Should a Christian attend a gay wedding ?

[ViaCrucis]

I'm not going to congratulate open rebellion, and no, I will not support immoral love whether its gay marriage or an adulterous relationship. Everyone quotes that God is Love, yet they never quote that God is a Man of War, and He will not be mocked--nor will his divine institution between man and woman be mocked.

And some people like having all the appearance of religion while denying the power thereof. Just ask the Pharisee who boasted while at the temple and looked down on all those sinners, especially that filthy tax collector.

As such, some have secured their reward already, by accumulating their glory in this life, which rots and rusts or is consumed by moth. Such boast of their own righteousness before God, and believe themselves above reproach and without need for repentance.

But the Master says it is not the healthy who are in need of a physician, and He did not come to call the righteous but the unrighteous to repentance. And the Prophet Micah spoke clearly that what God requires of us is to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God.

When you find yourself on the side of hating others and trying to use God to justify it, you've already lost the battle.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Brihaha]

The people in your AA meetings want to change; gay couples getting married do not want to change. That is the difference.

My favoritism is towards God's law, if that means marginalizing unrepentant people then I will.

Do you not understand that we're giving mercy and grace to the repentant and to those who are trying to overcome; but are distancing ourselves and making judgments to disassociate with the people who are unrepentant and have chosen to reject God? God lends mercy and grace to those who repent, but to those who don't they will be cast into hellfire. That is the way of God, therefore that is the way of Christians. Condemnation is God's perogative, but we certainly do not want to share in the condemnation, that's why we make the judgement not to consort with the unrepentant world.

That is your choice friend. I am merely showing you how you condemn yourself by the very favoritism and marginalization God has told us breaks His law. Why not simply RSVP your no to the couple and keep your own judgment to yourself as commanded?

You won't share condemnation by being compassionate and loving your neighbor. But you will condemn yourself to the same judgment you place on others. We are told to give mercy rather than judgment, to everyone. Not playing favorites and being partial. We can refuse to consort with the unrepentant world without judging them, and in fact that is the correct path.

 

[Benjamin Müller]

When you find yourself on the side of hating others and trying to use God to justify it, you've already lost the battle.

-CryptoLutheran

Hating what they do is different from hating the individual, whom, when God is ready will call.

The tax collector admitted he had sinned; the Pharisee denied he had sin. I have never once stated I'm perfect or sinless. If you're going to quote the Bible, know what you're quoting.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Go ahead and keep "warning " the pagans and unbelievers if you must. This is your choice. It's not your duty though. All this indignation amounts to in my view is gay opponents showing favoritism and partiality to sinners who are heterosexual. Which condemns one as a transgressor of the law. The insidious aspect is that people deceive themselves into believing their hatred and indignation is somehow righteous.

I am certainly not here to say anyone will be saved. I am here to warn "Christians" they may not be as saved and justified as they believe, if they disobey the word of God. And to try to learn myself. I haven't been a regular member of a church in 40 years.

There may be a very good reason God has kept me from organized religion in America. I haven't been tainted by false doctrine and biased, flawed church practices. I would love to find a comfortable church in which to worship God. The sad thing I have discovered is there are far more compassionate, honest folks in my AA meetings than I encounter in my church visits. People who share a common character defect who understand that working together helps each of us. We don't need to view ourselves as superior, we are all equal in our suffering. And we all gain more by listening and understanding than we gain from criticizing or marginalizing people who are different.

Since you do not follow scripture we have very little to discuss.
1. I never mentioned anything about pagans.
2. It is most certainly our duty to warn people of the danger they face if they do not believe and repent. That is what people who really love do. If we really hated them... we would wave them good bye cheering on their demise.
3. There is no "indignation," "partiality," "hate", "superiority," "criticizing," or "marginalization," in this. These are mind games people play who have no valid argument to support their cause so they have to resort to "evil surmisings" and question the motives of others. As if the motives of the speaker will invalidate a true message.
But lets say all you accuse is true. Lets say we are evil judges full of hate and prejudice? Do you think that somehow invalidates what the scriptures say? Do you think on judgment day people are going to be let off the hook because someone gave the message with bad motives?
If you do not like this message, then ignore it and deny it to your peril. Just do not pretend that it is our fault. We are just relaying the message as it is written.

Revelation 21:8 KJV
8. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers,
and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have
their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV
9. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?
Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate,
nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10. Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified,
but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Romans 1:18-25 KJV
18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness
of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them;
for God hath shewed it unto them.
20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are
clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his
eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and
their foolish heart was darkened.
22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23. And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an i
mage made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, a
nd creeping things.
24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of
their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served
the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their
women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman,
burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that
which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their
error which was meet.
28. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge,
God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which
are not convenient;
29. Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,
covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity;
whisperers,
30. Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of
evil things, disobedient to parents,
31. Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection,
implacable, unmerciful:
32. Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such
things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure
in them that do them.

Rail against Him and His word. Bad idea.

 

[Carl Emerson]

That's not what I said.
They felt that taking their own lives was the only solution, the only way out of a dreadful situation.
They were gay, their parents/religion/society didn't accept gay people. They would have been, at the very least, ostracised if they insisted on trying to live as gay people. In some cases, they could have been killed. If they pretended not to be gay - i.e lived a lie - they would make other people happy, but themselves miserable.

Supposing it was the other way around? Supposing you lived in a society where being gay was the norm and your parents/society not only felt that it was acceptable but expected it of you.
And supposing you had a choice - live as a heterosexual, be true to yourself but make others unhappy and maybe lose your life as a result? Or force yourself to live as a gay man, which would make everyone except yourself happy, and might guarantee your father's inheritance, etc?

Homosexuality is not a "cause".

We are unlikely to agree on this issue because I draw my world view from years of study the whole of scripture.

As I have already said - Harsh judgements were dealt out concerning homosexuality by a Just God.
This must mean the behaviour is subject to freewill.
Jesus reiterated that contemplating sin is a sin in itself. The desire then must also be subject to the will of man.

You thesis that somehow the driver towards this sin is inherited at birth is not biblical.

However trauma and abuse may cause one to be spiritually subject to lust at an early age.

Leviticus 20:13
If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Opponents have made it clear that all sin and fall short of the glory of God, regardless of sexual preference. It seems homosexual sympathizers miss the point we are making. Sympathizers, to summarize the thread, state:


1.) Everyone is a sinner, therefore, it's irrelevant of the type of wedding you attend.

2.) Homosexuals are somehow above criticism and have been manifested into victims of unscientific biology, therefore we are suppose to be accept them; feel bad for them; and support them.

3.) Not doing so means we are ignorant and judgmental people, and showing favoritism.

There lies the crux of all arguments posted by homosexual sympathizers.

Opponents make it clear that:

1.) Marriage is a divine institution created by God between a man and woman, not man and man or woman and woman.
a.) Christians celebrate God's intended purpose of marriage.
b.) Homosexual marriages are against God's intended purpose, therefore, not a valid marriage, in the context of Christianity.
c.) Christianity is the only true religion, therefore the God of Israel, who is the only true God, dictates the definition of a marriage and that is the definition, to which we uphold.

2.) All sin and fall short of the glory of God, (no one has shown favoritism towards one sin or another; you have made a faulty assumption in this regard)
a.) The fact everyone sins is not an excuse or a license to continue living a sinful lifestyle. Nor is it an excuse to continue consorting with the world.
b.) We all are to overcome lusts, and by spreading the Gospel of Christ, we hope that others will heed God's call and also overcome their lusts. Therefore, we cannot support sin. Attending a gay wedding shows support, if not to the attendee, to the couple it certainly does.
c.) Christians are to be clear about their stance against homosexuality. To hide the truth is to deny Christ; because Christ IS Truth.
d.) Along with hidden sins, we are not aware of hidden repentance. A gay wedding does not exhibit repentance in any way, shape, or form.

3.) Christians are allowed to judge; we are not allowed to condemn.
a.) Christians are called-out-ones; we are to come out of the world and not accept its teachings and immoralities. We are therefore not to associate with those who openly or secretly rebel against God. Those who secretly rebel, we will know them by their fruits, and when we know someone acts contrary to God, we are not to have a relationship with them.


--

I don't understand, truly, why this thread is 12 pages long.

Simple question:

Would Christ attend a Gay Wedding?

Answer:

No.

Source:
God the Father
Jesus Christ
Holy Scripture
Sodom and Gomorrah


If Christ lives in you, then you certainly would know better and not compromise your faith--even your very soul--so as not to offend the world.

You said it much better than I.
Thank you.

 

[Paidiske]

From what I understand, Marriage was invented by God and given as a gift to mankind. The Bible clearly outlines how the Marriage proceedings and stuff are to happen I don't think we are allowed by God to make substitutions of the protocol and still be able to call it a real Marriage.
So are you saying that, God has no business in it if a man wants to marry another man only because man's laws say it is ok?

Well, first up I have a very different understanding of marriage to you, I think. My tradition understands marriage as a "state of life" into which two people enter by the free consent of both parties. Although we have inherited a traditional ceremony, it's not the ceremony which makes that state of life a valid reality. So my tradition would recognise secular marriages, or marriages in other religions or Christian traditions, as valid marriages. (Speaking here purely of heterosexual marriage as it has historically been practised and understood).

Now, Christians often choose to deliberately enter that state of life in an explicitly Christian ceremony, and seek God's blessing on their marriage. That's fine, and even good, but not, strictly speaking, necessary in our understanding.

So, from my point of view, secular or civil or other non-Christian marriages are real. So, following on from that, now that civil marriage allows for same-sex couples to marry, those marriages are also a legal reality. Whatever we might think of them, or think God thinks of them, that marriage is every bit as legally valid as my own, with all the legal consequences which flow from that. And God has exactly as much to do with that as he does when two atheists marry in a civil ceremony, or two Buddhists marry according to their traditional rites, or a Muslim marries his fourth wife.

This is part of the reality we, as Christians, have to deal with: we don't own marriage, we don't get to define marriage for anyone else, and we don't get to control marriage. We get to live out our own marriages with as much integrity as we can muster; we get to decide how marriages are conducted (or not) inside our own churches, but that's where it ends.

It seems to me that some of the difficulty some Christians have is simply that they're affronted by this; that they think the whole world should conform to Christian norms. But we have to get over that, and the sooner the better.

 

[Brihaha]

Since you do not follow scripture we have very little to discuss.
1. I never mentioned anything about pagans.
2. It is most certainly our duty to warn people of the danger they face if they do not believe and repent. That is what people who really love do. If we really hated them... we would wave them good bye cheering on their demise.
3. There is no "indignation," "partiality," "hate", "superiority," "criticizing," or "marginalization," in this. These are mind games people play who have no valid argument to support their cause so they have to resort to "evil surmisings" and question the motives of others. As if the motives of the speaker will invalidate a true message.
But lets say all you accuse is true. Lets say we are evil judges full of hate and prejudice? Do you think that somehow invalidates what the scriptures say? Do you think on judgment day people are going to be let off the hook because someone gave the message with bad motives?
If you do not like this message, then ignore it and deny it to your peril. Just do not pretend that it is our fault. We are just relaying the message as it is written.

Revelation 21:8 KJV
8. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers,
and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have
their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV
9. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?
Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate,
nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10. Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified,
but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Romans 1:18-25 KJV
18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness
of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them;
for God hath shewed it unto them.
20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are
clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his
eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and
their foolish heart was darkened.
22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23. And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an i
mage made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, a
nd creeping things.
24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of
their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served
the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their
women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman,
burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that
which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their
error which was meet.
28. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge,
God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which
are not convenient;
29. Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,
covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity;
whisperers,
30. Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of
evil things, disobedient to parents,
31. Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection,
implacable, unmerciful:
32. Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such
things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure
in them that do them.

Rail against Him and His word. Bad idea.

If you pay attention and actually read the thread, I have quoted plenty of scripture in this thread alone. And you choose to ignore it. And since you say we have little to discuss, what is up with your short story you replied to me? You seem to be preaching since "we have nothing to discuss". I read most of what you posted in the Bible today alone friend.

One truth I have discovered since reading the bible. Humans are very obstinate, myself included. It takes serious study to ascertain God's word, and more than one read to fully grasp the message. I am an educated guy in my fifties who has been an avid reader since early childhood. And I finally finished reading the bible during the pandemic in 2020. Since then I read something nearly every week to absorb the word and for better understanding. And each time I pick it up to read I learn something new, or find a different perspective. People who insist their versions of the Bible are correct have closed their minds to new perspectives and cannot possibly accept the alternatives others offer. I have admitted more than once today I could be wrong. I must keep an open mind because I honestly understand I have been wrong before. And a mind is like a parachute. It only works properly if it's open. And with my alcoholic past (many years ago), I am in no position to judge the behavior of others outside my immediate circle. I am no better than other sinners. I only spend time here today trying to get other sinners to understand that too.

So preach on brother. I find that I learn more when my ears are open and not my mouth. Peace

 

[Carl Emerson]

It seems to me that some of the difficulty some Christians have is simply that they're affronted by this; that they think the whole world should conform to Christian norms. But we have to get over that, and the sooner the better.

It seems to me that Lot was also affronted and was considered righteous...

2 Pet 2
6 if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked 8 (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard);

 

[SavedByGrace3]

It seems to me that some of the difficulty some Christians have is simply that they're affronted by this; that they think the whole world should conform to Christian norms. But we have to get over that, and the sooner the better.

I suppose that is the point. What is going to be considered normal? Every person can and should inflect their beliefs and standards into the culture they live in. What else can you expect? That is the nature of belief and life. We are in a culture war for sure. Not violent... but a struggle. Why should anyone simply give up? To be sure there are some irreconcilable differences. Whether they are new ideas or old is irrelevant. I suppose it is just as easy to say "secularists think the whole world should conform to their secular norms. They need to get over that, and the sooner the better." Makes just as much sense and gets us nowhere.
I suspect Christianity will lose out in this battle. You simply cannot force faith on people. The secular, OTOH, do not mind forcing their positions on everyone. They use politics, academia, and violence when they have too. It has happened again and again and this time around is no different. And when they burn it to the ground, Christians will be here to pick up the pieces and start it all over again. It is just a fact of human nature and existence. Without faith and love, a culture falls apart.

 

[DamianWarS]

Can we discuss this important topic.

For background I suggest viewing this video that presents the issue quite thoroughly.

Your considered comments most welcome.

I watched 1/4 of the video and Gagnon's views seem clear using 1 Cor 5 as his "homosexual analog". I agree with his position but only in a church vacuum. The problem is he didn't read all of 1 Cor 5 for commenting outside the chruch, particularly the parts that follow verse 9. Paul never tells us to forsake our mission which is by far a greater sin.

 

[Paidiske]

I suppose that is the point. What is going to be considered normal? Every person can and should inflect their beliefs and standards into the culture they live in. What else can you expect? That is the nature of belief and life. We are in a culture war for sure. Not violent... but a struggle.

I don't believe that the Church collectively, or Christians individually, are called to impose Christian beliefs and standards into wider society. And I believe we do our mission a great deal of harm when we try, because then the wider society sees - quite correctly - that we are about controlling them, not loving them. Even if we could enforce a particular practice of marriage, it wouldn't save one single additional soul, because keeping "the rules" isn't what matters. The kingdom of God is not a matter of forcing conformity to a moral code, but a matter of inviting people into willing participation in God's transformation of themselves, their community, and ultimately all of creation.

So, as far as marriage goes, we mind our own business, and don't try to control what others do. But if we, the Church, can be effective as a sign and instrument of the reign of God, that will attract people into the kingdom without us needing to enforce anything.

 

[Carl Emerson]

One thing I notice on this thread...

One camp proposes understanding that is drawn from Scripture - and the references are largely ignored by the other camp.

The Other camp leans heavily on experience which seems to lack concern for any reference to scripture at all.

This seems to be the rub.

What place does scripture have in understanding appropriate response to modern life ?

If we ignore it - are we not simply doing what seems right in our own eyes ?

 

[Paidiske]

What place does scripture have in understanding appropriate response to modern life ?

I think, when we're looking at situations which are not addressed directly by Scripture, prooftexting is seldom helpful.

I think both "sides" of this discussion have a rich Scriptural background for their positions, but are placing the emphasis in different places. For examples, reflections on the relationship between believers and non-believers, between the worshipping community and the wider community, on issues of power and its use and misuse, all draw heavily on different elements of Scripture.

If we ignore it - are we not simply doing what seems right in our own eyes ?

Nobody in this discussion is ignoring Scripture. There is complex, multi-layered, profound engagement with Scripture throughout the thread.

 

[Strong in Him]

2.) Homosexuals are somehow above criticism and have been manifested into victims of unscientific biology, therefore we are suppose to be accept them; feel bad for them; and support them.

I, for one, have never said we should feel bad for them and support them.
But accept them, show love and pastoral care and love as Jesus loved - yes. A parent can still love a child without approving of its lifestyle. I can talk to cult members and pray for them without accepting their religion or theology - ditto for a gay person.
Although, not once in my life have I demanded to know someone's sexuality before I decide whether to serve or help them.

3.) Not doing so means we are ignorant and judgmental people, and showing favoritism.

No, not doing so means you may be guilty of hate crime and discrimination.
I don't know about you, but over here, in my church and charity work, we sign up for EDI - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Refusing to accept, and practice, this would probably get me removed from these groups and activities.
You might be willing to say "stand up, condemn gays and if you get fined, punished or imprisoned for doing do, you are a martyry for the Gospel"; I don't accept that's true. That's how groups like Westboro' Baptist church started. Showing bigotry and intolerance is never a good Christian witness.

1.) Marriage is a divine institution created by God between a man and woman, not man and man or woman and woman.
a.) Christians celebrate God's intended purpose of marriage.
b.) Homosexual marriages are against God's intended purpose, therefore, not a valid marriage, in the context of Christianity.

And the important questions are, "what right do we have to a) force Christian standards on those who don't accept them, b) condemn, judge and declare God's hatred for something, and therefore, someone?
a) If a Muslim condemned you for disbelieving, or contradicting, something that Mohammed said, my guess is that you would say that you don't accept their religion or teaching, therefore you are not going to obey their prophet.
b) As I said before, Scripture also says that the Lord hates the proud, arrogant, greedy, those who are envious, liars, thieves etc etc.
When was the last time you saw people waving placards and protesting against these things? When was the last time you reported a colleague for stealing stationery from the office or items from hotels?
I would guess, never. We all have the tendency, or maybe potential, to boast, be jealous, economical with the truth and so on, so it's more comfortable to keep quiet about these failings.

a.) The fact everyone sins is not an excuse or a license to continue living a sinful lifestyle. Nor is it an excuse to continue consorting with the world.

We live in the world and among sinners - so did Jesus who was sinless.
He not only listened to, taught and healed sinners, he went to the cross for us.

b.) We all are to overcome lusts, and by spreading the Gospel of Christ, we hope that others will heed God's call and also overcome their lusts. Therefore, we cannot support sin. Attending a gay wedding shows support, if not to the attendee, to the couple it certainly does.

And what right do any of us have to say "you are a sinner, I am not associating with you"?
Put it this way, attending a wedding will not hurt you and probably won't hurt your Christian witness. NOT attending a wedding, and publicly making your disapproval clear, may well confirm people's views that Christians/the church is judgemental and uncompromising.

If a Christian feels unhappy about attending a gay wedding, there is no mandate, or compulsion, for them to do so. If they feel uncomfortable, they can stay away.
But it is not right for a Christian who may choose to attend out of love for a relative/friend to be made to feel they are condoning sin or "consorting with the world."

d.) Along with hidden sins, we are not aware of hidden repentance. A gay wedding does not exhibit repentance in any way, shape, or form.

I've no doubt that the couple would not accept that they had sinned.

I don't understand, truly, why this thread is 12 pages long.

Simple question:

Would Christ attend a Gay Wedding?

Answer:

No.

That's why this thread is 12 pages long.

 

[Divide]

Yes - sin messed everything up, including sexuality.
I said that.

You did? WHere? I thought you said that many gays are born like that so it is not their fault?

Like, God created some to be gay. That's laughable nonsense! Show me where you said it was the result of sin and not being born like that...

 

[Divide]

Although, not once in my life have I demanded to know someone's sexuality before I decide whether to serve or help them.

You say that like others have been saying this. I don't remember anyone saying anything like this. Could you refrence the post where people said that?

 

[Divide]

I think both "sides" of this discussion have a rich Scriptural background for their positions, but are placing the emphasis in different places. For examples, reflections on the relationship between believers and non-believers, between the worshipping community and the wider community, on issues of power and its use and misuse, all draw heavily on different elements of Scripture.

Did I miss some posts here? I agre that Believing Christians have a rich scriptural support showing...but where is the scriptural suport for the other iew? I have repeatedly asked Strong in Him to show me somescriptures to support what she is saying, and to my knowledge, she has ignored these requests...

I'm'a still waiting for any scriptural support from the other camp...

 

[Benjamin Müller]

It seems to me that some of the difficulty some Christians have is simply that they're affronted by this; that they think the whole world should conform to Christian norms. But we have to get over that, and the sooner the better.

You shock me.

For one: no one is calling for an inquisition. If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants would fight, but now is not my kingdom. Christians aren't looking for the secular world to conform to Christianity. We cannot convert individual souls, only God can. But Christ commanded to go into all the world and make disciples of many nations and faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the words of Christ.

Therefore we are not to remain silent, we are to proclaim the gospel, whether by word or good works.

But let's pedal back: the subject is Should A CHRISTIAN attend a gay wedding. We all know that this wedding is going to go forward, we as Christians, are explaining to other Christians why A CHRISTIAN shouldn't go. I don't expect the world to conform to Christianity if they hated me they will hate you. But I do expect someone who claims to be Christian to conform to Christianity.

I have said before, we can be civil to the world and kind to them, but that civility and that kindness doesn't need to translate into support for their sinning. If I run into a cashier who is gay, I'm not about to punch a pulpit and yell hellfire and brimstone at the guy. I'll make light talk as I do with any cashier, get my groceries, move on. Making comments as above that I should just not RSVP to a gay wedding is superfluous because it's obvious that I wouldn't go. No one is trying to stop the wedding from going forth; that is out of our control and that is outside of our realm of influence. The point is that a Christian--not a secular individual--takes a stand for what they believe, and doesn't compromise.

But whether the world likes it or not, Christ is going to return and set up His Father's Kingdom and the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of Christ. And Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord. And The Law shall go forth from Zion


Zechariah 14:16-19 Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles. [17] If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, they will have no rain. [18] If the Egyptian people do not go up and take part, they will have no rain. The Lord will bring on them the plague he inflicts on the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles. [19] This will be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles.

Revelation 14:7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Revelation 19:17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, [18] so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, great and small.”

Matthew 13:41-42 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, [42] and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.


It seems to me that some of the difficulty some secular individuals are having is simply that they are affronted by this: by the fact that when Christ returns, He will enact judgment against all things that offend and practice lawlessness. The secular individual thinks that the whole world should conform to them. But they have to get over that and the sooner the better.

 

[Divide]

The other mistake some Christians seem to make is feeling justified in making condemnations of gay marriage in spite of the track record of marriage among Christians, which is not good. That's not a critique but a brute fact. Christians should have at least waited to see if the track record among homosexual marriages was worse in terms of longevity and general happiness in the marriage. A religious group can condemn murder in others on account of that religion's standards. But if the murder rate among the adherents of that religion tracks right along with everyone else, then the better plan would be to focus on one's own house, so to speak. I don't think it's the only reason not to make judgments and condemnations, but it should be sufficient to convince one to refrain.

Ok, I'll bite. Show me where the Christans have been making condemnations onto gay marriage? Saying gay marriage is wrong is not condemnation, lol. Let's leave the Christians out of then, right?

Oh wait but you go on to say that the gays want to be comparable to the Christians. Can you make up your mind about this or come clean about intent? Lol.