dear america...
well this post was going to be a reply to another post, but then it got way long. it's full of things i promised i wouldn't say or pontificate on at length. but i have to openly vent; i can't scream at the wall in the shower any more. you don't have to feel obligated to even reply, although i'm up for debate. i'm not going to write about politics
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whewy! 8 replies already! Nice topic!
So, it's clear that you are not a hell-bound, antichristian heathen. You love Christ. And I really appreciate how you challenge the way I view things, and allow me to process things instead of just coasting.
But, I need to share my heart here, for the sake of discussion.
Someone who believes that homosexual behavior goes against God's will (just as heterosexual sex outside of marriage, or sex with monkeys or other variety of animals) is NOT scared of diversity.
So you know, I'm not saying that you were or were not implying this. It may or may not be what you were trying to say, but I'm really thinking about other people i've heard on the media who vehemently make this implication - 'If you don't accept homosexual sexual behavior, you're predjudiced, ignorant, close-minded and afraid of diversity'.
Anybody who says that my opinion on homosexual behavior is not legitimate because it's based on Faith and not 'science' appears to be JUST as intolerant as they believe I am (not to mention I strongly question the 'science' of sexuality). They appear to be just as scared of diversity as they accuse me of being - it seems as if they are scared of diversity of THOUGHT and label it as predjudice.
Moving on..
I have gay friends. I love them. My beliefs do not allow me to accept their sexual behavior, just as I cannot accept my own personal sins. People might question whether I'm truly a friend, then, but I believe that you don't have to accept someone's sexual behavior (heterosexual, homosexual, or otherwise) to be a true friend, as long as you speak to them in Christ-centered love.
Now, here's the other side of things, which I think some people are getting at in this discussion - I get very angered about those who believe in Christ yet focus all their energy giving morality-laced diatribes about one specific sin instead of actually taking the time to get to know the people whose behavior they're condemning. Yes, there is a time to lovingly confront people's sin, whether it be adulterous behavior, homosexual behavior, premarital sex, etc.
But most most most most MOST importantly, talk with them. Show love to them. Pray with them. Don't try to change them, but instead, give them God's Word. We forget that we aren't the ones who change people's hearts.
I just mourn all the time we as Christians often spend moralizing (and label it as 'witnessing') instead of truly WITNESSING - which also means sharing God's hope, strength.. and love with others!
Don't worry.. 2005 has just as much potential to be a good year as 2009. And oh, PLEASE keep posting. I like to hear your thoughts on things! And darn it.. when are we ever going to do lunch?!?
In Love.
Through Christ,
Kittles
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i can't view homosexuality as a sin; it's not a choice to be gay. granted, i have not invested myself in religious studies, but what i had learned from multiple people on the topic of bible-based antihomosexuality is that the biblical references need to be taken in their historical context. obviously using young boys, prostitution, and the usage of sexuality as a means to an end, as was, and seems to remain, common, is wrong - and that, as i've understood it, is what is generally referenced in the bible as sinful. seeing as i don't think any one interpretation of the bible is inerrant, i can't argue anything to the death, however.
i just fail to see why god would create someone and then call their god-given sexual orientation sinful. it eludes me. i also don't believe there is one single human being who has never had a homosexual desire.
but regardless of all that, faith, while i highly, highly respect your faith and am so thankful for my own, cannot be a guide for legislators. my main point - homosexuality cannot be legally legislated against, and banning gay marriage is so unconstitutional it's not even funny. it outwardly gives rights to some people and denies rights to others who are, aside from whom they are able to love, no different. i think too many people forget that aspect of homosexuality -- it's not just the sex. it's whom you are able to *love.* some men love men. they just have the heart to love a man. said and done, love is never ever a sin.
but here's the thing. i don't aim to label *you* intolerant or ignorant or anything. i think the political action is what's intolerant and backwards-thinking. it's touchy territory, and very difficult to meet "half-way" at.
isn't it irritating that i put words in *asterisks*? i don't know how to do *italics.* well, once i did, but i forgot.
ok. josh, i miss you. i've missed you since our sophomore year of college. and, like you said, i like that you challenge my thinking too. we'll eat so much food together soon. name the date, and i'm there. love you mate,
brooks
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