Forthright Magazine http://www.forthright.net Straight to the Cross COLUMN: Understanding the Times Is "Homophobia" Equivalent to Racism? How false comparisons in the homosexual agenda distort true bigotry. by Emmett Smith In an article discussing the appointment of John Sentamu as the new Archbishop of York, there were some rather interesting statements quoted. Sentamu is a native Ugandan and is Britain's first black archbishop. He also happens to be among the African contingent of the Church of England that still rejects homosexual practice and disagrees with the concept of homosexual "marriage." This contingent nearly broke communion with the Anglicans following the appointment of a homosexual bishop in the United States. So it should not come as a shock that homosexual activists within the are outraged, deeply troubled, and "disappointed that a person that has not shown himself to be a particular friend of the lesbian and gay [sic] community has been appointed." I'm sure these same disappointed activists feel that Sentamu's appointment will have a chilling effect on their agenda. Some readers will probably have noted the use of certain key words and phrases that are popular within the activist community in general. They have long since learned that how they use our language, in and of itself, can make a difference in influencing others. Another significant weapon in their arsenal is the use of the false comparison. For instance, the same article quoted the claim that "homophobia and racism are equally damaging." Many casual readers may simply nod in agreement but what are they really agreeing with? What precisely is homophobia? The prefix "homo-" simply means the same. Are many of us afraid of things that are the same? And even if we are, has that fear been as damaging as racism? No, that appellation is intended to brand anyone who disagrees with their assertions. Its purpose is to stifle discourse and intimidate the opposition. And it has been very effective. Many who may casually disagree will not consider speaking out to avoid being labeled. And almost everyone can agree that racism has done significant damage to many people, and not just in the modern world. However, just because one disagrees with the homosexual activist's agenda does not make one an evil racist. Quite the opposite, in fact the Bible clearly states that God "made from one blood every nation of men" (Acts 17:26). This truth is easily confirmed because blood can be transfused between people of any "race." The concept of race itself is a misunderstanding. And those who would have us view opposition to homosexual activity as equivalent to racism are promoting an even greater misunderstanding. Because the Bible is very clear that Christians may not continue to indulge in sexual sins upon being born again. Let's look at an accurate comparison. Paul wrote the Corinthian brethren that "the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God." He then listed a number of unrighteous behaviors that were prohibited. Among them were those that practice homosexuality and thieves. So a proper comparison would be as follows: if a Christian may continue to be a thief after conversion, then he may also continue to practice homosexual acts. I don't know very many who hold that position. Paul certainly didn't! He made it clear that such behavior must be in the past tense for a Christian. "And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). ---- Join the conversation. Read this article online and share your thoughts with us. Click here: http://www.forthright.net/understanding_the_times/is_homophobia_equivalent_to_racism.htm ---- You can help us get the word out. Here's how: http://www.forthright.net/editorial/lend_a_hand.htm