Accepting. Inclusive. Tolerant. Today’s culture is one which seeks not only to accept, but embrace, every type of personality, identity, and lifestyle represented within society. It is one that promotes both the tolerance and exploration of new or different ideas. It thrives on diversity of appearance, preference, and lifestyle. Sure, as a member of society, this approach to treating others in our community is only logical. It creates for a harmonious community and promotes a general sense of camaraderie. From this perspective, it can be easily understood as to why so many non-Christians, perceive Christianity to be a sexist and homophobic religion, due to its doctrinal rejection of these practices. However, it is also important to understand that rejection of certain practices, such as homosexuality, or embrace of traditional lifestyles, such as women as homemakers, does not constitute either homophobia or sexism. The Bible does not teach that we should be afraid of homosexuals, nor does it instruct to discriminate against either gender. Rather the Bible teaches what a godly lifestyle should look like and warns against what it should not be as well. Specifically, Biblical Christianity abides by the belief that man and woman were created by God to be with one another and one another alone. Therefore, as both Christians and members of society, we should abstain from practicing or condoning this lifestyle, but remember to approach those living in sin not out of pure condemnation but out of love and concern. In a way, it saddens me to think that the outside perception of the church is such a negative one. While this stereotype may be legitimately true for some Christians, instead of being thought of as homophobes, we should be seen as the ones who are willing to reach out to those who are different from us. In this way we can show the love of Christ through our actions and further the kingdom. Distancing ourselves from wrongdoing does not make it disappear or edify the Lord. In turn, we should not allow male leadership within the church to be mistaken for sexism. Even though this may seem discriminatory through the world’s eyes, it is important to remain true to the Biblical establishment of gender roles. Moreover, in response to society ridicule it is imperative that the church function as an example of how both male and female can be strong leaders and individuals within their God-given roles. In conclusion, the societal perception that all Christians are sexist and homophobic is an inaccurate one that should be battled by loving those around us, as to not create a sense of exclusivity within society.
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