The debate about "singling out" the sin of homosexuality above others is a platform from which homosexuality is defended.
Could it also be that people tend to single out the sin of homosexuality?
I would just say this: it is one of the sins mentioned specifically in scripture that is not only advocated by special interest groups, but has made its way into our education programs.
It is a sin that is mentioned in the Bible - you are correct. It is also practiced by a certain segment of the population, which happen to be discriminated against in our country. I agree that kids are learning that certain segments of the population are homosexual. I do not believe that educational curriculum concerning homosexuality is used to glorify the practice or recruit children. I think it is included to help children of homosexual couples feel normal, not homosexuals themselves.
If thieves began to hold parades, no-one would take it seriously. But if they did, there would be much more opposition to it than there has been to this particular sin.
Indeed. However, children learn about thieves in school too.
Would we stand by if the government not only legalized drug use (sorcery), but began to allow textbooks and teachers to promote it?
I hope not, but I do hope my kids learn about the dangers of drugs in school as well as home because it can harm them, unlike homosexuals or homosexuality.
If it was taught in public school that not only is it acceptable to use drugs, if you speak against it, you are intolerant?
But, I am intolerant of drug use....I have no problem admitting that - it sounds like you are too.
That is one of the primary issues with this particular sin, and to say that it is being singled out may be true...but then, they are the ones stepping into the firing line.
I agree there is certainly a firing line and they are willing to face it to make sure that they, as American citizens get to have the same rights as all other Americans, despite their personal sin - just like heterosexuals.
I would venture a guess that there is a higher percentage of homosexuals in this country than there were thirty years ago, due to the agressive tactics of that movement.
Only if you believe that homosexuality is an attractive lifestyle alternative, but that goes against all we know about homosexuality, both biologically and psychologically. In fact, I know of no homosexual that would choose to remain gay if they were suddenly attracted to the opposite sex and I was born in SF and lived in Eugene OR for a decade so it is safe to say I have known quite a few homosexuals. I think there are more people who feel safe to live publically as homosexuals now because more people are choosing not to discriminate against them.
If drug use is legalized, and promoted as homosexuality has been, I would venture another guess that drug use and users would increase.
I agree - drugs are the most addicting substances on Earth. Homosexuality is something most homosexuals try to avoid admitting at all costs until they become suicidal and have to face the true about their sexuality.
I do think that hatred toward homosexuals is wrong, but please, don't tell me that if homosexuality offends me, I am wrong.
That is so honest! I appreciate your statement. You do not have to like homosexuality! You can be offended if you want to - seriously. I have no problem saying that I believe homosexuality is a deviation from God's plan, but I am not ashamed to say that I am intolerant of sin, either. It seems that Christians often want to be offended by homosexuality, but are not willing to say they are intolerant of it - I am not sure why.... We are free to disagree with behavior in this country as long as we do not discriminate against PEOPLE. Having an opinion is not discrimination.
I don't claim to be sinless, but I can tell you this...I hate even the sin that is in my own life.
I understand.
The culture that surrounds rap music is another issue that offends me. The message that is found in much of popular rap is not something that I think anyone would try to cast in a light of being acceptable, yet, those involved have chosen for themselves to be involved in it. I throw this in just to try to give perspective concerning my views. I do not think it is healthy for anyone, and is a cause for violence, drug use, and death...which it glorifies.
I agree. I am very intolerant of the message of RAP music. I am also not fond of the music, itself.
Concerning this issue, however, I think the one who had a ministry to these people is probably the only one who can really give an opinion that matters. Most of us are not exposed to them, and their lifestyle really doesn't affect us directly. But the man in the video, I agree with him, and if God has called him to this ministry or not, I can't say.
I think all Americans can have an opinion about this issue. It doesn't mean that our opinions will become legislation.
There are some who use God and scripture in their hatred for a particular group, and that is wrong, but there are some who have a ministry toward certain focal points (i.e., homo., abortion, homeless, etc.) who have been called by God to minister to those groups. It isn't for me to decide, but God.
Indeed. However, I have no problem saying I am intolerant of people who witness Christ with doctrine and not love. It is as if they don;t want to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty for fear that they may catch something from the people they are witnessing to - I don't think this is what Christ had in mind when he said "pick up your cross and follow me".
I guess the main point I am trying to make on this issue is this: the homosexual agenda has, I believe, drawn more people into sin by making it acceptable. Why is it singled out? Because they step into the firing line. In order for "the other sins" to be singled out, there will need to be an equivalent movement, such as there is with abortion.
I disagree, but we all have opinions. My focus is on protecting the rights of all Americans.
If drug users united, and focused on doing their best to make drug use acceptable, it would not just be Christians that stood up against it (which I think was illustrated by the last vote on it in Cal.).
I tend to believe the small growers stopped that proposition, but ok.