Q. Religion, society, and even legislation look down on the union between same sex couples. But why? Love and attraction is such a powerful thing. Would not God prefer that we loved one another in whatever positive way?

A. God is certainly interested in “love” (John’s letter even tells us that God IS love!). But, part of the problem, in the English-speaking world, anyway, is that we use this one word (”love”) to cover quite a wide variety of feelings and behaviors.

The other part of the problem (which I can more readily address) is that God’s way of thinking about things is quite different from a human way (Isaiah 55:8). For those seeking to know God, and follow the ways of God, through a relationship with a Risen Christ, decisions based on “love” and “attraction” with anyone or anything other than God cannot lead to what God’s best plan is for them (Commandment #1). This means that “same sex,” “opposite sex,” “free sex,” even “no sex” (narcissistic) unions that draw us out of our love for God would not ever be God’s preference. Jesus says, “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and mind and soul and strength.” (Matthew 22:37) It was not a commandment only for the educated, or only for his disciples, or even only for the Jews. It was the “greatest commandment;” the key to having all of the great life God has planned for each human being. It means that every person on earth has the ability to know God and to serve a higher purpose than simply following their chemistry or their affinities.

Perhaps there is a heart “for God in Christ” for those who wish to be lovers. Then, it is a matter of each believer choosing what his/her authority will be. In my own Christian and evangelical tradition, Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, is the only non-(humanly) subjective source of authority. In this source, the “union” which we call in English “marriage” is between one man and one woman, and the commitment between the two is for their whole earthly lives.

Each believer must know God and, according to Christ, submit to God’s will (Luke 9:23ff). In “taking up your cross,” (i.e. “nothing left to lose”), you surrender your plans, your ambition, your “minimum salary,” your libido, and even your desire for “love and affection” outside of God. It is what John 8:36 so victoriously says, “So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Free from conflicting and unclear desires and impulses. Free to love and be loved by God. Free to serve God in ways that are noble, just, and pure.