Originally posted by: videogames101
Originally posted by: Steve
Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
As a christian we don't HATE homos, we just know what they are doing is wrong. HATE is actually a sin in itself so it would be very hypocrite to actually hate them. Hate is actually the same as murder as far as God sees it.
As a Christian, you don't speak for me.
Well actually, since god can kill people, god's rules don't apply to himself. Which means Jesus could have been homosexual... Bad, huh?
Actually, Jesus lived a human life free from sin. If He had sinned (any sin, including homosexuality) He would not be a perfect sacrifice and therefore Christianity would not exist.
Originally posted by: Dumac
Originally posted by: videogames101
Originally posted by: ITJunkie
Originally posted by: sao123
Originally posted by: swbsam
I was born into a very, very Christian family (my grandfather was a minister), but have always been personally very left leaning. I gave up on Church during high school but now I'm coming back around. Now that I'm married, I think faith and a belief system's important to especially children, but I refuse to go back to a hate spewing, alarmist Church.
I'll stop being blunt, homosexuality is an issue that I hear mentioned at Churches far too often, and I really don't want to be a part of an organization that spews hate of any kind. I'm not looking for a hippy church, per say, but so many churches seem to take an active role on this issue. I'm ok with ambivalence, I just don't like the hate talk.
Are there any options out there?
EDIT
Also, I'll add that I actually enjoy going to Church now. It pumps me up for the week ahead and helps put my life in perspective, with the understanding that something larger exists than just myself. But, after visiting 6 churches in 2 months, I'm noticing either a lot of cult like conformity or hate, but I KNOW there must be something out there for centrists who like to think for themselves.
There is a difference between hate and disapproval. some churches do not understand this. some church patrons do not understand this.
It is possible to have a zero tolerance toward homosexuality without resorting to hate.
I question any church which does not oppose homosexuality, since the bible is quite clear on this subject. I also question any church which also refuses to seperate an individual from their actions. Jesus gave compassion to the prostitue mary, our churches should do likewise. The church is not here to condemn homosexuals, but to offer compassion and salvation. However, the homosexual also has the responsibility to realize his actions are sinful, he must repent and turn from those ways.
Umm...this is precisely what the OP was talking about. You may leave now and thanks for coming :roll:
Yeah
This is why America can't have nice things.
OP has no use for extreme christians gtfo!
Isn't he right, though? There is no reason to follow a Christian denomination if you are not going to adhere to the doctrine. Without the doctrine, Christianity wouldn't exist.
Also, I agree that churches should, and often do, differentiate between the act and the individual. It is the act that many churches focus on, while still loving the individual.
OP: Does the church have to be Christian? Are you specifically looking to teach your child the ways of Jesus or do you just value, as your post implies, some sort of belief structure?
Yes he is absolutely right, with one of the best explanations of how the Church should treat any sinner (which includes all of us btw).