Calif. Pastor Offers 5 Biblical Reasons Why Gay Marriage Is Wrong

By Jessica Martinez, CP Reporter Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Much like adultery and other sexual sins, the Bible speaks clearly about homosexuality and its implications, says Pastor Shane Idleman of Westside Christian Fellowship Church, who advises that individual's sexual preferences should change if they contradict the scripture.

In his blog, Idleman notes that many Christians tend to either insult homosexual individuals and show very little compassion toward them or "excuse their sin and look the other way." Idleman, who does not condone either behavior, points to biblical reasons why gay marriage is wrong.

"Would we say, 'I believe that those who embrace pornography can live in harmony with biblical Christianity?' Or, 'I believe that those who embrace adultery can live in harmony with biblical Christianity?' Of course not. Unfortunately, one of the greatest mistakes in our culture today involves not being able to discern between right and wrong. The battle cry is focused on individual rights, instead of what God's word says," Idleman writes.

His blog post was written in light of Dan Haseltine, front man for Christian band Jars of Clay, recently taking a stand on gay marriage via Twitter by saying, "Because most people read and interpret scripture wrong. I don't think scripture 'clearly' states much of anything regarding morality." His comment provoked outrage among the Christian community and led to his band's music being pulled from the radio. Haseltine issued an apology days later.

Although Idleman admits an individual cannot change by forcing a set of laws or rules upon them, he notes that gay marriage is not about rights but rather about sexual choices.

"… No matter how many laws are passed in favor of same-sex marriage, it will not change God's mind. His principles are guardrails through the canyons of life. They don't prevent us from enjoying life; they protect us from falling," he wrote.

Part of why the Bible notes gay marriage is wrong, is because "The moral laws in the Old Testament such as killing, stealing, lying, adultery, sexual immorality, and so on are all valid today," Idleman says. He also writes about Leviticus 20:13 that states, "If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination…."

"To suggest that this verse is invalid today is to advocate the dangerous practice of redefining or deleting what God has said. Not to mention other stories in the Old Testament that highlights the dangers of same-sex attraction," wrote Idleman.

He also makes reference to immoral behavior not listed in the Bible to emphasize how sinful they are, much like homosexuality.

"An argument cannot be based solely on silence. To suggest that Jesus approved of homosexuality simply because He did not use the term 'homosexual,' is to imply that He approved of necrophilia, pedophilia, incest, and bestiality. But, of course, we know better," he writes.

Furthermore, he writes that the New Testament tells of God's wrath toward unrighteousness while noting that God also admonishes individuals to flee from sexual immorality.

"Jesus would often speak out against sin, but His love and mercy also reached out to those who regretted and hated their condition. Forgiveness is a mark of genuine faith. We should have compassion for those who struggle with same-sex attraction, but at the same time, we should not condone or excuse this type of sin any more than we condone or excuse any other sin."

To view Idleman's complete list of biblical reasons against gay marriage, visit his blog at westsidechristianfellowship.org.