Homosexuality is no longer ?in the closet? and thus is no longer a topic that can be safely ignored by the Christian family. Television programs, books and magazine articles, popular music, celebrities, and even local school systems are presenting and promoting homosexuality as an acceptable form of sexual expression or, as some call it, ?alternative lifestyle.? Many homosexuals, or gays and lesbians as they are more often known, are well organized. They have a social and political agenda, and they are aggressively expressing their views in the public media. Consequently, while we may wish to avoid the topic, Christian parents need to discuss homosexuality with their children.

Perhaps there are a number of issues about which the Bible makes no clear statement and about which Christians may disagree. Homosexuality is not one of those. Anyone who accepts the Bible as God?s inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word must acknowledge that God condemns homosexual relationships as immoral and contrary to God?s plan for sexuality, for the family, and for society (Rom 1:26-27).

Saying that homosexuality is a sin does not mean that one must hate the sinner. Calling homosexuality a sin is no different than calling adultery a sin or calling child molesting, incest, or bestiality a sin. These forms of sexuality are called sin because they violate God?s written Word and will for mankind. Calling homosexuality a sin does not necessarily mean that it is worse in the eyes of God than other forms of sin. Calling homosexuality a sin is not a matter of singling this sin out from among others. It is simply a matter of identifying as sin a behavior being embraced by sinful people.

Christian families must teach children about the definitions and dangers of immoral sexual behavior. We do this so that they may avoid Satan?s sexual traps and so that they may understand the difference between rejecting a sin and rejecting a person.

Homosexuality is very much a part of the American landscape. It is more than a given sexual behavior; it?s a philosophy of life and a political program. The arguments for homosexuality must be understood, then biblically and lovingly refuted. Homosexuals should be accepted as any other human beings struggling with the grip of sin. They need Christians? assistance, not just condemnation. Our children need family instruction in biblical sexual morality. Homosexuality is a modern question made from an old problem. God has a timeless answer.