Why do some people say that God hates gays?

Answer 1

People who believe that God hates gays are usually basing it on a verse in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, (Leviticus 18:22), which says that it is an "abomination" for a man to lie with another man. From this, some religious people have decided that God despises all gay people. There are a number of fundamentalist religious groups who hold this interpretation. (Fundamentalists are people who use a literal interpretation of scriptures --they include some Evangelical Christians, some Orthodox Jews, and some conservative Muslims). These people believe being gay is a sin and that gay people should either stop being gay or will receive eternal punishment. You can hear a number of conservative preachers who express this view.

Not all people of faith are conservative, and not all of them believe gay people are going to hell; but many do believe it is a sin to be gay. Of course, there are also moderate and liberal Christians, Jews, and Muslims who do not believe being gay is a choice; they accept the view of science that a person is born gay, and they believe God loves people as they are, as long as those people live a life of compassion and goodness. But the main reason some people of faith oppose of (rather than hate) being gay is that they find verses of disapproval in both the Hebrew Bible and New Testament; and for believers, God has spoken and they accept what he has said.

Answer 2

People say God hates gays because they are ignorant of what the Bible teaches. The Bible teaches that God loves all of His creation. But the Bible also teaches that there are some kinds of behaviour that God hates and homosexuality is one. The Bible (Old Testament and New Testament) also teaches that one day God will judge people for the ungodly things they do. Read Romans chapter 1.

Conservative Christian Answer

People who say such are, in part, basing themselves upon Leviticus 18:22. However, the passage condemns homosexuality more so than those who choose to practice it. Not all people who consider themselves gay actively practice homosexuality. So if a man choosing to lie with another man is abominable, then what does God have against those who have such leanings but who choose to obey God and refrain? There are people who twist the Bible to justify their own hatred. The real issue here is salvation. If you've asked Christ to come into your heart and take over your life, then God doesn't hate you. You will have a new nature, and you will be able to obey God.

There is no evidence in the Bible that God actively created anyone to be gay. Some people still believe that most gayness is due to environmental factors after one is born, though the occasional hormone imbalance in the womb occurs. But just because certain leanings are made easier, it doesn't make them right. The Bible condemns alcoholism, and up to 70% of alcoholism is said to be inborn. People in AA recognize that some may be born as alcoholics, but they still promote total abstinence from alcohol.

Answer 2

Some individuals may interpret religious texts in a way that leads them to believe that God condemns homosexuality. However, it is important to remember that interpretations of religious teachings can vary widely, and many religious traditions promote love, acceptance, and compassion for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.

Answer 3

Sin occurs in many forms. In these times, we have to be less literal and more compassionate toward others and not use The Bible as an excuse to treat others badly.