A couple of thoughts I have

[I'm Floored]

I have a friend who I used to dance with years ago. He is a homosexual. Whenever I am in town, I always reach out to him to have lunch or spend some time together. I love him so very much!

I remember us having lunch one time, maybe 15 or so years ago. We were catching up and talking about how much we had missed each other. He told me about telling a couple of other dance friends that we were going to have lunch, and one of the girls said to him, "Why do you spend time with her? You know she's a Christian, and she doesn't believe in homosexuality."

He replied, "I love her! She IS a Christian, and I know she doesn't like my lifestyle, but I KNOW she loves ME! We always have fun, and whenever we have spent time together, my heart is full."

I will close with this: my sexual activity does not define me as a person. I believe the same to be true of homosexuality. It bothers me so much that we isolate homosexuals with a label, and in essence, define them in that way. They should be people whom we love. Period.

I don't like smoking. I believe it's a sin because it is harmful to our bodies. But I LOVE a lot of people who smoke! I don't like to be around it, and I prefer not to watch other people smoke, because I think about the harm it is doing to their lungs and other organs. I've never had anyone tell me that I have a problem because I don't like it or teach my children that it's wrong.

I won't be unkind to anyone who smokes, nor will I decide the state of their relationship with God. It also doesn't define them.

Just as I am not defined by my sinful actions.

 

[ShoeDiva]

As Christians, one of the guides to set our behavior by is God's Word. The other would be the holy spirit that lives within us and guides us. Regarding His Word, it's not that complicated in my view. If it is flawed in any form, it is no good or worth the paper it is written on. It is either God's Word or it is not. If it is to be believed that God didn't mean what He clearly stated regarding homosexual activity as being "sin", then you can't count on the Bible for anything else that it claims or proclaims.

That being said, when questions are asked of people, such as those regarding this subject, you can't expect everyone to agree with your personal point of view. Of course sin is sin and I believe God loves all and will forgive if we repent. If you ask me if gay people can go to heaven, I would say YES, of course, but selecting portions of the Bible to dismiss as "misinterpreted" for our own purposes or to make us feel better about ourselves doesn't cut it.

The Bible further states that the preaching of the Gospel would be viewed as "foolisness" by the world. That is proven to be accurate every day and it is to be expected. If people feel better about themselves by supporting the gay lifestyle, that's a free and personal choice, but keep this in mind. Just as many are accepted for their lifestyle, the same acceptance should be shown to other's opinions on the subject if we are to maintain our attitude of tolerance.

There are different interpretations of different scripture and God's word in every religion. Just saying.

 

[Madea]

I will close with this: my sexual activity does not define me as a person. I believe the same to be true of homosexuality. It bothers me so much that we isolate homosexuals with a label, and in essence, define them in that way. They should be people whom we love. Period.

THIS! THIS! THIS! :cheer1

I've had those exact thoughts on my mind for days! I'm not defined by my sexuality! No one should be.

 

[Madea]

As Christians, one of the guides to set our behavior by is God's Word. The other would be the holy spirit that lives within us and guides us. Regarding His Word, it's not that complicated in my view. If it is flawed in any form, it is no good or worth the paper it is written on. It is either God's Word or it is not. If it is to be believed that God didn't mean what He clearly stated regarding homosexual activity as being "sin", then you can't count on the Bible for anything else that it claims or proclaims.

That being said, when questions are asked of people, such as those regarding this subject, you can't expect everyone to agree with your personal point of view. Of course sin is sin and I believe God loves all and will forgive if we repent. If you ask me if gay people can go to heaven, I would say YES, of course, but selecting portions of the Bible to dismiss as "misinterpreted" for our own purposes or to make us feel better about ourselves doesn't cut it.

The Bible further states that the preaching of the Gospel would be viewed as "foolisness" by the world. That is proven to be accurate every day and it is to be expected. If people feel better about themselves by supporting the gay lifestyle, that's a free and personal choice, but keep this in mind. Just as many are accepted for their lifestyle, the same acceptance should be shown to other's opinions on the subject if we are to maintain our attitude of tolerance.

There are different interpretations of different scripture and God's word in every religion. Just saying.

Please feel free to share how there could be "different interpretations" on the scriptures regarding homosexual behavior and the Catholic church's viewpoint.

 

[I'm Floored]

I've had those exact thoughts on my mind for days! I'm not defined by my sexuality! No one should be.

Exactly!!!

:love

 

[Guard Dad]

You can love the person, but hate the sin.

As a Christian and knowing homosexual acts are sinful; should Christians support gay marriages? I would see that as a contradiction to God's word because if you support gay marriage, you support the sin of homosexual acts.

I have a cousin who is gay. I also have a nephew who is gay. I love them both, but I don't like the sin they're living.

^^This^^

I think I am often misunderstood in my feelings toward homosexuality. My close connection with the restaurant and service industry has me around gay people all the time. I have many close acquaintances who are gay, and several whom I call friend. Some of the friends I was out with Monday night are gay.

I love gay people as I do anyone else. I believe God does as well. But that doesn't mean I have to approve of everything they do. It also doesn't mean I love them any less for what they do, but I won't condone their behavior just because I love them. FWIW, I don't "preach" to them about it either.

The term "disgusted" was probably too strong of a word, but I do find two men being sexual to each other somewhat repulsive. I do not believe I am at all out of the ordinary there. Partly, this is because I am a man and most men see that as pretty gross (whether some of you women believe that or not). But I do believe that a Christian would naturally be somewhat repulsed at the sight of any sin, so this is not just about homosexuality.

I do believe that a Christian is in conflict with their beliefs if they condone same-sex marriage. The Bible clearly defines marriage as being between man and women, and calls the act f homosexuality an abomination. IMO, if you are a Christian and support it while knowing that it is against God's word; then you are playing both sides of the fence. I realize this statement might anger some, but I'm just being totally honest about my thoughts. I simply don't see how you can believe the Bible on one hand and support something that is against God's word on the other. At least not on a consistent and ongoing basis. As NG mentioned; becoming increasingly accepting of sin is the result of Satan's influence on us. God's word has not changed, so why should our acceptance of sin change?

While we're on the subject...I am sick and tired of being told I am imposing my beliefs or my religion on others by opposing same-sex marriage. No, I am not. I am imposing my beliefs on me, just me. But if I am to be true to my beliefs, I must try and let them guide me in all that I do. Frankly, I fail at that. But I am work in progress and I'm trying to stay strong instead of allowing winds of social change influence my belief in God's word. These winds of social change have us accepting a lot of things we probably shouldn't; so be on guard my brothers and sisters.

We probably harped on the "disgusting" thing too much in those threads. But it was because someone made a federal case about my mention of it and proceeded to tell me I didn't know what men think. I'm still trying to figure out where the qualifications for that one came from.

 

[Grey Colson]

As Christians, one of the guides to set our behavior by is God's Word. The other would be the holy spirit that lives within us and guides us. Regarding His Word, it's not that complicated in my view. If it is flawed in any form, it is no good or worth the paper it is written on. It is either God's Word or it is not. If it is to be believed that God didn't mean what He clearly stated regarding homosexual activity as being "sin", then you can't count on the Bible for anything else that it claims or proclaims.

That being said, when questions are asked of people, such as those regarding this subject, you can't expect everyone to agree with your personal point of view. Of course sin is sin and I believe God loves all and will forgive if we repent. If you ask me if gay people can go to heaven, I would say YES, of course, but selecting portions of the Bible to dismiss as "misinterpreted" for our own purposes or to make us feel better about ourselves doesn't cut it.

The Bible further states that the preaching of the Gospel would be viewed as "foolisness" by the world. That is proven to be accurate every day and it is to be expected. If people feel better about themselves by supporting the gay lifestyle, that's a free and personal choice, but keep this in mind. Just as many are accepted for their lifestyle, the same acceptance should be shown to other's opinions on the subject if we are to maintain our attitude of tolerance.

There are different interpretations of different scripture and God's word in every religion. Just saying.

Then I reckon they won't know the truth until the end, but I'm thankful to the Holy Spirit for giving me the peace to know that I'm safe, sure and secure. I would hate nothing more than to live in doubt, thinking that I might possibly wake from death to the wrath of a 350 lb. budda sneering at me :laugh

 

[I'm Floored]

You can love the person, but hate the sin.

As a Christian and knowing homosexual acts are sinful; should Christians support gay marriages? I would see that as a contradiction to God's word because if you support gay marriage, you support the sin of homosexual acts.

I have a cousin who is gay. I also have a nephew who is gay. I love them both, but I don't like the sin they're living.

^^This^^

I think I am often misunderstood in my feelings toward homosexuality. My close connection with the restaurant and service industry has me around gay people all the time. I have many close acquaintances who are gay, and several whom I call friend. Some of the friends I was out with Monday night are gay.

I love gay people as I do anyone else. I believe God does as well. But that doesn't mean I have to approve of everything they do. It also doesn't mean I love them any less for what they do, but I won't condone their behavior just because I love them. FWIW, I don't "preach" to them about it either.

The term "disgusted" was probably too strong of a word, but I do find two men being sexual to each other somewhat repulsive. I do not believe I am at all out of the ordinary there. Partly, this is because I am a man and most men see that as pretty gross (whether some of you women believe that or not). But I do believe that a Christian would naturally be somewhat repulsed at the sight of any sin, so this is not just about homosexuality.

I do believe that a Christian is in conflict with their beliefs if they condone same-sex marriage. The Bible clearly defines marriage as being between man and women, and calls the act f homosexuality an abomination. IMO, if you are a Christian and support it while knowing that it is against God's word; then you are playing both sides of the fence. I realize this statement might anger some, but I'm just being totally honest about my thoughts. I simply don't see how you can believe the Bible on one hand and support something that is against God's word on the other. At least not on a consistent and ongoing basis. As NG mentioned; becoming increasingly accepting of sin is the result of Satan's influence on us. God's word has not changed, so why should our acceptance of sin change?

While we're on the subject...I am sick and tired of being told I am imposing my beliefs or my religion on others by opposing same-sex marriage. No, I am not. I am imposing my beliefs on me, just me. But if I am to be true to my beliefs, I must try and let them guide me in all that I do. Frankly, I fail at that. But I am work in progress and I'm trying to stay strong instead of allowing winds of social change influence my belief in God's word. These winds of social change have us accepting a lot of things we probably shouldn't; so be on guard my brothers and sisters.

We probably harped on the "disgusting" thing too much in those threads. But it was because someone made a federal case about my mention of it and proceeded to tell me I didn't know what men think. I'm still trying to figure out where the qualifications for that one came from.

:love

 

[ShoeDiva]

As Christians, one of the guides to set our behavior by is God's Word. The other would be the holy spirit that lives within us and guides us. Regarding His Word, it's not that complicated in my view. If it is flawed in any form, it is no good or worth the paper it is written on. It is either God's Word or it is not. If it is to be believed that God didn't mean what He clearly stated regarding homosexual activity as being "sin", then you can't count on the Bible for anything else that it claims or proclaims.

That being said, when questions are asked of people, such as those regarding this subject, you can't expect everyone to agree with your personal point of view. Of course sin is sin and I believe God loves all and will forgive if we repent. If you ask me if gay people can go to heaven, I would say YES, of course, but selecting portions of the Bible to dismiss as "misinterpreted" for our own purposes or to make us feel better about ourselves doesn't cut it.

The Bible further states that the preaching of the Gospel would be viewed as "foolisness" by the world. That is proven to be accurate every day and it is to be expected. If people feel better about themselves by supporting the gay lifestyle, that's a free and personal choice, but keep this in mind. Just as many are accepted for their lifestyle, the same acceptance should be shown to other's opinions on the subject if we are to maintain our attitude of tolerance.

There are different interpretations of different scripture and God's word in every religion. Just saying.

Please feel free to share how there could be "different interpretations" on the scriptures regarding homosexual behavior and the Catholic church's viewpoint.

No, but thanks for asking.

My point, here and in numerous threads where people believe they are right and others are wrong because God says so, bothers me because numerous times I do not believe what they say. It is not what I was taught specific scripture meant. That is across the board in different religions Madea. We all have different beliefs and thoughts of what was being said and that is my point. It is not just homosexuality, it is all things.

 

[LisaC]

As Christians, one of the guides to set our behavior by is God's Word. The other would be the holy spirit that lives within us and guides us. Regarding His Word, it's not that complicated in my view. If it is flawed in any form, it is no good or worth the paper it is written on. It is either God's Word or it is not. If it is to be believed that God didn't mean what He clearly stated regarding homosexual activity as being "sin", then you can't count on the Bible for anything else that it claims or proclaims.

That being said, when questions are asked of people, such as those regarding this subject, you can't expect everyone to agree with your personal point of view. Of course sin is sin and I believe God loves all and will forgive if we repent. If you ask me if gay people can go to heaven, I would say YES, of course, but selecting portions of the Bible to dismiss as "misinterpreted" for our own purposes or to make us feel better about ourselves doesn't cut it.

The Bible further states that the preaching of the Gospel would be viewed as "foolisness" by the world. That is proven to be accurate every day and it is to be expected. If people feel better about themselves by supporting the gay lifestyle, that's a free and personal choice, but keep this in mind. Just as many are accepted for their lifestyle, the same acceptance should be shown to other's opinions on the subject if we are to maintain our attitude of tolerance.

There are different interpretations of different scripture and God's word in every religion. Just saying.

Please feel free to share how there could be "different interpretations" on the scriptures regarding homosexual behavior and the Catholic church's viewpoint.

No, but thanks for asking.

My point, here and in numerous threads where people believe they are right and others are wrong because God says so, bothers me because numerous times I do not believe what they say. It is not what I was taught specific scripture meant. That is across the board in different religions Madea. We all have different beliefs and thoughts of what was being said and that is my point. It is not just homosexuality, it is all things.

Like Baptists who believe that drinking is a sin.

 

[I'm Floored]

My point, here and in numerous threads where people believe they are right and others are wrong because God says so, bothers me because numerous times I do not believe what they say. It is not what I was taught specific scripture meant. That is across the board in different religions Madea. We all have different beliefs and thoughts of what was being said and that is my point. It is not just homosexuality, it is all things.

That's why it's so important to study and learn for ourselves what the true meaning of Scripture is. When looking at different points of view, I often look to several different versions of the Bible. Today, with the internet, it's even easier, because we have access to Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, etc. translations to know exactly what was written!

ETA - I have changed my point of view from what I had been told or believed myself after researching.

 

[Grey Colson]

Here's what this stuff boils down to:

It doesn't even matter what we humans think about it and us agreeing with it or not doesn't make a hill of beans in eternity.

What is being suggested in these threads are that those who do not agree with gays or those who support them mock, ridicule, slander and openly condemn them for their lifestyle. Unless anyone can provide evidence or examples of such behavior by anyone in this online community, these conversations serve no purpose.

 

[Blazing Saddles]

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;"

(Isaiah 5:20)

 

[ShoeDiva]

Here's what this stuff boils down to:

It doesn't even matter what we humans think about it and us agreeing with it or not doesn't make a hill of beans in eternity.

What is being suggested in these threads are that those who do not agree with gays or those who support them mock, ridicule, slander and openly condemn them for their lifestyle. Unless anyone can provide evidence or examples of such behavior by anyone in this online community, these conversations serve no purpose.

Less so than farting and thongs and numerous other things discussed? SMH

 

[Guard Dad]

Here's what this stuff boils down to:

It doesn't even matter what we humans think about it and us agreeing with it or not doesn't make a hill of beans in eternity.

What is being suggested in these threads are that those who do not agree with gays or those who support them mock, ridicule, slander and openly condemn them for their lifestyle. Unless anyone can provide evidence or examples of such behavior by anyone in this online community, these conversations serve no purpose.

Less so than farting and thongs and numerous other things discussed? SMH

Hey...those are important topics!

 

[Grey Colson]

Here's what this stuff boils down to:

It doesn't even matter what we humans think about it and us agreeing with it or not doesn't make a hill of beans in eternity.

What is being suggested in these threads are that those who do not agree with gays or those who support them mock, ridicule, slander and openly condemn them for their lifestyle. Unless anyone can provide evidence or examples of such behavior by anyone in this online community, these conversations serve no purpose.

Less so than farting and thongs and numerous other things discussed? SMH

So, what goal is being pursued? Getting everyone to change their hearts and minds about this subject? If it works, let's get that zipper head teenager who is currently running a muck in Korea a call

 

[LisaC]

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;"

(Isaiah 5:20)

"Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." Isaiah 5:21

Here's what this stuff boils down to:

It doesn't even matter what we humans think about it and us agreeing with it or not doesn't make a hill of beans in eternity.

What is being suggested in these threads are that those who do not agree with gays or those who support them mock, ridicule, slander and openly condemn them for their lifestyle. Unless anyone can provide evidence or examples of such behavior by anyone in this online community, these conversations serve no purpose.

So because it doesn't happen here, the discussion is pointless? It's time to back away from the doughnuts, my friend...

:cantbelievemyeyes :cantbelievemyeyes :cantbelievemyeyes :cantbelievemyeyes

 

[LisaC]

Here's what this stuff boils down to:

It doesn't even matter what we humans think about it and us agreeing with it or not doesn't make a hill of beans in eternity.

What is being suggested in these threads are that those who do not agree with gays or those who support them mock, ridicule, slander and openly condemn them for their lifestyle. Unless anyone can provide evidence or examples of such behavior by anyone in this online community, these conversations serve no purpose.

Less so than farting and thongs and numerous other things discussed? SMH

So, what goal is being pursued? Getting everyone to change their hearts and minds about this subject? If it works, let's get that zipper head teenager who is currently running a muck in Korea a call

To make people think. I know, that's something that isn't encouraged by some folks around here, but it does happen...

 

[Grey Colson]

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;"

(Isaiah 5:20)

"Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." Isaiah 5:21

Here's what this stuff boils down to:

It doesn't even matter what we humans think about it and us agreeing with it or not doesn't make a hill of beans in eternity.

What is being suggested in these threads are that those who do not agree with gays or those who support them mock, ridicule, slander and openly condemn them for their lifestyle. Unless anyone can provide evidence or examples of such behavior by anyone in this online community, these conversations serve no purpose.

So because it doesn't happen here, the discussion is pointless? It's time to back away from the doughnuts, my friend...

:cantbelievemyeyes :cantbelievemyeyes :cantbelievemyeyes :cantbelievemyeyes

Some people say eating donuts is a sin, so they are no longer in my diet

 

[ShoeDiva]

My point, here and in numerous threads where people believe they are right and others are wrong because God says so, bothers me because numerous times I do not believe what they say. It is not what I was taught specific scripture meant. That is across the board in different religions Madea. We all have different beliefs and thoughts of what was being said and that is my point. It is not just homosexuality, it is all things.

That's why it's so important to study and learn for ourselves what the true meaning of Scripture is. When looking at different points of view, I often look to several different versions of the Bible. Today, with the internet, it's even easier, because we have access to Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, etc. translations to know exactly what was written!

ETA - I have changed my point of view from what I had been told or believed myself after researching.

I agree with that, but I know of two specific instances on this board where I did post scripture, totally believe and have researched it and was still told it was an instance of the church using their own interpretation. :dunno No biggie to me, but just makes my point that so many things (our upbringing, our advisers, churches, preachers, our education, etc) go into what we believe. Interpretation. (I am also not saying it is a bad thing, just that many things can be taken numerous ways whether we are speaking of God's word or just speaking.)