It seems to me that if a Christian, for example, speaks out against homosexuality they are called intolerant.  But if a homosexual speaks out against Jesus, he is tolerant and "progressive" (I hate that new word for the left).  Will it soon be illegal to be Christian?\nI know that Christians have not behaved in the past (crusades, inquisitions, "God hates fags", etc.).  The way it appears to me is that being closed minded to Christianity is considered way more tolerant than a Christian being closed mined to anything.  Why does intolerance seem to equal tolerance in regards to being anti-Christian?
203864
This is a GREAT question,(for me anyway)because it touches on two points that have been driving me crazy lately. The first is the intolerance some people display towards Christians. I have a hard time understanding how someone can call themselves a liberal and state that they stand for tolerance and understanding but then down people who are practicing Christians. It's a double standard and hypocritical to boot. Every issue in this country seems to gravitate to ridiculous extremes-there's never a sensible and practical middle ground. Though I believe firmly in seperation of church and state (which our forefathers took months to painstakingly state in the constitution, and with very good reason)I cannot think of one good reason why a child quietly saying grace over his school lunch should be so offensive to some that he should be expelled from school. It's not like he was standing on the tables preaching or anything. Just silently thanking God for the food he had that so many in the world are forced to do without. It's absolutely shameful. Such people are not liberals in any literal sense of the term, but rather small people with set ideas and closed minds-inflexible in their thinking and intolerant of other points of view. You don't like the term progressive regarding such people and neither do I. I call them "Left Wing Conservatives" because their thinking is just as rigid and inflexible as their right wing counterparts. They have an agenda, and they follow it thoughtlessly. \nI think this stems from an innate human need to feel superior and special in some way.  Many, many people find something that works for them and, out of this need, become convinced that their way is the ONLY way. Stupid, yes, arrogant, yes but that's how it seems to work.\nThat being said, let me lob one at the other extreme and say that I'm really tired of hearing certain elements of the Christian Right raving about how oppressed and persecuted the poor helpless Christians are. Let me explain something to you folks-Christianity is by far the majority religion in this country. It is also the richest and has the greatest representation in our government. The Christian Right has more politicians in their pocket than EVERY OTHER religious group in this country combined. People opposing you from passing legislation to impose your religious beliefs on others regardless of what their own beliefs may be does not constitute oppression. What they are doing is resisting YOUR attempts to oppress them.  Again, ridiculous extremes. When in all of history has the group with the largest numbers, the most power, and by far the most money been considered oppressed? It's crap! \nThe extremists on both sides are the problem.  They shout the loudest because that's the only way they can get people to listen to their idiocy. Neither side has a monopoly on intolerence and self righteousness. My solution: Take 1% out of the military budget and build a huge city on some piece of land that no one cares about-White Sands Arizona would be my vote, but other wastelands such as Detroit or Hoboken would work as well. Build a big wall around it and then move all the extremists from both sides in there where they can shout, stomp and do whatever else to each other all they want while the segment of the population with enough sense to pound sand gets on with the business of improving the country. It'll be a better world without 'em. But maybe that's just a little extreme....
354300
When your fellow christians are condemning you for being gay you should point out that none of them are living by the word of God either. I'm pretty sure God frowns on divorce, adultery, and a lot of other stuff that christians do all the time. According to God's word you're not even supposed to work on the sabbath, but they're not trying to ammend the constitution to enforce that rule, are they? They are using their religion as a moral cloak to hide their homophobia. Doesn't it seem strange that they crusade against homosexuality, but have nothing to say about any of the other sins people commit daily. Why do you want to be a part of all this nonsense anyway? Find your own path.
332365
OK venting about other religions is wrong. I'm a Christian, and Christians are supposed to love everyone, no matter how different they are from them. Everyone has their own beliefs, why can't we accept people for who they are?( at least, until they start harming and abusing people...)\n\n\nha ha... and I just realized that the person above me just basically said the same thing....
274789
Very good question. \nbeing that christians are taught to be kind and accepting of everyone. The messages does not always get through. It's kinda funny to hear christians rant and rave and act very unchristian like.
545378
Read this quickly, it may be censured by Tammy C.\n\nTammy C is now writing her own Bible. She quoted 1 Corninthians 6: 9-11 as condeming homosexuals. The actual word is effeminent; which is the greek word for incest; not homosexuals.\n\nAnyway, quoting Paul is disrespect for God and Jesus. Paul, himself, would not have wanted you to quote him or worship him by living your life according to him. Paul had no idea that his personal letters to Timothy, or Titus, or the Corinthians would someday be included in the "Book of God".  At the beginning of the second mil. about 1200 AD a group looked at about 150 scrolls and selected the 66 that would become  what we call the Bible.  \n\nIf you want to quote someone, quote Jesus. \n\nNow to answer your question. There is no place that condemns that particular thing. However, if causes disharmony it would be a sin. Why? Harmony is harmony; Disharmony is the only sin against God.\n\n PS. you had better read this quickly. It might be censured in a few minutes.\n\nMary W is writing her own Bible, too.  I am sick of religious leaders making up rules and interpretations of the Bible in order to build their empires and control people's lives.
27853
One of those above answers is simply rediculous.  Allowing same sex marriage is not an attempt to squelch the religious objections to it.  That post was simply a more tactful way of saying the same thing as those signs that Phelps and his lunatics wave around declaring that, if we're going to be tolerant of others, then we need to tolerate intolerance as well.  That is nonsense.  You have a right to believe what you will, you do NOT have a right to dictate how others live their lives.\n\nThere is a great difference between allowing same-sex marriage and attempting to squelch some church-goer's complaints about it.  Is it so hard for people to go about their own lives?  What could POSSIBLY be wrong with allowing same-sex marriage?
555352
just so you know, not every Christian is like that.  I am a minister's wife and really hate that for some reason, to a lot of Christians (or "Christians"), homosexuality seems to be the "unforgivable" or "worst sin" there could possibly be. I for one, don't believe that at all. In fact, Jesus Himself never condemned it--apparently there were too many other important things to condemn, such as judgmental people who are too busy to pick on other people to realize their own faults. \n\nI wish things were different.
356825
I'm not sure if I'd label Christianity as the most intolerant....there are quite a number of other intolerant religions and each as definately got to their own extremes at times.\n\nAs a former Christian, now Hindu, the teachings usually are said are thus:\n1) there is only one God\n2) Jesus is the son of God sent by God to save humanity\n3) those that do not repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their savior will go to hell (...although some denominations then stipulate that those that have NOT heard about Jesus would NOT go to hell, but after hearing about Jesus if they do not accept him as the savior, then because they reject the gospel truth, they go to hell...)\n4) in the New Testament after the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, Jesus tells his disciples to "go and make disciples of the world" or "to go and spread the gospel to the world" thus the Great Commission as it is called is the command by Jesus for all Christians to go and make Christians of everyone (the word gospel means good news)\n5) since there is only one God and one religion (Christianity) then all other religions are false religions (term used over and over again). Now, since Satan or the Devil exists and is working against God, then it therefore stands to reason (from a Christians perspective) that Satan would be the root of the false religions, thus causing people to be strayed from God whom Jesus came to save\n\nThus that is why Christians don't often realize their own intolerance and disrespect for other religions (and I should state that not all Christians are like this, there are Christians who do not feel the need to evangelize and convert people and there are Christians who don't view other religions as being wrong or that once you hear about Jesus and don't convert that you are doomed to hell, there are some denominations that teach that if you do not convert, that God judges you based on the religion you practiced and what you believed...but these views are the minority in Christianity). \n\nChristians don't think of it as being intolerant or disrespectful to try to convert you, they believe they are "saving" you from your "sin", they are fulfilling their command from Jesus to save everyone on earth and bring them God. That all other religions are just false religions, religions purposely placed by Satan to cause people to go astray. So again, they are "saving" you from Satan...atleast that is their belief. They think they are doing you "good".\n\nNow, keep in mind that I did mention that there were other religions who are equally as exclusivistic in their views and they have equally been intolerant of other religions. It seems to be the case with "exclusive" religions. I know some would say that it is only monotheistic religions, but that doesn't appear to be the case. Only those who claim to have the 'exclusive' truth. Christianity and Islam, though, are the only two of those "exclusive" religions that are very very very very heavily missionary and seek to make converts of others...the others generally regard themselves as the holders of truth and figure that God (or whatever their belief is) will bring the person to them for the truth because they are worthy to receive it.\n\n\nHope that helps.\n\nBlessed Be. (you just said Pagan, but didn't specify your path so decided to use the overall term I hear my Pagan friends use amongst each other when it is mixed pathed)\n\nPeace.
563101
Can I just point out that in here the only ones that say homosexuality is a sin are those that are Chrisitan, what if you are not Christian it is not a sin. And anyway where are the Muslims that also say its a sin - nowhere, they know when to accept other peoples choice in lifestyle and belief and dont critise it. I have never heard of a Muslim damming a homosexual that does not follow their religion, they know when to quit!
44167
As a christian, I have a distaste for homosexuality, but that does not mean that I should hate you. Jesus loves everyone, even those who do not follow in his path. I don't take homophobia as a bad thing, in a society the majority will naturally be heterosexual, making homosexuality a deviancy. It's just natural for a civilization to be wary of that.\nBut going back to your beliefs that the christians "hide" behind the bible, we don't. The bible defines our beliefs and therefore we must follow them to the best of our abilities. That includes disapproval of homosexuality. I'm sorry that you've been burdoned with this, just know that Jesus' love really is unconditional.
203193
Lots of questions!!!  \nAccording to the BIBLE... it is not okay to say that God hates homosexuals.  because God does not hate them, He is against what they do...homosexuality. Actually they are going against God... here is the proof... Romans chapter 1.\n1 "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,\n2  (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)\n3  Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;\n4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:\n5  By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:\n6  Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:\n7  To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.\n8 ¶  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.\n9  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;\n10  Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.\n11  For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;\n12  That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.\n13  Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,)that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.\n14  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.\n15  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.\n16 ¶  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.\n17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.\n18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;\n19 ¶  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.\n20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:\n21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.\n22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,\n23  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.\n24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:\n25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.\n26  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:\n27  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.\n28  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;\n29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malig
674774
Anyone who says they aren't a hypocrite is in serious danger of being a hypocrite. I think everyone is probably a hypocrite in some form or another. Whether on religious issues or something else. The way most Christians live their life is very Hippocratic (if that is a word) and are definitely not living how He tells us to. I know I am not living how He tells us to, although I seek to, I don't.
49852
I am a straight man.  I have had many gay friends due to my involvement in theatre.  I do not hate homosexuals.  I am also a Christian and I know lots of people who hate homosexuality.  I don't understand why it is singled out as THE sin to hate.  I have told Fat christians that I think gluttony is a sin.  I have told rich Christians that greed is a sin.  I have then asked them why their sin is less of a sin then a homsexual's sin.  I have asked these questions many times in many adult Sunday School classes.  Needless to say it doesn't make me real popular.  So now to your question.  I think a lot of people hate homosexuals simply because they are told they should.  The Christian right is constantly bombarding us with the message that homosexuality is the number one threat to the family unit.  Of cours this is stupid.  Divorce, infidelity and not spending time together are the biggest threats to the family units I know about.  When a Christian tells me that homosexuality is a sin.  I always agree that the Bible does say that a man shouldn't lay with another man.  So by the letter of the law it is a sin.  But then I ask them if they have had to fight off strong urges to sleep with members of the same sex?  They always respond NO!  Then I say isn't it odd that most of the other sins in the Bible hold some temptation for us, but this one, if we are heterosexual holds none?  I then ask them if gay marriage was legal and the gay couples got the same tax breaks and property rights as straight couples would you be tempted to turn homosexual?  Of course they say NO!  Then I zing them with "So why do you suppose that of all the sins listed in the Bible we straight Christians spend so much time and energy focusing on the one that doesn't tempt us and never will?  Isn't it possible it's a convenient way to not deal with issues that DO effect us?  Isn't it possible that it's just a way to feel superior and holy without ever having to do anything but look down on others who are different than us?  100% of the time they then answer: "The Bible says homosexuality is a sin."  This one issue is truly one of the reasons it is hard to stay active in church.  When you KNOW people are judging and being blind and feeling so secure and right about it, it can drive you crazy.  Even when I tell them that I have watched gay friends die horrible deaths of AIDS without adequate medical care because their life partner of many years could not get them on a "family" insurance plan, it makes no impact.  Now having said all of that I would like to share with you some things about the current attitude in our society that makes me dislike the Gay Rights movement.  As a heterosexual Christian male, I am judged and hated before I even have an opportunity to share who I am.  As a straight male, I get sick of being told by effeminate men what is style.  I resent being almost always portrayed in the media as not as smart as gay men, not as in touch with our feeling, not as capable of expressing emotion.  I think on any given night on television there is a lot more straight male bashing then there ever was gay bashing.  There I got it off of my chest.  This is the longest answer I've ever written.  I wonder if anyone will actually read it all the way through?
656991
My advice to you is don't listen to the Christians. They use the "unnatural" and "abomination" arguments so much they've lost all meaning. Homosexuality is not a sin. I, like you, know good people who happen to be gay. And to address your confusion with the logic behind the persecution, there is no logic.
122095
You make a very good point. \nReligious intolerance has caused more suffering and slaughter thro\nhistory and right into the present than probably anything else in this world. \nReligious tolerence doesn't mean you can't express your own beliefs\nbut it does mean that trying to undermine or attack the religious faith and beliefs of another is going to cause nothing but trouble.\nAll religions have within them basic tenents like"Treat others the way you want to be treated" All spiritual beliefs properly understood have similar goals and purposes. There are lots of points for general agreement and co operation. Tolerence is the key to this.\nPeople only attack things that they fear. Fear is created by lies and rumours spread by a few who, because of their own bad motives and actions, feel they have a reason to fear something. \nThe Romans were throwing Christians to the lions when Christianity\nfirst begun as a religion. Hitler spread terrible lies and rumours about\nthe Jews that resulted in a massive genocide . So it continues.\nWe can definitely take some resposibility by promoting religious tolerence.\nBy the way....I am a Scientologist.
170653
Yeah, you're completely right.  Christianity is poked fun at a lot, particularly since people came forward about sexual abuse.  I disagree with a lot of Catholic Church beliefs (mostly about women and homosexuals) In that sense, one can see that the Church has soem narrow-mindedness as well.  No one really knwos the answers to these types of questions, like why is it okay to make fun of white people or homosexuals?  You're just right and there's nothing to do about it except asking friends not to make such insensitive jokes.
658529
People just need to be more tolerant. If being gay is against YOUR religion, don't be gay. But leave everyone else alone. Besides, I have never met a hostile gay person, they don't bother anyone else.