tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954032186621541669.post362236420226674136..comments2023-12-23T07:04:04.016-08:00Comments on Thinking Faith: Thank God for Giving Us Harvey MilkBill Trenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17055902411464959661noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954032186621541669.post-89519168857782536352009-02-26T20:21:00.000-08:002009-02-26T20:21:00.000-08:00The opposing viewpoints on this issue rely on a se...The opposing viewpoints on this issue rely on a series of assumptions.<BR/><BR/>1. There are assumptions about what it means to be gay. Is it an “unnatural” lifestyle which is chosen or is it how some people are born and therefore how they “naturally” form emotionally meaningful relationships with other people?<BR/><BR/>2. There are assumptions about translations and the language of the Bible. The NIV mentions homosexuality by name NRSV does not. There is some debate about what the “sins of Sodom” are.<BR/><BR/>3. There are assumptions about what the Bible is. Even if we can agree on language, there are some that see the Bible the inerrant word of God. Personally I see it as a collection of authors who were inspired by God but are still subject to their own prejudices and cultural limitations. <BR/><BR/>I think someone changing just ONE of these assumptions is tough. Changing your mind on all three requires a major shift in thinking.<BR/><BR/>The vast majority of the Bible points to accepting those who are cast out, seeking justice for the oppressed, loving your neighbor, and showing compassion without invoking superiority. Although there are some hateful people out there, I think the majority of those people who are against gay rights are good people who just do not have someone close to them who is gay. They haven’t seen the pain that the judgment and rejection can bring. A disproportionate amount of homeless youth are gay kids who did not feel loved at home. The Church should realize that it is responsible for some of that.<BR/><BR/>The Christian obligation is clear. We are called to accept people as they are without the condescending, “love the sinner and hate the sin.”<BR/><BR/>Although the portion of Black’s speech about “churches” stings a bit, the truth needed to be said. On the upside, Black still talks about God in the context of understanding and love.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954032186621541669.post-86893620136661674482009-02-24T12:34:00.000-08:002009-02-24T12:34:00.000-08:00Reform is happening throughout the country. Method...Reform is happening throughout the country. Methodists have taken the helm in California. Sixty-two ministers have put their positions within the church at risk because of their beliefs and their support of gay rights. Our church's leadership is not on the fence with regard to the issue of homosexuality. Homosexuality is neither contagious or more dangerous than driving a car. The basis of determining whether a gay person is qualified to be a good or bad pastor seems to be leaning towards the stereotypical. If that is the case then lets examine their supposed profile. Gays are overly sensitive. Gays are unafraid of their feelings. Gays tend to be compassionate especially with the downtrodden and less fortunate. Gays are well dressed and clean cut. Gays are very social and friendly. Gays believe in freedom of choice and expression and fairness and equality and... Seems to be a dangerous profile. Our children need to become even more aware and able to co-exist in this modern world or suffer the ignorance of our oppressors of yore. Or to push the point a bit further, fight a no win war in a far away land for a price too great to bear.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com