How should the Christian Church treat homosexuals?

[Walkntune]

I was not aware that he screened the multitudes before he preached to them.

Are you familiar with the gospels?

 

[waitasec]

I'm merely saying, gays effect other peoples lives, is that equality...

so you think you affecting theirs is your right?
how are they affecting your rights?
we know you are not to be watching TV because TV is of the world and subjected to capitalism...you know, thou shall not covet. those pesky commercials sure are a real pain in the arse...

 

[Me Myself]

I'm merely saying, gays effect other peoples lives, is that equality...

Yes...

 

[waitasec]

if actually watching gays on tv making out made me nauseous would that be delusional or real...??

what are you doing watching something like that?

 

[waitasec]

just because someone broke the rules it does not mean all the rules were broken...

as your god condoned the beating of slaves within an inch of their lives...

 

[Walkntune]

well that would never work because as we said before pedophiles undermine, harm and subject innocent children, homosexuality does no such thing to anyone...so what is your point exactly?

It is a harmful lifestyle and therefor does harm and subject innocent children when pushed in schools and taught otherwise.

 

[Walkntune]

I completely agree. You should not be forced to watch that kind of thing on tv. I think you should have the right to turn the tv off, unplug it, and even remove it from your home if you choose to.


At the moment I don’t even have a tv, and so far no one has tried to force one upon me.

If they could force you to watch the garbage on there I am sure they would!

 

[Me Myself]

if actually watching gays on tv making out made me nauseous would that be delusional or real...??

What kind of horribly monstrous gay people dared tie you up in a chair with a TV in front of you and the remote too far out of reach while those kind of ungodly programs were on?

If you only had had eyelids to close!

 

[Me Myself]

If they could force you to watch the garbage on there I am sure they would!

I know a lot of gay people who would disagree with you.

ANd by that I mean every gay I know

 

[Quagmire]

"How should the Christian Church treat homosexuals?"

I don't think the church should treat homosexuals. I think if the church and homosexuals go out to lunch together, everybody should pay their own tab.

 

[waitasec]

It is a harmful lifestyle and therefor does harm and subject innocent children when pushed in schools and taught otherwise.

and how is any other life style not as harmful...?
you cannot set it apart from everything else.
have you considered why suicide rates are high among teens...
because of people like you making them feel like they are scum for feeling something that comes to them naturally.

have you considered why so many partners...?
because they have been forced to live in the closet

have you considered the bible belt is the STD capital of the US
along with obesity, divorce and teen pregnancy.


get off your high horse and show some compassion
where is the meek and humble servant christ asked for?

 

[Walkntune]

I know a lot of gay people who would disagree with you.

ANd by that I mean every gay I know

Sorry wasn't speaking about gays but about the political crap and negativity to keep society suppressed in fear!
And the millions of drug commercials!

 

[Vasiel]

Wouldn't even have anything to do with religion.It is an unhealthy lifestyle and its extremely selfish to push this lifestyle into society ,in the schools and on our children for selfish justification and political correctness.You want to argue about pushing a Christian agenda yet want to be selfish enough to push unhealthy risky behaviors on children in the schools.
There are those who argue not all gays have anal sex . Not everyone speeds either but we still need laws controlling speed limits. The truth is most do and there are other health risk factors as well.
.
Health and behavioral issues


Many homosexuals recognize the norm of a long-term relationship with one partner. Nevertheless, taken as a whole, the homosexual population includes a large percentage whose sexual behavior is aberrant by any standards. The health consequences of promiscuous homosexuality are tragic. In comparison to ordinary heterosexual lifestyles, homosexuals vary on a number of measures including the following:

• The average homosexual male has 50 different partners in his lifetime, compared to six for the average heterosexual. These numbers are higher among those living in urban centers. The Kinsey Institute published a study of homosexual males living in San Francisco which reported that 43 percent had sex with 500 or more partners; 28 percent had sex with 1000 or more partners; and 79 percent said that over half of their sex partners were strangers.[9]
• McWhirter and Mattison, both therapists who are homosexual, conducted a survey of 156 male couples. As reported in their book, The Male Couple, they found that 95 percent of the couples were unfaithful, and the five percent that were faithful had been together five or fewer years. In contrast, surveys of heterosexual couples conducted in the 1990s show rates of infidelity ranging from four percent in a given year, 6.4 percent over a five-year period and 15-17 percent over the life of the marriage.[10] These results are opposite to the 95 percent of unfaithful homosexual couples. McWhirter and Mattison themselves stated, “The expectation for outside sexual activity was the rule for male couples and the exception for heterosexuals.”[11]
• Some homosexual sexual practices are inherently risky, notably anal sex. The skin inside the anus is highly susceptible to tearing, which can create openings for viruses and bacteria to enter the body.
• A report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Task Force on Youth Suicide in 1989 revealed that one-third of all teenage suicides are committed by those who suffer from homosexual problems. This is an extremely high percentage considering that only 1 to 3 percent of the population is homosexual. It was, however, noted that this increased risk of suicide might be attributable at least in part to a "hostile and condemning environment, verbal and physical abuse, rejection and isolation from family and peers".[12] Homosexual men are six times more likely to have attempted suicide than heterosexual men.[13]
• The United States and several European countries prohibit men who have sex with men from donating blood "because they are, as a group, at increased risk for HIV, hepatitis B and certain other infections that can be transmitted by transfusion."[14]

The medical problems associated with homosexuality are well-known in the gay community. The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association warns gay men about the following:[15]

1. HIV/AIDS, Safe Sex: That men who have sex with men are at an increased risk of HIV infection is well known, but the effectiveness of safe sex in reducing the rate of HIV infection is one of the gay community’s great success stories.
2. Substance Abuse: Gay men abuse substances at a higher rate than the general population, and not just in larger communities such as New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
3. Depression/Anxiety: Depression and anxiety appear to affect gay men at a higher rate than in the general population.
4. Hepatitis Immunization: Men who have sex with men are at an increased risk of sexually transmitted hepatitis.
5. STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)s occur in sexually active gay men at a high rate.
6. Prostate, Testicular, and Colon Cancer: The cultural sensitivities of gay men may lead them not to avail themselves of recommended screenings, thus putting them at higher risk of death by prostate, testicular, or colon cancer.
7. Alcohol: It is thought that gay men have higher rates of alcohol dependence and abuse than straight men.
8. Tobacco: It appears that gay men use tobacco at much higher rates than straight men, reaching nearly 50 percent in several studies. Tobacco-related health problems include lung disease and lung cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and a whole host of other serious problems.
9. Fitness (Diet and Exercise): Problems with body image are more common among gay men than their straight counterparts. This results in a higher prevalence in gay men of eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa. Others overdo exercise and abuse of substances such as anabolic steroids. At the opposite end of the spectrum, overweight and obesity are problems that also affect a large subset of the gay community.
10. Anal Papilloma: Of all the sexually transmitted infections gay men are at risk for, human papilloma virus—which cause anal and genital warts—is often thought to be little more than an unsightly inconvenience. However, these infections may play a role in the increased rates of anal cancers in gay men.

Note: Any claims about STD's can be also put back on Heterosexuals as well. Also, the Alcoholism/Depression issue, whilst valid, can often be linked back to the fact that Homosexuals are persecuted in society.

So in order to find acceptance, they seek out sources of comfort, often at clubs and what-not because the Heterosexual Community treats them as less-than human. I admit that people should try and take responsibility for their psychological/emotional well-being. But on the other hand, Society also has a large part to play in all of the above negative issues.

Ignorance on behalf of the Heterosexual Community, and yes in a large part the Homosexual Community, have led to each of the above factors. We each have to take individual and social responsibility for what has been happening.

Maybe if the media wasn't so Homophobic, such issues as HIV/Aids, Depression, Alcoholism and other STD's could be addressed more directly (within the Homosexual and Heterosexual Communities Equally), rather then focusing on only the Straight Community?

Many attempts from the Gay Community to air educational programs on television or in newspapers has been opposed vehemently by conservatives. Meaning that whilst the Heterosexual Community gets addressed, the Homosexual Community gets ignored, as always.

Then when we start standing up for our equality you pull the above statistics out of your pockets. Perhaps many of these issues would be addressed more thoroughly if we worked together and stopped allowing differences to get in the way of the betterment of the wider community?

Even with all the above statistics flying around... how exactly do these things impact you personally? Unless you are gay, chances are you won't get infected by a gay man. Depression in the Gay Community is largely upon the shoulders of ignorant bigots in the Heterosexual Community.

LGBTIQ youth especially have a hard time dealing with bullying that conservatives encourage, or at the very least enable, to happen. Society, in all forms of media and advertising place Heterosexuality above Homosexuality and then you have the gall to tell us to grow a back-bone?

"Walk a mile in my shoes" is the greatest advice I would give in this situation.

Perhaps it's time that the Heterosexual Community, certainly Conservative Christianity stops trying to pass the buck and actually accept the fact that yes, they have played a part in the negativities within the LGBTIQ Community?

Again, people do need to take responsibility for their individual actions. But Society as a whole cannot turn a blind eye on the part that they played in sweeping such issues aside out of fear and ignorance.

 

[Vasiel]

and how is any other life style not as harmful...?
you cannot set it apart from everything else.
have you considered why suicide rates are high among teens...
because of people like you making them feel like they are scum for feeling something that comes to them naturally.

have you considered why so many partners...?
because they have been forced to live in the closet

have you considered the bible belt is the STD capital of the US
along with obesity, divorce and teen pregnancy.


get off your high horse and show some compassion
where is the meek and humble servant christ asked for?

:yes:

Perfect

 

[lunamoth]

In response to another thread where we are asked not to debate whether homosexuality is a sin, I wanted to create this one. In this one I want you to really think about it, question the very cores of your assumptions.

Like every other person.

 

[Walkntune]

and how is any other life style not as harmful...?
you cannot set it apart from everything else.

All of the statistics I have read show differently.

have you considered why suicide rates are high among teens...
because of people like you making them feel like they are scum for feeling something that comes to them naturally.

I have only known one gay person and we are friends.

have you considered why so many partners...?
because they have been forced to live in the closet

How many can fit in a closet?
Seriously that sounds foolish and unlogical.I am going to meet as man as I can so I won't be seen.

have you considered the bible belt is the STD capital of the US
along with obesity, divorce and teen pregnancy.

This is because the belt is close to the crotch and the waist.

get off your high horse and show some compassion
where is the meek and humble servant christ asked for?

[/quote]
Trying to look out for the welfare of society and innocent children.

 

[Vasiel]

Trying to look out for the welfare of society and innocent children.

Paedophiles are not Homosexuals, they are in a category all on their own. Furthermore you cannot "catch" Homosexuality. You either are, or are not, Gay/Bisexual/Lesbian/Transgendered.

You do not choose to be gay. You either are or are not gay. There is no choice involved.

Unless you accept that as a possibility then this entire debate will continue spinning in cycles. I'm not saying you have to agree with it, but at least look at it as a possibility. Even if that means it goes against your understanding of "God likes Heteros".

It's this conservative tendency to treat Homosexuality as a choice and a disease that also puts the LGBTIQ Community at odds with Christianity. Why would we choose to be part of a minority that gets persecuted? Why would we choose to be something that means we get restricted from equality?

There is no logic behind such thinking. Clearly then, it is not a choice. But then I doubt you'll take any of this on board, since it makes you feel icky.

*sigh*

 

[Walkntune]

Note: Any claims about STD's can be also put back on Heterosexuals as well. Also, the Alcoholism/Depression issue, whilst valid, can often be linked back to the fact that Homosexuals are persecuted in society.

So in order to find acceptance, they seek out sources of comfort, often at clubs and what-not because the Heterosexual Community treats them as less-than human. I admit that people should try and take responsibility for their psychological/emotional well-being. But on the other hand, Society also has a large part to play in all of the above negative issues.

Ignorance on behalf of the Heterosexual Community, and yes in a large part the Homosexual Community, have led to each of the above factors. We each have to take individual and social responsibility for what has been happening.

Maybe if the media wasn't so Homophobic, such issues as HIV/Aids, Depression, Alcoholism and other STD's could be addressed more directly (within the Homosexual and Heterosexual Communities Equally), rather then focusing on only the Straight Community?

Many attempts from the Gay Community to air educational programs on television or in newspapers has been opposed vehemently by conservatives. Meaning that whilst the Heterosexual Community gets addressed, the Homosexual Community gets ignored, as always.

Then when we start standing up for our equality you pull the above statistics out of your pockets. Perhaps many of these issues would be addressed more thoroughly if we worked together and stopped allowing differences to get in the way of the betterment of the wider community?

Even with all the above statistics flying around... how exactly do these things impact you personally? Unless you are gay, chances are you won't get infected by a gay man. Depression in the Gay Community is largely upon the shoulders of ignorant bigots in the Heterosexual Community.

LGBTIQ youth especially have a hard time dealing with bullying that conservatives encourage, or at the very least enable, to happen. Society, in all forms of media and advertising place Heterosexuality above Homosexuality and then you have the gall to tell us to grow a back-bone?

"Walk a mile in my shoes" is the greatest advice I would give in this situation.

Perhaps it's time that the Heterosexual Community, certainly Conservative Christianity stops trying to pass the buck and actually accept the fact that yes, they have played a part in the negativities within the LGBTIQ Community?

Again, people do need to take responsibility for their individual actions. But Society as a whole cannot turn a blind eye on the part that they played in sweeping such issues aside out of fear and ignorance.

I am not against homosexuals having their rights from the state and I don't think Christianity needs to be coerced by laws.Shoot even where it has been legal very small percentage of homosexuals get married.

 

[Vasiel]

I am not against homosexuals having their rights from the state and I don't think Christianity needs to be coerced by laws.Shoot even where it has been legal very small percentage of homosexuals get married.

Exactly, so we are in agreement. You'd probably also agree as I do, that churches shouldn't have to marry Same-Sex couples if they feel it goes against their doctrine correct?



Whilst I do believe that all people should be equal under the law, I also believe in freedom of religion. Meaning I respect that Churches may not wish to (and shouldn't have to) perform marriage ceremonies for Same-Sex Couples if they don't agree with it.

We do have non-religious/legalistic Marriage Celebrants that could do the ceremonies without religions getting involved. This entire debate rests a lot on the idea of Equality under the Law.

Religions will generally always keep their own moral standards that often do not reflect the Social Standing. Though I believe personally in toleration for all, even if you don't agree on certain points.

But that's me

 

[espo35]

I think we should let the gays have the term "marriage" all to themselves. In fact, if the government allows gay marriage to "equal" straight marriage, I think we hetero couples should all get divorced. We'll make up a new word that means "one man and one woman"....like the word "marriage" used to.

Of course, we'll file as "single" on our tax returns, too. That oughtta get the Feds attention... to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

If we have to let the homos play in our backyard, we do have the right to take our ball and go home.