One bad stereotype deserves another. Or does it?

It seems that the homosexual community, as well as Carmen Cerra’s “Poison Ink,” is bent on pinning Matthew Shepard’s tragic death on Christians — either directly or indirectly.

Was this act of violence done in the name of Christ?

Absolutely not.

But even if it had been, Christ Himself and all of His true followers would clearly have condemned it.

Furthermore, Jesus would never have even supported an “environment” that promoted violence — whether it was violence against homosexuals or other Biblically prohibited behaviors like theft or drunkenness.

For example, in Luke 9:54, Jesus’ disciples ask if they can call down fire to destroy those who rejected Him.

“But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.'”

No, Christians do not hate homosexuals, nor do they fear them.

Rather, we fear the Lord.

There were many Christians at the candlelight vigil, mourning this young man’s death.

Believe it or not, it IS possible to condemn homosexual behavior out of loving motives, and at the same time, vehemently condemn the sinful, violent response to that behavior.

Christ taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves — without qualification as to gender, race, religion, morality (or the lack thereof).

Many Christians fall short of this standard.

But it is equally offensive to allow all Christians to be characterized as brutal, intolerant homophobes.

Homosexuals should be careful in their zeal to pass their hate crime laws, “For by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.”

In fact, for every Matthew Shepard, there are thousands of Christians worldwide brutally martyred every year simply because they’re Christians, by those adhering to violently intolerant beliefs.

We feel your pain.

But as tragic as Matthew’s death is, it pales in comparison to the tragedy of a soul separated from God for all eternity.

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

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Perry Paulding

Pastor

Stonebrook Community Church