For those of you who believe homosexuality is a sin (as it clearly states in the Bible)...?
535769
When you do something wrong, but don't want to admit it, you can come up with excuse upon excuse to prove your case.\n\n'Even the devil can cite the scriptures', to quote Christ.\n\nI have a friend who in an argument or debate raises just 1 valid percentage point as opposed to you raising 99% and he will insist that he is right based solely on his 1%.\n\nIn his court, the prosecution must prove his case beyond a shadow of doubt, to convict.
801804
This is just a few.....\n\n\nLeviticus 18:22 (Whole Chapter) \n“Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin. \n\n\nLeviticus 20:13 (Whole Chapter) \n“If a man practices homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman, both men have committed a detestable act. They must both be put to death, for they are guilty of a capital offense. \n\n\n1 Corinthians 6:9 (Whole Chapter) \nDon’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, \n\n\n1 Timothy 1:10 (Whole Chapter) \nThe law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, [ Or kidnappers.] liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching\n\n\n....Jesus offers forgiveness for all of our sins. i'm glad you are curious about what the bible says, next time i encourage you to open up the bible and find the answer yourself...instead of going online.
502346
I'm a Christian and I am not "opposed to gay people". But when you tell me these two things then I have to respond in what I hope is a compassionate manner.\n\n"The discovery that some of us are created and/or shaped in our earliest infancy toward same-gender attraction was made in the last 150 years."\n\nThat may or may not be true although for the sake of discussion let's say that it is. Many people have a tendency towards a particular form of behavior. When they get old enough to make mature decisions they have to decide whether that behavior is beneficial or not and since we are talking about God, whether that behavior is in His will for their life or not.\n\nSome people seem to be born with a terrible temper and are prone to violent behavior. They either end up controling their urges or they reap the consequences of giving in to them. It could be a struggle that they have for their entire life and one that they cannot always win. Hopefully they don't commit murder or just give up and make themselves a menace to those with whom they come into contact.\n\nJust because homosexuality isn't exactly the same doesn't mean that there are not legitimate parallels. Someone who finds themself attracted to members of the same sex still makes a choice about how they are going to deal with that emotion just like someone who is prone to anger.\n\nWhen you talk about not bringing up the "Adam and Steve" argument I have to go outside of the guidlines you want to impose on this discussion. It is apparent from the command God gave to Adam and Eve to go forth and multiply that He created men to have sex with women for the purpose of procreation. God also made sex an enjoyable encounter between two people as an added bonus. So where does that leave today's "Adam" if he is not attracted to any of the "Eves" in this world but instead finds himself attracted to the "Steves" around him?\n\nThe book of Corinthians provides at least one answer to that question and Jesus spoke of another for those who were able to receive it.\n\n1 Corinthians 6:9  Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,  (10)  nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  (11)  And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.  (12)  "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything.  (13)  "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food"--and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.\n\nIn this passage the Apostle Paul is speaking to relatively new believers who have been born again by the Holy Spirit. He talks about how some of them USED to be things like drunkards and men who practice homosexuality.\n\nWhen I came to Christ at age 43 I had been a drunkard for many years and had developed a chemical addiction to alcohol. I haven't had a drink since a short time before becoming a Christian but it was a real struggle for me until I was born again. That doesn't mean that I'm never tempted to drink or that I've lost the desire to have a cold beer on a hot day but it does mean that now I have supernatural assistance to overcome my struggle.\n\nI don't go around telling people about how Jesus made wine for the guests at a wedding and how I would be justified in drinking since it's not illegal and doesn't hurt anyone else. Instead I know that it's not in God's will for my life to drink alcohol and so I consistently make the choice every day of my life
702758
We KNOW that the truth of the Bible isn't just in the way the words are used, but in the way they effect our hearts and souls.  As for your "boat,"  Hate the sin, love the sinner.  Homosexuality IS  a sin.
884507
Not at all! I back them up actually. If God wanted to promote homosexuality, then he would allow man-man woman-woman realationships, but he doesn't. He actually destroyed 2 cities (Sodom and Gomorrah) with a rain of fire because they were practising homosexuality.
589341
I am a Christian, and bi-sexual.  And perfectly happy being so.\n\nInteresting facts:\n\nIn Ancient Hebrew, there was a word for something that was a sin in and of itself, as opposed to a "legal" sin -- something that was declared a sin to differentiate the Hebrew people from the surrounding hedonistic cultures.  The book of Leviticus, where the first of the two mentions of homosexuality in the Old Testament is found, uses it in reference to child sacrifice.  But it is never used in reference to homosexuality.\n\nThe New Testament was written in Koine (spelling?) Greek.  This language had six different words referring to homosexual behavior (they did not understand it as an orientation, as we do).  Not one of those six words is ever used in the New Testament.  There are two words that are often (mis)translated as referring to homosexuality.  However, literally translated, the first means "one of loose morals" and the second "a compulsive seducer of boys" -- that is, a pedophile.\n\nOh, and as for Sodom and Gemorrah?  Read a bit more carefully, and you'll find that they were destroyed for their inhospitality (the very sin most Christians choose to perpetrate against Gays/Bi's/etc.), not homosexuality.
1123532
I am not against homosexuals (gays or lesbians). I am against their sexual sins. There is no where in the Bible that condomes homosexual or beastiality relationships. God did not make men to have children together nor did he make women to have children by themselves.\n\nI know and love many people that are living a homosexual lifestyle. They know I do not condone their lifestyle but I will not turn my back on them as friends because they live in sin.\n\nI am hetero and far from perfect. I try not to sin either but I do. That's why I am thankful for the redeeming blood of the Cross and the forgiveness given me by God. \n\nI will not condemn a sinner because I could have been the condemned without my personal relationship with Jesus. (By the way, I have to ask for forgiveness almost every day for sins I commit).\n\nThe scripture says, "judge not unless you be judged for whatever judgement you meet out it shall be given you"
1012702
Well the Bible says that if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and you accept Him as your Savior then you will be saved. I think anyone who does this will go to heaven. Some people only pull out homosexuality as the only thing in the Bible listed as an abomination and that's simply not true. Liars, gossipers, drunks, and adulterers just to name a few were also listed as abominations and no one just out right says they will go to hell so I don't think it's fair to say that someone will go to hell based on their sexual preference. Plus all sins are forgivable if you repent of them and ask God to help you I don't see why he would punish you instead of helping you. We don't know where their heart is with God so we can't knowingly say where they are going when they die.
551164
Some people (primarily biblical literalists and/or purveyors of hate speech) claim that the Bible does condemn homosexuality, citing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Levitical law statements about "a man lying with another man as he lies with a woman is an abomination", and St. Paul's condemnations of homosexuals. But what exactly is an "abomination"? Let's consider the information at this site: http://glow.cc/isa/whatisan.htm\n\nIf we look at each of these biblical citations closely, we see that Sodom and Gomorrah were not destroyed for homosexuality, they were destroyed for what was a far more serious sin at that time -- the sin of inhospitality. They treated guests very rudely, even assaulting and abusing them. At that time in history, this was one of the most serious sins one could commit. Consider this: http://www.torahquest.org/show_commentary.php?cid=12&regid=14\n\nIn looking at the Levitical prohibitions, we can turn to the greatest expert on the Old Testament, a Jewish philosopher named Maimonides, who wrote most of the Tanach (which is a more detailed explanation of the Torah, or Jewish version of the Old Testament). Maimonides wrote, in his "Guide to the Perplexed" that this prohibition was not against homosexuality, it was actually a prohibition against man's unbridled lust, and against the Cananite practice of that time of using teenage boys as prostitutes for their pagan temples. Also, looking at this practically, it's anatomically impossible for a "man to lie with a man as he does with a woman" (hello, some parts, well one part, is missing!) In those times, "back door" sex was forbidden, so that cannot be what this was referring to.\n\nAs to St. Paul's condemnations of homosexuality, it is worth noting that St. Paul had major hangups with almost any kind of sex, that he himself never married (highly unusual for a Jewish male at that time) and that he was teaching things that Jesus never said. http://www.beliefnet.com/story/142/story_14299_1.html\n\nChristians, by definition, are followers of Christ. Therefore, the first place Christians should look for proper teachings is in the Gospels, where Christ taught us what He expect from us. What exactly did Christ say in condemnation of homosexuals? Not a single word. Nothing, nada, zip, zero. So when it comes to a choice of who to believe when teachings conflict, St. Paul or Christ, IMO we should always go with Christ. Scientists have now proven, through multiple studies, that some homosexuals are genetically predisposed towards this. In other words, they are born that way. Others make a lifestyle choice. This brings up two very important points. God doesn't make mistakes, so the homosexuals who were born that way are not a mistake. Secondly, just "being" homosexual is not, in any way, a sin, no matter how the person got there. Even if we were to believe everything that biblical literalists believe, and all the so-called biblical condemnations about homosexuality, it must be noted that the condemnations are against sexual acts, they are not against just "being" a homosexual. So at worst, a homosexual sex act is the sin of fornication, which I daresay is an equal opportunity sin, and that many more heterosexuals commit this sin than homosexuals (if for no other reason than heterosexuals vastly outnumber homosexuals.)\n\nGod loves all of his children, and He expects us to love each other. Christ preached inclusion, not exclusion. Be patient with those who condemn homosexuals. Sooner or later they will come to their senses and realize that they are wrong. Literalists used to support slavery and thought the world would end when women got the right to vote, but they were proven wrong there, too. And perhaps even offer some pity for those who hate homosexuals, because if we can assume that a recent study was right, the most virulent anti-homosexuals are nothing more than
886637
I don't mean to offend the ASKER of the question but the people I hang out with don't believe that being in a homosexual lifestyle is moral or good. \n\nI happen to be a Christian and in the bible Leviticus it says that homosexuality is an abomination and a sin to God.\n\nHowever there is absolutely nothing in the Bible that says it is a sin to be handicapped.\n\nChristians believe that God is faithful to forgive our sins if we confess them and ask for forgiveness.  What is dangerous now (and I noticed one of the ANSWERERS to your question also noted this) is that it is getting to be more and more MORAL to be in a homosexual same sex lifestyle.\n\nSO you have the world saying its good and moral and the bible is in direct contradication to it.\n\nHowever I remember in the bible there was a handicapped person and they actually asked Jesus and I quote "Who sinned to make this man crippled?  His mother or father?"\n\nJesus said "Neither his mother or Father but to show Glory to God" and then Jesus healed him.\n\nSo I think I would "re-word" your question.  I think it would be good to ask it like this so as to be even more specific.\n\n"Why are homosexuals accepted into society more than handicapped folks when it is not a sin to be handicapped?"\n\nI see where you are coming from and it is a very good question though even the way you asked it.  But my friends and family don't even put Handicapped folks in the same group as folks choosing to have same sex sinful relations. \n\nNot even close.  There are still some folks out there honest enough to say the bible says homosexuality is evil. \n\nI am one of them.
55086
It was interesting hearing what you had to say because I'm currently taking a Biblical Ethics class, and I have decided to do my research paper on the Homosexual issue.  I will know better how to answer your question after the research, but for now, I'll just express my opinions.\n\nNot all religions view homosexuality the same way, and not even all Christians view it the same way.  It seems clear to me that the Bible clearly condemns male homosexual relations.  (Female homosexual relations are not mentioned at all in the Old Testament, but it was written by men, and mostly for male readers, so perhaps it is implied).\n\nThe Bible however did not come down from God in the way that traditionalists think.  It was written by different people in different times and places, and the different voices therein conflict.  So what we have in the Bible are different views of various people, and it is quite clear that some of those people were homophobic.  They called homosexual relations "an abomination before the Lord."  These people were just expressing their gut reaction to gays.  They were intolerant, they did not understand the phenomenon, and so they basically just said, "Yuck," and didn't think about it anymore.  They just assumed it was bad and evil.\n\nOf course, most Christians do not realize that the Bible is the word of men and not God.  They were raised to believe that it is the Word of God, usually by honest, good parents who do not otherwise lie.  Therefore they believe their parents.  Why wouldn't they?  Their parents seemed to be right about other things.  So they never come to realize that well-meaning people can be totally incorrect and they perpetuate the teaching that the Bible is the Word of God.  \n\nNow these people, in their heart of hearts, often have compassion for gay people and have a tendency towards tolerance for them.  However, the people are trained to NOT listen to their hearts!  They think their hearts are wrong, and go against their own consciences to follow the Bible.  They justify this by saying, "God knows better than me."  \n\nMy mom is just such a person.  I can tell that in her heart, she would like to be tolerant of LBGT people.  But she can't let go of her belief in the Bible.  So she just can't let herself live according to her own conscience on this matter.  It is a very complicated issue.  My mom is not stupid or heartless.  She has her reasons for believing in the Bible.  It is not as simple as saying, "People who believe in the Bible are just idiots."\n\nI am not a Christian, but I am a very religious person.  I support LBGT rights.  I would like to just point out these 2 things:  that not all religious people are anti-gay.  And that not everything about religion is BS.  True, there is BS in religions, but not everything in a religion is BS.  Our job as religious people is to be discerning about that.  We must be willing to let go of a religious belief if it is proven false.  We must not be attached to our religion.  Religion is merely a means to a goal, and too many of us won't let go of the religion to get to the goal!  \n\nBut there are certain religious practices that are very good.  Daily affirmations of what is good in life, time spent daily working on how to improve compassion within yourself, reading of certain Scriptures which teach wisdom and love, devotion and humility before other humans and God (for those who believe in God) -- these are all beneficial to someone (and the people around him/her).
533590
Well, I don't understand how a man could be attracted to another man, since I am a heterosexual male (you probably already figured that one out).  But, realizing that the Bible says it is an abomination for a man to lay with another man, and at the same time all sins are equal (a murder = a lie = homosexuality...sins are equal), I tend to have a different view than your average evangelical.  We are all sinners.  We're born into sin, thanks to Grandpa Adam and Granny Eve. So, basically, I say let 'em be.  \n\nCheck out the link I provided.  It may disprove the belief that homosexuality is a choice.  Now, for some people, it is (the "curious" college student willing to try anything because they are drunk), but for others, they are born this way.  Think about the little boy on "Who's The Boss".  He was like 10 years old when the show first came on, and was the most effeminate boy I had ever seen.  You can't "choose" to be  homosexual when you don't even understand what sex is.  He's grown now, and out of the closet.
798287
I am told by gays that it is discrimination but it's not.  They think we hate them.  I don't know any Christian that hates them.  We believe the bible and the bible says they're life style is wrong, that no homosexual will inherit eternal life.  We all have our own sins we have to bring before the Lord.  It's no worse than any other sin.  But how can God forgive them of it and heal them if they insist it isn't sin?  If your attitude is loving even though you don't accept what they do, then you are right with God.  The rest isn't yours to deal with,  it's theirs.  God bless you for having such a kind heart.
54534
God accepts gays and lesbians...\n\nHe accepts ALL SINNERS if they turn away from their sins and ask for forgiveness.\n\nA gay is a person who has chosen a path of sin.\nA lesbian is a person who has chosen a path of sin.\n\nA murderer can come into the kingdom of God if he repents, and asks for forgiveness, and accepts Jesus Christ as their personal savior, and SINS no MORE.\n\nIf the person who has chosen a path of sins TURNS fro that path and decided on another path without sin, and does the rest, then they can also enter the kingdom of heaven.\n\nGod does not hate the sinners. He hates the SIN.\n\nComitting a homsexual act is in God's eyes an abomination. \n\nA person is not Born a murderer.\nA person is not Born a Homosexual.\n\nA person becomes a murderer when they commit a murderous act. They Chose to comit the sinful act.\n\nA Person becomes a homosexual when they commit a homosexual act. The Chose to commit the Sinful Act.\n\nA person can be born with homcidal tendancies, but they are not a murderer unless they are weak and they ACT on them.\n\nA person can be born with homosexual tendancies, but they are not a homosexual unless they are weak and they ACT on them.\n\nGOD can give you stength to NOT act on these sinful temptations.\n\nAnd yes, it is OK to be attracted to animals A person can be attracted to animals and enter into Gods Kindom. Unless they ACT on these attractions, they have not sinned. Beastiality is an ACTION not a way of life. It IS a sin.\n\nWe don't here anymore about NOT giving in to the Devil's Temptations. Why Not?\nDon't give in to temptation and you will NOT Sin.\n\nIt is the CHOICE of disobedience which is what you get Punished for. If you believed in God, and have chosen to be obedient to God, then you will not choose to give into temptation. Then you will not sin. \nThe next time you look at a person of the opposite sex lustfully, understand that you HAVE a CHOICE NOT to act on those Feelings.\n\nYES, I am sure Many people have entered into the priesthood because they CHOSE to be celibate. They decided having NO SEX at all was better than risking eternal Damnation because they gave into temptation and had homosexual Sex.\n\nRemember, a Person is Not a Homosexual until they commit the Sin. SO it is OK for a priest to be a priest as long as he does not act on his homosexual tendancies. (we have read that many have given in and that is why the Church is geting sued about so many alter boy situations).\n\nYour sins will be forgiven. Go and Sin no More.\n\nP.S. Ala would have the person committing the homosexual act STONED to DEATH With no hesitation.\n\nP.P.S. Christians are always required to DEFEND their Fairth from those who persecute them. Even though the Constitution guaratees freedom OF religion, this freedom is being challenged by those that read it freedom FROM religion. \nThe Congress shall make no laws restrict the free expression there of.. And they don't, but the liberal judges think they are Higher than the laws and try to legislate from the bench.\n\nP.P.P.S. A church can WELCOME all gays and lesbians. They also could say that they Welcome ALL sinners. Where do you think CONVERTS come from???
1121576
The Bible is clearly against homosexuality.  If you are gay, I recommend not believing in the Bible.
794932
First chapter of Romans in the New Testament talks about homosexuality, as in 1 Corinthians.  \nYou know, God intended one man and one woman.  But you know also what?\n\nGod loves you, anyway.  \n\nGranted, He detests homosexuality, but He sure loves the homosexual.\n\nYou are very angry.  Why?     I know that before I came to the Lord, if someone tried to talk to me about it, I would get angry. But, then I took the step.  \n\nI'm not angry anymore.
955806
Yes I know someone who know longer chooses the homosexual lifestyle and they follow Christ.  Two actually.  A woman and a man.  The fell in love, got married, and have 2 kids.  They did not turn heterosexual, though.  Think of homosexuality like alcoholism.  That might make some mad, but that is the best analogy I can give.  If you are a follower of the Bible, certain things are wrong.  Just because you have a desire doesn't mean you should act upon it.  Homosexuals are just hurting people, many have poor if any relationship with their fathers and some were sexually abused as children.