My generation is thought of as ignorant and unaware of what is happening in the world, but I'm slowly learning that when we gain our own opinions, we are reprimanded for them being our own opinions rather than following the opinions of our past generations. This new generation has lived through some serious history. We were young during 9/11, we have witnessed race riots, political and social change, and many other opinion altering situations. One of the biggest social changes my generation has seen is the fight for same-sex marriage and rights and freedoms for those homosexuals. I have seen and listened to many different opinions of different people from different backgrounds. As a young religious woman, I am here to speak for many. One thing our generation is mistaken for is ignorance. Age does not mean ignorant just like age doesn't mean wisdom. These two come with listening, researching, and learning. This is obviously a very touchy and controversial subject for many, but hear me out. I am a Christian. I am in college. I am a woman, and I am young, but my opinion is strong and my head is clear. And I am here to give you an honest and developed opinion of homosexuality based on what I believe as a follower of Christ.

Something I have noticed is that different generations believe in different interpretations of the Bible. The older generations read more into the rules while the younger generation lives more for concepts. According to the words of Leviticus 20:13, "If a man practices homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman, both men have committed a detestable act." It says it plain and simple, and I agree with what the Bible says. Here's the catch. Matthew 7:3 says, "Why worry about the speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?". I know that I am no better than anyone else because I sin every day. I have the mouth of a sailor. But my sin is no better than the sin of my neighbor, which surprise, is also mentioned in the Bible in James 2:10. The truth is that we "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23.) Who am I to judge when I too will be judged by my creator? (Matthew 7:1.)

Jesus. He's a pretty cool guy. As a Christian, I believe that Jesus was the son of God. He was the prophet, a leader, a healer, and a friend. He healed the blind and cured the sick. He loved and lived a life without sin. Let me say that again. He never once sinned. Jesus showed love and mercy, even when it would seem hard to us. Jesus showed compassion to the prostitute even though "her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much."(Luke 7:47.) Jesus loved and healed a man with leprosy even though he was considered unclean and untouchable (Matthew 8:1-4).While many of the Pharisees chose to condemn her and give her the punishment of stoning, Jesus chose to forgive the woman who had committed adultery (John 8:1-11). Even after Peter denied even knowing Jesus three times, Jesus chose to forgive and love Peter the same (John 18: 13-27 and John 21:15-17). My point in all this is WWJD. What Would Jesus Do? We, as Christians, are called to love others and treat them like we would want to be treated. It did not matter how or to what extent the person had sinned, Jesus loved them the same. Jesus calls us to love and show compassion to all. We are his hands and feet.

Something else that baffles me is the idea that Christians get mad that homosexuals do not believe in God or believe in Christianity. Here's how I feel about it. Why in the world would they want to be, if Christians around the world are condemning them and telling them that they are going to hell for their actions? Again, WWJD. We are the disciples and examples of Christ. If we show love, compassion, and understanding, maybe more people would be accepting of Christianity and the ideas of God. The only person to gain entrance into heaven because he never sinned was Jesus. So why do we think we are so perfect? It should come as no shock that the only way to heaven is through Christ. My favorite story in the Bible comes from Luke 23:39-43. Jesus and the two criminals are hanging on the cross beside him. One of the criminals calls out to Jesus saying, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself--and us, too, while you're at it!." The other criminal could not believe what the other had said and argued, "Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong." Then he pleaded with Christ saying, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." Christ then replied "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise." The amazing news is that we cannot do anything to earn God's love or the Kingdom of Heaven. All we have to do is have faith and believe in Christ. The criminal did nothing to deserve salvation, except believe. No matter if you have committed adultery, are a homosexual, steal, swear, drink, covet, lie, or whatever your sin may be, we can all come to Christ through faith and love. We are his children and through him, we are all welcome in his Kingdom. He carried the weight of our sins and died on the cross so that we could be forgiven. Thanks be to God.