What do you think about Religion v.s. Homosexuality?
400130
I personally think the too don't mix well....\n\nI dont think there is anything wrong with being gay, but there isnt much room for homosexuality in religion. Technically, being gay is a sin, but we are all sinners....
475565
I reckon you're wrong. I have been a Christian all my life and would rather eat a cow turd than think homosexual thoughts.
977681
Wow, I think there's some misunderstanding here....First of all, I'm straight, and I'm Catholic (practicing), and no, I do not hate homosexuals (oh and BTW I agree with that guy who answered before: homo is short for homosexual; although it can be used in a derogatory (sp?) fashion, I don't think that's the case in the asker's post).  In fact, I love homosexuals, just as I love heterosexuals, because they are children of God.  That doesn't mean I don't think they're misguided.  Does that mean I'm prejudiced?  No.  It means I think they're wrong.  As for the demon comment, I'm pretty sure the asker meant it in the way you'd say "battling your inner demons;" I don't think he meant literal demons.  I agree with the asker on some things, although I wish he'd phrased other things better.  I think it's undeniable that homosexuality has a much greater focus on outward/physical aspects than normal heterosexuality (when I say normal, I mean I'm discounting things like prostitution, etc., even if they are technically heterosexual.).  I think that many homosexual people (note the use of the word: MANY, not ALL) take an overly defensive attitude toward certain ethical viewpoints, most notably Christianity.  Of course, some people have experienced hatred or at least strong dislike for their sexual practices, but I think that's actually the minority of cases.  It only makes sense that the relatively few instances of discrimination are emphasized by the proponents of homosexuality.  That's natural for anybody to do about something they believe.  But it doesn't mean that all gays are hateful toward Christians or all Christians are hateful toward gays.  As for the rest of the asker's post about the musical instruments and "churchy homos," well to be quite honest, I kind of lost him at that point.  It's not exactly...easy to follow.\n\nOne of the most annoying things I hear nearly every day (yes, I do personally know some gay people, btw) is how it's so wrong for people to "force their morals on other people."  I heard this especially during the days leading up to a Nov. 6 (I live in Wisconsin, where a state constitutional amendment was passed defining marriage as btwn one man and one woman, and that no similar status would be granted to any other group.).  Now, that doesn't mean there aren't ways around this--people can technically get "civil unions," and what isn't accorded the same status as marriage can be quite easily fixed by other means (for example, simply naming the homosexual partner as the beneficiary of your will; it just takes a little more work.  Anyways, it bothered me to hear that because whenever you vote, you're "forcing your morals on other people."  You vote based on your beliefs regarding ethics and morals (most people do anyway), and by voting, you're partaking in a process which will constitute the law for a certain area; hence you are helping to force a certain moral code on certain people.\n\nAnyways, I hope that's not too rambling...In short, yes I bet some gays could say that a Christian (or non-Christian, for that matter) has demonstrated hatred or unkindness toward them based on their sexual lifestyle.  That isn't a Christian act, which is unfortunate--so many Christians are Christian in name only.  Does that mean I think gays ought never to be criticized?  No.  Do I think that their depiction of and view regarding sex is false?  Yes.  There, simple.  No hateful words, no claims of "judging," nothing but simple statements of moral belief and hope that we can cause a change in society's depiction of sex, to make it less about personal pleasure and more about self-giving love, which it ultimately is.\n\nLater all, try not to get too riled about these posts--you've gotta know that some people post just for the heck of ticking other pe
525647
studies have shown that people are born with a sexual preference they dont choose it.  if God didnt want to have gay people then there wouldnt be any.  i am straight but i dont think there is anything wrong with being gay.
228056
Right on, brother! I'm with you all the way. That's the last thing Jesus would do, especially knowing that he purposely created that problem on earth for both gay and non-gay people to deal with. No pain, no gain. If you can be gay and make it through life following the good rather than evil in your heart, congratulations! In my opinion you've made it to heaven. The same holds true for non-gays when it comes to following the good in their hearts.\n\nPS,  I believe there is at least some genetic (gene) component that predisposes most gays to their attraction to the same sex. If so, who but God gave it to them?
971430
I think its been established that homosexuality is not a choice.  If it was, you wouldn't have gay guys committing suicide because they can't reconcile their religious beliefs with their sexual orientation.
760513
Usually I prefer not to make generalities, but this question sort of requires one.  I prefer to consider *people* on a case by case basis.\n\nI think Christianity, in and of itself, is a nice way of living a life, no better nor worse than most other paths.\n\nI admit I wish that more Christians were actually "Christ-like" in that they could be more peaceful and less judgmental.\n\nAnd I have problems with bigotry against homosexuals being mandated by a faith.\n\nI also wish some Christians could admit that they believe what they do based on *faith* and not insist it is *fact*.  \n\nHowever, by and large, it's okay with me.  Not that my approval matters!  : )\n\nThanks for asking -- think that's the first time I ever saw it asked.
1064859
Very aptly put of the "Some" in "some Christians...", anyway here goes:\n\nChristianity in its religious sense, not the faith, places homosexuality as a challenge to the individual, however unfair it may sound, to right him/herself. It is a challenge of faith. So yes, the religion is a challenge of faith. These are called facticities of life, something which has to be placed in order for human beings to exercise their god given free will. Otherwise, it was never free will if you were just spoonfed of a perfect world with no imperfections to right.\n\nAnd about homosexuality per se, Christianity does tolerate it, but what it does not tolerate is it's propagation or in more politically correct statement: It tolerates but discourages homosexuality.\n\nAlthough there is already a clear boundary between the law and the faith/church/religion, it is only a human right to express oneself, is that not correct? which also means if we have to talk about human rights:\n\nAs you  are free express your homosexuality so is the individuals and the representations of these christian indiviuals as a group or a religion to EXPRESS themselves against it. So long as it is both not trampling the human rights of the other, then it would be safe to say that the arguments are fair for both sides. How the government legislation acts based on these arguments is theirs(Your government) and not the fault of the church.\n\nScientifically, this is just basically a basis for the basic laws of evolution; survival. Homosexuality demotes reproduction. But that is not to say transexuality is the way to go. Remember that our DNAs must not be tampered with ARTIFICIALLY. You are playing god with our genetics if you did that. You could potentially wipe out the human race with that kind of bickering going around.\n\nI don't know about you, but I would never want that much weight on my conscience. Just think about it a while. Come on, there are also great lookers and nice people on the other side of the sexual divide, you never know, right?\n\nJust a thought.
1123784
I am Mormon which of course is a very strict religion. Regardless of what they tell me is wrong I have to believe that if God did not want there to be homosexuals in this world then the idea would never have been placed in anyone's head. God has total control as he made this world. If it is totally unacceptable then why do these things exist. We are taught not to judge as we will be judged later. If we treat those people unjustly just becasue of sexual preference then God will judge us harshly for breaking his rules. Homosexuals and Every other person in this world has the right to follow and obey God's commandments so why should they not be allowed in a church.
228473
I believe that we all go to Heaven sooner or later. i don't believe that being gay is a sin in and of itself. Being gay is NOT an abomination. It's who a person is. (example) I'm attracted to dark haired men. Blonds just don't do it for me. Gay people are attracted to what they're attracted to.. what's the difference? No one ever says anything about my sexual likes and dislikes. And God loves everyone. no matter where you are.
1114555
Don't listen to those dumb bigots.  Not all religions or even all Christian denominations believe being gay is a sin.  After all, as long as you are following your true nature it shouldn't matter since God made you that way.\nThe whole "being gay is evil" thing is, as far as I can tell, based solely on ONE passage from a part of the Bible that is full of rules we don't follow anymore.  The truth is that the religion is just an excuse to be intolerant; the real reason is that people are afraid of those who are different from them.\n\nOh, and another note: can you believe these people??  Some of them I have to shake my head and go, Are they for real? because they're so ridiculous.  As someone else noted, we're all sinners, and as most religions agree all sins are equal so it shouldn't matter, they're just as much a sinner as you.  Besides, it's no one's place to judge except for God.
967875
Joanna,\nYou ask a genuinely thoughtful and, I think, respectful question.  You deserve a likewise, respectful answer.  I don't know your age, so I can't determine how much experience you may have talking about or hearing different views on the subject of   people's sexual orientation.  I've had many years of listening to the rantings of religious conservatives (granted, usually through the media) who have at various times claimed that: gays deserved AIDS as it is God's punishment for immoral behavior; gays and lesbians should not be allowed to teach school, providing a negative role model for kids; homosexuality is sinfully perverted, no different than pedophilia, or any number of other criminal behaviors; public signs of affection between same sex partners is somehow more disgusting and socially aberrant than straight PDA's; etc, etc, etc, etc, ad nauseum.\n\nIf gay people and those who know, love and support them and their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness have a hard time having a "talk" with religious conservatives (Christian or otherwise) it may be because there often seems to be a condescending, 'holier than thou' attitude to these discussions.  We're told that "I love homosexuals, but hate their lifestyle", or "God made us all equal, but we must overcome our urges to sin"!  Ugh, it's depressing, frustrating and frankly insulting coming from someone who isn't gay and hasn't lived through the threats, intimidation and sometimes physical violence perpetrated on gay people.\n\nWe sometimes feel like the 'last acceptable minority' to single out to disparage and scapegoat.  Sorry, Joanna, but you asked the question, and I want you to know the answer from my perspective.  I'm a spiritual person, who believes deeply in my connection to God, the divine, and it's awfully offensive to have to hear people with no greater moral compass than I, and often I think, much less, offer pronouncements on my soul's fate.\n\nThat you've "never heard anyone say 'I HATE gays'...", doesn't sound very convincing to me, I'm afraid.  It does speak volumes about 'how' we hear what we hear, and what we 'want' to hear at times.  Trust me, it's being said, in many ways subtle, sometimes with sweet, sweet kind tones.....but make no mistake about it, the intention IS there.\n\nI wish we could have had this discussion in person; I certainly don't mean to offend you, and I hope I don't come across that way, but I do emphatically want to stress that when you, or anyone talks to a gay person about their life, lifestyle, etc. you are treading on something so fundamental, so private, and so much about who they are as a person, that you can't help but stir their deepest feelings.
678662
some people say that christianity is against homosexuality but honestly i dont know.im a true believer(in God) and i hope im not contradicting the bible. this is my opinion: i dont think people should be made to feel bad because of their sexuality.its up to u to decide if u are strong enough to stand up for yo gay self.if not then do go for counselling and maybe u can find the cause of your problem(thats if uve decided its a problem).who are we to judge people, as far as im concerned if the bible says its wrong then seek treatment, if not and if ur religion allows it then accept yourself bcoz people usually only accept someone who is able to accept himself.
1043452
I am a Christian, and I do support gays.\n\n**I'm not exactly a "traditional Christian". I don't usually call myself a Christian, but I believe in God and Jesus and all the good shiznit.
129256
Its perfectly OK. C'mon people we are living in the 21st century now.\n\nAnd for all those, who use Bible as a weapon against homosexual desires, I'd like to tell you that its not Jesus himself that wrote it. How can you gaurantee that whosoever wrote it, did not misinterpret Jesus. \n\nIts only the "personal interpretations" of the homophobics that make it against it. Even rayburnlarry above has cited a "version" of Bible, while going against same sex love.\n\nJesus, the messiah always promoted love, understanding and accepting those who might be different from us.\n\nNothing makes God, the Jesus more happier than seeing Love rather than hatred and selfishness.
1073996
Just curious: If I gave you two studies without showing you who did them, would you be able to distinguish the "pseudo-religious studies that don't pass statistical muster" from the ones you claim you'd consider valid?\n\nPersonally, I think there's a lot of political baggage that is clouding the issue for both pro-gay and anti-gay people. The only way to sort through it is to be able to review both sides and take each study on its own merits.\n\nAs a generalization, I know that Dean Hamer and Simon LeVay (?), both probably the most famous homosexuals with research credentials, have both gone on record stating that psychosocial factors are partly involved and that at least half of the condition is not inherited. \n\nAnd they were never able to concretely locate a root biological source, although they found some interesting (but small) anomolies in brain structure that might or might not have bearing on homosexuality.\n\nJust the fact that there's a higher incidence of homosexuality in identical twins -- but only about 50% -- suggests that there are both biological AND environment/social components... which is what I certainly would expect.\n\nI'm not sure why people keep insisting that everything is genetic... and why that should either validate/invalidate the orientation. \n\nPeople seem more interested in justifying their political/religious viewpoint (either direction) rather than actually understanding the cause(s) of homosexuality.
478327
I'm an atheist.\n\nNo. My parents raised me Catholic.\n\nI believe strongly that I'll have another beer.\n\nYes, people can be ignorant.\n\nYes, I am ignorant of almost everything.  My knowledge represents an infinitesimal portion of all possible knowledge.\n\nNo.  I see no difference between homosexuals and heterosexuals other than there sexuality, which is none of my business.\n\nI don't like religion.  I think they are all stupid, but monotheism poses the greatest political threat to me at this point of history.\n\nMy remorse/sympathy/empathy, is independent of religious beliefs.  I really could care less what people believe as long as those beliefs do not threaten me.  If they do, then let the fu*kers die.