It doesn't take a graduate degree in sociology to notice that homosexuality is a polarizing issue. But, it shouldn't be. Homosexuality tells us something profound about ourselves that should be embraced, not condemned. It is not limited to the 2% of Americans who identify themselves as homosexual persons, but all of us.

In his book, The Millenials, Thom Rainer highlights the chasm that exists in American opinion. Among Millenials (born 1980-2000) with no religious background, 85% are in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage. Yet, in the same age demographic, those who ascribe to basic core beliefs of the Christian faith, only 16% approve.

Christian doctrine isn't changing on this. Neither are homosexual persons.

A decade before Donald Miller made the practice hip in the early 2000's, the pastor of our church went to an open forum hosted by Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual persons. The purpose of the forum was to provide information to the community about homosexuality. Our pastor read aloud an "Apology Letter to Homosexuals." While standing firm in his Christian conviction that homosexual behavior is outside of God's intended design for sexuality, he expressed a deep, heartfelt apology for Christians who have responded to homosexual persons with self-righteousness. As the tears streamed down the face of many at the forum, the room erupted in applause and our pastor received a standing ovation.

However, it is no longer the 1990s and a similar reaction to a letter written by a Christian pastor seems far-fetched. Today, any mention of the sinfulness of homosexual behavior is met with stern opposition. Even Joel Osteen, America's most polite pastor, wasn't able to say that homosexuality is a sin without coming under criticism on CNN this week.

In the last two decades, homosexuality has gained more cultural traction than many anticipated. Modern Family, Glee, and The New Normal display a much more affirming attitude toward homosexual behavior than when shows starring Urkel, Zack Morris, and Uncle Jesse remained silent on the issue.

While Christians might wish to the contrary, homosexuality isn't going anywhere.

But, a response of fear isn't warranted. Christians who do not approve of homosexual behavior are also here to stay. So, how do we move forward?

Most importantly, we must practice the ancient discipline of listening. Not talking past one another or at one another, but to one another. In order to do this, I think the best place to start involves a mutual understanding of human depravity.

On one side, homosexual persons have received slander, hatred, and violence that has been born out of the self-righteousness of many different groups. They have been belittled, maligned, bullied, and, in its worst cases, killed for who they believe themselves to be. Rightfully, this behavior is offensive to homosexual persons. Like blue eyes or blond hair, many homosexual persons do not believe that they were able to choose their sexual orientation. Because of this, engaging in homosexual behavior naturally follows. Thus, to be discriminated against for such things, is the essence of intolerance and is as egregious as racism. In light of the widespread pain homosexual persons have suffered, I doubt that any homosexual person believes that human beings are innately incorrupt.

On the other side, Christians are offended by homosexual behavior. Not because it is threatening to the sexual behavior of Christians, but because they believe it is offensive to their God and damaging to their world. Christians believe that every human being, regardless of gender, family, or skin color, is made in the image of God, created by God, and has dignity, value, and worth (Genesis 1:27). Because Christians believe their God has created each human being, it naturally follows that he has the right to become offended their behavior. Moreover, Christians believe that every human being has become offensive to God and acts wickedly after the first two humans voluntarily displeased God (Gen. 3). Presently, all humans are born inclined toward evil and predisposed to act on wicked behaviors (Romans 3:10-12). This is why children lie to their parents and adults cheat on their taxes. Christians do not believe that humans are simply born with rough edges that need to be sanded off, but with hearts and minds that are deceptive and wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). Because of this, Christians do not try to decide whether they, or their actions, are right or wrong on the basis of their own feelings, attitudes, or inclinations, but on the basis of their God's rightful perspective of them and others. Similar to a son who is offended when a thief steals from his parents, Christians become offended at the behavior of others that displease their God. Truly, they can't help it. It would be denying their deepest understanding of who they are as persons created in the image of God and accountable to God.

It is interesting that both Christians and homosexual persons are offended when they encounter human depravity. Homosexual persons cannot choose their sexual orientation and thus have suffered evil at the hands of those who act as superior persons to them. Christians cannot choose whether or not to be offended at homosexual behavior and thus cannot condone it. If Christians and homosexual persons can agree that human depravity demands that we live, move, and have our being among persons who will offend us, a real conversation about human sexuality can follow. The real question is, can we humble ourselves long enough to have it?