Why Homosexuality Is Wrong: A Personal Reflection
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
Growing up in a traditional Iranian household, I was steeped in the values of my Persian heritage and the teachings of Islam. Homosexuality was viewed with clear condemnation, often with the belief that it was unnatural, immoral, and a deviation from God's design. As I journeyed from being a devout Muslim to an Iranian-American Christian conservative, my understanding of the issue evolved, but it always remained grounded in a deep belief in the natural order, the sanctity of marriage, and divine truth.
Early Understanding: Islamic Teachings on Homosexuality
As a Muslim, I was taught from a young age that homosexuality was a sin and a violation of God's law. The Quran explicitly condemns same-sex relations in several verses, including the story of the people of Lot (Lut in Islam), who were destroyed by God for their immoral behavior, which included homosexual acts. The Hadiths, or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, also clearly condemned homosexuality as unnatural and sinful. This understanding was reinforced by the Islamic concept of fitrah, the natural disposition or inherent nature that is in line with God's will. Anything that deviates from this nature, such as same-sex attraction, was viewed as corrupting the soul and leading one away from God.
A Shift in Perspective: From Veganism and Socialism to Conservatism
As I navigated through my youth, I experimented with different worldviews. I briefly embraced veganism, socialism, and a more left-wing stance, influenced by my environment and the political discourse of my time. In those years, I was exposed to arguments for same-sex marriage, LGBTQ rights, and the notion that homosexuality is a natural expression of identity. I tried to reconcile these ideas with my upbringing, but deep down, I couldn't escape the dissonance I felt between my faith and these modern ideologies.
Eventually, I broke away from my previous political and social beliefs, recognizing that my values needed to be rooted in something more stable than political fads. I became a Christian conservative, embracing the teachings of the Bible and the moral structure it provides. As I read more deeply into scripture, I found that Christianity, like Islam, views homosexuality as sinful. The apostle Paul condemns same-sex relations in Romans 1:26-27, referring to them as "unnatural" and "a degrading of the body." Similarly, the Old Testament in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 calls homosexual acts an "abomination."
The Natural Order and Divine Design
As a Christian conservative, I firmly believe that homosexuality is wrong because it violates God's created order. The Bible teaches that God's design for marriage is between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24), a union meant to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church. This natural design is not arbitrary; it is rooted in biology, where the reproductive roles of male and female are complementary. The procreation of children, which is central to human existence, is dependent on this binary structure.
In my experience, understanding the purpose of marriage and sexuality through this lens provided clarity. Marriage is not only about love and companionship but also about the continuation of life, the raising of children, and the fostering of a stable society. Homosexuality undermines this purpose, as it cannot naturally lead to procreation. While some may argue that same-sex couples can adopt or have children via technology, this still does not change the fact that the union itself is not aligned with the natural order established by God.
The Dangers of Normalizing Homosexuality
The normalization of homosexuality in today's culture concerns me deeply, not only from a moral standpoint but also from a societal one. As I reflect on the state of the world, it is clear that the rejection of traditional values, including the rejection of God’s design for marriage, leads to the breakdown of the family unit and the erosion of societal cohesion. The push to affirm and normalize homosexual behavior promotes the idea that all lifestyles are equally valid, which I believe undermines the moral compass that has guided civilizations for centuries.
Furthermore, the increasing acceptance of homosexuality comes with pressure to celebrate it as a moral good. This forces individuals to compromise their religious and ethical convictions or face social ostracism. As a former activist and someone who led organizations like CAIR-Columbus and the Muslim Forum of Utah, I have witnessed firsthand the cultural shifts that have occurred as a result of this pressure. The LGBTQ movement has gained significant political and social power, and those who disagree with its agenda are increasingly labeled as bigots or hate-filled.
A Call to Return to Traditional Values
In conclusion, my beliefs about homosexuality being wrong are rooted in a long journey of reflection on faith, scripture, and natural law. I understand that not everyone shares my perspective, and I respect the right of others to live according to their own beliefs. However, I feel it is important to speak out about the dangers of normalizing behaviors that contradict divine law and natural order. As an Iranian-American Christian conservative, I believe it is essential to return to the traditional values that have long been the foundation of strong families and societies. By upholding the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman, we preserve the moral fabric of our culture and ensure the stability of future generations.
Citations
- The Quran, Surah 7:80-81, Surah 26:165-166
- The Bible, Romans 1:26-27, Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, Genesis 2:24
- Robert Gagnon, The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics
- Richard H. Rohrbaugh, "The Social World of the First Christians," Harrisburg: Trinity Press International, 1991.
- J. A. P. de Jong, "The Qur'an and the Bible: A Comparison," Theological Studies, 2017.
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