i recently read a post in the weekly alligator about a girl suing georgia institute of technology. she is claiming that the current tolerance policy which "bans speech that puts down someone because of their sexual orientaion" infringes on her christian beliefs. we all have the right to say what we like but just because you can legally put someone down doesn't mean you should. there is a difference between saying "i believe all homosexuals are sinners" and "you are a sinner, and you are going to hell." why is it so important for christians to be able to put us down just because they want to be hateful. TRUE christians are not supposed to judge. i'm sure that this girl who is suing has one tattoo or peircing. has a smoked a ciggarette, or sinned in some other way. you sin everyday. why would you want to put someone down because of how they were born? we all sin.we all don't need to be harrassed about it. christians have more rights than gays do. it's our responsibility to love them.
212317
Free speech is a right. It has limits. You cannot threaten people. But if you believe they are wrong or sinning, they do not have a right to not be offended, as you are neither threatening them or harming them in any way.\n\nYou cannot punish peoples' thoughts and still be a free nation. \n\nYou have no right to deny others' speech merely because you don't like it. It is not harassment. You are equally free to ignore them or refute them. But if you curtail their rights by bringing government force against them, we've all lost.\n\nThat is a path that leads to oppression of all people.
608303
they just probly want you not to follow Jesus but to follow what they believe. I as well am a Christian and i get attacked as well but instead i fight back if they're gonna attack. if not then i dont bother to attack at them.   I agree wit you on lettin everyone believe what they want cause its their life.  Its not their job to change our lives and make us believe in what they believe in.
229415
Some Christians just feel that they are right and you are wrong and there can't be any middle ground because in their minds you are a sinner.I would never pass such judgements as I know it is not my place to condemn anyone to anything.Only God shall judge.But they, those who make the most anti gay speech, seem to think they know what God is thinking and what God wants.They forget that even Jesus was recorded as saying, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."What does that mean?It means that Jesus was telling those people who would judge someone that they should look at themselves and judge first.\n\nMany people just can't get past the whole "gay sex" thing.They spend all their time thinking about gay sex and call it "un-natural" or so forth.I often wonder why they do that.I am not gay and could care less what gays do in their bed.If gays are happy then that is all that matters and I would never judge them for only God may do that.And I would not dare to presume to know how God would judge them for perhaps love is blind in God's eyes and God may see only that two people love each other.And love is a beautiful thing.\n\nAs to what 'pathfinder' said about the Catholic Church, I have found that the church's official stance has been to reject gays and reject human rights and equal rights for gays at every turn.I even knew a guy, who was gay, and his local church, a Catholic church, rejected to hold his funeral because he was gay.Love the sinner but not the sin?More like hate the person for reasons that you have judged.
302781
I just want to know why it was okay to have scriptures & other signs of faith posted on government property in the past and now it's not okay. Who gave a group so much authority to think and act for the majority? If something is offensive, I turn my head away, but I respect someone else's right to do the offensive thing. I don't like it, but I don't go running to the ACLU & cry all over them because I was offended. I don't urge them to hire a multitude of lawyers to make those people stop their vile display, violating my senses. I don't like a lot of things that are happening in this world. I try to make a difference where I live, and an even smaller difference at the ballot box. But, all this talk about separation of church and state is horse hockey. Our constitution DOES NOT have that wording in it anywhere. I've read through it several times and I don't see it. Must have been written with invisible ink! But, the Russian constitution DOES have that wording. I can see how that would be important...to the Russians. This country was founded on scripture and Godly values, not matter what the history revisionists are trying print in our school books now days. And no matter if you or anyone else likes that fact, it's a fact. If it was good enough for our forefathers, why isn't it good enough for us now? I don't believe that we are so very enlightened now that we've forgotten where we've come from. I think a lot of people just don't want to be reminded of any symbol of faith. It might make them uncomfortable, and we wouldn't want that! We want everyone to be happy, right? But, in their effort to please one group, they're offending another. I guess it's okay. Those crazy Christians have had the past couple hundred of years to plaster their stuff all over this country. So, now they can just back off quietly and shut up. That's the attitude that the ACLU sends every time they force someone to remove another symbol of faith from public view. It reminds me of what happened in Nazi Germany. When Hitler was killing all the handicapped people, no one made a fuss because it didn't affect them. When he started killing another group of people, no one said anything because they weren't affected. Then Hitler came for them, with not a whole lot of people left to put up a cry. It wasn't until Hitler started taking over other countries that people stopped him. This tearing down of the symbols of faith will not stop. Many new churches don't even display a cross anymore, blending in with all the other buildings in the area. I believe that this country has been blessed with so much because of Godly people living and working here. Revelation 3:15-17 says, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I wish that you were cold or hot, one or the other. So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth. Because you said, I am rich, and have lots of  stuff, and have need of nothing (even God); don't you know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked?" I believe we are already reaping the consequences of our departure of faith. That's why more & more bad stuff is happening to America than ever before. We will believe in anything, as long as it doesn't make us too uncomfortable. I know I am making this really long, but this is something that's very dear to my heart. I love America and I love the people who live in her. I also know that there will be a few who are offended by my long tirade. Sorry that your feelings have been hurt in any way. But, I stand firm in what I believe. Everyone has the right to live out their faith in any fashion they desire. That includes government property, because it's a part of America too. Stopping the public viewing of these symbols isn't going to stop people from believing in Jesus, worshipping God or limiting their church attendance. But,
298442
You know I am a strong christian, but I don't shun science and common sense. Being gay is not a choice. It's just not, if you ask almost any gay guy or girl, they would say they would not choose to be gay, because who in their right mind would choose to be made fun of, shunned and hated? No one.
658322
I've been thinking about this for quite awhile now in an attempt to try to understand the answer to your exact question.\n\nI used to think that Republicans who support Bush were just haters who were obviously miserable unhappy ppl that wanted to be angry and blame everybody else for what flaws they saw in their lives; BUT, I have come to realize this is incorrect.\n\nThe answer lies in the fundamental way of thinking. I will explain: take for example, homosexuality. The rightwing take the fact that the Bible states homosexuality is a sin to mean that it should not be allowed in our society. They see things in flat black and white; based purely on what THEY have decided is right and wrong. With this true conviction that they are right, they feel they have the authority, as the majority, to impose their beliefs on society, ignoring the rights of the minority.\n\nThe liberal pt of view, stems from society as a whole and the rights of the individual even when in the minority. Liberals, while many also considering homosexuality a sin in the Bible, do not feel it is their place to dictate to another person how he/she should live their life as long as it is within the confinements of the law. So, you see, the liberal-minded seem to look beyond themselves and what THEY believe is right or wrong. \n\nDon't mean to make this a gay posting.. that was just an example to try to explain my answer to your question.
200937
I think it is horrible that people of any faith would post such nasty comments. I am a believer in God, but do not call myself a Christian. I have had bad experiences with them like yours. These people are not being very good Christians as they are going against a lot of what the bible teaches, ie tolerance and not judging others. You should ignore these people and keep asking questions. It is how we learn and understand.
314671
It's sad isn't it?  It is a myth and the politicians, republicans mostly, are touting it far and wide.  OK, lets see what they are talking about...  Attack is being used because finally the other religions in America are getting equal rights to them.  People are realizing what is good for one is good for all.  But because they aren't getting the things they used to it is 'attacking Christianity'.  No, that is called EQUALITY.  The gay and lesbian rights, they call that 'attacking Christian morals'.  No, what that is is recognizing that just because they are different doesn't mean that they don't have the same rights as everyone.  Sorry, they are humans and have rights, just because YOU don't like their 'lifestyle' doesn't mean they don't have rights.  As for being 'shoved out' what people are recognizing is that <GASP> Christianity isn't the only religion in the US and ALL religions have the same rights and are equal.  Just because you are the predominant one doesn't mean the others have less rights.  That isn't being 'attacked' that is called EQUALITY once again.  As for what stores do at "Christmas' and the happy holidays thing, that has to do with MONEY, cut and dry.  Retail stores are realizing there are more than one holiday in Dec. and are now catering to all of them because they make more money if they do.  That is called CAPITALISM, money, money, money, the real religion in the US.  They make bigger bucks if they cater to all religions and holidays rather than just one.  As for overseas and Christians being killed, yes they are BUT they are not the only ones!  Muslims, Baha'i, Hindus, Buddhists, Wiccan, Pagans, Druids, etc.  are ALL being killed for their religions and religious beliefs so it isn't just one.  You want persecuted, be Jewish in the middle east then you will find out the real meaning of it.  Christians are no more persecuted than any other religion on this earth honestly, ESPECIALLY in the US where they are actually catered to!  The US is the last bastion of the stronghold of Christian nations other than Rome.  Just because the pendulum is shifting to equality doesn't make it persecution, it makes it EQUAL.  \n\nAs more the 'morals' issue with the adult bookstores and such, well... It is most CHRISTIANS that go into those, not other groups.  So that falls to them to clean up their own.  If there wasn't a demand there wouldn't be a supply.  \n\nSchools and what is happening there is because of LAWS not persecution.  Not everyone in the US is Christian and again don't believe in the same thing.  They are allowed to show theories other than the Christian ones.  Again, that pesky thing called the CONSTITUTION comes into play.\n\nSorry, I find the arguments to this circular.  They complain about being persecuted then turn around and do it to other groups in the name of their religion.  Doesn't wash, that is called hypocrisy.
57341
I wish I could give you a straight answer.  I am like you, I love meeting new people of all races, ethnicities, genders, I like everyone.  Society is too closed minded.  Saying homosexuality is a sin so we should hate gays is ludacris.  If Christians hate gays because they sin then shouldn't they hate alcoholics, rapists, murderers, all other religions, democrates, just the same?  Shouldn't they put forth just as much anger and protest against these groups as well? People who hate homosexuals have ill logic.  We as open minded people need to set the standard and put morons in their place.
169165
Oh, I hear you on this one.  Of all the people on this earth, Christians are the most judgemental of all.  And, I was raised in the Christian church and it was always said that we should never judge, that only God can judge.  A person's sins are between them and God.  But, so many Christians forget this in their daily life.  It was also taught to me that all sins are equal, that is murder is just as bad as, say, swearing.  So, you are also right to question why homosexuality is so very bad in their eyes.  The hypocrisy is why I have fallen away, I just couldn't deal with it anymore.  I still believe in a God of sorts, but I will not subscribe to any organized religion.  It makes people crazy.
275401
Tolerance has become the new "catch-phrase".  Once upon a time it was "live and let live".  The problem with this kind of mentality is that eventually man's inclination to sin is going to lead to trouble and then who will we turn to for answers then?  The argument, "I was only trying to be tolerant" isn't going to work because tolerating sin is just another way of condoning it.
644249
Why is that such a small percentage of the population can cause so much grief. Most of the people in this country still see homosexuality for what it is morally wrong. If they must be together I am not even going to attempt to stop them. Neither will I ever embrace their cause,and this is what really irks me that the homosexual community and their supporters insist that I do so or then I must be a homophobe. The lifestyle in my view is no different than an addiction to drugs or alcohol or any other aberrant behavior. "I often hear live and let live" FINE don't try to force me into accepting what I cannot and will not.
227132
They are not picking and choosing, they  are just saying that if the person is doing wrong and knowing full well that this goes against Christ, they are not truly Christians. A true Christian will fight against wrong. Unfortunatly we are all human and will go the wrong way. And just because someone says they worship Jesus does not mean they are Chrsitians for who can truly read someones heart.
645976
I understand what you are saying.Some people do not want to offend. For example, in a class of 35 students, maybe five will be from a home with married parents.Some immoral people defend their action by saying that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.Whether you lie,steal, murder fornicate,commit murder, adultery or homosexual acts, all is sin and intolerable to God. When a person recognizes his/her sinful condition and is convicted,there is repentance.People like those who will overlook their faults, so they do not like to listen to sound doctrine.Besides,many believe the Ten Commandments went out with the Old Testament and we are in a new dispensation or the New Testament.This is why it is important to know what you believe and be an example of the believer in thought,words and action.
224538
"Just remember that if compassion, love, and unity is not in your belief, than you are a bad person no matter what your belief is." <=== That right there says it all. Christians have lost touch with that because they are so wrapped up in their image...so anything out of place to them is automactically fought against and you can't be like that--rude, uncompassionate, and un-loving. God wouldn't want that so why should you treat others indifferently because of what they believe or what they want to try. \n\nI love you for bringing that up. I'm a christian and I'm not like that at all. So it gets annoying when others are.
623941
are you a Christian?\nwe don't all bash gays, we just want them to realize they are sinning.\nWe Christians all sin daily, but we are aware and repent. (the real ones do at least.)\nRemember the thing about the splinter in one man's eye while a log is in your own?\nwe are all hypocrites to an extent.\nYou included, and myself as well.
496568
I agree...it is NOT ok. \n\nGod loves the SINNER, but hates the SIN. The Lord gave you all the words to say for this, and I can't say anything else, lol. \nThis world needs to see the Light of Jesus and I pray that these posts continue to do just that. :)