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

I realize I probably have come across in the past as feeling that homosexuals should not have the right to be homosexuals but that is not how I truly feel. I respect their freedom to do what they want. I think the conflict comes in when you start talking about specific issues like gay marriage and gay civil rights etc. Often my views on those issues is only partially due to my religious beliefs. I realize that is lost in the shuffle though. I will try to be more clear on that in the future.

 

Thank you Thelt! How white of you.

 

BigV

 

Whatever, I think you are never going to be happy with christians unless they change their belief system to say that homosexuality is ok. That is not going to happen so you might as well stop looking for it.

 

It's not just homosexuality though. I go to a church that has removed itself from a ministers association that included pastors who supported Kenneth Copeland and Kenneth Hagin ministries, both well known and respected christian ministers. So if a group of ministers can't get along with other ministers who are unquestionably christian because of some minor doctrinal issues, how can you expect them to get along with a group of people who don't believe in the bible as the infallible word of God?

With the exception of war, I agree. The church should be ashamed.

 

I can't say you are entirely wrong there.

But there is enough sin in this world to keep you people flipping your Bibles at other people and giving us a frickin' break.

 

Ask around we flip bibles at lots of folks, you are not the only one

 

Gotta agree with Thelt on this one. People only tend to notice things that are directed towards them and could really care less about the rest unless it's to deflect things away from them.

Fred you don't like it with the stance that christians take on your sexual preference, you know they are attacking you directly or your lifestyle, but yet you display the avatar that you have on now? What gives? You are doing the same thing that you hate the christians for, are you not?

 

Just an aside, since a couple of folks have seconded the above, I'd like to say I don't think this is a fair characterization of the Christian church in general, even those churches that take a strong stand in opposition to homosexuality. In my experience, there is far more complacency about poverty, crime, etc. outside the church than within. Of course, there is always more churches can do, and shortcomings are not hard to find. But to say that churches "stand idly by" is a significant mischaracterization, imho.

Interesting (and civil!) debate. I've been following it from the beginning of the thread. I might chip in later with some thoughts or questions of my own on the main topic.

 

I don't think it is a mischaracterization at all for the community I live in. I spent some time on the boards of a couple of local organizations that ran various operations such as a homeless shelter and a battered women's/children's shelter. All I can say is thank goodness for Episcopalians.