The most recent Pink Dot event took place in Singapore, at Hong Lim Park, on 18 June 2022. It was the 14th iteration of an event that has become synonymous with the call for greater acceptance and normalisation of the LGBTQ movement in Singapore (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning). At the end of the event, the participants, who were encouraged to dress in pink to show their support, gathered to form a gigantic “Pink Dot” in the middle of the park. Thousands of people attended this event, and politicians from both the governing as well as opposition parties were seen in the crowd.
A recent study (2022) conducted in Singapore by the research company Ipsos indicated that “45% of all respondents say they are more accepting of same-sex relationships than they were three years ago”. Among young adults aged 18-29, “67% indicated greater acceptance (of same-sex relationships)”. Whichever way we look, it appears that there is increasing acceptance of the LGBTQ movement, of same-sex relationships, of homosexuals in Singapore.
As Christians, the Pink Dot event is not a cause to be celebrated, but it is instead a black blot of sin that deserves speaking out against. We cannot celebrate, participate in, or tolerate this event, because homosexuality is an unnatural abomination. When humans glorify the Man and not the Maker, when people worship the Creature and not the Creator (Romans 1:25), then they will see nothing wrong in engaging in, or endorsing, or tolerating homosexual behaviour. However, homosexuality goes against that which is natural, that which is instinctive – it is a learned behaviour. The apostle Paul wrote that “for this cause, God gave them up unto vile affections… the women changing the natural use into that which is against nature, and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one towards another…” (Romans 1:26-27).
As Christians, the Pink Dot event is not a cause to be celebrated, but it is instead a black blot of sin that deserves speaking out against. We cannot celebrate, participate in, or tolerate this event, because homosexuals cannot be part of the kingdom of heaven, that is, the church. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, included in the list of unrighteous people who will not inherit the kingdom of heaven are the “effeminate” and the “abusers of themselves with mankind”. The “effeminate” (Greek: malakos) are those who allow themselves to be penetrated in a male homosexual relationship, while the “abusers of themselves with mankind” (Greek: arsenokoites) are the penetrating parties in a male homosexual relationship.
As Christians, the Pink Dot event is not a cause to be celebrated, but it is instead a black blot of sin that deserves speaking out against. We cannot celebrate, participate in, or tolerate this event, because “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Time and time again throughout the Bible, we have seen that when nations or groups of people become increasingly wicked and corrupt, their doom and demise inevitably follow. We cannot hope for the LORD to continuously bless the country we live in, when the people in it commit unnatural acts and sin against Him.
How then shall we speak out against these things? Shall we carry placards and protest banners and organise a demonstration? Shall we incite a riot against those of the LGBTQ movement? Let us remember that “though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:3). Though we are living physical lives, we are engaged in a spiritual battle (cf. Ephesians 6:12). We need to “bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). We treat homosexuals just like we would every other sinner – with love and patience, showing them the benefits of a life led in submission to Jesus, yet without ever endorsing their lifestyle. We do not lift ourselves up with pride in our conversations with them, thinking that we are better than them, for “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Lord willing, through our example of patience, love, and kindness, and through the saving message of the gospel, these sinners will join the ranks of those mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:11 who had renounced their past sinful lives –
“and such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of our Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”