For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Stephen Washington
To properly handle this very charged as well as sensitive topic, its important to ask; has God definitively addressed the very concept of sexuality and its related subjects: marriage and the family? If we conclude, as some have, that the Bible is silent on these issues, we're left to struggle with passages such as Genesis 2:18 and 24, which I believe to be the twin "blueprints" for marriage and the home and dares to identify God Himself to be the "architect". Yes, I'm speaking about God
's DESIGN. "What does God say about sexual orientation?" I think a bigger question is: do we understand what He has ALREADY said, and are we willing to listen?
Donald Blum
As many people, I do not possess the greatest understanding of Bible passages that address this issue. Many churches have changed their philosophy on what the Bible does and does not say. This makes the issue confusing in the first place. How can the church, that has said something one way, now say something the other way. Then the church, a religious organization, brings science(known for being anti-religious) into the picture, in order to substantiate one position or another.
There are some religions that have maintained their stance on the issue and others have changed their position. I think however the responses are reported, they will reflect their personal opinion, interpretation or political position more than actually providing guidance or clarity on this issue.
Some people will site verses as the Bible states them and some will site verses or their interpretations of the verses. Some will site that God loves everyone, which is probably only thing that almost all of response will agree.
The focus should be on the act and not on the individual, or whether the individual is a good person generally or lives their life being kind to others. We know we are all sinners in one manner or another, and that even living your life doing good deeds is not the way to Heaven, as the only way to Heaven is through Christ, the shedding of his blood on the cross, his death on the cross and his resurrection, and finally our accepting Christ as our Savior. I think the answer that everyone is trying to understand, is whether the Bible says all sexual orientation is acceptable or not a sin, or is it not acceptable and a sin.
The church and definitely our society has influenced our opinions, but I think everyone is trying to find out what the Bible says, not the human interpretation of the Bible.
I know I have not provided a response and I look for further guidance on this issue.