Homosexuality and the Church...

Over the Christmas period I heard a couple of well meaning, loving, Christians speak from platforms about the fall of society as a result of same-sex union. Personally, I am trying to come to terms with what Scripture says on the subject and my personal views. I think this is something that needs discussed in an objective manner because we are seeking the lost... and some of the lost are gay. We need this debate to happen sooner rather than later... because I am concerned that we are turning people off with what could be described a "hateful" preaching/teaching. I understand the perspective that the preacher is talking from... but I've been churched for all my days. Newcomers to the church have a different cultural view and will not stand for what they deem to be "hate".

Let's consider what Jesus would do/say on the subject?

Check out John 8:1-11 (The Message):

Jesus went across to Mount Olives, but he was soon back in the Temple again. Swarms of people came to him. He sat down and taught them.

The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone and said, "Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?" They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him.

Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, "The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone." Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.

Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. Jesus stood up and spoke to her. "Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?"

"No one, Master."

"Neither do I," said Jesus. "Go on your way. From now on, don't sin."

Can we throw a stone and condemn people for their orientation? Where is our love for the "whosoever" mentioned in John 3:16 no matter who/what he/she is?

Anyway, I have found the following articles useful on this subject from the emergentvoyageurs blog:

Homosexuality and the Church - Part 1
Homosexuality and the Church - Part 2
Homosexuality and the Church - Part 3