A Question for the Religious Types

[Asher]

I'm saying they should keep their opinions to theirselves, they're telling me I'm going to hell.

Do you really need someone to explain the difference?

[Japher]

Asher: You did ask for it by starting this thread

[Elok]

I guess I might as well clarify my position now, seeing as there are plenty of other Christians to attract the fires. Homosexuality is a sin of approximately the same gravity as heterosexual fornication, insofar as it is sexual gratification with somebody you aren't married to(we don't do gay marriages, they're a male-female thing). This policy isn't necessarily the fruit of homophobia itself, though it is safe to say that the rock-throwing godhatesfags crap is, seeing as you don't see those people mailing explosives to the cast of Friends for depicting sexual depravity...like I said, I'm pretty indifferent on the issue myself, but that's the idea I've been told in a nutshell.

[Agathon]

Originally posted by Asher
I'm saying they should keep their opinions to theirselves, they're telling me I'm going to hell.

Do you really need someone to explain the difference?

Sure, you're going to hell; but not because you're gay.

[SlowwHand]

Originally posted by Asher
I'm saying they should keep their opinions to theirselves, they're telling me I'm going to hell.

Do you really need someone to explain the difference?

That's close.
Close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades, and buffalo farts.

What you actually have, is a "religious type" insinuating, in your mind, that you're going to Hell.
You also have a "religious type" telling you to accept God into your heart, and all is well.

You made the choice on who to listen to, didn't you ?

[Asher]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
What you actually have, is a "religious type" insinuating, in your mind, that you're going to Hell.

Not in my mind, he's made it very clear that unless we "repent" our sins we go to hell.

You also have a "religious type" telling you to accept God into your heart, and all is well.

You made the choice on who to listen to, didn't you ?

I have to listen to whoever shouts crap at me on the Speakers Corner at school when I pass by, and I do not appreciate a redneck Christian condemning homosexuals.

All I'm saying is, what goes around comes around. And religious partcipation rates are dropping, so it looks like hardcore Christians are going to be in for a lot of fun in the future.

[Verto]

Re: A Question for the Religious Types

Originally posted by Asher

If you are religious, and if you believe that homosexuality is either a sin, not natural, or immoral:

1) Do you recognize that most homosexuals are deeply offended by that?
2) Do you care?

Also, for those to which this applies:
3) If you believe that homosexuals are okay, but homosexual sex is a sin -- can you please explain the logic behind that...

1.) Yes
2.) Yes
3.) Any true Christian would forgive another for their sin, whether it be stealing, murder, etc.

My church is against homosexuality, but we have members who are in good standing, and will remain so, as long as they do not act upon their 'feelings', as we only accept the traditional male-female marriage, and any sexual activity outside of marriage is wrong, regardless of sexual orientation.

[Asher]

Why should homosexuals be "forgiven"?

There are hundreds of ridiculous things the bible says, and I don't see all of them so rigidly enforced as the parts against homosexuality.

Further, homosexuals should not have to seek forgiveness. It's not yours to give, and it's not ours to seek, not from you.

[SlowwHand]

What's your faith, Verto?

[Asher]

And why is homosexuality in the same category as "stealing, murder, etc."

[Verto]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
What's your faith, Verto?

I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or as most people know us as, Mormons.

[Verto]

Originally posted by Asher
And why is homosexuality in the same category as "stealing, murder, etc."

It is in the category of sin; that is not to say it is on the same level as either, or that it isn't. I merely picked sins at random.

[Asher]

I know a gay mormon who was convinced by his church that he is now straight, and is almost done his mission in California.

I feel sorry for whatever girl he marries and has kids with, because the guy is a total flamer.

[SlowwHand]

Ok, here's the deal, Verto and Ben.

Going on what you say, one way or another, God made a mistake.
I want to tell you, that would make me extremely nervous.
God doesn't make mistakes. Period.

[Agathon]

Originally posted by Asher

I have to listen to whoever shouts crap at me on the Speakers Corner at school when I pass by, and I do not appreciate a redneck Christian condemning homosexuals. .

Aw boo hoo. I can't stand these people either. I fill with rage every morning when I pass the newstand and see whatever right wing lies the Sun is promoting today. I fume when I can't turn anywhere without seeing vacuous adverts. etc. etc.

Part of living in a pluralistic society is that we have to put up with people and things we don't like. Some of the religious people hate gays - no matter, they still have to put up with you.