Is being gay a lifestyle choice?

[txgirl]

Does this count all sins? (We have, like, levels of sin. Little ones and big ones, that kind of thing.) Or just regular, little sins?

One of the biggest problems with trying to figure out what sin is the BIG ONE or the little one is that our perspective changes as we change. Whew! 15 years ago there were things that I thought were just fine and I know now that they just aren't! Well, if I was running a tally back then I would have thought I was doing pretty good but as you grow wiser and more humble you start to recognize the things in your life that should be changed. We (humans) will never make a very accurate assessment of sin because we use justification based on comparison to other human beings (not a high enough standard for God)

The only standard for Christians is Christ.

 

[MouseWorshipin]

Quoted someone who said most of us had probably never heard of "Lucy"...

I've heard of it. Contrary to what SOME PEOPLE (not you, some other people who shall remain nameless ) think, I took a class in Evolution, Selection, and Adaptation. I also took 2 Anatomy & Physiology classes, a Pathophysiology, a Microbiology, and a class about cells of various (emphasis on humans) animal cells. (I also visit Natural History museums from time to time.)

It goes: Australopithecus, H-o-m-o habilis, H-o-m-o erectus, H-o-m-o sapiens. Am I right there?

But, there isn't total agreement on exactly what we are. Are all Hominidae human, or is it just h-o-m-o, or is it strictly H-o-m-o sapiens?

Every college that teaches this stuff begins by "correcting" the "common misconception" that humans evolved from monkeys/apes.

The science guys could easily change their minds again, if they find new evidence. But as of now, that is what the biologists believe.

I am curious as to where you were taught otherwise.?

Then I had to post this:

Oh, my gosh! I'm getting all kinds of PMs. I meant Sylvester, who will darn well know it, if he sees it, and it was a JOKE! (well, it was 99% joke )
Sorry!!!!!
We are all One in Mickey!

So, blah. You can believe in evolution and God, the angels and saints.

 

[Sylvester McBean]

Every day is a good day for us "believers."

the difference is that 'we' have physical evidence. not another Aesop's fable or a boogeyman under the bed.

 

[L107ANGEL]

Every day is a good day for us "believers."

Ohh, that song was number one the day I was born! Day dream Believer by the Monkees!

 

[LukenDC]

Even if you say, no bible, no Jesus, no church I just can't help but wonder about the no God at all stance?

I was just having this debate with a friend of mine who is not religious, but believes in God. I define atheism by lack of a belief in a supernatural force that actively influences the lives of mankind. I do believe that the universe holds many mysteries and that scientific inquiry is the best means to discover and understand those mysteries. It is entirely possible that there is a more advanced life force in the universe, perhaps even one that brought life to this planet. But I regard such a life force as a part of nature, not supernatural. It is likely that you would get an entirely different definition from other atheists. Just as there are many different braches of Christianity, there are differing views on what it means to be an atheist.

My overall guiding philosophy is humanism. I believe that this life is precious and worth living and that what happens after death is inconsequential. The best way to achieve harmony on earth is through kindness, good works, and an attempt to foster understanding among various cultures. Religion is divisive and a waste of time. Unlike many humanists, I reject socialism and pacifism. I am a strong supporter of market economics and the concept of peace through strength.

 

[MouseWorshipin]

One of the biggest problems with trying to figure out what sin is the BIG ONE or the little one is that our perspective changes as we change. Whew! 15 years ago there were things that I thought were just fine and I know now that they just aren't! Well, if I was running a tally back then I would have thought I was doing pretty good but as you grow wiser and more humble you start to recognize the things in your life that should be changed. We (humans) will never make a very accurate assessment of sin because we use justification based on comparison to other human beings (not a high enough standard for God)

The only standard for Christians is Christ.

Children pretty much get a free ride until the second grade, then they are believed to be old enough to understand right and wrong. Still, their sins are little...lying about homework, calling names.

In the 8th grade, you accept your faith on your own terms. Not because your parents forced you to (supposedly, but I'd like to see the kid who said, "Nah, I don't think so.") At this point you are full-fledged and expected to know the rules, and follow them as well as you've been taught.

Adults: It is basically like the law. You've got "misdemeanor" type things -e.g. lying to get out of going to a wedding, wishing you had a bigger house. And "felony" type things - killing someone, doing you-know-what with your neighbors wife.

I get confused, too. I sat out communion today because I forgot it was Friday and ate McNuggets. I don't know yet if I committed a "sin" or not. I think I did, though. I should have remembered. But I'll have to check.

 

[Snow_White]

Do you have moments when you know there is something more? Your baby's newborn breath and the overwhelming- almost painful love you have for them when you see them for the first time?

Have you never laid eyes on something that was majestic in nature that took your breath away?

Even if you say, no bible, no Jesus, no church I just can't help but wonder about the no God at all stance?

I'd be the first to admit that I don't know it all. Sure, there MIGHT be a higher power out there....in my mind, this is unlikely, but I don't presume to know all of the secrets of the universe IMO, majesty in nature is a beautiful culmination of many things scientific. Painful love for a child comes as a result of knowing that your own body and your own DNA combined with the love of your life's DNA created such a perfect being....it's all science in my mind. Along the same lines, as much as I'd like heaven to be true (to me, the notion of God and heaven go hand in hand), I just don't believe it is. I believe life after death is the exact same thing as life before birth....nothing (unfortunately). The way I see it is that organized religion was created (by ordinary men, mind you) to help people deal with their everyday lives and deaths. If you look at it objectively, it's all VERY cult-like in a VERY scary way.

 

[Sylvester McBean]

My overall guiding philosophy is humanism. I believe that this life is precious and worth living and that what happens after death is inconsequential.

I agree. I don't have a label for what I believe. I guess it falls back to the 'golden rule'. if people are jerks or idiots to you, treat them respectively like jerks or idiots. I don't care what their age, religion, race, sexuality, etc. if someone offends you and your beliefs, you have a right to defend yours. unfortunately lately if you do it results in violence.

 

[MouseWorshipin]

If you look at it objectively, it's all VERY cult-like in a VERY scary way.

What is scary about it? You've got a bunch of people who are taught to love others and do good works, and they do their best to do that. That's not scary.

And they believe that something is responsible for our existence, that there is a purpose to life, as opposed to "nothing." Not scary, and doesn't affect anyone else.

And they believe that when they die, they'll be re-united with the people they loved who have died.

Where is the harm? What is so frightening about all that?

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

Ohh, that song was number one the day I was born! Day dream Believer by the Monkees!

I liked the Monkees, too.

 

[JennyMominRI]

.

. I believe that this life is precious and worth living and that what happens after death is inconsequential. The best way to achieve harmony on earth is through kindness, good works, and an attempt to foster understanding among various cultures. .

This is pretty much exactly what I believe..It's pretty much what Judaism teaches. There is no promise of an afterlife in Judaism,which is precisely why Jews state *to save one life is to save the world*

 

[MouseWorshipin]

I don't have a label for what I believe.

I have a label for what you believe...heathen!
(Joke!, Please don't send me nasty PMs, everyone!)

 

[MouseWorshipin]

This is pretty much exactly what I believe..It's pretty much what Judaism teaches. There is no promise of an afterlife in Judaism,which is precisely why Jews state *to save one life is to save the world*

Do Jews believe there is no heaven, or are they kind of on-the-fence about it?

 

[JennyMominRI]

Do Jews believe there is no heaven, or are they kind of on-the-fence about it?

It's not so much that they don't believe in one as that *it doesn't matter8..Life,and what you do with it,how you live it,that are most important..There are not set beliefs in the afterlife..Some believe in Heaven,some in ressurection,some in reincarnation,some in nothing at all..As Judaism focuses on life anything else is just a bonus,and is not a promise. ANd there is no concept of eternal damnation or the version of Christian Hell. Judaism believes that anyone who does their best to be a good human being (by following 7 basic noahide laws) has a place in the world to come..

 

[txgirl]

What is scary about it? You've got a bunch of people who are taught to love others and do good works, and they do their best to do that. That's not scary.

And they believe that something is responsible for our existence, that there is a purpose to life, as opposed to "nothing." Not scary, and doesn't affect anyone else.

And they believe that when they die, they'll be re-united with the people they loved who have died.

Where is the harm? What is so frightening about all that?

apart from cult-like religions that *require* you to do strange things in the name of God, I can't see why Christianity would be considered scary???

 

[Buckalew11]

apart from cult-like religions that *require* you to do strange things in the name of God, I can't see why Christianity would be considered scary???

Maybe just anything we aren't familiar with is "scarey". I think that is why many people will say negative things about g/l. They don't know anyone personally who is gay so they think the worst. I don't know what is scary about Christianity either.

I'm sure our beliefs sound strange and off the wall to many people. I mean you can't *see* God. Then you bring Christ into it all and I am sure it sounds crazy. I have read about others beliefs and thought, "that's a bit whacky"

 

[RickinNYC]

I'm pushing the envelope? God changes us based on His Word.

Many homosexuals have changed their ways. Nothing "insane" about it.

"Many" is not one person Joe.

I've said it before Joe and I'll say it again. Your choice to repress your own attractions through prayer and belief in God worked for you. It doesn't work for everyone. Trust me. If that were possible, hundreds of thousands of gay men and lesbians would likely have taken the same route you did with the level of success that you claim.

You might like to know that the APA (American Psychiatric Association) board voted unanimously to oppose the type of conversion therapy you subscribe to. They say that it could "reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient."

Additionally, isn't it absolutely fascinating that two of the founders of Exodus International (a national gay conversion organization that uses therapy and Christianity), Michael Bussee and Gary Cooper, left the organization after falling in love, and more than a dozen Christian ministries have closed down after their leaders reverted back to homosexuality. I can't help but be mildly amused.

But amused or not, I also can't help but be horrified and somewhat sympathetic towards men and women who have chosen to "live" a heterosexual lifestyel that is clearly not a part of their own nature. And I feel even more for the men and women who have married them.

For more info about the above see: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-19990301-000030.html

 

[nliedel]

You might like to know that the APA (American Psychiatric Association) board voted unanimously to oppose the type of conversion therapy you subscribe to. They say that it could "reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient."

I saw a movie once, you reminded me about it. There were two girls and they were sent to a place to have the "gay" removed, if that's a good way to put it. I cannot remember the name. It was a pretty avant garde film, supposed to be a dark comedy, but the whole thing just stuck with me. I remember them zapping one of the girls, aversion therapy.

I remember thinking at the time that there is great danger in repressing who we are.

 

[beckmrk04]

I saw a movie once, you reminded me about it. There were two girls and they were sent to a place to have the "gay" removed, if that's a good way to put it. I cannot remember the name. It was a pretty avant garde film, supposed to be a dark comedy, but the whole thing just stuck with me. I remember them zapping one of the girls, aversion therapy.

I remember thinking at the time that there is great danger in repressing who we are.

Was it "But I'm a Cheerleader"?

 

[RickinNYC]

I saw a movie once, you reminded me about it. There were two girls and they were sent to a place to have the "gay" removed, if that's a good way to put it. I cannot remember the name. It was a pretty avant garde film, supposed to be a dark comedy, but the whole thing just stuck with me. I remember them zapping one of the girls, aversion therapy.

I remember thinking at the time that there is great danger in repressing who we are.

That's the movie! "But I'm a cheerleader!"

It's a pretty funny movie!