Thoughts on Steve Simon's Speech

By now you have probably seen or heard about Rep. Steve Simon’s speech to Minnesota lawmakers on the subject of homosexuality and, more specifically, “homosexual marriage.” If you haven’t seen or heard the speech, I encourage you to take 3 minutes to watch the clip below.



As you can see, Mr. Simon makes two main arguments: One against those who oppose “homosexual marriage” and one that homosexuality is a gift from God. However, what I find most interesting is the double-mindedness of the two arguments. It fascinates me that someone would suggest that law should not be based on religious debate and then turn around and make a religious argument for the kind of law he endorses.

Now, I understand that Mr. Simon’s second argument was probably directed at those who have been making arguments on the basis of religion. He would probably base his endorsement of law on fairness or equality, but his argument for homosexuality and “homosexual marriage” is still worth examining from a biblical perspective.

In recent times we have seen a shift in the homosexual debate that has been interesting to watch. The argument used to be a pretty standard two-fold argument: 1. Sexual orientation is not a choice; it’s something with which people are born. 2. Arguments against homosexuality from the Bible can only be accepted if those who propose them are also willing to follow the entire Old Testament law by not eating shellfish or wearing polyester. As you could see in the video, Mr. Simon keeps these arguments alive in his speech; however, he also uses what has become a popular line of reasoning that I think we need to examine biblically.

"How many more gay people does God have to create before we ask ourselves whether or not God actually wants them around?"

What we have seen more recently- especially since Lady Gaga released her recent tragedy of a “gay anthem” entitled “Born This Way”- is the interpretation of the fact that sexual orientation is something people are born with to mean that God approves, and even celebrates, homosexuality; and, therefore, we should celebrate it as well. What they don’t realize is that by speaking in these terms they actually play out a biblical truth that proves them to be wrong in their interpretation of these things.

The first thing I need to point out is that as a Christian, I admit that I have failed in the past to acknowledge the bit of truth in the pro-homosexuality argument, namely, that some people who practice homosexuality were, in some way, born with that inclination. The fact is we are all born sinners; therefore, it shouldn’t surprise us when a person exhibits a pattern of sin that is deeper than simply choosing that lifestyle over holiness. This truth, however, frees us to understand what is wrong with the “born this way” argument.

If we were to single out homosexuality as a sin that could not be part of the sin nature, we might logically conclude that a person being born with that inclination can pursue their desires. However, because homosexuality is something that one might be tempted with “their whole life”, Christ calls them to repentance just as he calls me to repent of my hatred, lust, dishonesty, or any other sin. This hardly means that the continued “creation” of homosexuals is merit for support of homosexuality; rather, it means that we should love them and show them their need for the gospel.

Secondly, homosexuality is treated by the Bible as an inherently different kind of sin. Now this you might expect a Phelps-like line pointing to things God does to our country as judgment of homosexuality. However, that is not first how the Bible talks about this sin. Consider the first chapter of the book of Romans. This is the ground for Paul’s exposition of the gospel. He does not- as so many Christians do these days- single out homosexuality as the ultimate reason for God to judge humanity. Instead idolatry is given that special honor (see Rom. 1:18-23). But if we look at the verses that follow we find that homosexuality is not merely the grounds for God’s judgment, it is God’s judgment on humanity (see Rom. 1:24-27). Now, to be fair, Paul concludes with a list of sins that come from God judging man by giving him a “debased mind” (see Rom. 1:28-31), but it’s clear that the go-to sin that shows how far we have fallen in idolatry is homosexuality. This is because homosexuality is so against God’s created order of things.

Now, I said earlier that Mr. Simon and others who use his argumentation are actually proving my interpretation to be correct. That is because of the way Paul ends the first chapter. He points out that the ultimate display of mankind’s hatred toward God is not necessarily in doing these things (though he has certainly proven that it is bad enough), but it is shown in that people give applause to such action. It is one thing to hate one’s own sin and yet fall into it way too often, it is quite another thing to love sin and debate, celebrate, or even legislate it that others might love it too.

How thankful we must be for a gospel that saves people from every kind of sin. Christ has been so good to us.

Grace and Peace,
Stephen