I write to you today with two concerns that have been on my heart for some time now. I do not know how you will interpret or receive it, but I assure you it is my desire to communicate these concerns in a respectful and decent manner.
I do not hate you, neither am I fearful of you; I don’t know how to say it any simpler than that. For many years you have unfairly and incorrectly labelled me as a hater and a homophobic because I disagree and strongly oppose your lifestyle and behaviour.
The dictionary defines a “phobia” as an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something. To say that I am homophobic is to give the impression that I have an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to homosexuals, which I do not have. Yes, I oppose your choice of lifestyle and behaviour but that does not mean I fear you. We will always have oppositions and differences of opinions on numerous matters of life, but that shouldn’t be translated or be interpreted as an extreme fear.
You may oppose the budget of the government, the policeman’s decision to give you a ticket, your mother’s decision to get married, your child’s aggression towards his teacher or the actions of your boss, but that doesn’t mean you fear them.
Over the years, I have observed that homosexual rights activist and by extension gay people, have accused anyone who opposes homosexuality of being homophobic.
I believe the term homophobia is used in this way as a tool to manipulate the discussion by shifting the argument from the behaviour of the defendant to the character of the opposer.
Call me an opposer, I am fine with that, but don’t call me homophobic. The continual use of homophobia to refer to anyone who opposes homosexuality should be seen as a deliberate distraction, an incorrect representation and an invalid argument within the context of the discussion.
Our views on homosexuality will differ primarily because we have different belief systems and our foundations of morality are rooted in different places.
As a result, you are not obligated to accept or agree with my opinions and contributions about homosexuality, as I am not obligated to accept or agree with yours.
Without God as the supreme foundation for moral values, we are lost in a world of socio-cultural relativism. Unless one lives by the principles and character of Christ, then the defining and establishment of moral values can only be determined by culture, the law and societal opinion, all of which can change at any time.
This country as we know it is becoming more immoral and perverse and over time our laws and standards will change to accommodate and reflect these changes.
You hold firm and strong to your beliefs and values, as do I. As a Christian, I must clearly and lovingly call sin for what it is; and homosexuality is a sin.
I share a belief that if I see someone making unwise decisions or living or behaving in an ungodly way, I should encourage them to desist and seek an alternative lifestyle of purity and righteousness. We all have a human responsibility to help each other become better and to act out of kindness and love in all we do, and that is my motive. As the saying goes, if I love you, I must correct you.
You may disagree with my decision to offer correction and may reject my opinions and contributions and that is fine. However, I want you to know that my actions are motivated by love and kindness and not hate or fear.
Many argue that it’s a ‘human right’ for us to do what we want, when we want, where we want and with whom we want, but I want you to observe that this philosophy has and is destroying our lives, our children, our families and our nation.
Sincerely, The Opposer.
Corey Worrell is a former Commonwealth Youth Ambassador. Email coreyworrell@gmail.com.
