Can you be Christian and not be against homosexuality?
108447
yes.  a lot of christians and churches have no problem with homosexuality.  look for some liberal churches in your area - they are typically more tolerant of homosexuality.  the bible says a lot of stuff, and if i remember correctly, the passages condemning homosexuality are in the old testament, along with defenses of slavery, and other ridiculous stuff, such as killing non-believers.  it is funny, when asked about the bible's defense of slavery or its calling for the killing of unbelievers, biblical literalists say that the new testament means these practices are no longer permissible.  but the condemnation of homosexuality is written in the old testament along with these practices, why should it not be reconsidered also?  here, i found it (from the website below):\n"The Holiness Code in the Torah permits:\n-slavery (Leviticus 25:44)\n\nThe code requires:\n-a child to be killed if he/she curses their parent (Leviticus 20:9)\n-all persons guilty of adultery to be killed (20:10)\n-the daughter of a priest who engages in prostitution to be burned alive until dead (21:9)\n-the bride of a priest to be a virgin (21:13)\n-ritual killing of animals, using cattle, sheep and goats (22:19)\n-observation of 7 feasts: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Firstfruits, Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles (23)\n-a person who takes the Lord's name in vain is to be killed (24:16)\n\nThe code prohibits:\n-heterosexual intercourse when a woman has her period (Leviticus 18:19),\n-harvesting the corners of a field (19:9),\n-eating fruit from a young tree (19:23),\n-cross-breeding livestock (19:19),\n-sowing a field with mixed seed (19:19),\n-shaving or getting a hair cut (19:27),\n-tattoos (19:28),\n-even a mildly disabled person from becoming a priest (21:18),\n-charging of interest on a loan (25:37),\n-collecting firewood on Saturday to prevent your family from freezing,\n-wearing of clothes made from a blend of textile materials; today this might be cotton and polyester, and\n-eating of non-kosher foods (e.g. shrimp)."\n\nPersonally, it seems pretty ridiculous to pick and choose which laws from the old testament one is going to follow.  if complete consistency is to be had, either these commandments must all be followed, or homosexuality should stop being singled out.  Practice what you think jesus would practice; this is the essence of christianity, not taking as literally true every part of the bible.\n\np.s.: schneb, are you serious?  jesus is going to vomit lukewarm christians out of his mouth?
1187616
To have sexual relations with one of the same sex is against what the Bible teaches.None of us like it when we read and find just how much of our lives offend God.But if you really wish to seek God seek as you are not as you think you should be.We all are perfected only in Christ let him decide whether it keeps you from him.He said he did not come for the righteous for they do not need him,only those that are injured or ill need a doctor.
970042
Absolutely! God made you and he loves you very much!   Don't doubt that for a second.\nI have a problem with the "christians" who are so against gays. Who are they to judge? In the bible it says to judge not or you shall be judged. \nGod gave us the freedom of choice to determine our own course of life and be it wrong or right, that is a personal choice and if god isn't standing there telling you "Not to do this and not do do that" how can someone stand there and tell you what is wrong or right "in god's name"???
568967
What does religion and homosexuality have to do with anything?\n\nYou can be gay and still be spiritual, just the same as a straight person can be spiritual.
141330
The simple answer is "No."\n\nNow the complex answer.\nToo many people confuse true Christianity with a religion.  Religion has rules, "we vs. them" types of mentalities, and tends to try and conquer other people who think or believe differently.  Not all religions are "religious" according to this type of definition.  According to this we could easily cast the homosexuality movement as a religion, athiesm as a religion, even Democrats and Republicans as a religion.\n\nTrue Christianity is a relationship.  A relationship between you and God.  The Bible exists to help you understand how God want the relationship to work, what you are responsible for, and what He is responsible for.  As with any good relationship there are great benefits with Christianity.  Also, there are certain things you can do that will cause strife and pain to the relationship.  The last component to this relationship is God wants to help you - just like you want to help your best friends.  He tells you of things to avoid to help you live a better life and make good decisions.  God is NOT a bully, is NOT a genie to do your bidding (although too many Christians treat him this way), and will not control your life.  It's all based on FREE WILL.
162644
it wont change true christian minds. Abortion is wrong...period.  It doesnt even matter to me if they are born that way or not.  We are told not to engage in homosexual activity.  They might not be able to help their desires but they can control their actions.  Some people are genetically prone to be controlled by a substance ie, drugs or alcohol. Their desire for that will be very strong but that does not mean its ok to act on that desire.
622956
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.
201990
Whether one is born gay, or whether it is a personal choice, no one has the right to condemn a person because of it.  If there were such people as true Christians, then they would follow  God's advice and  Not judge, lest they be judged themselves. Leave the judging to God.  And one who does pass judgement on gays, then, they certainly are not Christian.
111756
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.
213839
Christians do not hate gays.  They just cannot agree with the lifestyle, which are two different things.  For instance, I am a person and heterosexual.  Two things that can be separated, just like people can separate politics and religion.  So, I know someone will say well "I am gay, so you hate me."  I would reply, "No. You are a human, and I do not like your sexual preference."  As far as people hating Christians, many people have many different reasons.  The biggest reason is that people are afraid to give up themselves for a reason bigger than themselves and they are afraid of those who do.  Some Christians are not great examples of what way to react to homosexuals, or other things.  But they freak out, out of fear that their way of life is being threated.  Just like the homosexuals do.  Just look at the responses here so far, they are reactionary.
237425
Is homosexuality a sin?\n\nby Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays\n\n------------------------------------------------------------\nQuestion 1 - In your opinion, does God regard homosexuality as a sin?\n\nQuestion 2 - In your opinion, do the Scriptures object to homosexuality?\n\nRev Dr William R Stayton (Baptist -- minister, certified sexologist,\nassociate professor of psychiatric and human behaviour, servant\non faculty of LaSalle University's graduate department of\nreligious studies, holder of master of divinity from Andover\nNewtown Theological School and a Th.D. in psychology from Bostonuniversity):\nQ1:        \n        Absolutely not!  There is nothing in the Bible or in\n        my own theology that would lead me to believe that\n        God regards homosexuality as sin.  God is interested\n        in our relationships with ourselves, others, the \n        things\n        in our lives, and with God (MAT 23:36-40).  There is\n        nothing in the mind of God that could be against a\n        loving, sexual relationship, freely entered into,\n        without coercion, among sincere adults whether gay,\n        bisexual or straight.\n\n   Q2:        There is _nothing_ in the Bible regarding homosexual\n        orientation.  In fact, the Bible does not concern\n        itself with sexual orientation.  It does speak out\n        probably against gang rape, male prostitution for\n        religious purposes, and pederasty (sex between an\n        adult and youth).  I lead bible study programs on this\n        subject and am convinced that the Bible does not\n        address the issue of a person's sexual orientation.\n\n\nBishop John S Spong (Episcopal -- bishop, most published\nmember of the Episcopal house of bishops, author to 11 books and 50\npublished articles, phi beta kappa graduate of UNC Chapel Hill,\nholds masters in divinity and an honorary doctorate in divinity\nfrom Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary, received honorary\ndoctorate in divinity from St Paul's College):\n\n   Q1:        Some argue that since homosexual behaviour is "unnatural"\n        it is contrary to the order of creation.  Behind this\n        pronouncement are stereotypical definitions of\n        masculinity and femininity that reflect rigid gender\n        categories of patriarchal society.  There is nothing\n        unnatural about any shared love, even between two of the\n        same gender, if that experience calls both partners to a\n        fuller state of being.  Contemporary research is\n        uncovering new facts that are producing a rising\n        conviction that homosexuality, far from being a sickness,\n        sin, perversion or unnatural act, is a healthy, natural\n        and affirming form of human sexuality for some people.\n        Findings indicate that homosexuality is a given fact in\n        the nature of a significant portion of people, and that\n        it is unchangeable.\n        Our prejudice rejects people or things outside our\n        understanding.  But the God of creation speaks and\n        declares, "I have looked out on _everything_ I have made\n        and `behold it (is) very good'." (GEN 1:31).  The word of\n        God in Christ says that we are loved, valued, redeemed,\n        and counted as precious no matter how we might be valued\n        by a prejudiced world.\n\n   Q2:        There are few biblical references to homosexuality.  The\n        first, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, is often quoted\n        to prove that the Bible condemns homosexuality.  But the\n        real sin of Sodom was the unwillingness of the city's men\n        to observe the laws of hospitality.  The intention was\n        to insult the stranger by forcing him to take the female\n        role in the sex act.  The biblical narrative approves\n        Lot's offer of his virgin daughters to satisfy the sexual\n        demands of the mob.  How many would say, "_Th
1153589
that is not a question that can so simply be answered.  sure you have those that talk the talk.  they pride themselves on being a a true christian but then they will turn away from someone who is not the same color or sexual preference.  and sure homosexuality according to christianity is a sin but also the bible states that a sin is a sin.  no matter how great or small and the only unforgivable sin is not believing in the father and our jobs as christians is to produce fruit for the father yet if you are too busy turning your back on those who love the same sex or are living a life of sex drugs n rock n roll etc etc how are you able to produce adaquate fruit?\n\nthen again there are those who talk the talk and walk the walk.  as best they can.  i think somewhere in the bible it says as far as preachers going n their being corrupt that we should follow their teachings and not their actions.
257768
If, by the word "homophobic", you mean, "one who is afraid of homosexuals", no, of course not. However, I do not approve of homosexuality, because it is runs against what Jehovah God, the universal soverign, approves of as natural. In God word at 1 Corinthians chapter six, verses nine and ten, "men who lie with men" are listed among those who will not inherit God's kingdom. Verse eleven then adds: "And yet that is what some of you were." This also runs counter to the common idea that homosexuals have no choice in their behavior.\n\nI hope that the difference betweeen disapproving of homosexuality and being homophobic are clear.
835267
why would a homosexual want to be a christian anyway. why would anybody try to fit into a place that doesn't want to accept them.
602440
Can a Church that doesn't accept both be a true Christian Church?  I don't believe so.\n\nThat's the nature of freedom of religion.\n\nChristian means Christ follower.\n\nSo find me what Christ said about homosexuality, you will find it was NOTHING.\n\nYou can find lots of things in the rest of the  Bible that condemn homosexuality.\n\nFor that matter you can also find God ordering genocides, accepting human sacrifice, sending animals to kill children because they call someone baldy, and causing cannibalism.  In short, the Bible is full of atrocities commanded, committed or permitted by God.  Likewise it is full of errors: historical, biological, chemical, and physical.\n\nChristianity is about following Jesus Christ, Lord of Love, Compassion, Mercy and Peace; not about following a bronze age book, compiled by desperate bishops at the Council of Carthage by vote.\n\nThe Bible is totally and completely incidental to Christianity.  Christians existed for hundreds of years before the bible and its canon were developed, despite the pathetic claims of the fundamentalists, who by their nature are both liars and false prophets.\n\nSo yes, Anglicanism can be a true Church, as can the United Church of Christ and others; but those who pursue hatred and falsehood on behalf of biblio-idolatry -- CANNOT.\n\nClear enough for you?\n\nRegards,\n\nReynolds Jones\nSchenectady, NY\nhttp://www.rebuff.org
1123532
I am not against homosexuals (gays or lesbians). I am against their sexual sins. There is no where in the Bible that condomes homosexual or beastiality relationships. God did not make men to have children together nor did he make women to have children by themselves.\n\nI know and love many people that are living a homosexual lifestyle. They know I do not condone their lifestyle but I will not turn my back on them as friends because they live in sin.\n\nI am hetero and far from perfect. I try not to sin either but I do. That's why I am thankful for the redeeming blood of the Cross and the forgiveness given me by God. \n\nI will not condemn a sinner because I could have been the condemned without my personal relationship with Jesus. (By the way, I have to ask for forgiveness almost every day for sins I commit).\n\nThe scripture says, "judge not unless you be judged for whatever judgement you meet out it shall be given you"
215080
This is an awesome question.   I can see the real reasons and the real backing of some of this...\n\nI am 100% straight.  I know what God has done to Gay and lesbian people who refused to repent and change.  You can not shield yourself from God with the Bible if you still decide to chose this lifestyle.  If you wish to live with Sodomny, then do so at your own peril.  There is a such thing as social standards.  This is ALSO what this country was created under.   If the people think that it is socially unacceptable to openly allow a gay lifestyle, then the rules will apply.   You seem to follow Lucifer's law and will force people to accept you and your lifestyle no matter what.\n\nThe one thing that I can not stand is Gay people telling me that it is just like any other sin and they will goto heaven.   I can not judge if and when you will goto heaven or hell, that is God's choice.  I can tell you that it is a sin and that NO sin can be allowed into heaven.  If you repent just before you die, them you might have a chance... If you chose to continue this lifestyle, or repent but do not change the SIN then your repentance ment nothing.\n\nI also do not like the fact I have to explain to my children why there are two men or women kissing.  It is an abomination and they should be aware that it is...  It isn't hate for me to tell them that, it is love, because I do not want them to goto hell for thinking that they can go gay.\n\nAnd yes, it is very very specific in the Bible.\n\nOh.. and for those who say it is not a choice that they are gay, BULL S*IT... It does have a lot to do with things that have happened in your up-bringing.  That is the way you chose to justify a gay relationship, and ignore what your past had brought you.