I have no gay apparel, nor have I ever owned any. But I have worn the gay identity. There are Christians who feel it is OK to keep the gay label even though they are not living that lifestyle. Many of them identify as gay celibate Christians. Others claim to be gay Christians and do not live a celibate lifestyle.
There has been much argument and discussion over Christians using the gay label who have walked away from the gay lifestyle. Some feel it doesn't matter, others feel it does matter and should not be used, and some have no opinion. I fall into the category that I feel we should not use it if we are truly a Christian, and not one who is claiming to be but living the gay lifestyle.
My reasons:
1) Gay has become more than a description of men who are attracted to men. It is an identity. The out and proud make everything revolve around their being gay. It is what and who they are, not just one part of them. Why would any Christian want to use that term when it means so much to those living for that?
2) If we say we are gay Christians, the world and most Christians are going to assume we are living the gay lifestyle. Sure, you can tack on the celibate part, but they still won't get the whole picture.
3) Our identity should be in Christ, not in the gay identity
4) No one else attaches their former sin to their Christian identity. We don't have Christian thieves, Christian rapists, Christian drug addicts, Christian adulterers, etc..... so why should we who deal with same-sex attraction do it?
5) I may be wrong, but I would think wearing the gay label would make it harder to truly leave all of that behind.
6) Gay does mean happy, and true happiness cannot be found in the gay lifestyle, so why would a Christian want to buy into that fallacy?
It is just an old Christmas song, but it does give me pause and determination not to hold onto any of the gay identity or lifestyle. I want to be a Christian..... not a gay Christian.
