Your 20 year old son tells you he is homosexual. As a Christian parent, what is your reaction?

Question

I'm interested in the Christian point of view on this social issue.

Answer 1

I would say that the bible teaches us to love our children. So accept and love him as much as you did before he told you, it took courage for him to tell you so acknowledge that, too. And be glad you have raised your son to be open and honest with his parents, that is something to be happy about and his sexuality, at the end ogf the day, is his own business. He told you because he is comfortable to do so, and if you look to the bible for a response, remember god teaches us to love.

Answer 2

"As a Christian Parent?"

Please remember that Christianity is not necessarily an anti-gay religion. Some Christians condemn homosexuality, but not all.

As a liberal Christian, I would not condemn.

I've seen parents of GLBTs, supportive parents, get upset when they talk about their children; I think it's mostly sadness for what the children must face in our world, but also disappointment that the things they, as parents, dreamed about for their children (conventional marriage, children, and such.) I'm sure there is a little uncertainty and alienation as well. So I don't want to say "I'd be fine with it."

But Christianity should teach us that we are to love one another, and I would love my child.

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And the first person who smugly told me "God loves the sinner, but hates the sin," Would probably get thrown/punched/kicked across the room. It wouldn't be very Christian, but I have my limits.

Answer 3

It depends on if you're a Liberal Christian or a Conservative Christian. A Liberal Christian would handle this with compassion, love and acceptance. He is still your son, this is the way he is, and you should accept him as he is. A Conservative Christian would attempt to change ("save") their son from what is believed to be a "sin" and a "choice," (having known several homosexual friends and neighbors, I assure you it is not a choice!)

Understand that in taking the Conservative Christian position, you risk loosing your son through estrangement, and even quite possibly suicide. The Conservative Christian view on Homosexuality has destroyed a lot of families. Do you want to hurt your son? Do you want to damage your relationship with your son, possibly forever? Do you want to drive your son to depression? Suicide? Atheism? Then accept him as he is! It is not a choice, it is the way God made him.

I suggest getting involved with an organization like PFLAG -- Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. http://www.pflag.org/ They offer support to GLBT individuals, and their families who may be having difficulty with their coming out. Here is their "Family and Friends" page http://www.pflag.org/For_Family___Friends.comingout_family.0.html

Answer 4

I reckon that they SHOULD tell him that he is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord (according to Leviticus 20:13) and that he should be put to death. But then again, I would ALSO tell him that eating shellfish is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord also (Lev 11:10). So he has to work out which is the greater "sin"...being a poofter or eating a prawn.

As long as he doesn't have a tattoo, or a body piercing, or wear glasses, or have a blemish, or cut his hair, or wear blended clothes, or wear a wrist-watch, he should be OK, don't you think? (Lev 11:4-10 etc bans all these things)

Answer 5

I'd be more interested in the son's reaction to Don H's idea. Romans 1 says that homosexuals are disobedient to parents.

It depends whether they also think that they are Christian or not. Christians are not supposed to judge those outside the church. God will judge them. The only duty of those outside the church is to obey the secular authorities. I don't think that this is the same as God judging them, because the secular authorities don't always seem to scare criminals from misbehaving. In Australia, homosexuality is not illegal, that I know of, but there might be exceptions.

Christianity is not just a set of beliefs. This would be merely comprehension - "with grasping." It's not just one thing, then the next thing, then the next thing. It's metaphor, literacy, culture, excellence, glory to God above. Homosexuality is wasting your health and demanding others to make it up to you when you did it to yourself.

It's nicer anyway to let people know honestly where you stand on things.

Answer 6

Its too late.
Its time for some very tough decisions. Put your actions where you mouth has been, in other words-now its time for you to practice what you have preached. If you told you son that homosexuality is sin-you need to prove that you meant what you said.
The parable of the Prodigal son is good here. Don't misinterpret it.
The son left, and the father "did not" follow after him. When the son repented (changed back), the father accepted him back.
I will pray for you and your son.
Remember the Bible says, as long as there is breath-there is hope.

Answer 7

Well I know that he is not "gay". He might have some sort of leanings, but certainly there is nothing to suggest he HAS to pursue homosexuality. The very name says it. SEXUALITY. There are some people who have really high libidos, they are predisposed to wanting sex. However, just because they might want to have sex allot, if they are not married, and wish to be Christian then they need to wait. I am 22, I am waiting. I might never get married. I am Christian, this means I might never had sex. If sex was a predetermined, we have no choice, kind of thing then there would not need to be laws about sexual activities. There would be no laws against pedophiles, since they would have no choice. There would be no reason for people to get mad if their mates cheated on them, since they had no choice.

As for how I would probably treat him, probably the way I treat my siblings. They know I do not agree with aspects of their lives. Just like I show respect for them, or at least try to, I expect them to respect me and my home. As it is, one does not respect me, much and so I don't visit with him much. The other one wishes to bring his mistress around with him, and has decided not to come to see me, presumeably since she is not welcome. His choice.

Answer 8

at the starting up you aren't any more a Christian and also you should burn in hell. Jesus suggested stop bringing your children to me, enable them come to me on their very personal. it isn't as a lot as you to inform your son or everybody else they'll pass to hell for being gay or the different reason! for this reason preachers pontificate no longer educate (do as I say). i'm gay and my ex bf for yet another faith and that i discussed I appreciate that, in case you do not believe in God it really is as a lot as you, i will not rigidity god on you! to attempt to expose someone right into a christian is to say you are able to substitute a persons'' coronary heart, in different words say you are able to make someone who hates you, love you. For him to talk like a fruit cake, I do not ignore that, I hate that, too, yet you're for sure some redneck filled in a basement all day because in case you had some experience of the genuine international, you should merely flick it off your shoulder, develop up and pass on.

Answer 9

it's a shame that the beauty of a human would be limited by something evil.... why not just ask yourself what would your reaction be if you were a loving parent... I know it's hard for christians to love but give it a try... acceptance of our children prevents us from alienating them... peace

Answer 10

You tell him that you still love him of course, and do not judge. At twenty, he is old enough to make decisions of how he would like to live HIS life. It might be painful, but only through love and patience can one truly learn the right path. Some return others don't. Rest assured that God will judge with mercy and justice according to his perfect standards.