the Unexpressed Advantage

If you follow sports you'll already know that the lead story this week, the only story really this week (with the exception of Beyonce appearing on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition) is focused on the recent coming out and book by former NBA center John Amaechi, who is the first NBA player to reveal that he is Gay.

The story became lightning rod electric when former NBA guard Tim Hardaway, on the Dan Levatard show in Miami, responded to an off the cuff question about the situation by saying that he hates gay people.

I find this story compelling.

As a Christian I struggle with the fact that Christians are supposed to believe that it is wrong to be gay and that Christians are supposed to love all people, including gay people and all sinners unconditionally. I don't have a hard time with the loving part, but it's the part where I proclaim that it's wrong to be gay even though it may hurt and alienate those that I love. I don't want to waiver in my beliefs, but I find that at times I might, especially when I realize how offensive it is to be against the gay lifestyle to my non-Christian friends.

I don't have the answer at hand, but a recent article by ESPN writer Chris Broussard (a Christian) gave me some help. He's adamate about his right to his religious beliefs, while extending compassion and friendship to his gay colleagues. He writes:

"I've played in several rec leagues with LZ Granderson, who is an openly gay writer at ESPN The Magazine.

I consider LZ a friend. I've gone out to lunch with him, talked music, sports, politics and lots of other things with him. I greet him with a handshake and a hug, just like I greet lots of other guys."

The rest of the article goes on to detail how he deals with the dichotomy; and while I'm not sure I agree with everything he says, I find his attitude refreshing and enlightened. He seems to have a way of holding firm to his beliefs but also offering friendship and love even to those who don't agree with him. He also seems to be intolerant of those who are unwilling to let him have his own opinions, which seems to make sense. If you read any of the links in this article, you should read this last one. Chris is clearly a solid guy.

After reading his article I wonder if maybe I need to be firmer about my right to my religious beliefs. Especially since the love part comes easy. But I will say that I think the love part is the most important. If we Christians can't master that part first, we're pretty much hosed in this issue.

-dan.