I think that its time for people on either side of the gay debate to stop using the “H” word. It’s very easy for some people to intolerantly call other ‘homophobes’ as a means to diminish their views, make them feel guilty, and silence their opinions.
It’s used in the same intolerant and bigoted way that the ‘n’ word was expressed to subdue a whole race of people, to make them feel inferior, and to silence their protests.
‘Homophobe’ is used to destroy dialogue and people in just the same way that ‘fag’ and ‘queer’ have been expressed to label people with different lifestyles and ideas. Those words should also be eliminated in the interests of having a constructive dialogue.
I have been called a ‘Homophobe’ because I am not convinced about the ordination of actively gay people. I struggle with that issue on theological and biblical grounds, and not because I fear homosexuals. In fact, I very dearly love my younger brother and also one of my nephews in Scotland. Both of them are gay.
I have also sat, prayed, and held hands with gay men who were dying of HIV-AIDS.
I have annually supported WORLD AIDS DAY each year for many years and have been deeply moved by testimonies of gay Christian people.
I have done all this and yet when I express my struggle over gay ordination, I am labeled, quite unfairly and bigotedly, as a homophobe.
If we are going to get anywhere in this dialogue, then we all need to stop using the ‘H’ word.
John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
