and behaviors from the rest of the people in the land. Before he ever reaches the subject of homosexuality there are 12 verses simply explaining why we shouldn’t have relations with close family members. This was out of love and protection of his people. His laws did not permit homosexual activity; therefore, making it an enmity against God-if committed. Which means, it is morally wrong—which makes it a sin. Consequently, if the laws are broken, the people are punished by God. This is the inception of punitive activity towards civil disobedience. Therefore, in my theological opinion, Homosexuality is a sinful act. 

Times have changed and people are fighting to have homosexuality morally acceptable with society and God. Unlike the psychiatric argument, biblical authority concerning this topic has not been nullified.  The New Testament declares it sexually immoral, but scholars debate that Mankind states that because homosexual isn’t an Aramaic term. Scholars are debating on scriptures and exegetical interpretations of God’s documented words and if He approves or disapproves. Scholars also state that it’s deemed immoral from the standpoint of evil practices within the practice. For example, murder is immoral if you just kill people; but, it’s moral if you’re protecting your country. This debate is being applied to the discourse surrounding homosexuality. History is being created as I type this blog. Change is among us. In this contemporary age, we stand at a crossroads.  Churches are cautiously or haphazardly declaring their stance. For homosexuals this is the final obstacle towards complete permission to practice homosexuality without social or spiritual condemnation. 

As a Christian and someone who has been converted from homosexuality, I believe God’s original words concerning sexual relations remain true today. I believe the Holy Spirit confirms it within our mind and emotions. After accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and receiving salvation, I believe the Holy Spirit resets us and aligns us with God’s original desire for our lives. Man and woman, marriage, procreation, and family. I believe church serves as a community to cultivate God’s desire and intention for humanity. However, I’m afraid for the church, because the agenda to nullify God’s logic for humanity and intention for sexual relations is being challenged at the core. The army of those who support homosexual activity is large and strong. We are at the crossroads of a new morality. The question is, how will the church cultivate God’s intention for humanity without being deemed judgmental and hateful. How will churches embrace people who have found comfort and their identity in homosexual activity? In my opinion, all of this must be addressed through preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with love, and pointing everyone towards Jesus Christ and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit will align everyone who believes mind with God’s original intention for humanity. Therefore, in church, we must accurately exegete scripture to bring understanding to God’s intention for humanity.

In closing, I will share my encounter with God after writing this blog. After I did my research, wrote, and revised- I paused and prayed. Alone, in silence, I asked God “what is your view on this?” After asking, I felt God’s  presence all around me. As tears welled up in my eyes, a small still voice said, “I’m waiting.” God is waiting. As a patient parent, He is waiting for all of us to find our way back to him. It is written in 2 Peter 3:9 of the Bible, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” God is waiting for humanity to make its way back to Him.