Sins in church

[tempter]

The idea that gay people shouldn't be allowed to attend certain services in certain churches is somewhat popular. The reasoning seems to be that they are living a "sinful lifestyle". If that's true, should the same churches not allow unmarried co-habituating couples attend?
What about couples that routinely get drink on the weekends?

The point is this: If a "sinful" lifestyle prohibits certain individuals from being admitted into certain churches, what's the point of the church at all?

[Awoon]

Originally Posted by tempter

The idea that gay people shouldn't be allowed to attend certain services in certain churches is somewhat popular. The reasoning seems to be that they are living a "sinful lifestyle". If that's true, should the same churches not allow unmarried co-habituating couples attend?
What about couples that routinely get drink on the weekends?

The point is this: If a "sinful" lifestyle prohibits certain individuals from being admitted into certain churches, what's the point of the church at all?

The point of any church is to gather believers of likeminds. Then they are the chosen ones or insiders.

Non believers of church likeminds are the not chosen ones or outsiders.

[sojourner]

Originally Posted by tempter

The idea that gay people shouldn't be allowed to attend certain services in certain churches is somewhat popular. The reasoning seems to be that they are living a "sinful lifestyle". If that's true, should the same churches not allow unmarried co-habituating couples attend?
What about couples that routinely get drink on the weekends?

The point is this: If a "sinful" lifestyle prohibits certain individuals from being admitted into certain churches, what's the point of the church at all?

I thought Jesus came to heal the sick -- not to turn them away...

(Not that homosexuality is a sickness; these gatekeepers tend to think it is...)

[BBTimeless]

Originally Posted by tempter

The idea that gay people shouldn't be allowed to attend certain services in certain churches is somewhat popular. The reasoning seems to be that they are living a "sinful lifestyle". If that's true, should the same churches not allow unmarried co-habituating couples attend?
What about couples that routinely get drink on the weekends?

The point is this: If a "sinful" lifestyle prohibits certain individuals from being admitted into certain churches, what's the point of the church at all?

It is another example of the nonsense that right wing churches use to make their congregation more exclusive. It is all hateful crap and I refuse to take part in any community that excludes people in such a way.

[tempter]

Originally Posted by sojourner

I thought Jesus came to heal the sick -- not to turn them away...

(Not that homosexuality is a sickness; these gatekeepers tend to think it is...)

Not everyone seems to accept that.
I once attended a church whose elders turned away children because they were physically dirty.

[tempter]

Originally Posted by BBTimeless

It is another example of the nonsense that right wing churches use to make their congregation more exclusive. It is all hateful crap and I refuse to take part in any community that excludes people in such a way.

Well said!!

[BSM1]

and how about people that eat shrimp, or lobster, or catfish?

[InChrist]

Originally Posted by tempter

The idea that gay people shouldn't be allowed to attend certain services in certain churches is somewhat popular. The reasoning seems to be that they are living a "sinful lifestyle". If that's true, should the same churches not allow unmarried co-habituating couples attend?

Unmarried couples or those involved in adultery should also be excluded.

What about couples that routinely get drink on the weekends?

They should be excluded, too.

The point is this: If a "sinful" lifestyle prohibits certain individuals from being admitted into certain churches, what's the point of the church at all?

[/quote]

To be consistent and non-hypocritical anyone who is habitually choosing to participate in sin should be asked not to attend a gathering of believers.

[tempter]

Originally Posted by InChrist

Unmarried couples or those involved in adultery should also be excluded.

They should be excluded, too.

To be consistent and non-hypocritical anyone who is habitually choosing to participate in sin should be asked not to attend a gathering of believers.[/quote]

As would be anyone with a thinking brain it would seem

[DreadFish]

If those who are engaged in "sin" are not allowed to be members of a church community, how are they supposed to be helped out of their "sinful" activities?