PERSPECTIVE ON CULTURE : Sticks and Stones and Homophobes : Those whose religious beliefs condemn homosexuality shouldn’t be called names or be unfairly labeled.

One of the most stinging diatribes hurled at social conservatives is “homophobe.” By definition, this term should refer to a psychological disorder characterized by irrational fear. Common usage, of course, tells a different story. It applies to anyone who objects to homosexuality, and might aptly be rendered as hatred.

Whatever its origins, the term has evolved into an inflammatory social indictment on a par with “racist.” It’s a comprehensive expression that includes anyone who frowns on homosexuality--from the violent, gay-bashing extremist to the woman kneeling at her pew on Sunday morning. And even though that woman’s opinions may have as little to do with hatred as do those of someone who objects to gambling or pornography, she would still be labeled “homophobe.” The word is semantic dynamite, name-calling at its vilest, for it attempts not only to humiliate, but ultimately to silence--something gay activists would probably not deny.

When the gay agenda for conquering homophobia includes intimidating into silence those whose religious convictions dictate their views of morality, the objective becomes insidious. We’re no longer talking about recognizing differences or about treating one another with dignity and respect. We’re talking about a subtle attempt to undermine fundamental beliefs.

Before we as a society acquiesce to imprecise epithets and allow religion to become the enemy of social harmony, certain questions should be raised: Is it homophobic to disapprove of homosexuality from a moral standpoint? Does a definition of sexuality that is grounded in religion constitute homo-hatred? Is an objection to a particular behavior the social equivalent of racism?

Many people who, from a moral perspective, do not approve of homosexuality have friends or relatives who are gay--myself included.

I really like these people. Liking them, though, has nothing to do with condoning their lifestyle. I have a certain conviction about their conduct based on what I read in the Bible.

To be categorized as homophobic hurts. Yet am I to turn my back on what I believe, compromise my convictions, invalidate what the Bible declares to be true, simply because a certain segment of society takes exception to my beliefs?

It’s interesting to me that a word has been coined to brand people who believe homosexuality is immoral. Social conservatives speak out against a miscellany of vices, yet where in the common lexicon are the character-searing labels--words, for example, like porno phobe or forni phobe ? Odd, there are none. But why?

The answer, I believe, is a simple metaphor: Life is like a team sport,. And like a sport, life is not without its rules. When players abide by the rules, the game proceeds; when players try to change or abolish the rules, the game grinds to a halt.

Among all the disparate players in this game of life, none are seeking to change the rules as energetically as the homosexual community. From their standpoint, morality must be redefined to legitimize homosexual behavior. Those who don’t agree with the new definition must, at the very least, be silent.

That’s why the strategic use of disparaging labels is so effective. It’s name-calling with a purpose. Once these labels are hurled, all discussion of values and morals disintegrates; for it is virtually impossible to object homosexuality when any objection at all constitutes hatred.

It’s time to do away with derogatory babels; time to allow for individual differences without the specter of character assassination lurking in the shadows; time for players on both sides to regard the other’s point of view with human dignity as well as compassion.

Yes, bigots exist. Unfortunately, hatred is part of the human experience. Some people will always hate homosexuals, just like some people will always hate Christians, Jews, blacks, whites, men, women, Asians...even straights. Bigotry is but another symptom of a still greater problem in society.

To equate religious persuasion with bigotry, however, is unjust. Indeed, it smacks of yet another class of bigotry. For the most part, people who object to homosexuality are not consumed with hate. Rather, they are people who choose to believe in God’s game plan for mankind; who believe that His standard for moral and sexual behavior cannot be discarded with impunity; and who will not compromise that belief, even at the risk of being labeled, unfairly and inaccurately, homophobic.