For whatever reason, this subject has come up quite often recently, and I thought it prudent to comment (given that I told another blogger that I would do so). 

First, please understand that when I speak of homosexuality I may substitute any number of activities, thoughts, or lifestyles.  Maybe you'll understand that a bit better later. 

I must point out that homosexuality is identified in the Bible as sin.  For Christians who believe the Bible, that fact must not be denied.  We may certainly interpret it differently, but it is still a statement in the Bible that we must choose to believe to be true or not.

That being said, I guess the real issue here is how do conservative Christians deal with homosexuality (specifically, should the church accept it, or deny membership to homosexuals, etc.).  To understand my reasoning on this issue, you must accept my premises, which some of you will not, and that's ok.  This is how I get to the conclusion that I have reached.

We are created for realationship with God.  That is our identity.  However, we somehow want more than that.  We go our own way.  In doing so, we lose our true identity and search for substitutes.  That is what sin is.  It is searching for another identity apart from God.  We all do it.  I've been a Christian for many years and I still do it.  This is what is true for all people, including homosexuals.  At its core, it is an identity issue.  When one commits their life to following Jesus and begins a relationship with him, They are restored to their true identity.  The other parts of thier identity become secondary.  In my estimation, this issue is not about God versus homosexuals, or homosexuality versus the Church; it is about who we are as people. 

Now, here's how this affects us.  Let's say a person who is homosexual visits a local church.  Should they be allowed in the door?  Absolutely.  The church is a place for all people.  Let's say they profess to be a Christian and want membership within the church, but are unwilling to leave their homosexual lifestyle.  Should they be allowed to join?  Well, there's the rub.  This is where that little part in the Bible comes in.  I think it is here that we misunderstand membership.  It is not like a club where we sign a card, go through an initiation, or pay a fee and, boom, we're a member.  It is entering into a community of faith where we can live out our true identity with others who are doing the same.  It is becoming a part of something supernatural.  It is becoming part of God's family.  It means that you agree with what the church teaches.  It doesn't mean that you will always agree with the rest of the church or it's members, but it does mean that you agree with its purpose and its basic and most crucial teachings. 

I guess this is what it boils down to: God wants our relationship with him to be first in our lives.  If we are unwilling to give up something for membership in his family, then are you really part of his family.  The problem here for churches and many Christians is that while sensitive issues like homosexuality are so readily shunned, other, more subtle issues (alcohol/drug addiction, greed, lust, gluttony, etc.) are overlooked when someone seeks membership in the church.  I think we as the church need to take a long, hard look at that. 

These are just a few thoughts on a subject that could take pages and pages to discuss.  I may be able to fill in the blanks a little later.