RickinNYC said:
I've been lurking on this thread since the beginning because this is a topic I have always been fascinated with. All forms of religion are interesting to me, particularly of the Christian faith, most definitely the Born Again Christian ideologies. That said, I wish I could agree with you Albertamom but I don't. Although there are a number of Christian posters on this thread I do consider as DIS/'net friends, there are equally a number of others that have posted some incredibly shocking, hateful, downright offensive comments about homosexuality. They can't look beyone what they perceive as sin and not only hate the act, but the individual.
Of course I'm going to take those comments personally. I am gay, in a committed relationship with a man and I do not and will not apologize for it. I also happen to have a job in which I help fellow man every day. I try my best to live my life the best way I know how. In fact, the only real difference between me and some very devout people, is the one simple fact that I'm gay. And I've felt extremely unwelcome on threads like this.
I don't mean to start a debate on this thread at all. I'm just stating facts as I've seen them on the DIS. Some Christians, Born Again or not, are indeed welcoming and non-judgemental. Others, however, are the exact opposite.
Rick,
If I have ever stated anything or come across in a way as to make you feel unwelcome I apologize. For the most part I try to go to scripture in response to things. Don't want you to feel unwelcome here.
I admire you for not trying to start a debate on whether your lifestyle is right or wrong, in light of the spirit of this thread. My opinion is that no person deserves to be treated differently than any other.
Luke Chapter 7
36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.
37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
*** Like the Pharisee, sometimes we are too quick to judge or say things before we think about how they come across to the other party, sadly this does go both ways. Hope that you will continue to stay. Speaking for myself I also like to answer questions non-believers or those of other religions have. It gives me a chance to dig into God's word.......makes me want to work harder to memorize scripture and learn and understand God's word.....it helps me grow spiritually.
.
