My Adventures Through Theology and Beyond discussion

I don't like it, but we can't stop it.

It is as simple as that.

My thought is we can temper hatred and judgemental attitudes against LGBT by being compassionate and empathetic. What I mean by that is whether you consider yourself a lesbian, transexual, or straight and sexually confused, you deserve to have a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental environment to explore who you are, and not who you are TOLD you are.

I know some people that are LGBT and most are great people. Just because you like someone does not mean you like there actions.

I believe that marriage is a bond between man and women.

Also none of my business but same sex leads to more STDs than regular sex.

Judgements are usually made out of fear or hatred (at least in my experience). Judging someone who is judging just reinforces the idea that cruel judgements are okay. Judgements make assumptions that stereotype an idea or person, etc.. (ex: the house is ugly. People define "ugly" in different ways and the judgment assumes that all houses that look that way are ugly.). Why not ask what a person's definition of "ugly" is? In other words, help them define and understand their feelings so they can figure out why they feel they need to judge.

Another thought, I was reading about how sexual compulsivity is born out of a need to feel connected. Also, this author made the point that STDs are a way of helping society grow or learn from these compulsions ("learn" doesn't mean punish). To me, sexual addiction, promiscuity and seeking fulfillment outside of yourself through sex has lead to STDs, not just the criteria of being gay.

Starr wrote: "Another thought, I was reading about how sexual compulsivity is born out of a need to feel connected. Also, this author made the point that STDs are a way of helping society grow or learn from thes..."

True. It's a root problem with our culture...searching for relevance in fragile human relationships.

Yes, but the most important relationship one can have is with God.

No! You just can't "find yourself" in them. When your relationship is right with God, all your other relationships get into perspective. I'm not saying they'll all be perfect, but they will be smoother.

I don't hate people for being gay - but I believe it is a sin. God created marriage for a husband and wife, a bond that shows the union of Christ to His church. If marriage was something humans made up, it would be fine to do whatever you want with it; but as it is, "gays" are not part of God's original creation. Homosexuality came into the world along with all the rest of sin.

Is this being judgmental? It's not my opinion. This is what God's word says.

Sandy wrote: "I don't hate people for being gay - but I believe it is a sin. God created marriage for a husband and wife, a bond that shows the union of Christ to His church. If marriage was something humans mad..."

I agree.

Actually God does not tell us to hate anyone. God tells us even to love our enemies. Those that do show great hatred toward gay people are wrong. This, however, does not mean that being gay is all right. It's a sin, just like gluttony or procrastination or complaining are sins. But while we should hate the sin, we should not hate the person.

Not if you're a girl, no.

This is theology right?

Girl4beluga wrote: "And what gives you the right to tell people how to live their lives?"

I don't have the right. But God created the whole WORLD, so if you don't think that gives Him the right to regulate it, then nothing does. Like I said, this isn't MY opinion.

Girl4beluga wrote: "So why is it different for a man? And please don't give me a Bible verse....I mean a REAL reason based on logical concepts."

How I know: it says so in God's word, which should be enough for Christians. But since that doesn't mean a thing to you, I'll be what you call "logical." In another discussion, you said, "Biology states that we are sexual creatures." (that might not be an exact quote) In that case, does it make ANY sense at all that a man should marry a man?

Girl4beluga wrote: "sure okay...so is it a "sin" (it's called nature) for you to love a guy?"

Actually a lot of our nature IS sinful.

Yes, because we are all born sinful.

Wow, I was just reading a book that was talking about how the interpretation of the bible is colored by the perceptions of those who were translating and writing it all down. So, people's limited views about what comprises a family or what's acceptable sexually actually colored the interpretation of the bible and in some cases changed the meaning of certain passages. It makes you wonder....

Starr wrote: "Wow, I was just reading a book that was talking about how the interpretation of the bible is colored by the perceptions of those who were translating and writing it all down. So, people's limited v..."

What do you mean? How do you interpret Romans 2?

I'm confused - are you comparing God to an all knowing all powerful wizard? He's a holy God. He doesn't use magic or something. And why would we believe Harry Potter on something . . . he's not God . . . ? I'm sorry, but I don't really understand how the Harry Potter comment is relevant to what's being talked about.

many Christians make the argument that because gays can't procreate they are useless, well a lot of things are useless, tabacco, soda, haircuts, and christmas lights

One thing I never understood with this gay marriage is wrong issue ( and also just being gay in itself) that most Christian churches preach, is they always go back to it being a sin and that the bible says it's a sin...yet they also ( most) say that there is no degree of sin and that everyone sins and that is why Jesus died on the cross...and yet another point is that it is a sin to judge others and have hatred in our hearts...so if a church was to condemn someone because they are gay, are they not themselves "sinning"....every single person in those pews have sin " those without sin cast the first stone".... So how is it that forgiveness can be found ( in the churches eyes) for someone other than a person who is gay...and yet a third point, back when the early Christian church was starting a reason that the masses flocked to it in the first place was because people were getting so caught up in the laws and what was right and wrong within the old church ( old testament) and wasn't it Jesus himself that said that the main law that we should concern ourselves with is to " love God above above all things and to love our neighbor as ourself "? People need to start looking at others with love instead of hate or condemnation.

Hi, my name is Aimee Sims, I have a small publishing company called NuWine Press, we're about to launch our first book. The aim of our publishing company is to be The All-Inclusive, Gay Affrming Voice in Independent Christian Publishing. We held a poetry contest and We're hoping to release our book in June. I am gay, although I'm not crazy about labels either. I didn't intend to be "gay" I just happened to fall in love with a woman, and we've been together for 15 years by the grace of God. I think Christianity should be a safe space for all believers - Whosoever believeth in Him - right? I have learned to be proud of who I am, and I look forward to sharing our literary adventures with you guys - feel free to check out our website: www.nuwinepress.com