Why aren’t gay Christians accepted?

Tony R wrote: gdub411 wrote: Ah...I see it now. Yuk....chicks are better. You sure?

Hey,,,where did you ge tthat pic of Tuxxy's girlfriend?

Now thats what I call a Gold Medal Girl.

tuxon wrote: gdub411 wrote: Tony R wrote: gdub411 wrote: Ah...I see it now. Yuk....chicks are better. You sure? Hey,,,where did you ge tthat pic of Tuxxy's girlfriend? Now thats what I call a Gold Medal Girl.   That's not my girlfriend.           mine doesn't have a tattoo.

What tattoo????

Nacho:

Why "Jesus' words only?"  After all, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."  2 Tim. 3:16.

In this regard, it is true that Jesus did not say anything specifically about homosexuality.  But that is ultimately a moot point; there are dozens of things Jesus never said anything about or did, yet are clear and obvious within the "Christian construct," and living a "Christ-like" life.

There are two main Scriptural passages that address homosexuality.  The first, and harshest, is at Leviticus 18:22: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind; it is abomination."  Note that the word "abomination" is even stronger than the word "sin," and denoted something that was truly "hateful" to God.

The second, and more detailed, one is at Romans 1:26-27: "For even the women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature [i.e., God].  Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing that which is shameful [read "sinful"], and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due."  (Bracketed comments are mine)

Thus, the Scripture makes it clear that the homosexual lifestyle is inherently "sinful."

Still, having said that, I reiterate that although a Christian may feel obligated to inform a homosexual family member or friend of this, it should never be done in a judgmental or condemning fashion, and that, once informed, the homosexual person should be treated with the same love, peace, humility, forgiveness, etc. that should be accorded anyone else if one is to truly live a "Christ-like" life.

Frenchie:

You are among way too many people for whom the "Church" (capital C) has been its own worst enemy.  This is why so many Christians have rejected - and continue to reject, in growing numbers - organized, mainstream, hierarchical "religion" in favor of "home churches" and other alternative churches.  "Christianity" lost its way when it become "politicized," and fell away from the most basic precepts of Jesus' life and ministry.  It is often said that "Religion is about laws, rules and behavior; faith is about a relationship with God and Christ."  While there is a place for "religion," faith is the more important of the two.  The "Church" - and many supposedly faith-based political groups (including the so-called "Christian Right" here in the U.S.) - focus way too heavily on the former at the expense of the latter.  Indeed, not only are they focused on "laws and behavior," but they also take Scripture out of context to support unloving, unforgiving and ultimately un-Christian views.

You are 100% correct in believing that "religion should never be enforced" (though I'm pretty sure you mean "forced").  After all, faith cannot be "given," much less forced upon someone.  It must come from inside.  Even "religion" - the laws and behavior that underlie a "Christ-like" life - cannot, and should not, be "forced upon" anyone.  This entire notion is antithetical to what Jesus did and taught.  He Himself would preach in villages, on mountains, from boats offshore, anywhere he could.  But He never "demanded" that anyone listen; people were free to listen or not - and, if they did listen, they were free to accept or reject what He offered.  He never once judged or condemned anyone for choosing not to listen or to reject His teachings.  And when He sent the apostles and disciples out to preach the Gospel, He told them to go to each house and offer the Gospel.  But He also told them that if the people did not want to hear it, the apostle or disciple was to "shake the dust from their feet" and move on to the next house.  That is, there was to be no "coercion"; the Gospel was to be preached lovingly, humbly and patiently, with no judgment or condemnation if someone chose not to hear it, or to reject it.  The entire idea of "ram-it-down-your-throat" proselytizing is also anathema to Jesus' words and actions.

Any Christian who would "attack" you for your lack of belief does not understand who Jesus was or what He was about, and thus does not understand their own faith.  "Attack" infers judgment or condemnation, and the Scripture clearly admonishes Christians not to engage in either; that any and all "judgment" is reserved exclusively to Jesus "at the end."

I am truly sorry that you were forced to undergo such harsh and un-Christian treatment, and that it led to you completely rejecting faith.  If it is of any help, you need never be "afraid" of not believing.  After all, "free will" is ultimately the freedom to accept or reject God.  Thus, you are simply exercising your free will in rejecting Him.  I can, of course, only hope that perhaps one day you will find some sort of inner faith - however that manifests itself - and feel comfortable expressing that faith without fear of condemnation.

Peace.

OK Maani, if you consider that the whole scriptures are inspired by God himself, I have nothing else to say. Funny that something that is SO important to the churches today wasn't even mentioned by Jesus... (I see you don't comment about the camel and the needle...)

I'm just curious, if you believe that the whole scriptures are inspired by God, how can you explain, if only to yourself, the 23rd chapter of Deuteronomy? Should we take it seriously? And what about that fantastic tale of the 600 years old Noah and his ark?

Tony R wrote: Warning: Spoilers ahead. The Bible in 50 Words God made, Adam bit, Noah arked, Abraham split, Joseph ruled, Jacob fooled, bush talked, Moses balked, Pharaoh plagued, people walked, sea divided, tablets guided, promise landed, Saul freaked, David peeked, prophets warned, Jesus born, God walked, love talked, anger crucified, hope died, Love rose, Spirit flamed, Word spread, God remained. There you go,no need to bother reading it now!!

 that about sums it up , I think! Thanks Tony! Please join me in the excommunication fellowship after your blasphemy!