The damage of words

[elephunky]

Quick note: this is kind of a ramble for discussion and this is not for a debate or discussion on homosexuality or gay marriage, but rather the impact of statements and the the morals/ethics of how ppl are treated with people who act in a way that the bible speaks against.

To start I need to point out my example - So I took a quick gander at the last few pages of the Obama or Romney thread out of interest and wow. Just wow. I'm not sure how a "who are you voting for" thread turns into a homosexuality/gay marriage debate but ok.

I see some pretty wild things stated on this website. The sandy storm being attributed to gay marriage, homosexuality and people like Obama. I've seen gay people be labelled as evil, products of the devil. I've also seen them be grouped with those who practice pedophilia, inappropriate behavior with animals, incest etc. That's pretty extreme. Now we have people comparing being gay to having differently coloured skin.

With such words and statements comes responsibility does it not? Is there a pause for thought before hitting that submit or post button to consider first how these statements can be interpreted? A lot of it comes across as hate for homosexuals, rather than disagreeing with the act itself.

My point - This is kinda where an element of ethics and morals come into it. At what point is it ok to spread varying degrees of hate or prejudice just to make a point? Or to try and strike the fear into people? Is there a responsibility or sense of ownership in what you say either in real life or on an online forum like this.

It makes me think back to an article I read about a young man who committed suicide not because he was gay, but because how he was treated because he was gay.

I also know of people who have left Christianity because of how people got treated (not just in relation to homosexuality).

I thought it was taught to hate the sin, not the sinner. So why is it that you see the reverse? How does that fit in and is that right? Does one simply bend their morals to justify their actions? Or is it merely seen that the person it's aimed at has no morals so it doesn't matter how you treat them.

Thoughts?

 

[keith99]

Because if someone else can be painted as completely vile then those who are only 50% vile can look at themself and think they are clean in comparison.

Do it long enough and they begin to believe they are completely clean.

 

[Ariadne_GR]

I see this all the time, you are right. It is amazing the lengths people will go to and the language they will use to justify their viewpoint. Learn some respect people, it isn't hard!

 

[elephunky]

Thanks for the responses. I personally cannot understand it at all, it pretty much does not comprehend in my world.

 

[Willie T]

I honestly do believe this is one of Satan's most successful ploys. If he gets us to focus specifically upon other people, we never even notice him behind it all. And it really doesn't matter what the subject might be.

 

[elephunky]

I understand you are new and this topic as it pertains to homosexuality is being discussed even by many veterans of this board, but it is a direct violation of the rules.

Please stop.

Ive been around this site since around 2005.

Also, I clearly stated it was not about debating or advocating homosexuality at all, more the treatment of people.

 

[Willie T]

I understood the OP's point perfectly, and addressed her point. She is not the problem.

 

[Shane Roach]

I'm a "problem" for pointing out the rule?

Again, it would appear to me that the point of the OP is that many Christians are not as respectful as non Christians, or at least as Christians ought to be.

How respectful is it to blatantly flaunt the rules?

I find the OP rather hollow if this is how folks seem to think respect works.

 

[JustMeSee]

Sometimes, I imagine, people don't realize how hurtful they are being with their words.

 

[Willie T]

The OP may be right.......... Please slow down and read more carefully.

I said NOTHING at all about you being a problem. That was what you chose to pick up and run with. Obviously, the "problem" would be the people who jumped on the one word she used as an example.

 

[JustMeSee]

I don't see a problem. I edited my first post to abide by your wish, Shane.

 

[elephunky]

So anyway, back on topic...if anyone has theories on how people justify the ill treatment of others based on their lifestyles or what the bible speaks against rather than seperating the sin from the sinner I would be happy to hear it.

 

[Shane Roach]

All people get angry and spew words they sometimes regret later. Also, it is not at all rare for people to come here and troll over controversial topics, then blame whatever Christians are here for responding in a similar tone.

I don't think there is anything particularly insightful or even honest about the observation in the O.P. I know I get treated horribly here nearly every time I try to engage people with certain attitudes towards Christians.

 

[Willie T]

The "problem" is with people not reading for the intent of a post. But rather going hunting for a word to make something of.

If I was addressing the flooding in NY, and said it came down like cats and dogs.... I imagine someone would manage to decide I was in favor of abusing animals for suggesting that they would fall from the sky.

Her focus was never what it seems others want to make it. They just seem to want to talk about THAT.

 

[JustMeSee]

While humans are social animals, I believe they are limited in their ability to accept major differences. Kind of a need for an us and them.

While I may be highly concerned with a situation, person, or event here in the USA, I am likely not to feel as attached if it was something in, say, Australia.

People have trouble relating as well with people unlike (strange to) themselves. This can even result in hostility IMO.

 

[elephunky]

I know I get treated horribly here nearly every time I try to engage people with certain attitudes towards Christians.

What certain attitudes towards christians?

 

[elephunky]

While humans are social animals, I believe they are limited in their ability to accept major differences. Kind of a need for an us and them.

While I may be highly concerned with a situation, person, or event here in the USA, I am likely not to feel as attached if it was something in, say, Australia.

People have trouble relating as well with people unlike (strange to) themselves. This can even result in hostility IMO.

I personally have never really understood the us and them issue. Like in Australia one of our highly sensitive topics is Asylum Seekers and a lot of people do have this us and them attitude about it but I personally could never really understand that kind of thinking. I tend to think of myself as more like a citizen of the world since we are all human.

Your point on hostility sounds about right as well.

 

[elephunky]

Another thing I will use to make my point on the discussion point for this thread can be found in this topic - http://www.christianforums.com/t7698304/

You can see that the person has a problem with Ellen Degeneres because of the way she dresses (not typically feminine) and her wealth, though I am not sure if this person is for real or not. You will see various comments being made about she as a person is evil, rather than disagreeing with the actions.

 

[Willie T]

Well, d-girl...... if nothing else, you sure got a graphic demonstration of just what you were lamenting.

 

[JustMeSee]

I personally have never really understood the us and them issue. Like in Australia one of our highly sensitive topics is Asylum Seekers and a lot of people do have this us and them attitude about it but I personally could never really understand that kind of thinking. I tend to think of myself as more like a citizen of the world since we are all human.

Your point on hostility sounds about right as well.

The 'us' and 'them' mentality can be a hard thing for some of us to break. I admit at times I fall deep into it when it comes to politics and social issues.