When are Christians going to realize that NOWHERE IN THE BIBLE is there any such zeal aimed at a specific sin as that (the perceived sin of same-sex sex) which MANY CHRISTIANS claim to be 'the sin of sins'? It's true! While there may be scriptures that apply a negative view of same-sex sex it is NEVER singled out as being any 'worse' than the myriad of 'other sins' that the Bible speaks of. In fact, if there IS a greater sin than any other it is the sin of pride. If there IS a greater sin than any other it would involve certain HETEROSEXUAL practices that, by comparison, Christians ignore.
When are Christians going to realize that the repetetive quoting of selective scriptures presented in a self-righteous manner or otherwise are NOT going to make a 'gay' person 'straight'? When are they going to realize that by doing so they are, inadvertantly or not, telling a 'gay' person that they are not only unworthy human beings in their 'present state' but they are also 'demon possessed'? When are they going to realize that people become very defensive when they are continually told that they are basically 'scum'?
To the 'straight' Christian ...how would you feel if you were continually bomarded with scriptures - and there are probably MANY - that negatively 'describe' you? You would, of course, need to take ownership of these scriptures which, I feel, many of you would be reluctant to do. Christianity doesn't seem to work that way. Religion often results in a self-righteous and condemning attitude. Jesus spoke about this and likewise CONDEMNED it. Christians/people in general seem to be all too ready to apply labels to others but what about their OWN particular label? It might be 'hypocrite' (Jesus had MUCH to say about you if you take ownership of this particular 'sin') or it may be 'sanctimomious' (ditto) or it may be something else specific and personal to you.
While I realize that this IS a subforum devoted to the issue of homosexuality, why IS there more Christian zeal behind the condemnation of homosexuality than ANY OTHER 'perceived sin'? If such a subforum existed on Divorce and Remarriage, for instance (an issue spoken and disapproved of by Jesus Himself), I really can't imagine it going the distance. There is certainly something MORE SPECIAL about homosexuality than ANY OTHER issue.
Why?
When are Christians going to realize that the repetetive quoting of selective scriptures presented in a self-righteous manner or otherwise are NOT going to make a 'gay' person 'straight'? When are they going to realize that by doing so they are, inadvertantly or not, telling a 'gay' person that they are not only unworthy human beings in their 'present state' but they are also 'demon possessed'? When are they going to realize that people become very defensive when they are continually told that they are basically 'scum'?
To the 'straight' Christian ...how would you feel if you were continually bomarded with scriptures - and there are probably MANY - that negatively 'describe' you? You would, of course, need to take ownership of these scriptures which, I feel, many of you would be reluctant to do. Christianity doesn't seem to work that way. Religion often results in a self-righteous and condemning attitude. Jesus spoke about this and likewise CONDEMNED it. Christians/people in general seem to be all too ready to apply labels to others but what about their OWN particular label? It might be 'hypocrite' (Jesus had MUCH to say about you if you take ownership of this particular 'sin') or it may be 'sanctimomious' (ditto) or it may be something else specific and personal to you.
While I realize that this IS a subforum devoted to the issue of homosexuality, why IS there more Christian zeal behind the condemnation of homosexuality than ANY OTHER 'perceived sin'? If such a subforum existed on Divorce and Remarriage, for instance (an issue spoken and disapproved of by Jesus Himself), I really can't imagine it going the distance. There is certainly something MORE SPECIAL about homosexuality than ANY OTHER issue.
Why?