What is your view of "gay churches?"?
347753
Lev.18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Lev.18:23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. Lev.18:24 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: \n\nLev.20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.\n\nAbomination (Hebrew, toebah) disgusting morally, an abhorrence.\n\nAbhorrence, a feeling of repugnance or loathing.\n\nDeut.23:17 There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel. Deut. 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.\n\nSodomite (Hebrew, qadesh) male prostitute, licentious, unclean.\nDog (Hebrew, keleb) male prostitute, (dog) position.\n\nJob 36:14 They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean. \n\nUnclean (Hebrew, qadesh) male prostitute, licentious.\n\nLicentious, lacking moral discipline especially in sekual conduct. \n\nRom.1:21 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. \n\nBecame vain (Greek, mataioo) foolish, morally wicked.\n\nRom.1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, \n\nBecame fools (Greek, moraino) literally were fooled by their perverted mind.\n\nRom.1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: \n\nUncleanness (Greek, akatharsia) impurity, physically or morally\n\nRom.1:26 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: \n\nVile affections (Greek, atimia) passions of infamy (disgrace).\n\nRom.1:27 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. \n\nUnseemly (Greek, aschemosune) indecency, shame.\n\nRom.1:28 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; \n\nReprobate (Greek, adokimos) rejected, worthless, castaway.\n  \nRom.1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. \n\nI Cor.6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  I Cor.6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. \n\nEffeminate, having qualities or characteristics more often associated with women than men.\n\nNor abusers of themselves with mankind (Greek, arsenokoites) sodomite.\n\nI Tim.1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;\n\nDefile themselves with mankind (Greek, arsenokoites) sodomite.
798287
I am told by gays that it is discrimination but it's not.  They think we hate them.  I don't know any Christian that hates them.  We believe the bible and the bible says they're life style is wrong, that no homosexual will inherit eternal life.  We all have our own sins we have to bring before the Lord.  It's no worse than any other sin.  But how can God forgive them of it and heal them if they insist it isn't sin?  If your attitude is loving even though you don't accept what they do, then you are right with God.  The rest isn't yours to deal with,  it's theirs.  God bless you for having such a kind heart.
621375
Look, all those "christians" are full of $hit because when I went to sunday school, I was taught that Jesus died for your sins.  That means that, should homosexuality be a sin, it is forgiven.  Also guess what, i'm gay and taken communion and also been baptized and through confirmation (lutheran).  That being said, some people will believe what the media will tell them.  That means that if the president constantly spams anti-gay propaganda on the news and in his addresses, then most of the public will agree... sorry to say but at least 20% of Americans have to be told what to think.  In the 90's how many people did you see actively voicing their opposition against homosexuality, aside from places like tennessee, and extreme rural closeminded "everyone knows everyone else so you best be on yo' best behavior" type communities?  Some people just aren't open to change, and others just like to make sure that they are happier than others, while there are those that like to MAKE DA.MN SURE that no one can be happier than they.  Then there are those unfortunate people that were brought up in those unhealthy prejudice households.  Those are also the people that are still stuck in the 60's in the black rights movement... Please... we've gotten past that.  You just have to realize that this is the civil rights movement of our time and that the gays will prevail, just because that's how America is.  Some of you won't like that comment, but just wait until you're much older... say thirty years from now and read about it in the history textbooks.  Other than that, I still love the people that hate me for being gay, and if I were to come across them when they were involved in a car accident I would still call 911 for them and offer any assistance that I could... I'm just nice like that.  I'll quit now before i get myself all worked up over the subject.
1025897
I was raised in a Christian home and for most of my life we attended a Methodist church. But when talk of endorsing gay ministers began to surface we began to question whether that's where we needed to be. The church my parents attend now is (I seldom go anymore) non-denominational. So the answer to your question would be - some Methodist's do believe in gay rights, some don't.
1171914
From a Bible believing, bible teaching church, absolutely.\n\nReason being, immorality must be judged. Homosexuality is immoral and not the fruit of salvation.  "Do not be decieved...homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Sprit of our God." (1 Cor 6) This sinful perversion is condemned always, in any form, by Scripture (Lv 18:22; 20:13; Ro 1:26,27; 1Ti 1:10).\n\n"I wrote to you not associate with any SO CALLED brother if he is an immoral person...not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judgeing outsiders? Do you not judge those who are WITHIN THE CHURCH? But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FORM AMONG YOURSELVES." (1 Corintians 5)\n\nPaul expected the Corinthians to disassociate with all who SAID THEY WERE CHRISTIANS, but has a consistent pattern of sin. The meal was a sign of acceptance and fellowship in those days. Paul never intended himself or the church to be judges of unbelievers outside the church, but to judge those inside. Those on the outside are for God to judge and believers to evangelize. Those who sin on the inside, the church is to PUT OUT.\n\nAccording to the Bible, those who are OUTSIDE are for God to judge and believers to evangelize.  Those who LIVE IN (and there's a big difference between "living" in homosexuality and "battling" the temptation of sexual immorality) sin on the INSIDE, the church is to PUT OUT.
432570
it's a sin, allright.\nbut in no aspect whatsoever that it is a greater sin.\nYou are right, judging people, liars, adulterers, thieves, gossippers, murderes, and so on are equal sinners as homosexuals (who practice the lifestyles).\n\nChurch who treates homosexuals badly are the misguided one.\nThey are basically the same like the pharisees during the  bible times.\n\nI believe if Jesus to walk the earth today, he would hang out in the midst of homosexuals (delivering them from bondage) -just like he walked in the past (among tax collectors, prostitutes, and so on).\n\nPerhaps, the reason why YOU are put in that kind of church is to testify Jesus' love by reminding them (the congregation and the pastors) the bible truth. That they should treated the homosexuals like human being.\nRemind them that they should hate the sins, not the sinners.
564313
I really do think that the churches have a lot to do with this one. There are many other things that are considered contradictory to church dogma and teachings, such as sex, sex education, m*sturbation, being gay, and so forth.\n\nThe church is most threatened by free thinkers that don't need an established religion or a set of fixed beliefs to be able to determine their own needs and/or appropraite responses to life.\n\nIf the church consistently says that something is bad, even if it's not true, doubts begin to creep in and people start to wonder if the church really knows what it's talking about, because the church is a recognized authority, even if in name or belief in it's authority only. There's an old saying that a lie repeated many times doesn't make it true, but people will likely believe it to be true if heard enough times. This is also the problem with urban legends and anecdotal evidence. It begins to be believed if repeated enough. This is how brain washing works.\n\nBeing liberal is in itself not a bad thing, but the church and other entities that have a stake in controlling the masses would have you to believe it to be so.\n\nRadical liberals and radical conservatives hurt their belief base because the authorities can use their attitudes and behaviors against them. They say- "See? That is what a radical liberal/conservative is like- what a nut case!" Conservatism and liberalism are useful for what they can contribute to society- the stabilizing effects of conservative beliefs, and the innovation of liberal beliefs that help us solve problems in new ways.\n\nToo much of anything can be, and most times, is a bad thing.\n\nAnd as for unpatriotic and/or UnAmerican- I dare someone to say that to my face. My family has a long and distinguished history of honorable service in the Armed Forces.\n\nI know all the words to the Star Spangled Banner and proudly place my hand over my heart and sing it whenever it is sung. I get VERY PISSED when I see someone sitting during the National Anthem. (And I still get goose-bumps and teary eyed when I hear it).\n\nI do not support communism- it doesn't work. Human nature will corrupt it every time. Nice idea, a little utopian, but capitalism keeps people honest- and it works.\n\nI understand America is not perfect, but it's the best game going, and for all it's imperfections, I still wouldn't want to live in any other country in the world. I LOVE AMERICA!\n\nIt's the liberals that insisted that there be a separation of church and state- if there weren't, our country could turn into an Afghanistan-style Taliban quickly, where it is against the law to be Christian, and the deat penalty awaits those who do convert to Christianity. The separation of church and state allows a person to worship the way they want, without state intervention.\n\n1st Amendment:\n\nThere shall be no law respecting an establishment of religion.\n\nEstablishment: 1) a business organization or public institution 2)any organized body permanently maintained 3) that which has been established\n\nAn establishent could be the Baptist church, and the Constitution will not allow a law favoring an establishment of a certain religion (that religion being the Baptists).
542642
Pwerhaps it's the lure of the pretty little chapel and all, maybe we need atheist wedding chapels in all cities these days. \n\nI don't mind where I wed my gay partner when we decide to go through with it, as it's only been an option since last December here in Britain ...we are not rushing into it all of a sudden just because civil marriage is suddenly available to us, now it's an option we can think about it.
362959
larrykeutner,\n\nYes, but God isn’t interested in changing or removing any particular sin. God gives a brand new life. \n\nI have no personal experience with homosexuality, but in my humble opinion, Sy Rogers is the best source of information on the subject and many other questions regarding Christians and sexuality.\n\nYou can easily find his website, and he or someone there will respond personally to your questions and concerns.\n\nSy was gay – and then some. He was 1 ½ years into the process of having a sex change at Johns-Hopkins medical center when he turned around. He had to live as a woman for 2 years before he could have the operation. (I’ve seen pictures of him during that time period, and he was a pretty good looking woman.) He told God to give Him a sign and the next day he heard on the radio that Johns-Hopkins was no longer going to do sex change operations because it was not a real fix for the deep-seated troubles that it was supposed to cure.\n\nHe has been married for over 25 years and has a daughter. He speaks to groups in churches or bars. He and his band were performing his music in a bar one time, and he asked if anyone would like to learn more about Jesus. About ½ the bar or 500 people went out into the parking lot to hear more. He is one of the boldest and most effective ministers of the gospel that I have ever heard, and I’ve been hearing them for over 50 years.\n\nI trust this helps.\n\nGod bless.\n\nlarrykeutner,\n\nOne of my best friends as I was growing up is gay. We have been friends for over 35 years.\n\nSy Roger’s good friends were the first 2 gays married in Hawaii. What started him thinking about leaving the homosexual lifestyle was when those 2 friends started reading their Bible while attending their gay church, and they decided that what they were doing was wrong. They told Sy the news, but it didn’t thrill him to say the least. That event was the impetus that caused him to question his desire to have the sex change operation.\n\nHe was so blessed to find a church where the men loved him and hugged him even though he still looked and dressed like a woman. (After all these years, Sy still has female mannerisms and sounds effeminate.) I pray that you will find that same kind of acceptance. \n\nThe real issue for all Christians is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. I don’t know you, Larry, but I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am to know you. I will never understand homosexuality without the requisite experience, but I know a lot about struggling with sin. If you like, I will tell you what has worked best for me. It is rather lengthy, but if you’re interested, I’ll send it to you.\n\nGod bless,\n\nTom
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
1145022
I feel that we are all created by God to be what we will be. God made homos just as he did heteros. And for those who don't believe that... me and my queens will be waiting to make you over at the pearly gates. I mean really , heaven without gays, I can't even imagine it. But I have a very liberal, lovey, touchy-feely, kind of view of God and Jesus. I don't buy the hell fire and brimstone talk. God is love. Jesus is love. (not gay love, not straight love, just love) I guess a lot of people out there say I can't be christian because I don't believe gays are going to hell. Well, I have a limited amount of space to argue that suffice it to say I disagree.
294006
I'm pro but it's interesting to see that some gay are driven towards a "bourgeois" lifestyle when themselves say they are opposed to conventions.\nWHat we have in France with the PACS (the alliance between two people) is a good option because Pacs'ed people, whether they are gay or heterosexuals can share their lives, their taxes, have children and inherit the goods of the other person.
1174446
I'm perfectly fine with the idea of gay marriage. Perhaps those against gay marriage just done want to be outdone by spectacularily fab weddings that are sure to be the result of gay weddings. On the downside, if gay weddings would be lavish, tastefull affairs can you imagine how nasty a gay divorce would be! Yes, I am being silly, but in all seriousness I think that whoever wants to get married should be able to.
196185
Yeah, they have women preachers and gay preachers, both of which are against the Bible.  Open hearts, open minds, open doors, and open disregard for the Biblical teachings.
737155
I'm not Christian and I don't look to the bible for approval. \n\nFirst love, well love is love, your the one adding gender and sexuality to the equation. Whether it's between a man and woman or a man and a man, love is the most beautiful thing this world has to offer.\n\nSome of the best parents I've known were gay who had adopted children whose real parents didn't want them and giving them a home and a family. Just because they aren't adding to an already overpopulated planet doesn't mean that they aren't contributing, quite the opposite actually. \n\nNow to address marriage, well that's you crazy fundamentalists denying gays rights. Not our fault.
281980
For me personally, this is not a question that I can answer yes or no to. I like to think I know enough about Christianity to realize that the term includes people with a wide range of philosophies. I have a few gay friends that have continued to maintain Christianity as an important part of their lives, but the majority have rejected it completely because of the hatred that seems to be dished out so frequently in the name of the religion. I don't reject the idea of looking at the world the way Christ did and trying to live one's life by his example. The reality is, however, that many Christians seem to me to miss that concept completely and use the Bible more as a means to justify their own ignorance and hatred. This I reject. I get very frustrated when people use religion as an excuse to turn off their brains, and see the world as black and white with blinders on, believing that they have all the answers. \n\nBelow is a ranting answer I wrote to another question, that I hope gives you some insight into my experience, and likely others like me.\n\nI am gay. I was a good little Christian boy, that didn't even know that boys could be attracted to other boys when I began to have feelings for them. The farther I got into puberty the clearer it became that I had an attraction to males and felt nothing for females. It was the worst thing I can imagine ever going through. I hated myself because I thought God was going to hate me for the way I was feeling. For years I would cry myself to sleep after begging Jesus to help me change. I would have done anything to change. I just got more and more depressed and started to think about suicide all the time. All day every day I would worry about how I acted, because I didn't want to do something that might seem "gay". I convinced myself that I was just going through a phase, because despite my feelings, I didn't think I could possibly be one of those fags that everyone seemed to hate so much. Then when I was 16 and just didn't think I could go on living with the pain , fear and sadness anymore i had a realization that saved my life. I realized that if God knows every thing and he knows what's in my thoughts and in my heart then he knows I didn't choose this, and he has known how sincerely I wanted to be "normal". He knows that to me this felt normal. He is the one I have to answer to and no one else, and I don't have to worry that he will think I brought this on myself.\nI cant think of a single reason why a person would decide to be gay. Our society makes it so hard to be accepted and to live a normal life, that for it to be a choice makes no sense at all. I don't know if its genetic, or something that happens during development, or what exactly is the cause, but if there is anything I know it's that certainly for me, and the great majority of gay people in the world, IT IS NOT A CHOICE AND CANNOT BE CHANGED!\n\nTime and time and time again I hear these self proclaimed "Good Christians" preach about sin, and turning to Jesus to repent, and quoting from Leviticus, insisting that it's a choice, and it just sickens and infuriates me.\nHave you read Leviticus? The whole thing I mean. Not just the part about men lying with men, but the pages and pages about animal sacrifices, the parts about what clothes to wear, and what foods to eat, and everything else. No Christian lives by Leviticus anymore, but when it serves their purpose they will pick out parts to impose on others to live by. If homosexuality is such an unacceptable thing, such an abomination, then why is there nothing in the Bible about the subject that comes from Jesus himself? If all sins are equal in the eyes of God, and we're all sinners, then why is the sin of homosexuality so much MORE equal to "loving" Christians today?\nPeople may as well accept that we cannot change, we will not change. Just worry about yourselves,and let us worry abou
408686
How open are you?\n\nI mean, because Oklahoma City has extremely conservative and extremely liberal churches (both extremes). There are a lot of churches!\n\nThere is the Church of the Open Arms which is part of the United Church of Christ (the one's with the media campaign that says "God doesn't turn away people, neither do we. God is still speaking"). It's located on NW Classen. It is a gay friendly church (just so you know since the denomination allows churches to choose to be "welcoming" as they put it). There is also the Cathedral of Hope, but that's very much a gay church.\n\nSome of the churches downtown are really good and have outreaches. There is two on either side of the Memorial downtown (one right across the street...the other down the street). Not sure if they are denominational or not. But I know they are usually fairly active.\n\nThe City Church is nondenominational. It's downtown. You can't miss it, the building looks like a Cathedral....or like the State Capitol building. If you take the exit off of I-235 towards St. Anthony's Hospital you will pass it. I don't know how active it is, but I know it is has been a church in OKC for a long time.\n\nOklahoma City is rich in spirituality and no matter what religion you are looking for, there is probably some place for you to gather together with others. There are mosques, synagogues, churches, cathedrals, basilicas, mandirs, gurdwaras, and so much more. \n\nThe church section of the Fiest phone book is really good. It lists a lot of churches. The Buyer's Guide which is mailed out free every week to everyone in the metro area is also a good source for looking into churches. The Daily Oklahoman also tries to list churches. The Gayly Oklahoman lists gay friendly churches (if you are looking for something that liberal).\n\nAs I have told my Christian friends before that have moved to OKC...the best way to find a church is to visit a church. Go for about two or three visits and then switch and try another church for two or three visits. Make sure you both write down what it is you are looking for in a church. Make a list. Then rate the churches on a scale that you create (1-2-3 is usually a good scale 1 being that you closely matched what you would like in a church 2 being neutral: that you don't know if it matches or not and 3 being that it didn't match up). Make sure that you put stars next to what are considered "top priorities" then at the end of the three visits, add up the total score for the church. Make sure you give an extra point for each of the stars that get a 1, do nothing if those with the stars get a 2, and take away a point if it gets a 3...when calculating up the total score). It sounds really silly at first, but it can be very helpful and makes it easy to know how you rated the churches you visited. It works not just in Oklahoma City, but anywhere. It has always helped my Christian friends find the best church for them in the areas they live.\n\nI know about all of this because I have friends of a wide variety of religions: Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, etc. I'm a Hindu and love visiting the Hindu Temple (mandir) of OKC. Visiting all the many houses of worship with them definately lets me know what's available. There are even Orthodox and Unitarian-Universalist churches in OKC. So there is definately something for just about everyone!\n\nGood luck with your search. \n\nFor the record, most of the places I named do have websites if you wanted to visit them. Just do a search for their name (make sure to put the words Oklahoma City otherwise you might get a website for churches with similar names should they exist: Cathedral of Hope for example originates in Dallas so if you don't put Oklahoma City you get the Dallas website).