Sexist? Homphobic?

When many people look at the church, they claim that the church is both sexist and homphobic. While this may apply to some people, the Bible covers these two topics in the book of Genesis as it establishes its roles for both men and women and sets the foundation of mariage.

In the first book of the Bible, we see three main points on humans and their relationships with each other. First off, we see that both male and female equally bear the image of God, however it is demonstrated differently and uniquely. In addition to equally bearing God's image, male and female are generally called to accomplish the same tasks, which are to: rule, fill, subdue, and multiply. Genesis 1:28: "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Also, on top of these general tasks in which male and female are called to follow, God calls for each gender to follow more specific roles. Males, for example, are called to the little king role, which is that men are accountable and held more responsible than women. Men are poets, in which they are called to use words well or powerfully. Thirdly, men are called to zakar, or remember what God has said and has done, and to remember God's faithfulness and tell everyone around them like their wife and kids...etc. Women on the other hand are called to be a rescuer, completer, and a life giver. This clearly doesn't sound sexist in any way shape or form. We are both created equally in the image of God, and are called to the same general rules, we are only called to different specific roles. This demonstrates equality between men and women and doesn't favor one side.

The church is also claimed to be hompohobic. The Bible clearly teaches against homosexuality. First off, we see in Genesis too that Adam is lonely, and that God decides to create a woman for Adam. Genesis 2:24 says: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." This clearly indicates that man unites with his wife, who is a woman, and they become one flesh, meaning they essentially become one person through sex, and through becoming one in actions, thoughts...etc. In addition to the point that Genesis makes that marriage is between a man and a woman, Leviticus 18:22 says “‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable."' This flat out states that it is detestable for men to be with men, and women to be with women.

To conclude, I would like to say that while the Bible is not sexist, and does preach against homosexuality, we must love everyone. While there are some people who may be sexist or homophobic, they must realize that we are all image-bearers, and that God loves us all, even when we are sinful beings. As Christians, we are called to love one another, John 13:34 says: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." We must realize that we are all sinful, and that all sins are equal in God's eyes. As a good brother and sister in Christ, if we see a fellow brother sinning, we must go to them and let them know that they are sinning because we love them and care about them.