ok homosexuality again... hopefully my last question on this topic?
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
1120433
I just saw an article today in the paper that said men's sexual preference is decided before birth. I did not read the whole article...but if a baby comes out of the womb and sees good window treatments he is gay...just kidding. I dont think you should categorize that evil is done by most straight people and good by gays. I have seen a little of both from both sides... I don't think sexual preference has anything to do with the good that you do- that is an individual thing that comes from the heart not your groin. Just be happy with who you are and if you think you were born gay then so be it. Why is important to debate it? You will never change other opinions who are homophobic.
126273
I am a straight man.  I have had many gay friends due to my involvement in theatre.  I do not hate homosexuals.  I am also a Christian and I know lots of people who hate homosexuality.  I don't understand why it is singled out as THE sin to hate.  I have told Fat christians that I think gluttony is a sin.  I have told rich Christians that greed is a sin.  I have then asked them why their sin is less of a sin then a homsexual's sin.  I have asked these questions many times in many adult Sunday School classes.  Needless to say it doesn't make me real popular.  So now to your question.  I think a lot of people hate homosexuals simply because they are told they should.  The Christian right is constantly bombarding us with the message that homosexuality is the number one threat to the family unit.  Of cours this is stupid.  Divorce, infidelity and not spending time together are the biggest threats to the family units I know about.  When a Christian tells me that homosexuality is a sin.  I always agree that the Bible does say that a man shouldn't lay with another man.  So by the letter of the law it is a sin.  But then I ask them if they have had to fight off strong urges to sleep with members of the same sex?  They always respond NO!  Then I say isn't it odd that most of the other sins in the Bible hold some temptation for us, but this one, if we are heterosexual holds none?  I then ask them if gay marriage was legal and the gay couples got the same tax breaks and property rights as straight couples would you be tempted to turn homosexual?  Of course they say NO!  Then I zing them with "So why do you suppose that of all the sins listed in the Bible we straight Christians spend so much time and energy focusing on the one that doesn't tempt us and never will?  Isn't it possible it's a convenient way to not deal with issues that DO effect us?  Isn't it possible that it's just a way to feel superior and holy without ever having to do anything but look down on others who are different than us?  100% of the time they then answer: "The Bible says homosexuality is a sin."  This one issue is truly one of the reasons it is hard to stay active in church.  When you KNOW people are judging and being blind and feeling so secure and right about it, it can drive you crazy.  Even when I tell them that I have watched gay friends die horrible deaths of AIDS without adequate medical care because their life partner of many years could not get them on a "family" insurance plan, it makes no impact.  Now having said all of that I would like to share with you some things about the current attitude in our society that makes me dislike the Gay Rights movement.  As a heterosexual Christian male, I am judged and hated before I even have an opportunity to share who I am.  As a straight male, I get sick of being told by effeminate men what is style.  I resent being almost always portrayed in the media as not as smart as gay men, not as in touch with our feeling, not as capable of expressing emotion.  I think on any given night on television there is a lot more straight male bashing then there ever was gay bashing.  There I got it off of my chest.  This is the longest answer I've ever written.  I wonder if anyone will actually read it all the way through?
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We are born who we are.I see your point of view however, i disagree somewhat. Based on your  premise isn't being straight also a psychological disorder?Gays,Lesbians etc. are born from straight persons.These variations exist throughout nature.Take  a look at some of our other animal brethren to see it.Former anything can change by choosing to. Once this country was populated by child brides.It was considered a good thing to give your daughter to a well established male.Over time,we have come  to understand that such unions placed the girls at an unfair advantage. We have now enacted laws to protect our young from this.To allow pedophilia breaks said laws. Thanks for sharing your opinion.Respectfully,Will
385808
I disagree with all of those lamers. I don't agree with homosexuality. However, I would never be mean nor judge them. I have my reasons, and that's all I am going to say about that! Thanks for allowing me the chance to express that.
164686
For the umpteenth time:\n\nIf homosexuality is wrong, so is heterosexuality. For everyone who claims that it is a "choice," I'd ask them to recount the day when they "chose" to be straight. I know that I certainly wasn't given an option, I just knew that I liked girls. It's the same for gay people. They just know. \n\nFor those who claim that it is unnatural, I'd point to the behavior of bonobos, dogs, and penguins as just a few examples of homosexuality in nature.\n\nFor those who say that "it's against the bible," I'd say that it is time to reexamine the old myths and decide whether they really have a place in our modern world.\n\nLove is love is love.
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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.
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How does your family and friends feel about homosexuality? If they are open to this kind of lifestyle just invite them over and just let them know that you want to share something that is very important to you with them. If that made any sense.
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Not surprising that the "gay problem" is almost negligible in asian countries, since homosexuality is punishable by death in most of these.  You rarely get true statistics from the closet. As for the African community, you need to go back to anthropology class.  There are a lot of African tribes where homosexuality is acutally encouraged, or openly accepted as part of the social climate.  In college we studied several of these communities - in one in particular, the right of passage for a boy to become a hunter or warrior is for him to drink the semen of the strongest male member of the tribe.  You think he drinks it from a champagne glass?   It is obviously a little bit of both - genetics and circumstance. Sexuality is as individual as fingerprints - no two people are truly identical in their proclivities.  Whose to say one is right and one is wrong? We're just different, as nature intends us to be.
715200
When your fellow christians are condemning you for being gay you should point out that none of them are living by the word of God either. I'm pretty sure God frowns on divorce, adultery, and a lot of other stuff that christians do all the time. According to God's word you're not even supposed to work on the sabbath, but they're not trying to ammend the constitution to enforce that rule, are they? They are using their religion as a moral cloak to hide their homophobia. Doesn't it seem strange that they crusade against homosexuality, but have nothing to say about any of the other sins people commit daily. Why do you want to be a part of all this nonsense anyway? Find your own path.
845605
Alright... Where to start... For those of you out there that are against gay marriage... first of all, i must ask, what happened to the freedom that we hold so dear in our country? Didn't people come to this country to get away from small minded people that wanted to impose their beliefs onto other people? Although it does seem to be a trend in this country, what's different has to be wrong. It happened with racial segragation, it happened with women voting, it's happened time and time again, and now the new topic of bigotry and hatred is gay marriage. \n\nMany comedians have looked at a perfect oportunity with jokes such as, "don't they have the right to be as unhappy as straight married couples?"\n\nOk and this is specifically for you Rae... so you come from a "religious" background. So what does that mean? you were brought up in a closed minded church with people telling you what to think and what to believe? what is your reason for being against gay marriage? first of all, the adam and eve adam and steve phrase is way overdone and frankly just pisses me off because it's a prime example of the narrow-mindedness of christians.\n\nI was brought up in a church, so i suppose i have a christian background. But did you completely forget the new testament. Jesus gave a revalation to Paul that said all things are lawful but not all expediant. So this is my point. Even from a christian standpoint, you are allowed to do whatever it is that you want, but you have to pay the consequences.\n\nThat's the final verdict that the bible has to offer. Also from a christian standpoint, no sin is worse than any others right? so even if homosexuality is a sin, then why does it have to be such a point of contention for christians. It's no different than the evengelical preacher that gets a "hummer" from a transvestite, it's no different than a preacher that stand in front of a church and preaches the gospel and looks at porn(not that i'm saying porn is evil or anything), it's no different than a "goody-goody christian" that follows all the rules... but tells a little white lie here and there. according to the Bible a sin is a sin is a sin right? so why harp on this one? I'm not saying it's wrong, i'm saying why do the christians have to harp on the one "sin" they think is so bad...\n\nIt's all just hypocrisy. preach one thing, but live another.\n\nand as Littlefireyballofhate said, why is it that those with the most closed minds, have to have the biggest mouths? Just because it's something different, "OH" it has to be wrong?\n\npeople with such a narrow viewpoint of the world simply disgust me... The whole point, the foundation of America was for a land where there could be freedom of relgion, or from religion if that was your choice, freedom of expression, and freedom to do and say the things that you choose to be right. So what right does anyone have to shove their opinion down someone elses throat? you don't like it, get over it, and shut the hell up!\n\nThe bottom line is, whether or not your personal belief is that homosexuality is wrong or bad, even if this country proves to have more closeminded people than we expected, you will never be able to get rid of homosexuality, nor should it be "gotten rid of". If that's what makes someone happy, then for god's sake, let them be happy. Rae, you are happy in your life as a "straight" christian correct? so what, your beliefs say that what they are doing is wrong, let me remind again, freedom... that's what it all comes down to.\n\nClosed minded people just want to take away their freedom to express their love, and frankly if they do, what's next? you can't say or do the things you want? when does it stop. This country's foundation is freedom so why would you want to rob some of its citizens of the right to freedom which is held so de
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Don't listen to these conservative mosters. If you are educated in the word of God, then it is not only acceptable but also your duty to do so. \n\nThere are less than a dozen lines concerning homosexuality in the Bible, and more than 600 concerning the SIN of judging others. Anyone who denies homosexuals the dignity they deserve belongs in hell just as much as any other sinner. Thank God true Christians are more forgiving and accepting than some of the selfish people out there.
1163604
Gays are going to Hell better turn from your evil ways pal! God doesnt like homosexuality If he wanted that he would have made Adam and Steve not Adam and Eve!! Not shoving religion down your throat just telling the truth. I know your gonna get pissed when you read this and that your going to keep on doing what your doing.
1078447
I have no earthly idea why people keep insisting on defining marriage!  Why is this such a big deal?  There are so many things that are truly imporant that we can put our energy into solving rather than someones desire to marry someone of the same sex.  You certainly wont stop them from having a relationship.  What are you doing that the government will decide to ban next?  Frankly, whatever goes on in my underpants is none of the governments business.  All of those who are in support of BIG GOVERNMENT telling you how to conduct your private lives had better watch out, you may get more than what you bargained for.  Obviously, since this question keeps coming up over and over, there are more people out there that have little else to do but worry about this nonsense.  If this has to do with Christianity, divorce, partner swapping, adultery, sexual abuse, spousal abuse, etc. have already made a mockery of marriage so who cares if homosexuals want a part of it.  I think there is something in that big Bible that you all are thumping that says that we have all have free will....Please stop trying to legislate morality and personal decision that have absolutly nothing to do with you.  If you dont want to marry someone of the same sex, DONT.  And no, I am not gay, I am just not so hypocritical that I feel I need to impose my lifestyle on others.
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Homosexuality is determined at birth?  I completely disagree with this assumption.  I am sorry, sinning is a choice, whatever the form.
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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
129256
Its perfectly OK. C'mon people we are living in the 21st century now.\n\nAnd for all those, who use Bible as a weapon against homosexual desires, I'd like to tell you that its not Jesus himself that wrote it. How can you gaurantee that whosoever wrote it, did not misinterpret Jesus. \n\nIts only the "personal interpretations" of the homophobics that make it against it. Even rayburnlarry above has cited a "version" of Bible, while going against same sex love.\n\nJesus, the messiah always promoted love, understanding and accepting those who might be different from us.\n\nNothing makes God, the Jesus more happier than seeing Love rather than hatred and selfishness.