For the longest time, homosexuality was considered an abomination in the Christian faith. Citing multiple versus from the book of Leviticus (18:22 and 20:13), Christians and Jews have enforced how the act of men having sexual relations with another man is an abomination and a sin punishable by death. Now, certain denominations have accepted gay people stating that “love is love.” The most prominent denomination to do this is the Presbyterian church by accepting gay marriage in areas where gay marriage is legal, as reported here on The Inquisitr .
Now another denomination is showing their support for gay people, as the Protestant Church has agreed to become a major sponsor for the upcoming Gay Games 9!
According to an initial report by The New York Times , the United Church of Christ has agreed with the organizers of Gay Games 9 to sponsor the upcoming annual which starts on August 9th and ends on August 16th. The games, which will be held in both Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, will play host to more than 35 sporting and cultures events. The church also stated that the two reasons for their sponsorship are geography, and more importantly, ideology. Rev. James Moos, a national officer of the church, had this to say about the their inclusion in the games:
“The United Church of Christ has been a leader in L.G.B.T. inclusion. No matter who you are or where you are in life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
As for their popularity (or notoriety), the United Church of Christ made headline news back in 2004 when they ran a television commercial that depicted two bouncers blocking the entrance to a church to would-be worshippers who did not conform to the overall norms of the church. The commercial would then announce, “Jesus didn’t turn people away, neither do we.”
However, some people don’t agree with the United Church of Christ and their decision to support the gay community. Along with their report, Now The End Begins also included Holy Bible verses to show how this could be associated to apostasy running rampant in the church. The primary verse used, right underneath the subtitle, “The great falling away continues unabated” is 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 10 in which it reads:
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
For those who don’t understand old school “King James”-speak, the big part of the quote is “effeminate” which means a man who partakes in feminine nature, behavior, mannerisms, or styles. Summarized, it is a fancy word for gender roles.
In conclusion, the United Church of Christ is following the progressive movement for gay rights and the people it supports. Other companies that have shown the same support include Burger King, a company that recently revealed the Proud Whopper . However, for some denominations, following in the direction the entire country is following doesn’t mean it is right in God’s eyes.
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