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How Do Some Churches Square Their Acceptance of Homosexuality with the Bible?

Skwim

Veteran Member
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In light of the Bible's hostility toward homosexual behavior what is the logic behind the acceptance of homosexuals (1) as members, (2) marrying them, and (3) even ordaining them, by some Christian denominations?

The reason I ask is that I wouldn't think any denomination would accept anyone whose continuing life style was deserving of capital punishment.

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syo

Well-Known Member
In Orthodox Christianity, sex is for having babies, only. No fun. Also, the man should have sex only with his wife. :confused:
 

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
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In light of the Bible's hostility toward homosexual behavior what is the logic behind the acceptance of homosexuals (1) as members, (2) marrying them, and (3) even ordaining them, by some Christian denominations?

The reason I ask is that I wouldn't think any denomination would accept anyone whose continuing life style was deserving of capital punishment.

.

.

They figure that homosexuals are homosexual because they are pulled to commit homosexual/criminal acts. Since we can choose our behaviors, as long as the homosexual changes his inherent behavior (more people are beginning to see it as a default to "normal" human growth) then christianity accepts them with open arms.

They only accept homosexuals who are willing to change their behavior. There is an idea that homosexuals are geared towards homosexual sex. So, there is some logic only if that homosexual christian is celibate.

It's hypocritical.

Why marry homosexuals if they can't consummate their love?
Why accept homosexuals in their house of god when they need to be redefined in order to stay members of it?

It's based on behavior not homosexuality.
 

Rational Agnostic

Well-Known Member
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In light of the Bible's hostility toward homosexual behavior what is the logic behind the acceptance of homosexuals (1) as members, (2) marrying them, and (3) even ordaining them, by some Christian denominations?

The reason I ask is that I wouldn't think any denomination would accept anyone whose continuing life style was deserving of capital punishment.

.

.

The same way they ignore other ugly parts of the bible. Like the parts where Jesus taught self-mutilation, or taught people to hate themselves and their own families. The bible is full of toxic, nasty ideas, and even Christians recognize it. They still pretend it's the word of a god, but they (thankfully) ignore most of it.
 

beenherebeforeagain

Rogue Animist
Premium Member
Not every church reads the bible literally, nor takes everything in the text as necessarily something to adhere to in light of other learning or knowledge. And as Tom pointed out, some just read the message of Jesus...
 

sun rise

The world is on fire
Premium Member
Why pick homosexuality instead of, for example, wearing clothes made from wool and linen or sowing fields with seeds from different species? Or for that matter not murdering Wicca practitioners?
 

Skwim

Veteran Member
Why pick homosexuality instead of, for example, wearing clothes made from wool and linen or sowing fields with seeds from different species? Or for that matter not murdering Wicca practitioners?
Because today some denominations have begun accepting homosexual members, marrying them, and ordaining them, when in the very recent past they did not.

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Skwim

Veteran Member
Easy peasy.
They prioritize Jesus's Message. When "Saint Paul the 'Apostle" or Moses disagree with Him, they start with Jesus's Message.
Tom
So, what was Jesus's message about accepting practicing homosexuals as church members, marrying them, ordaining them, AND not putting them to death as god wanted?

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metis

aged ecumenical anthropologist
Pope Francis has basically left such matters up to local bishops and priests instead of making blanket "no's!".

As for myself, the Bible also reflects cultural norms of Jews back 2000+ years ago, and the question I have is whom is being harmed if two people of the same sex decide to get married? None that I can see. .
 

exchemist

Veteran Member
Because there is practically nothing in the whole bible, and certainly nothing whatsoever in the teaching of Christ in the New Testament - which is what is supposed to be most important to Christians - about homosexuality.
 

columbus

yawn <ignore> yawn
So, what was Jesus's message about accepting practicing homosexuals as church members, marrying them, ordaining them, AND not putting them to death as god wanted?

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The list is kinda long.

"Love your God, love your neighbor as yourself, the rest is details".

"What you do for the Least, you do for Me."

And one of Jesus's biggest meta-messages was "Scripture is good for learning. But don't take it too seriously or literally."

That's a start.
Tom
 

sun rise

The world is on fire
Premium Member
The list is kinda long.

"Love your God, love your neighbor as yourself, the rest is details".

"What you do for the Least, you do for Me."

And one of Jesus's biggest meta-messages was "Scripture is good for learning. But don't take it too seriously or literally."

That's a start.
Tom
By the latter, I assume you mean: not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
 

Darkforbid

Well-Known Member
Sure. There were practical reasons for many of those items especially in that time and place. And other reasons came from prejudice and magical thinking such as the one on witches.

There was nothing prejudicial about killing witches at that time with most magic being based on a valuable sacrifice
 

SomeRandom

Still learning to be wise
Staff member
Premium Member
Because today some denominations have begun accepting homosexual members, marrying them, and ordaining them, when in the very recent past they did not.

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That’s like saying, well nowadays churches are marrying interracial couples and the parishioners are refusing to own slaves. When in the very recent past, they did not.
Yeah times changes, churches change. That’s just reality.
Religion adapts to the current climate. No Christian stones a disobedient kid to death anymore. No one cares if you pick up sticks on a Sabbath anymore. No one’s going to go on a witch hunt.
Except maybe the Westboro Baptist Church crazies.

Society moves forward and if the Church wants to survive it will adapt. Besides I much prefer forward thinking Christians than the stuffy prudes of the Boomers. The Church will survive, it always has done. Some might flock to the new age styled churches others might yearn for traditionalism. A person’s spiritual path is theirs to decide.
But isn’t that just how churches work though? They give options to suit their followers.
 
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