The Way of the Apologist

I have lamented previously about my tendency to answer questions or address comments very precisely (the way of the teacher, perhaps). Unlike some people, I can't just give a nod to the issue at hand and pass onto a larger or more important response. But maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to if I can convince myself that this is actually addressing the question in a more exact, more profound way. Let's give it a go, two ways. The first is the way of the apologist. I think it has wonderful potential for topics about which people would never normally in a million years listen to the Christian perspective - topics like homosexuality and the fundamental goodness/badness of people. Here goes (and do keep in mind that I wouldn't necessary say it all this way - these words are partly for my own reassurance).

I hear what you're saying about homosexuality being a natural part of the human makeup, and as much as I want to show I'm listening to where you're at and bring the light of truth to bear upon that specific point, I want, not to ignore what you say, but I think that it's actually impossible for my perspective to make any sense unless I can first explain to you who God is to me.

I don't really have words for this, but all I can say is that I truely believe that he is real and he made all that is; that originally he made it all perfect and beautiful and harmonious and enjoyable in every imaginable way; that he is a good God who cares tenderly for each person that walks the earth; he is a God who knows what is best for each person, knows what things are good and bad, right and wrong.

So when I listen to God telling me what to make of people's sexuality, it is this God I'm listening to - not the concept of god or my personal imaginings of who he might be - but this actual, wonderful God...