Friday, April 25, 2008 is the Day of Silence, sponsored by the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network). Students in schools across the country will refrain from speaking for one day and hand out cards which say something like:
Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies in schools. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?
Conservative Christian students are being encouraged to participate in the Day of Truth, on Monday, April 28, 2008 in order to counter the promotion of the homosexual agenda and express an opposing viewpoint from a Christian perspective. Students in schools across the country will speak up for one day and hand out cards which say something like:
I’m speaking the Truth to break the silence. True tolerance means that people with differing — even opposing — viewpoints can freely exchange ideas and respectfully listen to each other. It’s time for an honest conversation about homosexuality. There’s freedom to change if you want to. Let’s talk.
Put yourself in this position on the Day of Silence: “I believe homosexuality is wrong, but I also believe harassment, prejudice, and discrimination are wrong. If I speak, I might be labeled a bigot. But if I’m silent, it may give the illusion that I condone a lifestyle that is inconsistent with my beliefs.” This event was designed to polarize people.
It is my opinion that while the Day of Silence “is an annual day of action to protest the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and their supporters,” its real effect is the promotion of the gay agenda. The Day of Silence is about advocating the acceptance of homosexuality, not eliminating injustice.
Since the American Psychiatric Association took homosexuality off its list of disorders in 1973 in response to political pressure, homosexuality is increasingly more acceptable and respectable in America. The American Medical Association followed suit, and the media industry helped popularize the movement.
Society replaced the phrase “sexual preference” with “sexual orientation,” claiming that homosexuality is biologically determined, rather than learned (I personally believe that same-sex attractions are not chosen, but a person is responsible for what he or she does with his or her attractions). Scientists have recently sought to link a “gay gene” to homosexual tendencies, but a causal genetic relationship has never been proven.
What’s so bad about advocating the acceptance of homosexuality among youth?
Studies continue to show that statistically, homosexuals have many more sexual partners than heterosexuals. They are also more at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, mental illness, and shorter life expectancies. (source)
The Family Research Institute states, “Almost all the exposure by homosexuals to violence and disease is encountered in the gay subculture,” and “While violence toward homosexuals is deplorable, most violence involving gays is self-induced (and the gay subculture may export more violence than it absorbs from without).”
It is fairly common for homosexuals to have changing sexual attractions. Many seek to change their orientations, and are successful with the aid of therapy, though the AMA continues to oppose such therapy (a difficult journey, for sure).
I think teaching youth that homosexuality is completely acceptable, without warning them of the dangers found within the homosexual community, is irresponsible and premature. Tolerance must be taught, but the freedom of expression should be encouraged (including tactful methods of objecting to homosexuality). Bullies should be punished for harassment, but offensive behaviors can be controlled without celebrating the memes of homosexual life. I think a more appropriate national movement would promote open discussion of controversial issues, not silence.
Homosexuality is a highly divisive, emotionally charged topic. Religious extremists throughout history have been guilty of derogatory slurs, name-calling and Bible-thumping. They have been motivated by fear and anger and have tarnished the name of Christ.
The Christian church as a whole is struggling to reach out to the homosexual community in love without endorsing high-risk, selfish, and immoral lifestyles. I think it’s possible to stand up against hate, violence, and ridicule against gays while clearly opposing homosexuality.
As Christians, we are called to be the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-16) and to be committed to the message of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:14-21). The Bible does not condone harassment, prejudice, or discrimination; it instructs believers to tell sinners about God’s love for them (Rom. 5:8). In our fight to preserve the sanctity of marriage, let’s not be quick to make enemies of people greatly in need of a Savior.
I suppose my card should say something like:
“Hey, I love God. God loves you. I love you. Will you tell me all about your life? I’m against violence, hate, and ridicule, too. I’m not as concerned with changing your lifestyle as I am with telling you about a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. What do you think about God? Can I talk about my own sin and failures? Can I tell you about God’s love and forgiveness? Do you know why Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross? Can I buy you a cup of coffee?
It’s hard to love people through a t-shirt, a bumper sticker, or a protest sign. This is really a heart and prayer issue. Therefore, it is our challenge to personally reach out and share the good news of the gospel with the homosexual community. I dare say the impact would be far greater than any political campaign or agenda in history.
Those are some things to think about this week. Let’s talk.
