Why "Hate" Shouldn't Be A Crime

Christian Apologetics author and speaker, Greg Koukl, has done another outstanding job pointing out three reasons Why Hate Shouldn't Be A Crime.

Greg's article is absolutely excellent. He covers all the "bases." Most importantly, he includes a gospel message urging those in need of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to come to Him through repentance (which includes us all); but particularly, repentance for the sin of homosexual behavior (which means agreeing with God's Word that homosexual behavior is sin, confessing this fact, and then, through sanctification in the Lord, turning away from that lifestyle).

On the political side, Greg states:

I am against hate crimes, but I also am against hate crime laws for three reasons. First, they criminalize thought, not behavior. Second, they do not protect individuals, but rather select classes of people. Third, they actually encourage hostility towards one group of people, Christians.

I would add a fourth reason. All three of these reasons add to the potential for abuse by the "victim" of a "hate" crime. Many incidences of false claims of "hate" crimes are already happening, even without a federal law in place.

I have written extensively on this topic here at this blog. The following are just a few of my previous blog posts.

1. Devastating Error of Hate Crimes Law [Note: May need to scroll down page to read.]

2. Destroying Freedom of Conscience

3. Bad "Hate Crimes" Law Silences Biblical Speech

[Note: Above links not accessible until Talkwisdom blog problem fixed.]

I did find it surprising that Mr. Koukl didn't include the fact that Matthew Shepard wasn't actually killed because of his sexual orientation. It was revealed, years later, on 20/20 that he was kidnapped, robbed and killed. It came out in the trial of the two murderers that Shepard was targeted for drug money.

So, we have yet another reason why "hate crimes" laws are unnecessary. The fact that the "poster boy" (term "poster boy" not meant to be derogatory, it's just a fact) for hate crimes legislation (against homosexuals) wasn't actually killed for that reason shows yet another potential for error of judgment which would be inherent in such a law.

There are many good comments at the end of Greg's article. One, in particular was clear, concise, absolutely spot on, and really stood out to me:

Chuck writes: Saturday, July, 21, 2007 5:49 AM
Opposition to Homosexuality can be love

GOD-GIVEN RIGHTS ARE SUPERIOR TO HUMAN RIGHTS
Please try to visualize my smile and feel the warmth of God’s love in my heart as I type this letter of concern, and consider it as “love language.” By the way, just like many others, I have been offended by “hate language” from preachers who ministered condemnation with bigotry, anger, and hatred. But about 32 years ago (July-Oct 1975) “I believed the report” (the gospel of Jesus Christ preached in love) and “the arm of the Lord” (Isaiah 53:1) lifted me out of a darkened world of selfish lusts and pride and filled my heart with His divine love, joy and holiness.

Now, by the grace of God (His life-changing influence), I am the faithful husband of one wife (31 years), and father of five normal children (3 boys and 2 girls). Not because of my goodness, but because of God’s mercy and the spiritual elevation where He has lifted me (through trusting in His word), I can look back at the valley of corruption where I lived for 35 years, and see other unfortunate people who think they are having fun, but are unaware of their predicament; and I desire to help them become delivered like I was.

If the Bible is true (and I know it is), God has ZERO TOLERANCE for homosexuality in His spiritual Kingdom, both now and in eternity, and so should we in America. God’s hatred for homosexuality is directly proportional to His love for delivering people from it. Please consider the following pieces of objective evidence:

(1) God created each human with one of two distinct genders - “male or female” (Gen 2:24-25, Matt 19:4-6, Eph 5:31), with many attractive physical and functional gender distinctions, so that 1 masculine man and 1 feminine woman can "marry" or “fit together” as a couple, and reproduce another generation of normal masculine boys and feminine girls. People who think they were created or born gay, are victims of extreme degeneration. Therefore, the term “same-sex marriage” is an oxymoron, unrealistic, contrived by dishonest people who ignore reality.

For example, in the electronics industry, it is impossible for 2 male plugs or 2 female connectors to be "mated," or to be used together to accomplish the purpose intended by their designer. They are just an open circuit. Only 1 male plus 1 female can be physically and functionally related as “a couple;” and together they can complete the circuit.

Likewise, there is no such thing as "gay marriage" or "same-sex marriage.” Why? Because it is impossible for 2 men or 2 women to "marry" and fulfill the purpose of marriage ordained by their Designer. Also, a truly “civil union” is marriage between a “civilized” (moral) man and woman.

(2) Negative Scriptures stating who God WILL NOT accept into His Kingdom (Lev.18:22-24, Rom 1:18-31; 2:1-3, 1 Cor.6:9-10, Gal.5:19-21, and 1 John 2:15-17). There may be some religious homosexuals, but there is no such thing as a Christian homosexual; they are just pretenders; but they could easily become Christians (see 3-7).

(3) Positive Scriptures stating who God WILL accept into His kingdom (Rom 1:15-16, 14:17, 1 Cor 6:11, Gal 5:22 and Eph 1:4).

(4) Positive Scriptures describing the complete new birth procedure Jesus gave to His New Testament church - how to be delivered from the world and into God’s Kingdom (John 3:3-5, Acts 2:38-42 and 19:1-7).

(5) God’s willingness to reach out with His strong arm of love (John 3:16), and joyfully enter into hearts and cleanse them from abnormal desires, so they are free to live the way He created us. If they think they were “born gay” and can’t change, they can be born again normal.

(6) The joy in heaven when sinners repent and turn away from their sins (Luke 15:7).

(7) The wonderful feelings of relief and joy in our hearts when we receive deliverance from sin and guilt, exactly the same way sinners did while the New Testament was being written (1 Peter 1:8). The only legitimate “human right” we have, is to live right in God’s sight.

(8) I understand this by personal experience (Acts 1:8).
Not only are homosexuals and lesbians abusing their God-given physical and biological resources (and each other and our heritage), but these men and women are living way below their potential. They are just wasting their lives on a few moments of selfish pleasure. What benefits are there in walking a path known to be a dead-end both physically and spiritually?