In response to Matt http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/june2006/matt613-2.htm --

 

Does God see different "levels" of sin? Roman Catholicism teaches that there is mortal and venial sin.  While the Bible does teach that homosexuality is an abomination to God, it also says in Prov. 12:22 that "lying lips" are also an abomination to God.   Matt, have you ever told a lie? If you have, then by your definition, you also deserve to be sent to Hell.

 

It is only by God's Grace that any one of us are saved.  There is a huge ignorance in the church today concerning the sin of homosexuality. On the one hand, you have some denominations welcoming them in while still in sin.  Equally disturbing is the hatred of Christians who condemn the sinner to hell. Are we in the place of GOD?

 

I suggest we get educated. Stephen Bennett Ministries is a good place to start.  www.sbministries.org, and www.straighttalkradio.org  

 

While the act of homosexuality is sin, statistics and clinical studies have shown that upward of 75% of all homosexual men were molested in childhood. They develop actually abnormally when they hit puberty.  For lesbians, the statistics are even higher for those who have been sexually molested by a man in childhood usually followed up by a woman's abuse.

 

Jesus never condemned the woman to hell that was caught in adultery. But He did tell her to "go and sin no more."  I don't think any of us when we were in our sin, needed to be told we were sinners. At least I didn't. I had heard that all my life. What changed this heart of stone was the unconditional love of God. Romans 2:4 says,
"...the goodness of God " leadeth men to repentance. Not the message that "God hates fags".

 

I would like to close in giving this perspective. Phelps's church is not a Christian church. I feel that God is best served by reaching the homosexual for Christ. It is a great mission field opportunity.

 

Respectfully,
Mary Hansen