I know you said it wasn't about this, but to get a sense of why she might have called you a lukewarm Christian, how would you respond to the following questions:
1. "If I'm not a Christian, am I going to hell?"
2. "Can I practice homosexuality and be Christian?"
I find that generally what people say is Christians condemning them comes when questions such as these are asked and the Christian gives an honest answer. When I talk to gay people I don't condemn their homosexuality, in the same way that I don't condemn my other friends for watching porn or fornicating, but when people find out I'm a Christian they tend to ask this sort of question, "Do you think it's a sin to be gay?" and I answer yes, and when they ask, "Do you think homosexuals should be allowed same-sex marriage?" and I say no, then they become indignant.
Hi Animus,
I get where you're coming from. I've had lengthy discussions on this topic. A friend of mine who is a heterosexual Christian, keeps bringing up homosexual topics, so much so that I actually started crying once out of sheer fatigue from discussing it. Haha!! He hasn't discussed it with me since. I do have quite a few homosexual friends, and I've had conversations on the matter with them. It's a very tricky subject. The Bible certainly claims that homosexuality is wrong, and then you have homosexual Christians who are now coming up with claims that a homosexual relationship is alright within marriage.
All that being said, the first question should be who is a Christian?? I don't believe that Christianity can be properly termed as a "religion". It's more of a relationship with Christ. A Christian is someone who simply follows Christ and His teachings. The only way to heaven is through Christ who gives us Salvation. So, if you do not accept Christ as your Savior, then yes (according to my belief), you will go to hell.
Coming to the question of homosexuality. The Bible states that homosexuality is a sin as much as any other sin. If you commit it, you cannot enter heaven. Same thing goes for murdering, lying, stealing, committing adultery, greed, and the like. Homosexuals can argue that Jesus never stated that homosexuality is a sin, but Paul stated it.
This being said, Sodom and Gomorrah was burned down for two main reasons: homosexuality and because they didn't help their poor. God made that decision. Jesus is God, as Jesus was always with God from the beginning. Only thing, back then, Jesus was called the Word, and not Jesus Christ. But, He was always there. Right from the beginning. That means, that decision must have been made by Jesus too. Therefore, homosexuality should be considered a sin. Can you be a follower of Christ and practice homosexuality? It's like asking-- Can I be a follower of Christ and commit adultery/lie/cheat?
All of us sin. Even when we are followers of Christ. We should strive not to commit any sin, and be more like Christ.
When you answer them, and they tell you that you are condemning them, let them know that you are merely stating what you believe in. And, you love them nonetheless. Everyone is free to their own opinions. They feel it's right. You feel it's wrong. They shouldn't hold you to your answer, otherwise, they are the ones condemning you for your beliefs.
