Bishop T.D. Jakes, pastor of the Potter’s House megachurch in Dallas, has again decided to use his position as one of the most influential African-American pastors in the country to publicly bash gay people. Jakes appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s new talk show, Oprah’s Next Chapter, on Sunday and declared that he believes homosexuality is “condemned by the scriptures.”
Here’s a transcript of the exchange:
Oprah: “Would you say that everybody is embraced in your church?”
Jakes: “Oh, absolutely. Yeah, absolutely.”
Oprah: “Because you know that you’ve been accused of saying that gay people would not be welcome.”
Jakes: “Oh, no, no, no. That’s not true at all.”
Oprah: “That’s not true?”
Jakes: “Well, the perception in our society today is that if you don’t say you’re for same-sex marriage or if you say that homosexuality is a sin that you’re homophobic and you’re against gay people. That’s not true. I’m not called to give my opinion. I’m called as a pastor to give the scriptural position on it. It doesn’t mean I have to agree with you to love you. I don’t dislike anybody. I love everybody.”
Oprah: “But does it mean you perceive being gay as a sin? Do you think that being gay is a sin?”
Jakes: “I think that sex between two people of the same sex is condemned in the scriptures, and as long as it is condemned in the scriptures, I don’t get to say what I think. I get to say what the Bible says. I’m not particularly political. I’m not particularly denominational. I’m not worried about any of that. I’m not anti-gay. I’m not anti-anything. I don’t want to even be known by what I’m against. I want to be known by what I’m for. I’m for people bettering themselves, no matter who they are and where they are, doing all they can to be all they can be.”
In stating his view that homosexuality is condemned by the scriptures, Jakes is in turn condemning his own son, Jermaine, who was arrested a few years ago in Kiest Park for soliciting sex from a male vice officer. He’s also condemning the late brother of marriage equality advocate Michael Irvin, who strangely still considers Jakes’ his “spiritual father.”
Jakes is condemning the countless LGBTQ youth who are among his flock at the Potter’s House, perhaps pushing some closer to suicide. And he’s condemning anyone who may be at risk for contracting HIV from gay sex, further contributing to the shame and silence that helps drive skyrocketing infection rates in South Dallas.
But hey, it’s all good, because Jakes loves everybody, right? I mean, can’t you just feel his love?
Watch video of Jakes’ comments here.
Some people are so stupid ! Where did you get him saying all that? Cause I didt read that anywhere . It’s a shame how people can just put words In your mouth . It should be crime
I agree with you. TD Jakes clearly said the scriptures condemns not him. Which it does the Bible talk about God destroying a city due to homosexuality. It does not have anything to do with love. Like he said I can still love you and not agree.
Would you like it if I loved you but didn’t agree about your straight sexuality? It’s hypocritical, And, if all sins are the same, why aren’t straight people equally judgemental about fornication, sex before marriage? I would even respect Jakes more if he said it is ‘his’ belief as well as what the bible says, rather than just saying ‘he’s only passing on the message’. Give me a break! Love is such a simple concept but religion skews it weirdly. Lastly, I don’t think these religionists think that they could have ever been gay, they happened to turn out straight. Much of it is a genetic predisposition so they could of! Science has proven it. Even Oprah herself had a show on it years ago! Maybe Jakesy should watch it 🙂 If it’s genetic, why is religion so eager to judge it? Judge ALL of what the bible condemns, not just snippets and THEN I’ll have an ounce more of respect for you 🙂
Hey
There have been NO conclusive studies that show ANYONE has a predisposition to be gay. In fact the last I remember there was a study on Identical twins that showed the percentage correlation between one identifying as ‘gay’ and the other as ‘straight’, having next to no correlation to their sexuality. Don’t come with that bullcrap, mate.
T.D Jakes, did take a weak move- he should have flat out said that he finds it wrong or right. I will flat out tell you that I think it is a sin. I will flat out tell you, that you can love someone and not agree with what they do. Acceptance does not and is not defined by total agreement, but rather by trying tolerate the flaws and show the person, what you- or in Christianity’s case the scriptures- show is the better way. Yeah, for straight people, we do need to address those issues, it’s wrong. A sin is a sin. Being gay is equal to sleeping with someone without marriage, which in turn is equal to killing someone for no reason, or stealing. Wrong is wrong.
Also, most Christians I know don’t engage with Oprah. Plus mate, respect is a two way street, if you have no respect for the person chances are, unless they are a practicing Christian etc, they will also have no respect for you, your way of life or your opinions. Which leaves both of you at a dead end of mutual apathy and self-righteous disgust.
https://concernedwomen.org/images/content/bornorbred.pdf
COMMENT”Which leaves both of you at a dead end…” The problem I have with that statement is that it doesn’t leave room for the Holy Spirit to lead people to a GREATER truth, aGREATER Love, which is JESUS CHRIST, Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw ALL men unto me” We are not to get into debates about doctrines and theology: Once you make your position known, regarding the Scriptures, the person(s) should be invited to find out for themselves, thru JESUS. Jesus will show them the way, the TRUTH, and the Life!
I agree with TD JAKES AMEN!
People are having a hard time comprehending ENGLISH. IF they did, this wouldn’t even be a conversation piece.
Fornication is a sin for straight people. here is scripture
1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
but same sex is a abomination: Scripture:
When God calls homosexuality an abomination
(Leviticus 18:22) (Leviticus 20:13)
22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Leviticus 20:13 13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
If you are not married having sex you have committed a sin, I’m only trying to help you understand biblically where people stand when it comes to sin whether you are straight or Homosexual.
HOMOSEXUALITY IS CLEARLY CONDEMNED IN NEW TESTAMENT
Romans 1:26-27 Saint Paul writing his Epistles
In the Epistle to the Romans 1:26-27 (English Majority Text Version, EMTV), Paul writes
“For this reason [idolatry] God gave them up to passions of dishonor; for even their females exchanged the natural use for that which is contrary to nature, and likewise also the males, having left the natural use of the female, were inflamed by their lust for one another, males with males, committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the recompense which was fitting for their error.”
~~~
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Wycliffe Bible (1382):
“Whether ye know not, that wicked men shall not wield the kingdom of God? Do not ye err; neither lechers, neither men that serve maumets [neither men serving to idols], neither adulterers, neither lechers against kind, neither they that do lechery with men”
King James Version (1611): “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”
Amplified Version (1987): “Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality”
~~~
1 Timothy 1:9-10 New International Version (NIV):
“9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”
#
Bessie, the shame here is how people can claim to love these men and women more than God. Sadly, how many more Jim Jones, Jim Bakers, Bishop Eddie Long, and etc. have to be uncovered before you all realize that these are men with faults and not without faults and they are still capable of wrongdoings. Not every person who claims to be a spoke person for God is so righteous that that don’t and won’t make mistakes. God tells us not to put our faith in no man but yet in still, you give your all to these men when your priority should be our Lord and Saviour. Creflo Dollar is asking for his congregation to purchase him a new plane for $60 million, so do you assume that this plane will be to serve God’s work or Creflo Dollar’s work? Get your heads out of the sand and see the light because Jesus is coming back to this planet and not all the sinners will be those that are easily recognized but the most of you will be stock to know that he is also coming for those in the churches too. Read your Bible and live by every word that comes from the Holy Scripture after the birth of Christ than the crap that man is telling you. Yes, we need more good pastors to lead churches but we need those who are truly faithful unto the Lord and greed just don’t make a great pastor. Also, have you failed to notice just how much greed has taken over our churches and how it even shows by these pastors being so overweight and becoming ill themselves because they have become glutens? Now you may have justification for all those overweight pastors but sometimes your greed will show up on your body…
I love my kids but I don’t agree with everything they have done. They are not homosexuals but if they were I would not agree with that lifestyle but I would still love them. Why do lgbt people think that we need to embrace their lifestyle. Homosexuality is wrong period. Get over it and stop asking everyone to accept your decisions to sin in the eyes of God. You will need to answer for your sins just like I will answer for mine.
Actually, I don’t think that Mr. Jakes is condemning his son or Michael Irvin. Based on what he told Oprah, he’s saying the Bible is condemning them as well as others who engage in it.
Hey Mr. Jakes: the scriptures were once used to justify slavery too. Are you aware of that?
We all struggle with something. Homosexuality is a sin according to scripture. So is gambling, drunkeness, adultery, etc. etc. I don’t elevate homosexuality, as if that sin is worse than any other sin. But, TD Jakes is going by scripture and God calls homosexuality sin. But, you need this man of God to give you a loophole, something that tells you its okay to live by how you feel. You don’t want to change and be about God’s business. You want to be about your “desires.” We all have a sin that we like and I commend Jakes for standing up for the scriptures.
I totally agree with you… I could not have said it better myself you expressed my thoughts… More people need to read your opinion and expression on what Bishop Jakes said in his interview with Oprah… It’s not about public opinion it’s about what God’s word says… If any of you are unfamiliar with the Bible and have a hard time finding the scriptures that relate to any given situation… I suggest that you go to the bookstore and get the book where to find it in the Bible from A to Z… And it will take you to every scripture that applies to any situation in the cycle of life
B –
I would like you to take a few minutes of your time, as I have, and read this article. It’s not a short read, but it’s worth the time taken to read it. Then answer me why this ONE so called “sin” is so far above every other “sin” spoken of in a book written, interpreted, and abused by man.
https://www.thegodarticle.com/7/post/2011/10/clobbering-biblical-gay-bashing.html
I’m not really an avid church goer but when I do go I try to go to The Potter’s House. I can honestly say that I’ve NEVER heard Bishop Jakes say anything that would be considered hateful toward homosexuals. It’s one of the most loving and non-judgemental places I’ve ever been. His comments on Oprah were simply stating what the Bible’s stance on the issue were. It seems to me that you would attack him no matter what he said. Obviously you are not supportive of the Bible’s view but please be fair about what was really said in that interview. I applaud Mr. Jakes for his comments and his ginuine love for people.
WOW – so sad that the author just read into Bishop Jakes’ statements so vitriol. I do not see that. He states the LMNOP community is welcome in his church. He wants to teach them what he know Scripturally. I would venture to say his answers would have been similar if Ochra had asked about Adultery, or Drug Abuse, or Obesity, or Sloth… so sad, everyone’s point of view is the view we insist the world agree upon. How boring would that be!
Wow, talk about putting words in people’s mouth. This has got to be one of the worst articles I’ve ever read. All opinions and NO facts. Where has real journalism gone???
TD Jakes you’re a talented preacher. You don’t need to take your orders from the Bible. Be more like Oprah and think for yourself. The Bible is a book written by caucasian men anyway, so I have no idea why so many blacks feel the need to obey it.
How do you know who wrote the Bible and if they’re black or white.
Herva… How is your life unfolding everyday? from your words it’s obvious that you will fall for anything if you have no knowledge it’s hard to get very far in life… knowing only what you see right in front of your eyes you have no further vision you don’t know who you are you don’t know where you came from you just empty space… When you find yourself in trouble and your back is up against the wall and you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel think about God because he says he would never leave you nor forsake you if you don’t believe me… Try HIM.. trust me you will need a higher power one day and the good part about it… God will be there for you and it’s a shame you won’t even realize who or what redeemed you… It will be a mystery to you forever because you are non-believers
Well God created the earth and everything. The Holy Bible is good to read so we can learn more about Jesus Christ. It helps people that have the choice to become a Christian.
Surely a Christian MUST “take orders” from the bible?! The holy scriptures are there to be followed.
HOMOSEXUALITY IS CLEARLY CONDEMNED IN NEW TESTAMENT
Romans 1:26-27 Saint Paul writing his Epistles
In the Epistle to the Romans 1:26-27 (English Majority Text Version, EMTV), Paul writes
“For this reason [idolatry] God gave them up to passions of dishonor; for even their females exchanged the natural use for that which is contrary to nature, and likewise also the males, having left the natural use of the female, were inflamed by their lust for one another, males with males, committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the recompense which was fitting for their error.”
~~~
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Wycliffe Bible (1382):
“Whether ye know not, that wicked men shall not wield the kingdom of God? Do not ye err; neither lechers, neither men that serve maumets [neither men serving to idols], neither adulterers, neither lechers against kind, neither they that do lechery with men”
King James Version (1611): “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”
Amplified Version (1987): “Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality”
~~~
1 Timothy 1:9-10 New International Version (NIV):
“9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”
#
Whatever, you’re a fool.
Bishop T.D. Jakes I commend you for doing what GOD tells you to do and say. I believe what I read in the Bible as well as what GOD puts in “MY” heart. People that want to do sins never want someone else to disagree with them. And if you do they want to attack YOUR character but I say stand on the “WORD” Bistop and let no one stand between what you hear from GOD.
so much controversity regarding the comments of a Pastor, and then calling someone that you don’t believe in an “……”. Rather than making such an issue out of one’s belief, why not search rather or not the scriptures has any validity. Its not a difficult process. Search with all your heart without reservation. We do research papers; start a business not knowing how successful it will be; ask people to invest in a product unknowingly to them. Search, then once you find a fact… go with that. Stop the bashing ” If you can”.
I cant understand why you would twist his words like that. Its totally ridiculous. You said, In stating his view that homosexuality is condemned by the scriptures, Jakes is in turn condemning his own son… you really should know better.
The man is six hundred pounds of walking, talking hypocrisy.
This must be Satan himself talking
Ain’t nothing like a man with back bone, strength,power and integrity. Ain’t nothing like being ale to recognize a real man standing up for God. Go on T.D. Jakes
I would like to know what scripture condemns homosexuality. I just want to be educated on both sides of the issue. The Bible is certainly open for interpretation because it was written so long ago and nothing can be taken word-for-word because it was a different time and context. Plus, there are gay-friendly churches in the area and I wonder how they operate if they are reading the same scripture Mr. Jakes is. On another note, I do agree with the comment about real journalism. This article is full of bias and opinion. Not very professional in my opinion.
HOMOSEXUALITY IS CLEARLY CONDEMNED IN NEW TESTAMENT
Romans 1:26-27 Saint Paul writing his Epistles
In the Epistle to the Romans 1:26-27 (English Majority Text Version, EMTV), Paul writes
“For this reason [idolatry] God gave them up to passions of dishonor; for even their females exchanged the natural use for that which is contrary to nature, and likewise also the males, having left the natural use of the female, were inflamed by their lust for one another, males with males, committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the recompense which was fitting for their error.”
~~~
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Wycliffe Bible (1382):
“Whether ye know not, that wicked men shall not wield the kingdom of God? Do not ye err; neither lechers, neither men that serve maumets [neither men serving to idols], neither adulterers, neither lechers against kind, neither they that do lechery with men”
King James Version (1611): “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”
Amplified Version (1987): “Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality”
~~~
1 Timothy 1:9-10 New International Version (NIV):
“9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”
#
The most credible source of what someone said, is examining what the person actually said. That is very different than what
“someone says they said.”
(Which proves there is something to be learned by watching all those episodes of Law and Order!)
Reading the interview (actually provided in article) provides indisputable evidence that the charges the Mr. Wright makes in the article are nothing more than a cheap hatchet job on TD Jakes.
How ironic that the bigotry and hate-mongering was the tool of choice chosen by the writer in penning this article.
Morris Kight on Religion: “In some cases it is helpful, and often is harmful.”.
Kight was right!
A Candid Conversation with Gay Legend Morris Kight
Interview by Andre Ting, chinarainbow.org
On December l3, l999, I visited Mr. Morris Kight in his residence in Hollywood Hills. We had a wonderful time talking about our past and recent events. After much reminiscence, I conducted an interview with him, which is of interest to CRA members:
Q Andre Ting: I know that you have being a human rights advocate for a long, long time. Did you first start your activism in Texas?
A Morris Kight: Yes, I did. As a child, I was different from anybody else. I was literate, and I spoke clearly, brilliantly, and thoughtfully. I read poetry and I wrote poetry. I started developing a philosophy of social positions. In l936 my mother and I were partners in a roadside food stand. An African American family came by and said, ” We’ve driven all across this country and nobody would serve us. We’re very hungry. Would you serve us?” I said to them, ” Sit down, sit down.” I knew the mixing of the races was a violation of the law. But I served them anyway. A couple came and saw us and told the sheriff. I was detained. [But] I was proud of my first act of civil disobedience…
For all christians if not for others, the Bible must always have the final say. Anyone irregardless of talent or whatever that disregards the Bible will sooner than later fail. Been there! If d Bible says homosexuality is wrong then please leave the preacher alone and go face God. Ask Him why He doesn’t want you to engage in such. There is no need to kill the messenger because the message does not sit well with you. Biblically God created Male and Female not otherwise. If He had wanted otherwise He could have but He ‘intelligently’ did not. Go face God, His line is open 24/7. No interruption. Yellow journalism! God is watching, quit distorting the Truth. Thank you
Just for my own info I really would like to know where in the bible page is it mentioned that gay is not the right way to go-just want to know both sides of the coin-pl write in and let me know the pages in the bible-god is good, kind and above all loving-which bible are we talking about here???
The same bible covers all sins and laws, but what we have to remember is that we are human. We all fall short of God’s glory and what He originally intended for His perfect world. Yes, the scripture does say that homosexuality was not intended to have a place in His world, it also says that about stealing and many other sins. Lying.
1 Timothy 1:9-10 New International Version (NIV):
“9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.
As mentioned, we all fall short of God’s glory. We all struggle with something. Porn, gambling. Drinking. But the good news is that, Gd loves us.
Numbers 14:18
The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.’ There are many versus that state that God is LOVE. But the one I love the most is…
John 3: 16-17
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.…
Even though we sin, God loves us enough to not leave us in our sinful ways. Too many people want people, mostly men and women of God to give them a loophole, something that tells them its okay to live by how they feel. Too many people don’t want to change and be about what God intended for His perfect world. They want to be about their “desires.” But, the love that God has for us is a sacrificial love. He sacrificed His own son so that we could be reconciled with Him and in many ways, I believe that we’re called to live sacrificial lives too.
I believe that we are called to live lives were we die to ourselves and live the way God intended us to live even when we don’t want to do it. We are called to be obedient to our father because Jesus was first obedient to God for us when he chose to drink the cup even though He knew what would happen next; his crucifixion. Jesus said, Luke 22:42 “Your will, not mine be done.”
Discriminatory “Christians” often need to be challenged (open rebuke) by their equality driven brothers and sisters of Christian faith. It wasn’t that long ago that my christian brothers and sisters of african descent were discriminated against (be fellow christians) in the City of Dallas and at the State Fair of Texas!
“It was left to an NAACP chapter in faraway Brownwood to sue and force final desegregation of the midway and eating establishments.”
Ashleigh – We get it, you need some fairy tale to give some meaning to your pathetic life. If thats what youy need babe, thats what you need but don’t attempt to hide behind your little fantasy to justify your hatred and bigotry. Try and at least be honest.
@Molly: the bible says nothing about homosexuality. Anywhere. There are some individuals who would disagree, but they are generally (a) less educated and (b) mentally challenged, which leaves them in no position to argue or debate the issue.
Organized religion is the root of all evil & bigotry.
Read the Bible “Gay” is WRONG!
@Debbie. Others, like you, are saying “Read the Bible too!
By: Debra on 9/23/2010 8:38PM
This man and all the others, T.D, Sharpton, Dollar and Bynum etc.. They are teaching false doctoring. They are going to hell and all those that are following them. Read the bible for your self. Romans 16:16
https://www.bvonmoney.com/2010/09/23/bishop-eddie-long-megachurch-pastor-properity-gospel/
“Lighthouses are more helpful than churches.” – Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790
John Wright, Where’s the Bishop on this ALEC issue?
A campaign launched by several progressive organizations has led eight major corporations to withdraw from the American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, where state legislators and business representatives meet to draft model legislation.
ALEC has been accused by progressive organizations of working “to disenfranchise African Americans, Latinos, students, the elderly, the disabled, and the poor.”
https://floridaindependent.com/75123/alec
Lord, look at how you have twisted the words for your own purpose. You are unethical and should be ashamed.
Mr. Wright, IMO – you pften jump quickly to cast a stone when none is needed. Dallas is fortnate to have ‘The Voice’ news, but with relegion, politics, and general interest stories over the last couple of year’s I’ve noticed you tend to slant a story in very irresponsible ways which is not good journalism. Perhaps it’s time you step down, or offer readers unbiased presentation.
OK, since Bishop Jakes quotes the bible re: homosexuality there are other bible verses I think he should have his flock obey:
1. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath.Exodus 35:2. clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?2. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination – Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this? Are there ‘degrees’ of abomination?3. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle- room here?4. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?5. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?6. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
It seems the bishop is picking and choosing from the bible what people should believe or not believe.
That’s all in the old testament. Everything you’ve mentioned were laws for the people 2000 years ago. When Jesus came, he created a new covenant. New laws. But, Homosexuality has been condemned in the new testament too, which is why the pastor mentioned it.
Homosexuality is not a sin like pride or any other sin that may affect one person. Homosexuality is unnatural, if it were natural then gay people could reproduce. If children are involved then it effects them as well. Gay people should not be bashed or beaten, but they should not be given the same rights as heterosexual couples as far as marriage and adoption.
HOMOSEXUALITY IS CLEARLY CONDEMNED IN NEW TESTAMENT
In the Epistle to the Romans 1:26-27 (English Majority Text Version, EMTV), Saint Paul writes “For this reason [idolatry] God gave them up to passions of dishonor; for even their females exchanged the natural use for that which is contrary to nature, and likewise also the males, having left the natural use of the female, were inflamed by their lust for one another, males with males, committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the recompense which was fitting for their error.”
~~~
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Wycliffe Bible (1382):
“Whether ye know not, that wicked men shall not wield the kingdom of God? Do not ye err; neither lechers, neither men that serve maumets [neither men serving to idols], neither adulterers, neither lechers against kind, neither they that do lechery with men”
King James Version (1611): “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”
Amplified Version (1987): “Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality”
~~~
1 Timothy 1:9-10 New International Version (NIV):
“9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”
.