With the recent announcement that Christian music artist Jennifer Knapp is gay and the ongoing public discussion about marriage (see prop 8), Christianity, the Bible, and Homosexuality are in the news. But I think there is some confusion about which question people need to answer in which order.
Christians, generally speaking, have not done well articulating their position on homosexuality or loving those who struggle with same-sex attraction. I would like to suggest that we need to separate questions into 3 distinct categories. This will help us better put forth a view that is both truthful and compassionate–and is genuinely helpful (notice I did not necessarily say popular). There will be links to helpful books and articles to explore them further.
Question 1: How should Christians (and local churches) think about, interact with, and respond to those who struggle with same-sex attraction?
I think every Christian needs to read the following article by Alan Shlemon HOMOSEXUALITY: KNOW THE TRUTH AND SPEAK IT WITH COMPASSION, Click here. It is well worth your time!
Here is a helpful book:
Question 2: What does the actually teach about Homosexual behavior? (and is this culturally outdated?)
Leviticus 18 and Romans 1 from Stand to Reason.
Two helpful books:
Question 3: How should Christians think about the same-sex marriage debate? (on what basis should we make our case in the public square?)
The Ruth Institute (for arguments for traditional marriage for the public good)