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Aaron, With all due respect, I don't think anything was refuted. I think you provided some very questionable scholarship that amounts to finding obscure meanings or very narrow definitions of words in every passage that addresses this particular issue of which you have a specific interest and...

Your recapitulation of these verses suggest they are not general condemnations. However, the most straight-forward reading of the Greek in the NT prohibitions of homosexuality are very much general prohibitions: These verses are about as generic as they get. I will address the Greek wording...

I think if we look at the overall context, it is difficult to see this as anything other than the new life which occurs due to faith in Christ. This entire context refers to the "ministry of reconciliation." Paul is talking about how he seeks to "persuade" people to be reconciled to God...

If you build a retreat center, I'm dressing up in a brown robe with a hood when I make my appearance! Ha!

Phoneman, I actually don't even think that is what Jesus is talking about in this context. He seems to be dealing with how we treat those who have wronged us. "Forgive" is a key command here that cues us to the concept of judging/condemning in this context.

Aaron, I encourage you to report every time there is a comment that you feel is inappropriate or abusive. Hopefully, one of us catches it, but reporting it will ensure someone will look into it. You are correct in that we will try to be fair and not show special privilege to those that agree...

Aaron, I cannot speak for lforrest, but I think its important for you to understand that moderators do not read every comment on this forum. This is why you have the ability to report comments that you feel are abusive. I dont think any of us would disagree with you that name-calling is...

Yes, and I think specifically its important to recognize that the context of this "judging" has to do with how one responds when they are wronged. So its not at all about making assements concerning right or wrong behavior. Its about how you respond when someone mistreats you. Are you the...

I'd like to take a minute to reflect on perhaps the most quoted and misunderstood verses in Scripture. What did Jesus mean when he said that we should not judge or we will be judged? Does this mean, as often interpreted, that we should make no judgments about the behaviors of others? Are...

Agreed. In no way am I saying that there are not churches with lots of issues out there. At the same time, we live 2,000 years removed from the Early Church and on the opposite side of the planet. Clearly there will be differences with regards to practices, teaching styles, etc. Just because...

Aaron, again, for clarity sake you said, "for the first 300 years of Christianity, gay people were allowed to marry each other and were openly welcomed into the Church." (see post #59) The clear implication here is that the early church "allowed" (which implies involvement in these oaths to...

Well, from one who has been in church leadership for a number of years, I can say this about church finances: The church is not making money a big deal and finances are usually not a problem. Most churches pay the utilities for the building, repairs, pay salaries for the staff (which is...

For the sake of clarity, Aaron, you said: "Most importantly, for the first 300 years of Christianity, gay people were allowed to marry each other and were openly welcomed into the Church. It was not until 305 that they began to be stigmatized, not until 342 that they suddenly were denied...

Aaron, I said your actions were unbecoming of a Christian...which is what you claim to be. You said you wanted people to "educate you" about a seeming inconsistency in approach to different sins in the church. I assumed you were seeking information honestly. Was I wrong? Taking anyone...

The church didn't have councils prior to the 300's because Christianity was not approved by the Roman empire prior to the Edict of Milan in 313. If people are killing you for your faith, the last thing you want to do is have a big formal meeting with all the leadership.... Yes, but when you...

Aaron, So all you have provided are decisions by Christian councils to officially condemn any homosexual acts. There is nothing here that suggests the church approved of these acts prior to these councils. Prior to the Edict of Milan, Christians were heavily persecuted and thus did not have...

I am failing to see the point here Aaron. We have 6,000 years of recorded history of God in covenant relationship with humanity. All the evidence says that those people ALL viewed homosexuality (of any type) as an abomination based on their Scriptures. I think that is more than telling. Are...

I don't think my comments are in any way an act of force to make anyone believe anything. I just think that we 6,000 years of history between God and his people showing no acceptance of homosexuality is telling. Can you point me to a document that shows the early church accepted homosexuality...

I think we need to be cautious here people. I do not think these accusations are representative of a vast majority of churches. There are lots of young believers as well as seekers that read these forums. Do we really want to give the impression that all organized gatherings of Christians...

Aaron, I agree that God is not interested in lip-service. If people use grace as a means to engage in ongoing sin, then they do not understand grace. As the Apostle Paul declared, "Their condemnation is deserved." However, God is immensely forgiving. Someone can fail over and over again and...