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Civil Sodomy Laws and Scripture
The Star-Telegram has
reported on the Texas Supreme Court’s decision on
homosexual sodomy. Technically, the Texas sodomy law remains
in effect. A total
of twenty-three states retain a ban on the practice of sodomy.
I think of the three alternatives
that lie before the state regarding this issue: (1) Retain
the anti-sodomy
law but do not enforce it; (2) Overturn the law; or (3) Retain
the law and enforce it. The Bible tells us that God has
established
civil government to promote the common good and to punish
evildoers (Romans 13:1-7). Since this is the case, the
state
and local governments have a moral obligation to enforce
their prohibition of this immoral practice—just as
they should prohibit incest, child abuse, wife-beating,
pornography, abortion,
prostitution, drunkenness, and other sins of society.
Regardless of what the state eventually decides
on this volatile question, there is absolutely no question
about how God views the practice and orientation of homosexuality.
This is what really counts! Homosexuality clearly is an unnatural
perversion that violates the very way God constituted us in
creation. Further, it violates the plainly expressed will
of God in Scripture. The practice of homosexuality also breaks
down the integrity of the family, breeds venereal disease
(especially the dreaded and fatal AIDS), corrupts impressionable
young people, destroys human personality, weakens society,
wastes billions of dollars (through medical expense for AIDS
patients, most of whom are homosexuals), and particularly
offends a holy God.
While the state has a moral obligation to
promote the good of its citizens and repress the harmful,
I personally doubt that it will follow through on this issue
of homosexuality and sodomy. The influences of secular humanism,
immorality, and relativism are just too great in our age.
However, the will of God and common sense should still be
clear to all of those who have eyes to see. Regardless of
what the state does or does not do, let us love the sodomite
but hate sodomy.
Richard
Hollerman
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
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