I have been reading these posts with great interest, and have been challenged about a number of things I have long held to be true. Not convinced or convicted, but certainly given a new perspective. By way of introduction & explanation, let me say that I am fairly conservative and traditional theologically, though I am open to new ways of looking at things. I have found that the number of times I have been wrong about things in the past have greatly enhanced my humility and certainty about things. I also have become aware that the church has treated homosexual Christians (and non-Christians, for that matter) very poorly and un-Christ-like. That said, I think that is red herring in this particular discussion. So here are the two things I have been grappling with.

First: It seems to me that while many conservative traditionalists are at least willing to engage over these difficult issues with humility (such as but not limited to homosexuality), liberals are rarely willing to enter in with the same humility. That is to say, anything that hints at a rejection of homosexual behavior, or even a suggests that homosexuality is less than God’s ideal, is rejected out of hand. This makes it very difficult to have a meaningful discussion on matters such as this.

Second: And I think this ties to the first. There seems to be a fear that if a rejection of homosexuality is arrived at (there’s got to be a better way to say that), we will be condemning those wrestling with it into a living hell. But if that is so, what do we make of verses such as 1 Cor 10:13? "No temptation has seized you except that which is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

Any feedback on this would be most helpful to me.