Notice that the reason for the new word is to provide a neutral term that softens the blow of pejoratives like “sodomy.” Now why is “sodomy” a pejorative? Because it shows the end result of the act. If we are completely honest, the reason people don’t like the word is precisely why we should be using it. They don’t like the fact that it contains within it the idea of God’s judgment. Everyone knows what happened to Sodom because of their abominable and perverse acts. That is why they hate the word and consider it a pejorative. It has the sting of shame and judgment right within the word. The two things our sinful nature hates more than anything is shame and judgment. Yet both shame and judgment are the precise thing that those tempted to this sin need to hear about it.

Whether it’s songs, t-shirts, comic book titles, or shouted at pride rallies, the phrase “Love is Love” is a catchy little slogan meant to convey something bigger. Taken at face value, the phrase doesn’t mean much. It’s akin to saying “A=A,” meaning it’s essentially useless.

The phrase’s hidden power, however, is in the idea that you can load the word “love” with your own definition. “Love is Love” is used as a hammer to argue that whatever I call love must therefore be love. If you like love--and who doesn’t?--then surely you will like what I say is love.