The 'gay vs the Bible' debate......

I'd respond in kind if someone approached me in a similar fashion. That dialogue isn't even close to being Biblical.

 

Sad, but true. I'm appalled at some of the petty crap that has ripped churches apart. It's insane.

 

Good post. Lots of good ideas to consider there.

 

Living in western North Carolina those terms are known by just about everyone, I imagine it might be different other places. What terms do you use in place of those?

 

I feel like I have a duty to speak out and support certain things. In a democratic society we all bear some responsibility for the laws we have. I do not feel like God would have me be silent on abortion for example.

 

The vocabulary I use mostly depends on the person I'm talking with. I try to adjust to communicate in terms that will convey clearly what I want to say, yet won't compromise it's integrity. The packaging can vary quite a bit, depending on who's listening. Generally speaking, though, I try to avoid 'churchspeak' like the plague if I can.

 

And as an American, you have every right to do so. Just like gays have every right to speak out and support things they believe in.

I guess what I'm saying here is that things become very sticky when we start mixing faith and patriotism.

For the record, I agree that God isn't passive on abortion. Nor is He on many things going on in the world today. What I would suggest, however, is if you want to maximize your influence, find a platform with a wider appeal. I've found sufficient scientific cause to argue against abortion tooth-and-nail without ever bringing my beliefs into the discussion. I'm just making a suggestion here, not trying to tell you you're wrong for being passionate about the things you have a passion for. Believe me, few things get me fired up quicker than abortion.

 

It is an exaggeration, but I believe it is on point. It is also not restricted to Christians but to those of the true believer stripe whether it is a religious, social or political belief system. We've seen it in mild forms in this thread.

I've had some intriguing conversations with Neo-pagans about the superiority of how their sex life is so vastly improved due to the communing with nature. I've been in conversations with Christians in how there must be something lacking in others marriages because a couple doesn't share that special spiritual relationship with Christ.

You have to remember that regardless of what the Bible says, we are putting it into practice as mere humans. Yet, culturally, we don't often here that except from a few.

I object to the singling out of homosexuality by so many in the Christian community. Less than two years ago, we had a church expelled from the local Association of Churches because they allowed a homosexual couple to become members. So many of these churches and christians stand idly by when surrounded with poverty, crime, despair, war and hatred and this is what moves them to action? To use a phrase with Christian connotations, "To hell with 'em."

 

Thelt- I can actually agree with you here. I DO believe in abortion, but if I didn't, my convictions would draw me to actions.

But with homosexuals, their behavior is their own. If they do it behind closed doors with another consenting adult, why do you have to make it your business?

Stop being such a nosey busy-body. You know God has to frown upon that type of behavior.

 

I don't see the problem with being vocal, as long as he's being vocal against something abstract or corporate. If he was calling people out singly, then yeah -- that's different.