I have always wondered why people have felt a compulsion to
share their sexual preferences with others. I believe that what you do on your
time is your business. What you do and with whom you do it is of no concern to me
– unless you want to make it. In which case then you should be aware that my
opinion may not agree with yours.
Sexual orientation has been at the forefront of several
issues of late. From the ordination of clergy to the definition of family, the
spotlight has been upon what turns you on. I suppose there is some perversion
that causes people to want to know how others get their jollies. I do know that
some people feel a compulsion to make others aware of their personal
preferences and perversions. You have to ask yourself, “Is nothing sacred?”
I believe that sexual orientation is determined genetically
and not a function of environment. I recall some scientific data that suggests
that certain areas of the brain are active in homosexuals; those are not stimulated
in heterosexuals. I do not believe that a homosexual lifestyle is consciously
selected by individuals; but I do believe that homosexuals wish others to
accept their choices without condemnation. This I agree with.
The issues of homosexuality and acceptance within the United
Methodist Church are being raised as I write this. To my understanding, the UMC
has always accepted homosexuals as individuals worthy of God’s grace without
making a big deal of it. We understand that the sinful nature of man is pervasive
and does not afford anyone the right to condemn others. I have always felt that
I have enough to worry about with my own behavior and should not be critical of
other’s life choices.
It does occur to me that there are two different
perspectives, resulting in two different viewpoints – God’s and man’s. God in
the Jewish Bible is clearly against all forms of sexual perversion. His interest
was in procreation and propagation of His people. In the Jewish traditions
there are even Mitzvahs mandating sex on the Sabbath. The role of sex and the
stability of the family are paramount in the teachings of the Bible and
traditions of the church.
Mankind has always succumbed to the more basic carnal
desires of his nature, but in recent times those desires have been made
increasingly public. As taboos have been dropped, the resulting publicity has
been assumed to be an endorsement of the base carnal behavior. In fact the more
a particular viewpoint is promoted, the more reaction will be generated and the
less it will be accepted. This is the classic pendulum swing of society.
Today’s society has seen sex move from the bedroom to the TV
set in the living room. It has moved from the biological to the recreational.
The casual nature of sex in today’s world has diminished its attraction and
desire by making it commonplace and readily available. It is no longer the reward
of the husband and wife in a marriage; it is now a recreational sport engaged
at the local bar.
The casualness of heterosexual sex and the openness of homosexual
sex is becoming pervasive and as such undermining one of the cornerstones of
the family. Sex should not be relegated exclusively to the realm of procreation
and I believe that God would not frown upon the enjoyment of recreational sex.
As a matter of fact I believe that love making is one of the bonding elements
of a healthy marriage. What does disturb me is the diminished worth of
sexuality brought about by its casualty.
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