Do you believe in God and Jesus Christ? Well, that would technically make you a "Christian." So what are the Christian teachings about homosexuality? What does God really think about it? Let's survey the scriptures:
In the Holy Bible, Romans 1:22-32, it is very clear that homosexuality is a sin. It's described as "vile affection," "lust," and "unseemly." Paul, the alleged author of the epistle to the Romans, teaches that those who practiced homosexuality had changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator. They were pursuing pure lust of the body, denying the God who'd created them. He goes on to say that women did change the natural use into that which is against nature, meaning seeking after women which is contrary to their nature to be with a man. He says concerning men that they likewise, leaving the natural use of the woman burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly. Notice here how Paul specifically mentions the relationship between and man and woman being the natural relationship. He goes on to teach that as they pursued this lust they became people full of unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity, whispers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without NATURAL affection, implacable, unmerciful. That is quite the list. Homosexuality has that path of any sin. The longer you stay on it the more wicked and open to other sin you become. And clearly stated here homosexuality is a grave sin because it is contrary to God's will and plan for his children on earth. Finally Paul says that those who practice homosexuality are extremely defiant of God. He says that they knowing the judgments of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but approve of them, or sympathize with them that do them. In other words Paul is saying that knowing that this is such a grave sin, they did it anyway and loved being around those who did.
Teachings on Marriage and God's Plan
In continuation of the above conversation, it is appropriate to now define the proper relationship of a man and a woman as constituted in the scriptures by God. The first account we have about the sacred marriage relationship is found in the book of Genesis. In Genesis 2: 21-24 the Lord creates a Eve in order to complete the creation of mankind. He then teaches the importance of this union of man and woman: therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh (v.24). The union between a man and a woman is stated here to be the most important in this life and in eternity. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose (The Family, A Proclamation to the World). As taught by modern apostles today and as supported in scripture, our gender is essential to our personal divinity and potential. Men are men, and woman are woman for a reason. The relationships between them are designed for a purpose. This purpose was also clearly taught when God blessed and gave a commandment to Adam and Eve saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth... (Genesis 1:28). Men and women are divinely unified in love to play a significant role in God's plan; bringing children to this earth. This teaching is further emphasized in The Family proclamation: We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan. Marriage is for a man and a woman. How does God's plan move forward with gay couples? It doesn't. Yet we hear in their defense, "God's love," "tolerance," "equality." God has infinite love for all his children. He commands us to love everyone, even the sinner... but NOT THE SIN. God does not tolerate sin. Why should we? We can still have equality, love and tolerance. This DOES NOT mean condoning gay-marriage. Condoning and tolerance are not the same thing. We must all treat each other with kindness and equality. Not approving gay-marriage has nothing to do with denying anyone rights to anything they are naturally entitled to. What is God's view? Well what do the wicked receive in times past, present and future? Judgment. God does not let the sinner off the hook to be "equal" or "tolerant." Unless we repent and come into alignment with God's will, we shall not merit his mercy.
Remember, this is not an "official statement" of the LDS Church nor does it represent all "mormons'" feelings on the matter. They are simply my personal feelings and thoughts as supported by holy scripture and the teachings of the LDS church. For all official LDS information see www.lds.org, or www.mormon.org.
To learn more about the divine nature of the family click the link below to read an official LDS document.
The Family view as HTML view as PDF
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