Is Homosexuality Acceptable? Is it ok?

[BlackCryptoKnight]

In a previous thread, the question was asked and answered as to whether homosexuals are human. The consensus is that they are (naturally).

What are the views on homosexuality? Is it acceptable? Is it ok? Is it right? Is it wrong? Why?

[Cocoa]

Such an issue and I was hoping we would stray from it. Argumentative. To me we target a sin, yes its abominable to the Lord, but sin is sin. NEVER ACCEPTABLE!

The people who commits any sin....acceptable (if you know what I mean), but the sin is not.

[AngelsKiss]

Such an issue and I was hoping we would stray from it. Argumentative. To me we target a sin, yes its abominable to the Lord, but sin is sin. NEVER ACCEPTABLE!

The people who commits any sin....acceptable (if you know what I mean), but the sin is not.

And we all sin...with our thoughts, deeds and words.

[ActorRod]

Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.

Homosexuality is an individual choice. With some, they feel it wasn't a choice, that they were made that way. Just because you may not agree with a persons chosen lifestyle doesn't mean you have the right to judge that person as being in the right or wrong. Before you start judging, I suggest a book called What The Bible Really Says About Homosexuality by Daniel A. Helminiak. Helminiak, a Roman Catholic priest, has done careful reading in current biblical scholarship about homosexuality. While cautioning against viewing biblical teaching as "the last word on sexual ethics," he stresses the need for accurate understanding of what the biblical "facts" are and concludes that "the Bible supplies no real basis for the condemnation of homosexuality." Using the studies of Yale historian John Boswell (Same-Sex Unions in Premodern Europe, LJ 7/94), New Testament seminary professor L. William Countryman, and others, Helminiak examines the story of Sodom (where the sin was inhospitality), Jude's decrying sex with angels, and five texts-Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, Romans 1:27, I Corinthians 6:9, and I Timothy 1:10-all of which, he concludes, "are concerned with something other than homogenital activity itself." Good reading.

[Cocoa]

I am so sorry, I disagree with that article AR.. That sounds like twisting up the truth to me. And you don't want me to get down to the nitty gritty of the Bible.

Is it a Sin- YES
Are they People-OF COURSE
Is homosexuality (along with ther sins) Acceptable- NO

[ActorRod]

You mean acceptable for yourself - no. Which is fine. You label it a sin in God's word... which is also a judgement call because it's up to God to judge, not you.

With all the hatred, anger, violence and war in the world today, what is so threatening to the moral fabric of society by two same gender people in a loving, commited relationship? It's only 10 % of the population.

[AngelsKiss]

I don't think labelling homosexuality a sin is a judgement call, so much as "recognising it for what it is" and I place it in quotes because some ppl will disagree which is perfectly ok too. If I say committing a murder is a sin, is that a judgement call? The bible clearly defines that killing some one is a sin...Thou shall not kill.

If we are looking at the issue of judging someone based on a behaviour thats a diff thing in my opinion. That is wrong, the bible states that we are to leave judgement to God. Even Christ hitned that he came not to judge but to save.

However, homosexuality like most other behaviours must fall somewhere a long some moral line, sin or not sin so you can determine if it is right or wrong for you. Now the issue is whether or not homosexuality is a sin. That is what we need to figure out.

[Greatis]

It's only 10% now because it's not very widely accepted. It can only increase :eusa_snoo

[Cocoa]

Now the issue is whether or not homosexuality is a sin. That is what we need to figure out.Now as for this..trying to figure it out I myself will not because I can only go by what I believe and know to be true. Therefore I will take my stands on the Bible and say what it says....it is a sin. I can only judge based on the Word of Truth. And then it is not judging just stressing the truth.

Many things are abominable unto the Lord but now we choose in the start of this thread to discuss one of them.

I will state my view and run now......sin is a sin. Jesus came to set the captives free and reveal truth and to save the world from sins. Jesus recognised sin and addressed it. He never accepted sin in his presence.

I agree with what you said here........
I don't think labelling homosexuality a sin is a judgement call, so much as "recognising it for what it is" and I place it in quotes because some ppl will disagree which is perfectly ok too. If I say committing a murder is a sin, is that a judgement call? The bible clearly defines that killing some one is a sin...Thou shall not kill.

If we are looking at the issue of judging someone based on a behaviour thats a diff thing in my opinion. That is wrong, the bible states that we are to leave judgement to God. Even Christ hitned that he came not to judge but to save.

However, homosexuality like most other behaviours must fall somewhere a long some moral line, sin or not sin so you can determine if it is right or wrong for you.

[Pondadat]

Lets just pray for everyone. Why this topic again?

[Chris]

Is murder a sin? YES
Is murder acceptable? NO
Is a murderer a human that is redeemable? YES
Is classing an act of murder as a judgement call? NO

Since we all agree that homosexuality is a sin, then it can't be considered a judgement call. We don't need to guess what God says about homosexuality since He has said it for himself in the Bible. The reality is that we have to accept the fact that all sins, including homosexuality, are wrong and should not be encouraged. Yes we choose to sin just like homosexuals choose to live in a sinful lifestyle. Just because they choose to live in sin doesn't prevent us from telling them that they're living in sin. If you saw a blind man walking down the road straight into a huge ditch are you going to tell him to stop and steer him clear of the hole? Or are you going to tell yourself that it's his business if he wants to walk around without assistance, it's his choice so let him fall into the hole ... after all, it's only one blind man and not like a whole city of people.

[ActorRod]

It's only 10% now because it's not very widely accepted. It can only increase :eusa_snoo
It's been 10% since time began and will always be 10%. You are speaking from fear and ignorance.

And, no, we don't agree that homoseexuality is a sin. I do not believe that it is. And I do believe that God is a loving supreme being, so don't pull any of that crap on me.

When Jesus said, "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone" did he a Man of God, the Son of God, who we assume lived without sin, did he throw that stone? NO HE DID NOT!!! So, even if you see any sinner, what gives you the right to throw that stone if Jesus didn't???? Get real, people!

There is war, hunger, and poverty going on in the world and you all are so worried about two same gender LOVING people. I don't know about you, I choose LOVE over war. I choose LOVE, over poverty. I choose LOVE over bigotry. I choose LOVE over gang violence. I choose LOVE over racism.

I CHOOSE LOVE!

One world, let's get together and eveything will be alright!

[Cocoa]

Well AR we are discussing here and such a touchy topic for you I see. But opinions are opinions and so we express it.

How can you post an article where a man twists up the truth and then come and use a scripture from the truth? You must first, rightly divide the Word of truth. It's either all or none of it.

And yes when Jesus said let ye without a sin cast the first stone was in the disposition of law where the people thought this adulterous woman should be stoned and Jesus stood up to make a point. (He also wrote on the ground, hmmm)
1. You want to put out someone for sin without even recognising the same punishment potentially projected is the same that the accusers should receive.
2. Jesus illustrating his purpose (to save from sins)
3. Showing the power of forgiveness.

We however recognise that there is none righteous, no not one. So we can talk about sin, but in this particular thread we have chosen to address one such SIN and that is homosexuality. We can address issues based on the Bible and speak it freely because that is what we believe and it is not judging, just truth.

It's just like having a road map, if you need to get directions from point A to B, follow the map...same for the Bible, if you need directions in life from sin to life, follow the Bible.

So Actor Rod, upon basis of your defence to our comments made in this thread, we hear you and thanks for stating your point, but reevaluate the opinions or proposed facts used to back up your injury.

Yes, we should discuss other world issues...and I agree and that would be called to start other threads. And so I hang up my mouthpiece and take a walk.

With love, Cocoa.

[ActorRod]

I've spent years evaluating "Beliefs" that were forced on me. My belief is that it is not a sin. I agree with what the ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST David A. Helminiak said in his BOOK (which is different than an article). I made up my mind on MY belliefs a long time ago. The Bible is just one source of inspiration and wisdom based on the views and experiences of people around Israel. If you look at other sources, you can see a common thread in all of them. LOVE. Love they neighbor as thyself. It's hard to do that when one is continually fingerpointing and screaming "SINNER" all the while the one pointing is committing some other sin. All I am saying is that instead of the fingerpointing, let's take care of our neighbors for a change. That is more loving than the shame based fingerpointing. Lead by example. You can't change a person's behavior for them. Be the righteous person first (like Jesus) and people will see your example and want to be like that (like we want to be Christ-like).

May I also suggest the books in the Conversations With God series by Neale Donald Walsch. All 7 books can change your life as well as your opinions.

[Kitten]

Hi Rod, I guess you know that homophobia is a culture thing in the Caribbean so apparently you have run across it. Anyway God Bless You.

[AngelsKiss]

It's been 10% since time began and will always be 10%. You are speaking from fear and ignorance.

And, no, we don't agree that homoseexuality is a sin. I do not believe that it is. And I do believe that God is a loving supreme being, so don't pull any of that crap on me.

When Jesus said, "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone" did he a Man of God, the Son of God, who we assume lived without sin, did he throw that stone? NO HE DID NOT!!! So, even if you see any sinner, what gives you the right to throw that stone if Jesus didn't???? Get real, people!

There is war, hunger, and poverty going on in the world and you all are so worried about two same gender LOVING people. I don't know about you, I choose LOVE over war. I choose LOVE, over poverty. I choose LOVE over bigotry. I choose LOVE over gang violence. I choose LOVE over racism.

I CHOOSE LOVE!

One world, let's get together and eveything will be alright!


AR I think I inderstand your point about tolerance and I agree with it. However what I am not sure I understand is your mentioning of casting stones. I have been somewhat following this topic and I don't think any one is casting stones. I think the question is whether homosexuality is acceptable or not. I do think ppl have a right to question this issue, just as how we would look at the issue of murder, hunger, etc.

I also accept that there are other problems in the world, but I don't think it should stop us from examining the issue of homosexuality if there are ppl who are unaccepting of that particular behaviour or are unsure about it. Please note also that being unaccepting of homosexuality does not necessarily means that one is homophobic. For some it is against their religious believes and they are entitle to it. Just likehomosexuals are entitle to go demonstrating, others have a right to question their lifestlye. Like most ppl I don't support targeting homosexuals, since I believe that it their life and they are entitle to live it however they see fit, as long as they don't intentionally hurt others.

BTW I too choose love, most of the time anyway:) However, I still disagree with some of your believes about homosexuality.

[ActorRod]

People tend to "throw stones" when they call it a sin. It is up to the almighty to judge sin, not us mortals. That's all I am saying. If it's okay for some and not okay for you personally, that's fine. Just don't point at others and say "sinner." There is no need to discuss this issue in my opinion when there are other more pressing needs to discuss and deal with. Discussing this just seems a little petty to me. Two consenting adults in their own privacy can't possibly be harmful to you as an individual. If it is not something you indulge in, and you are propositioned by someone, just take it as a compliment and add, "no, thanks. I don't swing that way" and leave it alone. As the Jamaicans would say, "No problem, mon." It becomes an issue when somebody is propositioned and they respond with violence. Somebody is then either severely hurt or killed... for no other reason than who he/she is. I don't judge and I don't believe it's a sin. So it's no worries for me. Can't people just forget about this "issue" and deal with real life threatening issues for a change?

[AngelsKiss]

I think ppl are entitle to label something a sin if they so choose (they may be wrong but its their right) and it's not being judgemental. It's more of an opinion about something that a judgement. The fact is, I would call murder a sin, I am not making a judgement, I am stating my opinion. If I choose to label homosexuality as a sin, I am not throwing any stones, I am just stating my opinion on the issue.

In any event like I have stated before we have to be able to look at a particular behaviour and figure out where on the moral scales it falls...wrong or right, sin or not sin, etc.

Now if I called you a sinner that would be passing judgement and no one has the right to do that since we are all sinners in God's eyes.

Also its ok for you to say that the issue doesn't need any discussion, it sure does not mean you are right. Secondly, your stating it doesn't mean ppl are going to stop. Just like how you think homosexuals have a right to live their lives, so do others and if they choose to discuss the issue of homosexuality then that's their free will. There are ppl who have a problem with homosexuality, why should they forget about it? Look at it another, may be the more it is discussed, the more ppl will learn and then there probable will be less ppl who are prone to violence. :)

[platnum]

I don't think homosexuality is right but at the same time I don't think that people should judge them the way I see it if there not bothering me I don't care what they do. I have also had the arguement with alot of people that if there son or daughter was gay they would disown them. I have 4 children and if one of them chose that way of life God forbid I would love them still but they could not bring that life style around me. :eusa_thin

[InkyP1]

I don't think homosexuality is right but at the same time I don't think that people should judge them the way I see it if there not bothering me I don't care what they do. I have also had the arguement with alot of people that if there son or daughter was gay they would disown them. I have 4 children and if one of them chose that way of life God forbid I would love them still but they could not bring that life style around me. :eusa_thin

Bring the lifestyle around you how. Do you mean come around dress funny or something? Or how? clue me.

[ActorRod]

I knew a guy who's brother is gay. He did not want his brother to talk about his lifestyle around his children, bring partners around, etc. But the children were quite young at the time, i.e. young and impressionable and not infomrmed as to their uncle's lifestyle. However, the kids are adults now and the gay brother wants to be able to discuss it openly, even though the other brother feels it's a sin. The kids now know their uncle is gay and the oldest is okay with that. Should they all be able to discuss it if it comes up? Can the gay brother now be more open with it around the rest of the family? I'm thinking that is what platnum means.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Here's my opinion:

Christianity teaches that God has certain laws which define what thoughts and actions are good and bad. Among these are theft, murder, envy, idolatry, dishonesty, sexual immorality (fornication, adultery, homosexuality, bestiality, incest).

If people are to live lives according to God's wishes, it is important for them to identify and shun the behaviour that is contrary to God's laws and wishes. At the same time, God has made it clear that people are to show love, forgiveness and mercy to their fellow human beings. Hence the perspective that it is the sin which is to be abhorred and not the sinner.
God hates sin, but loves sinners. God has also said to leave judgement to Him.

God gave us freedom of choice. We can chose to follow His word and develop a strong relationship with Him, or we can chose to go against His word and separate ourselves from Him. Every choice has it's consequence. So we need to chose wisely.

The choices we make are not right or wrong just because we chose them. They are not right or wrong just because people think they are right or wrong. The choices people make are right or wrong because they are either aligned with, or contradict the objective laws of God. God's laws are the standard, not men's opinions. So when people say that homosexuality is a sin and is not acceptable, they are not passing judgement on homosexuals, nor are they condemning them. They are simply making a logical statement based on the fact that homosexuality is clearly identified by God as being contrary to His laws.

Call a spade a spade. One of the problems with society today, is that our moral values are being dulled by doctrines being propogated that seek to justify morally wrong behaviour on the basis that nobody is being hurt, or that it feels good and appears "positive". God's word is being obscured and people are being straight tricked. Call a spade a spade. Homosexuality is wrong. It is unnatural. It is against God's laws as are other sins.

[RobyG]

Very interesting thread again...and very hard to put down all my thoughts..I kind-of-a wished that this discussion was more face-to-face but probably its best kept this way.

In my opinion, homosexuality is wrong...very wrong.... murder is wrong very wrong....corruption is wrong...very wrong....

It is interesting to see that the latest belief nowadays is "Do anything you want..if it doesn't affect anyone its okay" so that is the measuring stick used by many nowadays whether they know it or not. It is also interesting to see that there is an increasing attack on the Christian faith and what the bible teaches. Its amazing how many persons spend time and effort trying to disprove something they dont even believe in. :eusa_thin

If I had the time I would attempt to show that the bible clearly says it is sinful. (We would have to go back to the original language and use an open mind with common sense). Those of us who use ALL of the bible as a guide will be chanting how wrong homosexuality is. Those who dont, will be led according to their own feelings which is expected and may not be convinced by the quoting of bible verses...

All I have to say is: The bible (the Word of God) is far more powerful than we may believe - it supernaturally changes the lives of those who FULLY trust it but to others it is probably just an interesting or another book. The Power is only released when there is FULL trust in it and its author.

And BTW when Christ said "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her (John 8:7 NIV)".....he then tells the same woman who they wanted to stone (caught in adultery) to "Go now and leave your life of sin (NIV)".

Two things:
(1) It was already in the Levitical Law for persons caught in adultery to be put to death..so the people were 'rightfully' following what Moses had commanded them
(2) Although Jesus told the crowd not to condemn her he still called her lifestyle sinful.

So let us say that God doesn't want anyone to condemn homosexuals. It doesn't mean that He won't condemn the lifestyle Himself :eusa_shif

[AngelsKiss]

What is wrong with saying do whatever you please as longs as you don't hurt someone else? It is not saying it is wrong, however morality has to be left up to each individual.

God gave us free will to do as we please. Yes there are consequences, however those consequences are between you and God. We shouldn't forcing ppl to live by our personal moral codes and ethics. We can educate them but its up to them to decide...you know the saying, you can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink.

Jesus himself came and said, I came not to condem but to save. Who are we to force ppl to choose to live a certain way? Too many of us preach about sin and forget that we ourselves are living in sin and we sin on a daily basis. Not that we should stop preaching, but we need to be a bit more understanding of each other and leave ppl to their own free will as long as they are not hurting someone else. We can continue to educate and pray for them. We sin not just by our deeds but by our thoughts as well.

Oh BTW as far as I know of the bilbe, the issue of homosexuality is not very clear. If you read the bible in old english that word does not exist. Also when you read about Sodom and Gomorrah it mentioned that it was desptroyed because the men were exceedingly wicked. It didn't say how they were wicked. The new versions of the bible speaks of homosexuality. Could it be that men translated this to their own thinking?

I personally believe homosexuality to be wrong, based on all that I have learned. However, I do believe we should question things that are not clearly defined. I also believe in praying for guidance since I don't know everything and will never know everything, and as such I stand by my thinking, as God did. Leave ppl alone to their own way of life as long as they are not hurting any one. I will try to educate them and I will pray for them, but it is not for me to judge or force anyone to do anything they don't want to do, it is between the persosn and God. God has a plan for each of us and it is for Him to exercise His plan.

BTW - we have enough fanatics and crazies around who believe that ppl should live by their own personal standards.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Nobody's forcing anyone to live by their personal standards. We're just saying that people should live by God's standards. As for what the Bible says about homosexuality, see what this link has to say: http://en.bibleinfo.com/topics/topic.html?id=131

[AngelsKiss]

Nobody's forcing anyone to live by their personal standards. We're just saying that people should live by God's standards. As for what the Bible says about homosexuality, see what this link has to say: http://en.bibleinfo.com/topics/topic.html?id=131

BCK I agree we all should live by God's standards however, not many of us do and that's the way world is unfortunately. Like I said before, God did give us the choice to choose him or eternal damnation. Short of forcing ppl to do something that they don't the most we can do is to continue to educate and pray.

As I said before on the issue of homosexuality and the bible, it is the translated new version that uses the word homosexual. The word didn't exist back then, so we don't know for sure that the translation is correct.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

As I said before on the issue of homosexuality and the bible, it is the translated new version that uses the word homosexual. The word didn't exist back then, so we don't know for sure that the translation is correct.

Leviticus 18

22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination

Methinks that's pretty clear even if the word "homosexual" isn't used.

Romans 1

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

Though the word "homosexuality" isn't used in these verses, the meaning is clearly understood.

[RobyG]

AngelsKiss,

First of all, not all Christians 'force' their believes on people....just because some do it doesn't mean that all do. For instance, some Jamaicans are thieves but I wouldn't call Jamaicans thieves....that is unfair. What I would agree with you on is that many of us Christians do not preach Gods Word in love...and that causes problems.

Personally, what I try to do is to encourage persons to try and submit to the teachings of Christ because it has worked for me. Similarly I try and encourage persons to eat more vegetables because it works wonders for me. Wouldn't it be selfish of me to keep the source of my joy/wellbeing to myself? And what I realize is that a person has to have his/her own personal convictions in becoming a Christian or it won't work. God Himself has to give a personal revelation of Himself before a person can whole heartedly follow Him.

Secondly, God gives us a choice: His way or our own way. We all would agree that His way must be best. So when your mechanic tells you that you must use a certain type of gasoline for your car, he is doing so because that is what the manufacture recommend and from his experience he may be convinced that it is the best way. Using any petrol you like does not mean that the car must function - there is a law in place. Same with the spiritual realm: God has created us and has outlined what makes a person function correctly. Did you know that poison will kill a person whether they refuse to believe it or not?

Thirdly, the original language is not Old English..you will have to check the original Hebrew/Greek. Do not look for the word 'homosexuality' you wont find it- you need to read it in context. Does someone have to say "This is a hold up!" before you realize that you are being robbed? No I dont think so.

There are couple of places in the bible that condemns homosexuality:
Read Romans 1:24


"24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.
26Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion."

Genesis 19:4 (NIV)


4 Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom-both young and old-surrounded the house. 5 They called to Lot, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them."
6 Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him 7 and said, "No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing. 8 Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don't do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof."
9 "Get out of our way," they replied. And they said, "This fellow came here as an alien, and now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them." They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door.
10 But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. 11 Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house, young and old, with blindness so that they could not find the door.
12 The two men said to Lot, "Do you have anyone else here-sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, 13 because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it."

The men of Sodom clearly wanted a homosexual encounter with Lot's guest (who were really angels who came to judge the wicked city). If Sodom wasn't destroyed because of immorality (including homosexuality) then why did the above incident convince the angels that the city must be destroyed immediately?

Allowing homosexuals to just do as they like is like second-hand smoking. It will affect others..you..me...our children. Also, when judgement from God start to hit the island all of us will be affected. We must all want the best for our neighbours - that is love.

[AngelsKiss]

Roby G, no where did I say that all Christians force their believes on others and I did not refer to Christianity either.

Secondly I didn't not say that Old English was the original bible version. I am very much aware that the bible was originally in Hebrew/Greek0, however I do not speak or read Hebrew or Greek and I was in fact refering to the the bible being printed in old english.

[RobyG]

No prob...

You had said:

Oh BTW as far as I know of the bilbe, the issue of homosexuality is not very clear. If you read the bible in old english that word does not exist.

and all i am saying is to see if there was a translation problem you would have to go back to the original language and not old English. Get someone (like a scolar) or a reference book to help you in the translation.

[AngelsKiss]

No prob...

You had said:


and all i am saying is to see if there was a translation problem you would have to go back to the original language and not old English. Get someone (like a scolar) or a reference book to help you in the translation.

ThatI am aware of but thanks anyway :)

[Greatis]

My next question is why is homosexuality such a big thing? Why is it so important? Look at how many pages the other thread was? Freedom os speech everyone is entiltled to. So why when someone speaks out against homosexuality he is suddenly under scrutiny and severe pressure. it is wrong simply wrong so why waste time on such a mundane, boring, revolting subject?
I don't see the logic behind it. :eusa_thin

[ActorRod]

If one is going to use the Bible as a source to condemn something as sin, show me the original text! In 2000 years, the Bible has been corrupeted by power hungry, religous zealots that have twisted the meanings of the ORIGINAL language in various ways to suit themselves. Books have been dropped and added throughout the years. For example, there was doctrine and Biblical references that support the idea of reincarnation and it was an accepted belief at one time, but the books delving into it have been dropped from the Bible.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

If one is going to use the Bible as a source to condemn something as sin, show me the original text! In 2000 years, the Bible has been corrupeted by power hungry, religous zealots that have twisted the meanings of the ORIGINAL language in various ways to suit themselves. Books have been dropped and added throughout the years.For example, there was doctrine and Biblical references that support the idea of reincarnation and it was an accepted belief at one time, but the books delving into it have been dropped from the Bible.

Similarly, we could ask you to prove your claims from original texts, and not books recently made up by people with an agenda to sensitize the world to their views.

It boils down to choice. Nobody's forcing anyone to accept anything. You chose. For me, I accept what the Bible says because to me it makes sense to me, and based on my relationship and experiences with God, I feel it is credible. You may not feel the same way. That's your perogative, and something that you and God will have to work out.

Peace.

[ActorRod]

Well, oddly enough, I read the book and the author quotes from original translations and makes his decisions based on how the text was used in reference to the CUSTOMS OF BIBLICAL TIMES, not on any particular agenda.

It's okay to have your opinions. But I think the real question to ask is this;


How would you react if your son/daughter or brother/sister came to you and said that he/she was gay?

[BlackCryptoKnight]

It's okay to have your opinions. But I think the real question to ask is this;

How would you react if your son/daughter or brother/sister came to you and said that he/she was gay?
Pray for them, pray with them, love them, and counsel them. I would definitely not approve of that kind of choice, and would be worried for their safety and salvation, just as I would if they had chosen a life of crime, or done something else wrong. I would never be comfortable just accepting that choice, and would do whatever I could to encourage them to make the right decision and stop that behaviour.

[Bashment Girl]

My next question is why is homosexuality such a big thing? Why is it so important? Look at how many pages the other thread was? Freedom os speech everyone is entiltled to. So why when someone speaks out against homosexuality he is suddenly under scrutiny and severe pressure. :eusa_thin

There it is tweeta peteeta! ;)

Personally I don't Bible thump where it comes to homosexuallity, I just look at it biologically! Sex was intended for what? PROCREATION. The sex organs of a male were meant to fit a female and vice versa. The act of heterosexual sex (pleasure aside :icon_redf ) is really supposed to keep our species from being "extinct" right? So how is homosexuality an act of "natural behviour"?

Ok now having said that ... I do not condone hate crimes and so on toward any group of people.

Back to the comment made by Greatis... why is it so imortant INDEED? There are millions of things one could crusade over to better the world (famine, health care, homelessness, etc)... I personally, do not feel Gay Rights should be more of a priority for discussion or action... before these things!

[BlackCryptoKnight]

There it is tweeta peteeta! ;)

[QUOTE]
Personally I don't Bible thump where it comes to homosexuallity, I just look at it biologically! Sex was intended for what? PROCREATION. The sex organs of a male were meant to fit a female and vice versa. The act of heterosexual sex (pleasure aside :icon_redf ) is really supposed to keep our species from being "extinct" right? So how is homosexuality an act of "natural behviour"?
Yup, there are so many arguments against it.



Back to the comment made by Greatis... why is it so imortant INDEED? There are millions of things one could crusade over to better the world (famine, health care, homelessness, etc)... I personally, do not feel Gay Rights should be more of a priority for discussion or action... before these things!
That's true. There are lots of issues out there that need attention.

From a Christian perspective, God sees all sin as the same. Once a person is holding onto a life of sin, their salvation is in jeopardy. Homosexuality is considered a sin. Those who hold onto it and embrace it are in serious danger of losing their salvation if they do not change their ways. One of the duties of a Christian is to spread the word of God. This involves speaking out against that which is wrong and promoting that which is right. This is to help those who would be lost, to find their way again.

Matthew 28 KJV

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

So from that context, and in light of the fact that homosexuality is increasing in it's visibility and acceptance, it will become an issue which is increasingly discussed. That doesn't mean that other issues are less important, but it's just another one of those things that needs attention.