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Finding Beauty in People

beechy

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I'm new here, but after a brief stroll through the forums I realize that topics along these lines seem particularly vulnerable to getting closed by site administration. I just want to offer a perspective on sexual orientation, and hope it is deemed somehow worthy of discussion. I will begin by stating, in an effort to comport with forum rules, that all statements in this message reflect my own experiences and opinions.

Having had romantic relationships with persons of different genders (though, for whatever it's worth, I'm usually first attracted to those of the opposite gender), I feel that sexuality for me is not about "sex" as much as it is about love. When it comes to love, I believe in commitment, honesty, respect, and that intangible "click." If I find those things in someone's soul, their chromosomes take a back seat in fueling my attraction and ability to enter into a committed, loving relationship with that individual. One of my favorite things in life is the fulfillment that comes from finding the beauty in someone's soul, mind and body (in that order :), and the magic that comes when those wondrous discoveries ripen into a genuine love.

I think we're all familiar with the Bible verses (Leviticus, Romans, etc etc) that are held up as evidence of God's condemnation of, variously, same-sex relationships/sex/encounters. And similarly familiar with the responses of those who don't believe that that is what those passages stand for. I (if you haven't already guessed) am in the latter group. I'm not trying to ignite a debate as to what the Bible says or does not say about homosexuality (whatever that is). Rather, I'm just offering my perspective as someone who has had beautiful relationships with different kinds of people, while maintaining my faith in God. The focus on gender as a limiting factor in relationships is interesting to me. I invite you to share your perspectives and experiences as well :)

Thanks, and I hope this thread is allowed a bit of time if there is any interest ...
 
D

dkara

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Thank you for your refreshingly honest dialogue.

There is no argument from me. I care more about how a person loves and if they love rather than who or what gender they love.

I have friends who genuinely love same-sex partners and others who love only opposites. I have some women friends who were severely abused and have chosen to love women. I have relatives in all of the above. And I love some people who don't really love anyone; themselves included.

I studied the passages you mentioned for 20 years before deciding what I believe. And my motto is always always to act, live, exhibite behaviors that err on the side of kindness.

Who somebody else loves is not my business. Once I've cleaned out my own faults to the point where I no longer have any---then maybe I'll take on my neighbors.

Blessings! :thumbsup:
 
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beechy

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Thanks for your post, dkara. I have enjoyed very much the unexpected joy that comes from knowing I can love a person in the fullest way because of who they are -- not what they are. I don't believe I am working against God's plan with this kind of respectful, committed love. Thanks again for your kind words. God bless.
 
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xMinionX

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beechy said:
Having had romantic relationships with persons of different genders (though, for whatever it's worth, I'm usually first attracted to those of the opposite gender), I feel that sexuality for me is not about "sex" as much as it is about love. When it comes to love, I believe in commitment, honesty, respect, and that intangible "click." If I find those things in someone's soul, their chromosomes take a back seat in fueling my attraction and ability to enter into a committed, loving relationship with that individual. One of my favorite things in life is the fulfillment that comes from finding the beauty in someone's soul, mind and body (in that order :), and the magic that comes when those wondrous discoveries ripen into a genuine love.

Noble views, but you'll probably get smacked with a bible posting that in here.

I'm not trying to ignite a debate as to what the Bible says or does not say about homosexuality (whatever that is).

Oh, but you'll sure get one. ;)

Welcome, btw. :wave:
 
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beechy

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xMinionX: I know mine is a controversial view. I know there are Bible verses that many interpret as working against my position. I know the people who favor those readings are aware of (and, presumably dismiss) differing interpretations. That's fine -- I think these discussions are important. When it comes to same-gender relationships, much of the debate often focuses around the "perversion" of the physical relationship. I just wanted to introduce my perspective because I approach love from a different angle (farther from the crotch, that is ;)). Thanks for your post and the welcome!
 
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jingwei

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THeres no point to start argument, these threads probably been around forever or seomthing.

It comes down to if your God serves you, or you serve God, if you make comprimises in your faith to suit your lifestyle, or you compromise your lifestyle to suit your faith simple as that
 
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beechy

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jingwei: Actually, I would say that neither sort of compromise is at work here. Rather, I think the normative impact of a longstanding, mainstream Biblical interpretation fuels strong resistance to change -- even if warranted. It is not God I question, but rather human theology. It's as simple as that.
 
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Ninja Turtles

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beechy said:
jingwei: Actually, I would say that neither sort of compromise is at work here. Rather, I think the normative impact of a longstanding, mainstream Biblical interpretation fuels strong resistance to change -- even if warranted. It is not God I question, but rather human theology. It's as simple as that.
Wow, this is just a wonderful statement that is so true on so many levels. Many people have justified the mistreatment of others with the Bible, but many times they are just reflecting the mainstream attitudes at the time. Kind of the way people thought slavery was okay and that interracial marriage was wrong.
 
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ebonicsonly

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Beechy, I feel 100% the same way. I classify myself as androgonous for the most part and a pansexual. I don't believe gender has anything to do with love or who I would want to spend the rest of my life with. At this moment I am in a relationship with a woman because of who she is and what she offers me in stability. I totally understand where you are coming from but people will do anything to justify their discrimnation.
 
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Lyric's Dad

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beechy said:
I'm new here, but after a brief stroll through the forums I realize that topics along these lines seem particularly vulnerable to getting closed by site administration. I just want to offer a perspective on sexual orientation, and hope it is deemed somehow worthy of discussion. I will begin by stating, in an effort to comport with forum rules, that all statements in this message reflect my own experiences and opinions.

Having had romantic relationships with persons of different genders (though, for whatever it's worth, I'm usually first attracted to those of the opposite gender), I feel that sexuality for me is not about "sex" as much as it is about love. When it comes to love, I believe in commitment, honesty, respect, and that intangible "click." If I find those things in someone's soul, their chromosomes take a back seat in fueling my attraction and ability to enter into a committed, loving relationship with that individual. One of my favorite things in life is the fulfillment that comes from finding the beauty in someone's soul, mind and body (in that order :), and the magic that comes when those wondrous discoveries ripen into a genuine love.

I think we're all familiar with the Bible verses (Leviticus, Romans, etc etc) that are held up as evidence of God's condemnation of, variously, same-sex relationships/sex/encounters. And similarly familiar with the responses of those who don't believe that that is what those passages stand for. I (if you haven't already guessed) am in the latter group. I'm not trying to ignite a debate as to what the Bible says or does not say about homosexuality (whatever that is). Rather, I'm just offering my perspective as someone who has had beautiful relationships with different kinds of people, while maintaining my faith in God. The focus on gender as a limiting factor in relationships is interesting to me. I invite you to share your perspectives and experiences as well :)

Thanks, and I hope this thread is allowed a bit of time if there is any interest ...
We can say all day long that they don't mean what they say but it does not change them on bit. They say what they do for a reason and trying to intellectualize or spiritualize them away does no good. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of an angry God. I for one will take Him on His Word.
 
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Lyric's Dad

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beechy said:
xMinionX: I know mine is a controversial view. I know there are Bible verses that many interpret as working against my position. I know the people who favor those readings are aware of (and, presumably dismiss) differing interpretations. That's fine -- I think these discussions are important. When it comes to same-gender relationships, much of the debate often focuses around the "perversion" of the physical relationship. I just wanted to introduce my perspective because I approach love from a different angle (farther from the crotch, that is ;)). Thanks for your post and the welcome!
I recognize the "differing interpretations" as being there. The only problem is that those interpretations are faulty ones. They do not adhere to the text and are made by distorting the text and especially the original languages. Just a poor try at justifying a lifestyle that God condemns.
 
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Ninja Turtles

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Lyric's Dad said:
I recognize the "differing interpretations" as being there. The only problem is that those interpretations are faulty ones. They do not adhere to the text and are made by distorting the text and especially the original languages. Just a poor try at justifying a lifestyle that God condemns.
Just as people use the text to justify hatred of people and use it for things like, um, job discrimination.
 
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Lyric's Dad

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Futhermore, it should say something to you that the only people who agree with you in here are those who also deny Jesus as Savior. I am sorry but they are not the ones you should be on the side of theologically. Those outside Jesus cannot know the things of God. You may want to re-evaluate your relationship with Jesus.
 
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Ninja Turtles

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Lyric's Dad said:
Futhermore, it should say something to you that the only people who agree with you in here are those who also deny Jesus as Savior. I am sorry but they are not the ones you should be on the side of theologically. Those outside Jesus cannot know the things of God. You may want to re-evaluate your relationship with Jesus.
Yeah, great way to deny the Christianity of others and at the same time tell another person their not Christian enough to be a real Christian. :thumbsup:

The world is filled with so many that believe they are the preeminent scholars on Jesus and the Bible. If you don't agree with them, then obviously you don't love Jesus. Kind of reminds of the jingoist that has the same reply to criticism of the government: Why do you hate freedom? :p

blackwasp said:
People face discrimination in the workplace based on biblical texts? :scratch:
Well considering that I've read comments like this:
If they chose to be open about their lifestyle while on my timeclock, they would not be employed very long.
I am fairly sure that people are facing workplace discrimination (though based on foolish ignorance) based on biblical text.
 
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I myself do not believe in same sex relationships
However, I do not believe in the condemnation of homosexuals either
Though sin is not measured
If i were to measure the greater sin
I would believe that persecuting homosexuals is a greater sin than being homosexual

I would like to thank those of you in this forum who have expressed their sexuality openly
You have opened my mind to new ideas
I now realize that the love you may share with the same sex is still love
And love is beautiful
Trully beautiful
I now have a more refined perspective

Where in the bible does it say God hates sinners?
Where in the bible does it say to persecute homosexuals more than adulterers or murderers?
Where does God say to judge others?
Love is so beautiful
Why don't we love instead...
 
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blackwasp

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xMinionX said:
Yup. I've heard more than a few people on here claim that they should have the right to not hire gay people, refuse to rent apartments out to gay people, etc.

Ninja Turtles said:
Well considering that I've read comments like this:

quot-top-left.gif
Quote:
quot-top-right.gif
quot-top-right-10.gif
If they chose to be open about their lifestyle while on my timeclock, they would not be employed very long.
quot-bot-left.gif
quot-bot-right.gif

</I></I>I am fairly sure that people are facing workplace discrimination (though based on foolish ignorance) based on biblical text.

Foolishness indeed, but I doubt many people face workplace discrimination over it. If someone was fired for being gay, the shortest lawsuit ever would follow.
 
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