HOMOSEXUALITY IN OUR SOCIETY
The allegations against Eddie Long have made many Americans step back and re-evaluate how they view leaders of the church. Whether you choose to stand by Bishop Long or wait for the outcome of the trial, many Americans re-directed their focus more toward God than on the man of God. Just as Bishop Long said “I am not perfect”, no man is. Instead of being so concerned with the status of a man, we need to focus on the personal relationship each of us has with our own God.
Another element of this story that is so bizarre is that it has a homosexual factor. Eddie Long and his church are known to believe that homosexuality is wrong, mainly because of their religious beliefs. Even though many people are taught to believe that homosexuality is wrong and an abomination to God, are attitudes starting to change? Through the national coverage of Proposition 8 in California, and the fight for gay marriage across the country, is America becoming more accepting towards the same-sex lifestyle or is this a sign of the end of the world?
After interviewing individuals, all in their twenties, they expressed how they felt about the Eddie Long allegations, homosexuality, religious beliefs, and acceptance of homosexuality in society.
“Each person has their own preference, I don’t judge. As long as you respect the fact that I’m straight and don’t come at me like that I’m fine”, Eric Taylor, a 24 year old United States Marine, jokingly laughs. When addressing his opinion of homosexuality he added, “I can only say, I was raised in the church to believe it was wrong. If it wasn’t in there I wouldn’t have a problem with it”.
Darien Banks, a 20 year old resident from Columbus, Ohio, said “I believe that homosexuality is not a choice. I believe that it’s just something that happens. I think that gay people should have the same rights as everyone else.
When addressing the subject of homosexuality in society, Lauren Marsh, a 22 year old resident of Akron, Ohio, said “I believe that we are living in a new day and age. We can’t expect everyone to conform to our beliefs. America is a free country, bound by open laws that allow us to be with whoever we would like to be with. However, by looking at 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, I’m thinking God may disagree”.
Although, all of the interviewees were under 30 years old, it sparks discussion on whether the younger generation is more accepting of various lifestyles than their elders. Is it more important for individuals to stand against homosexuality as Christians, or be loving and non judgmental of their counterparts?
“I’m still not sure what I think about homosexuality at this stage in my life. As a maturing young Christian woman, I have been very accepting of the lifestyle. It is a very controversial topic, and I could never say whether it is right or wrong”, Marsh said.
Story by: TA'MYRA DAVIS
