Question:
How do we as parents and grandparents navigate very “liberal” views on same-sex attraction and LGBTQ issues with our grown children and grandkids?
Response:
The first thing that is most helpful is to ask questions. Find out what and why they believe what they do.
If their perspective is based on their opinions about the issue, ask them how they reached their conclusions. Sometimes, the conclusions are based on misinformation so you can offer resources that provide fact-based information.
For example, many people believe that people are born with same-sex attraction yet there is no scientific evidence to support this. Remember that those viewpoints have likely been shaped over a long period of time so discussions about this issue may go on for quite some time as well.
In most cases, your willingness to hear where they are coming from and kindly and gently present your thoughts will encourage more dialogue on the topic. As long as you are talking, you both have an opportunity to learn from one another.
Be willing to recognize when some of your views may not be in accordance with evidence, Scripture, or Christlike dialogue. Your goal should be to encourage the truth about the matter and that typically only happens when a person reaches out with grace and humility and provides evidence-based truth.
Finally, remember to pray that God would bring wisdom and discernment to your children and grandchildren.
You can also refer to the two blogs on this topic published by the LC staff in January 2022:
