Reggie White is a professional football player with the Green Bay Packers.
A veteran of the NFL, White has a squeaky-clean image and has been very
open and vocal about his Christian testimony. He has often been praised
by the press for his warmhearted, compassionate spirit and his off-the-field
work both inside and outside his church.
We do not know much about Reggie White. I understand that he was saved
a number of years ago through the ministry of Tennessee Temple University
in Chattanooga and that he is now an assistant pastor of a Baptist church
in Knoxville. Since we personally do not know Reggie White or his church,
we are not necessarily commending or endorsing his ministry or his church.
Nonetheless, we do want to comment on this media flap over remarks White
made before the Wisconsin legislature on March 25 in regard to homosexuality.
IMMEDIATE REACTION
The liberal media has certain "tenets of faith" to which they adhere
tenaciously. They preach toleration for everything except where biblical
views are expressed. They let others make remarks to the degree of blasphemy
and treason, and they pass it off as no big deal and often defend the person's
"right" to do so.
But when someone in the public eye, such as Reggie White, makes comments
which are construed by the media as insensitive in regard to homosexuality
or ethnicity, they are wickedly vicious and totally intolerant.
His "racially insensitive" remarks mentioned specifically blacks, Hispanics,
Asians and whites. While we at the Sword of the Lord would never commend
the demeaning of anyone for his race or ethnicity and have often spoken
out to say so, these remarks by Reggie White did not have any hint of hate
or hostility in them. They were said openly, honestly and analytically
in recognition of the diversity of the various groups. There was apparently
no intent to insult, defame or diminish anyone.
In an ethnically diverse society, an acknowledgment of that diversity
expressed between us is often refreshing and helpful. Admittedly, when
such comment demeans, degrades or diminishes, it should be impugned. But
when it is innocent and innocuous, let's not call the thought police to
arrest the perpetrator.
Perhaps in our racially charged society his ethnic comments would have
best been left unspoken, but they were in no way an indiscretion worthy
of national news coverage.
HE WAS RIGHT ABOUT PERVERTS
The other matter which he addressed openly, definitely and rightly
was homosexuality. He said he was offended that homosexuals "compare their
plight with the plight of black people" and say they have been discriminated
against. "Homosexuality is a decision, not a race," he said.
White said he was stunned by others' hostile reactions and felt many
who were bothered by his remarks simply hadn't heard their full context.
Still, he said he stood by them.
"This has not been an easy day at all, but I can handle that," White
said. "I'm not changing. I'm not backtracking on anything I said. The Bible
talks about sodomy. Sodomy involves homosexuality, child molestation-sexual
perversion. I mentioned our country is headed in the wrong direction because
we sit back, watch sin and let it happen. It's destroying our country and
will until we have men and women that stand up and speak out. I'm only
stating what the Bible states."
From the way he was fried by some reporters, you would think Reggie
White was a madman or something just as bad.
"He preached against intolerance with words that were intolerant. He
preached against prejudice with words that reflected prejudices. He preached
against hate while promoting attitudes that foster hate.
"White sounded like a bigot, and he sounded like a hypocrite. Mostly,
though, he sounded like a fool," said The Washington Post's Jennifer Frey.
"The most inflammatory thing White said sounded like a homophobic rant.
He said he was offended that homosexuals 'compare their plight with the
plight of black people' and say they have been discriminated against,"
said Mike Bruton of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
WHITE APOLOGIZES AND CLARIFIES
"Reggie White says he's sorry if he offended anyone in condemning homosexuality
and using racial stereotypes in a speech .
"Said David Smith of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest
gay and lesbian political organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C.,
'It is very sad that Mr. White is justifying his anti-gay bias under the
guise of religious beliefs.
"The All-Pro defensive end of the Green Bay Packers faxed a statement
to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel late Thursday, saying he did not intend
to slight anyone.
"'I must stress that I in no way intended for my comments to personally
hurt anyone, and for that, I apologize,' White said. 'But I do not apologize
for standing on God's Word when it comes to sin .My attitude is to hate
the sin and love the sinner.
"White, a former University of Tennessee star who grew up in Chattanooga,
used what some complained were racial stereotypes in explaining the 'gifts'
of different races and ethnic groups.
"White said the combined characteristics and qualities 'reflect the
full image of God.'
"The statement Thursday was to clarify the 'main message' of
his speech, White said.
"'First, I made a point that our society is fortunate to be comprised
of different races and cultures. I must admit that my examples may have
been somewhat clumsy and inappropriate on how the races differ, but my
intent was not to demean anyone,' White wrote.
"'If I did, I humbly ask for your forgiveness,' he said.
"White did not mention homosexuality in the statement, saying, 'I did
address examples of moral indiscretion that threaten to corrupt our society'"
(Chattanooga Free Press, 4/4/98).
Reggie White seems to be a warmly compassionate individual. His demeanor
suggests that very clearly. His original statements and his apology both
reflect a man with convictions yet very compassionate. Nonetheless he has
been slammed hard by the critics.
But criticism be as it may, despite the pro-homosexual agenda of the
national media, when Reggie White said, "Homosexuality is a decision, not
a race," he was right! I commend his conviction, and I applaud his courage.
Would to God more preachers would take such a stand! And what about the
politicians, the jurists, the educators, etc.? Why do not other public
figures and celebrities stand up as did Reggie and speak out as he did-and
speak up on his behalf? When you're being beaten without mercy, it surely
helps to have friends who feel as you do and who are not afraid to stand
with you.
SEE WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY
(1) Homosexuality is an "abomination."
"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."-Lev.
18:22.
Sexual relationships were designed of God to be heterosexual. Heterosexuality
is between a man and a woman. When a man engages in sexual behavior with
another man, or a woman does so with another woman, that is homosexuality,
and it is clearly unnatural (in God's design) and unacceptable (on God's
terms).
When the Bible calls it "abomination," it is a description of something
very, very gross and fully condemned of God. "Abomination" is not a word
of commendation, and it is not a term of neutrality. It is definitive and
powerful. Homosexuality is abominable; it is detestable and loathsome.
In other words, it is condemned.
(2) Homosexuality is a "vile affection."
"For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their
women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And
likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in
their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly,
and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."-Rom.
1:26,27.
Affection is a beautiful thing, but when it is turned wrong, it is
vile and awful. In these verses sex is described as natural. It is a wonderful
part of the God-given fiber of your being, but it can be twisted into an
unnatural thing. When a man is sexually engaged with another man, it is
unnatural (vile, sinful and wrong). When a woman enters into a lesbian
relationship, then once again sex has been made unnatural (vile, sinful
and wrong).
These verses describe homosexuality as lust that burns toward another
person of the same sex. I once asked a very distraught homosexual man why
he would let himself get caught up in such a thing in view of the dangers
that are involved. His answer came as quick as a flash. He said, "It's
the lust, the insatiable, uncontrollable lust."
These verses further state that homosexuality is "unseemly." It is
not in keeping with established and accepted standards. God has set the
standard on this, and it should not be ignored. Homosexuality is not decent.
It is an unspeakable perversion. It is a grossly shameful activity.
Verse 27 describes homosexuality as an "error" (something not right)
for which there is recompense. Indeed, there is a payday for this "vile
affection." Such sin always produces bitter fruit. Even casual observation
of the homosexual lifestyle reveals the error of its way and the unfulfilling
results of the practice.
It is "inordinate affection."
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication,
uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness,
which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the
children of disobedience."-Col. 3:5,6.
When affection is misdirected or misapplied, it is "inordinate affection."
It is therefore wrong and should be avoided altogether. Our affections
should be governed by God's laws just as much as anything else on which
God has spoken. We must not attach our affections to that which God declares
off limits. Same-gender sex is off limits at all times and in all circumstances.
(3) Homosexuality dishonors the human body.
"Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of
their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves."-Rom.
1:24.
You have a responsibility before God to care for your body properly
and to use your body properly. It is the house you live in, and you should
not do that which mars it or harms it. Homosexuals so often inflict upon
themselves S.T.D. (sexually transmitted diseases) of one type or another.
In recent years the AIDS epidemic has been closely associated with homosexual
behavior. In San Francisco (one of the world's havens for homosexuals)
seventeen thousand have died from AIDS in seventeen years, and many thousands
of others are already infected and will die in days to come. The reckless
behavior of homosexuality driv-en by the unbridled lusts brings a judgment
of dishonor upon the human body.
(4) Homosexuality is a self-inflicted defilement.
"Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for
the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy
and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers,
for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is
contrary to sound doctrine."-I Tim. 1:9,10.
"Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner,
giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are
set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise
also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak
evil of dignities."-Jude 7,8.
Homosexuality is not an innate characteristic. No one is born with
it. When some social engineers say, "They can't help being that way," they
have a gross misunderstanding of the situation. It is a myth which cannot
be supported by the facts.
Homosexuality results from a choice or a series of choices. The biological
norm is heterosexuality. If a person becomes disenchanted with the opposite
sex and goes elsewhere for sexual activity, it is a deliberate and conscious
choice. There are many ways to twist and pervert the good, God-given way
of sexuality. In each case where one of those deviant ways is practiced,
it is a conscious choice to do so.
The choice to enter into perversion is an unclean choice. It defiles
the human body.
In the case of homosexuality the practices are so unclean as to defy
explanation for mixed audiences. The defilement creates a flood of disease
of various kinds and flirts recklessly with death.
Many homosexuals live their lives battling the diseases their unwise
and wicked choices bring to them. Large numbers of them will go to an early
grave as a result.
(5) Homosexuality is a pursuit of strange flesh.
"Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner,
giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are
set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire."-Jude
7.
"Strange" means "odd." Indeed, it is odd, weird, strange when a man
takes up with another man, or a woman with another woman. Having turned
themselves away from God and given themselves to immorality, many of them
sink deeper and deeper into gross and vile perversion. Ultimately, their
appetite for the normal has been so distorted that they look for some strange
way to entertain themselves.
It doesn't lead to joy and happiness, but rather into "the vengeance
of eternal fire."
(6) Homosexuality is effeminate.
"Know ye not that the unrigh-teous shall not inherit the kingdom of
God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind. "-I Cor. 6:9.
Men should be masculine, and women should be feminine. When those roles
begin to be distorted, another line of decency has been transgressed. Homosexuals
are famous for cross-dressing and otherwise blurring the gender lines.
Some homosexual men adopt a feminine mystique about themselves.
When men abandon the normal masculine desires and roles, they search
for other ways to
express themselves. Without women they begin to act feminine. It's
a mixed-up and confused scenario. It reeks with rebellion and disobedience
to God. There is nothing about it that is right.
(7) Homosexuality is reprobate.
"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God
gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient."-Rom.
1:28.
It is not responsible, but reprehensible and reprobate. It is such
a grievous sin, so wicked, so morally depraved, that it takes people down
to the brink of helplessness and hopelessness.
The very essence of homosexuality is such that the spirit of God is
repulsed by it. Although homosexuals can be saved (I Cor. 6:9-11), many
of them become so morally corrupt and so resistant to God that they never
will be. It is an eternally dangerous path on which the homosexual has
set his feet. If you are on that path, turn around now (without delay)
and flee the scene. Come on your knees to God, ask for His mercy, and let
Him save you and change you completely.
"BUT 'MY CHURCH' DOESN'T TAKE A STAND ON HOMOSEXUALITY"
As you read and study these Bible passages, the message is clear: Homosexuality
is not acceptable. God does not approve it. To the contrary, He waves the
flag of warning and condemns the practice.
Some "Christian" denominations are soft on this perversion. They have
adopted the prevailing winds of this God-denying, Christ-rejecting culture.
They cater to the whims of the perverts and their sympathizers. They twist
and distort clear Bible passages in an effort to dilute them.
Recently the United Methodist Church held a church trial for the Rev.
Jimmy Creech of Omaha because he conducted a same-sex (homosexual) wedding.
A jury of his peers in the UMC clergy held him guiltless by granting acquittal.
What's the problem with Mr. Creech? What's the problem with the Methodist
clergy? What's the problem with the UMC? They are soft on sin. They are
soft on Scripture. They are soft on truth. They are soft on godliness.
They are soft!
Dear friend, if you are in a church that is soft on perversion, or
if it is aligned with a denomination that is soft on it, you are well advised
to cut your ties promptly and bail out. You are accountable before God
for your life, your testimony, your tithe and your influence. Your very
presence in such a church or denomination condones and commends these matters
which God so resolutely condemns. You should act with conviction and with
courage-disengage yourself from any outfit, be it a church or whatever,
that is cozy with the abomination of homosexuality.
"YOU'RE A GAY-BASHER"
I can hear it now. When we raise our voice to cry out against this
mess, some naive soul will rail at me and call me a gay-basher. Call me
what you wish anytime you want, but the facts remain: This homosexual perversion
is a sinful abomination. If I keep silent, it's still an abomination. If
you like it or don't like it, it's still an abomination. If you call me
names (in an attempt to quiet me), it's still an abomination.
Condemning sin is a good and necessary thing. Sin has tragic consequences,
and that should be made clear to everyone. If your house were on fire and
all your neighbors just pulled their blinds and took a nap, you would be
infuriated, and rightly so. Inasmuch as sin is a far greater matter, it
is good when someone courageously condemns it.
Condemning sin is a blessing to sinners. If you put out the fire before
the house is severely damaged, it is a blessing. Indeed, if sin can be
condemned and corrected, what a blessing. If a sinner can be called in
from his wicked ways, he is due to be blessed. If a person is rescued from
the ravages of perversion, it is a blessing indeed!
When we condemn smoking (as we do), it doesn't mean we dislike smokers.
When we condemn alcohol (as we do), it doesn't mean we are against
alcoholics.
When we condemn pornography (as we do), it doesn't mean we hate those
who use it.
When we condemn abortion (as we do), it doesn't mean we cannot love
those who do it.
The same is true of homosexuals. We do condemn the practice. Reggie
White was right. The Bible is right. It is an awful abomination! But God
still loves those who are enslaved by it. Jesus died for perverts just
as He died for all sinners. Homosexuals can be saved just as any other
sinner can. Once saved, the Lord will help sinners, including the homosexual
perverts, to clean themselves up and go "straight."
So let it be clear: It's homosexuality we're bashing, not the homosexual.
If he or she clings to the sin, the ride may be rough, and he/she may get
bruised. But the rhetoric of righteousness allows the sinner to prune off
the sin with no intent of harming him at all. He feels the heat only when
he holds tightly to the sin.
"BUT DOESN'T GOD LOVE HOMOSEXUALS?"
Yes, He does! That's why He is so strong on this condemning of homosexuality.
He loves them too much to let them blunder in this area without warning
and without assistance in finding an exit.
God does love those who are in this abominable perversion, but He doesn't
spare the sin for a moment.
The Gospel is for perverts just as it is for all of us. Christ saves
homosexuals just as He does anyone else.
If you are in this wickedness, you need to come to Christ, get saved
and then yield your life to the Lord Jesus for a complete deliverance.
He can help you, and if you will permit Him to do so, He will help.
He will not force His way into your life. He wants you to want Him there.
If you want Him, there is a way, the way of faith, that is the way of deliverance
from this wickedness, this perversion, this abomination of homosexuality.
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