Strategic Bluntness

I was reading my former pastor's blog today, and he was critiquing another pastor's answer about homosexuality. This other pastor didn't blast homosexuality out of the water like it deserves to be, but neither did he condone it. He very diplomatically walked the fine line between yea and nay. Leaving the watching world to think it must not be too bad.

Someone commented that this sort of question in this sort of time, also considering where this pastor is shepherding (apparently in Manhattan) requires delicate strategy. He wanted to, understandably, defend this pastor from all the criticism and critique that popped up in the comment section, but he was defending pussy-footing around a grave sin.

No one attacked the pastor personally, but rather were disappointed that he didn't stand more strongly on the issue. This fellow took it personally on behalf of the NY pastor and thought what he said was appropriate.

But this particular question is not being delicately handled by the rest of the world. Homosexuality and its many facets are stuffed down our throats as something we are born with. And therefore, as part of our inherent nature, it must be a good thing.

To respond to this in-your-face attack with delicacy and strategy (as if strategy means vague wording to avoid confrontation) is not a response at all. Nor is it even close to being a counter-argument.

We need to be STRONG in our response and understanding of what homosexuality is and does. This does not mean being unkind or cruel to those we are speaking to or to homosexuals themselves, but we MUST NOT dumb down what it is, nor should we back down by vaguely insinuating that homosexuality is perhaps not what God wants us to do. In the end, just as it is in the beginning, sin is sin is sin. Let's not call it a matter of careful diplomacy to consider with caution.

This is serious. As is every sin. But most people don't think stealing and lying and murdering are fine, whereas far too many people including Christians would say homosexuality is a choice, is genetic, is okay. The proper response is not delicate strategy, not tip-toeing around the gorse bush. Rather, we need to (not unlike Winnie-the-Pooh) crush the gorse bush.