Gossiping.

[wannabeadesigirl]

Weird place for it I know, but I'm hoping an off topic title will pull people into a discussion, or at least an understanding of our priorities when it comes to sin amongst congregations.

There's alot of focus on homosexuality in the Christian world today (funny a decade ago it was Harry Potter and how the HP books destroyed the souls of children...and chickens). My own denomination is going through a plea bargaining/schism within itself as to the ordination of gay bishops because it's such an issue.

When was the last time you heard of a church cracking down on gossip as the church is cracking down on homosexuality? If you look at the verse in the New Testament that makes a list of those who are not inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven, it includes slanderous tongues, and liars.

I guess what I'm saying is if you're going to consider homosexuality a dangerous sin, then turn attention to the tongues in your churches as well, in fact I would think Gossip be the first thing brought down in a church because words have the greater power to destroy. I've seen churches torn to pieces because of a loose tongue. So if it is so dangerous to our religious well being, why isn't it in the top priority list of things we need to alter in our society?
Why is it ignored and 2 men sleeping together is harped so terribly on when both (as stated in the NT) can potentially disinherit you?
Not only that but one of them also destroys families, friendships, churches, and reputations (and through reputations lives), and yet it's the one that slips under the radar because "it's no big deal what Goody Smith says about young Reverend Peters wife"

 

[tulc]

uhmmm because most Christians gossip, but very few feel drawn to being gay?
tulc(just a thought)

 

[FaithLikeARock]

Bias. It's easier to dismiss something you're not convicted off. Divorce is also unfortunately common in the church, as well as greed, pride, all the sins which, if it could be weighed, would cost a lot more than homosexuality. But because we're convicted of them, it's harder to say out loud that they're wrong.

 

[KCKID]

Yes, as you say, gossip is one of those 'sins' that slips under the radar. It's because most do it, as tulc says, that it's seen to be 'okay'.

Another scriptural and 'more serious' sin, the sin of adultery, is quite rampant throughout churches but it's seldom given a thought. Yes, as strange as it seems adultery is given the blind eye in most churches while homosexuality is not. And, adultery is EVEN mentioned in the Ten Commandments whereas homosexuality is not. I know of at least 4 remarriages that have taken place in my particular church within a relatively short time period. The former spouses of each party who participated are still living. According to the words of Jesus remarriage is a no-no because it results in the sin of adultery. Just think about it. Until death do us part/let no man pull asunder as per God originally is reiterated by Jesus. I personally don't let remarriage bother me since it's really none of my business. It's no big deal to me. What I DO take exception to, however, is the selectivity of 'sins' that most Christians either choose to highlight or to ignore.

Please correct me (someone) if you disagree with my take on remarriage. I doubt that the scriptures will help you make your case though, unfortunately.

 

[Apollo Celestio]

uhmmm because most Christians gossip, but very few feel drawn to being gay?
tulc(just a thought)

I don't think Most Christians gossip. That's quite an accusation.

KCKID, nobody says adultery isn't a sin, that isn't the point of the debate. I'm sure if one sees it, they would point it out as if they would homosexual sins. Remarriage is also permissible within certain contexts. Honestly, why come to a "debate homosexuality" forum and whine about people debating against homosexuality. You say what is sin, isn't, that's why it's a big issue. Same with abortion.

 

[tulc]

I don't think Most Christians gossip. That's quite an accusation.

Actually it would be more of an observation, I didn't mean to sound like I was accusing anyone.
tulc(finishing my last cup of coffee, just as good as the first)

 

[KCKID]

I don't think Most Christians gossip. That's quite an accusation.

If there is ever a scandal within the 'church family' it will spead like wildfire within a very short time . . .

Christians are first-and-foremost human beings.

KCKID, nobody says adultery isn't a sin, that isn't the point of the debate.

Selectivity of 'sins' and Christian hypocrisy IS the point of the debate.

I'm sure if one sees it, they would point it out as if they would homosexual sins. Remarriage is also permissible within certain contexts.

Only when there are no living individuals to be affected by an adulterous relationship.

Honestly, why come to a "debate homosexuality" forum and whine about people debating against homosexuality.

This thread differs from the usual homosexual discussion threads because it is focusing on the selectivity of Christians in regard to what 'sins' they choose to target and those 'sins' that they choose to ignore. I personally do NOT see one's sexual orientation - whether heterosexual or homosexual - to be a sin.

You say what is sin, isn't, that's why it's a big issue. Same with abortion.

As said, 'homosexuality' (per se) is NOT a 'sin'. How on earth can it be?

 

[FaithLikeARock]

Even if it is, the idea that it's rampantly destroying America is a myth. Hatred of homosexuality is still very much alive even in the secular community. Unfortunately, homosexuals are far from getting even equal rights, let alone more rights. However the sins that are rampantly destroying this country and even the church go unnoticed. To say it is anything but selective judgment is actually sadly ironic.

 

[BreadAlone]

The difference between homosexuality and gossip is this:

For the most part, I don't believe there are many (if any) Christians who would disagree if you said it is a sin. Granted, many of us do it, but we know it's wrong and for the most part are repentant.

Homosexuality, on the other hand, is a growing problem as people insist it "isn't wrong."

 

[Chaplain David]

The difference between homosexuality and gossip is this:

For the most part, I don't believe there are many (if any) Christians who would disagree if you said it is a sin. Granted, many of us do it, but we know it's wrong and for the most part are repentant.

Homosexuality, on the other hand, is a growing problem as people insist it "isn't wrong."

And are trying to ignore and/or reinterpret scripture that says it's a sin.

 

[BreadAlone]

And are trying to ignore and/or reinterpret scripture that says it's a sin.

Exactly.

 

[FaithLikeARock]

I believe outright saying something is not a sin, is not as bad as simply ignoring the sin. Homosexuality is a huge, controversial issue with so much behind it. Gossip, not so much. Of course no one openly protests that it's a sin. No one says ANYTHING about it. It's considered a minor issue and that's why it's so common.

 

[BreadAlone]

I believe outright saying something is not a sin, is not as bad as simply ignoring the sin. Homosexuality is a huge, controversial issue with so much behind it. Gossip, not so much. Of course no one openly protests that it's a sin. No one says ANYTHING about it. It's considered a minor issue and that's why it's so common.

I think they're both bad, but I don't think gossip is ignored. And I've heard sermons on it before. You just don't have gossip crusaders because no one disagrees it's wrong.

Living in unrepentant sin is literally damndable.

 

[Brieuse]

And are trying to ignore and/or reinterpret scripture that says it's a sin.

Some have tried to re-interpret it to say it is a sin

 

[BigBadWlf]

The difference between homosexuality and gossip is this:

For the most part, I don't believe there are many (if any) Christians who would disagree if you said it is a sin. Granted, many of us do it, but we know it's wrong and for the most part are repentant.

Homosexuality, on the other hand, is a growing problem as people insist it "isn't wrong."

Just like shaving or wearing clothing made of two different fabrics isn't wrong

 

[KCKID]

Just like shaving or wearing clothing made of two different fabrics isn't wrong

I can just picture the Fred Phelps clan from the Westboro Baptist Church frothing at the mouths marching up and down the street parading those above 'sins' on banners.

It's all rather ludicrous, isn't it? If only Christians spent as much time helping the poor, visiting the sick and those in prison, etc. etc. as they do harping on about one's sexual preference. God must look down on us at times and simply shake His head in disbelief.

 

[Phinehas2]

There's alot of focus on homosexuality in the Christian world today

Ok so are we agreed that homosexual practice is sin? Or are we proposing gossiping isnt sin? Both are sin as far as I can see. Romans 1 for example.

My own denomination is going through a plea bargaining/schism within itself as to the ordination of gay bishops because it's such an issue.

Well so it should, we can have people promoting sins like gossip and same-sex sex.

When was the last time you heard of a church cracking down on gossip as the church is cracking down on homosexuality?

Oh my goodness, frequently.

I guess what I'm saying is if you're going to consider homosexuality a dangerous sin, then turn attention to the tongues in your churches as well,

You surely don’t mean the gift of tongues do you?

Why is it ignored and 2 men sleeping together is harped so terribly on when both (as stated in the NT) can potentially disinherit you?

What is ignored? The Anglican Communion is being torn apart because of the promotion of same-sex unions, not the promotion of gossiping

 

[lincolngreen50]

Weird place for it I know, but I'm hoping an off topic title will pull people into a discussion, or at least an understanding of our priorities when it comes to sin amongst congregations.

There's alot of focus on homosexuality in the Christian world today (funny a decade ago it was Harry Potter and how the HP books destroyed the souls of children...and chickens). My own denomination is going through a plea bargaining/schism within itself as to the ordination of gay bishops because it's such an issue.

When was the last time you heard of a church cracking down on gossip as the church is cracking down on homosexuality? If you look at the verse in the New Testament that makes a list of those who are not inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven, it includes slanderous tongues, and liars.

I guess what I'm saying is if you're going to consider homosexuality a dangerous sin, then turn attention to the tongues in your churches as well, in fact I would think Gossip be the first thing brought down in a church because words have the greater power to destroy. I've seen churches torn to pieces because of a loose tongue. So if it is so dangerous to our religious well being, why isn't it in the top priority list of things we need to alter in our society?
Why is it ignored and 2 men sleeping together is harped so terribly on when both (as stated in the NT) can potentially disinherit you?
Not only that but one of them also destroys families, friendships, churches, and reputations (and through reputations lives), and yet it's the one that slips under the radar because "it's no big deal what Goody Smith says about young Reverend Peters wife"

Good post.
Gossiping is a hidden evil a sin which is mentioned many times in the Bible.
There is a good article on Gossipping address below.
http://www.victorious.org/gossip.htm

Avoid association with persons who gossip (Prov. 20:19).
I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence” (Psalms 39:1).
If you have been a gossiper, confess this as sin and ask Christ to forgive you. “Repent” by turning in a new direction and surrendering your tongue to Christ, not to gossip or bad-mouth again (1 John 1:9, 1 Cor. 7:10).

There are many sins that we all tend to concentrate on
but there are many believers that do not realize that gossipping is a vile sin according to Paul.
Forming an opinion of another or intentionally destroying a persons character by gossipping and Judging is sin.
Only Jesus Christ can Judge another when He returns to Judge us all by our works.

 

[Phinehas2]

Dear BigBadWlf,

Just like shaving or wearing clothing made of two different fabrics isn't wrong

So why do you do it?

 

[Phinehas2]

Dear KCKID,

It's all rather ludicrous, isn't it? If only Christians spent as much time helping the poor, visiting the sick and those in prison, etc. etc. as they do harping on about one's sexual preference. God must look down on us at times and simply shake His head in disbelief.

I think that is at best half the gospel, and at worst humanism The God who Christians know, know that we are to help the poor and not get polluted by the world. James 1:27. The great commission is to make disciples to obey all Jesus has taught Matt 28, it is disciples who then attend to the word and the help the poor Acts 4. Knowing same-sex sex is error is what disciples know because they believe the word of God. Visiting the sick and those in prison is what disciples do because they do what they believe. You must think Christianity is ludicrous.

For your information I would say churches that visit the sick and prisoners spend next to no time on the same-sex issue as they are already disciples. I cant think of many churches which have a specific ministry to the gay community, but most I know have ministries to prisoners and the poor and sick.