This discussion, which may prove to be very interesting, came as a result of my hearing about a new film which has just been released. It is called, "FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO". It is a documentary that looks at how the Bible has been misinterpreted to create prejudice against gays. If you'd like to take a look at the web site for the film and see a clip from the movie, here is their web site: http://www.forthebibletellsmeso.org/index2.htm
So what do you think? Do you think that homosexuality is an "abomination"? Do you believe that the Bible has been used as an excuse to hate? What do you think Jesus would say?
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Comments: 35
There are very few references to same sex relationships in the Bible, and none that relate to the kinds of loving relationships that GLBT people experience today.
The "proof texts" (from the Levitical code, and the Genesis account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and two from the Pauline epistles) that are noised obnoxiously by the Pharisees are always taken out of context and usually misapplied.
(When the later Prophets, and when Jesus referred to Sodom - the identified sins were never same sex affection or love, but arrogance, cruelty, lack of hospitality, and luxury).
When you consider how sex between men was bound up with Temple prostitution, the ritual subjugation of captives, the hated culture of the Greeks the Romans, then the animus against same sex relations has a context.
When the temple lawyers tried to trick Jesus into blasphemy by stating which of God's commandments is the greatest (and in those days they hadn't simplified it down to a kindergarten version of ten) and Jesus knew that for a man to state which commandment was the greatest would be blasphemy as how can man know the mind of God. So Jesus stated "To love one another." The lawyers were trapped.
That commandment is square in the middle of the commandments about who should be put to death for various sins, where it says before you can judge a man unto death you must love him as you love yourself. In otherwords Jesus challenged the lawyers that they had asked the question of him they would not ask of themselves or any of their loved ones. they asked out of hate and trickery, not out of understanding and love.
I will bet not a handful of people
A) knew where this came from,
B) have ever heard a preacher's sermon explaining where Jesus took this commandment from or why.
People refer to homosexuals as Sodomites. The irony is that Sodomites were not gay. It was a group of men who wanted to have sex with the Angels visiting lot. And Lot offered his daughters, but they refused. They wanted the Angels.
People misunderstand Romans 1. The biggest problem was the word "natural". Because it says that men stopped having "natural" sex and started having sex with men. And the same for women. What it means is that A) sex was believed to be for procreating not solely enjoyment (which doesn't seem to bother anyone today) and B) they were having sex with whomever for the sake of having sex. So therefore, the sex was "unnatural". And then end of Romans 1 goes on and on talking about how people had become just plain old whacked out sinners. The did all sorts of sins, including not listening to their parents. But the ironic part for me is that Romans 1 (specifically the second half) is used by people as a text to condemn others. They preach fire and brimstone about how all of these types of people are going to go to Hell and that it is printed right there in the Bible. I like to then bring up Romans 2:1-2. It gets them a little riled up and proves that they try to twist the Bible to fit their beliefs. A reading from Romans 2:1-2, "If you think you can judge others, you are wrong. When you judge them, you are really judging yourself guilty, because you do the same things they do. 2 God judges those who do wrong things, and we know that his judging is right."
I personally believe that we as US Americans... Oh wait. In all seriousness, as a Christian, I am ashamed at how the Bible has been turned into an instrument of hate instead of the book that teaches us to love one another.
That is all well and good but the fact remains that for most churches - when it comes to gays and lesbians - it is about hatred and condemnation.
That Peter not this Peter (I didn't say anything)
I don't have to. I just AM! (ha ha)
The Bible and other holy texts are so horribly used as excuses for hatred. This is not about the book, the religion, or the honestly faithful. It is about evil power-seekers who divide and conquer leaving devastation in their wake.
I think Jesus would throw up his hands at the whole mess, like he threw out the money-changers from the Temple. He would say something like: "I tried to tell you people that the secret of heaven was loving each other. How did you ever get the message so wrong?"
Peace,
libramoon
I don't care who sleeps with whom...it is none of my business. Whatever made us, I believe is the ONE TO JUDGE THESE THINGS. Maybe, we are all wrong!!! "religion" is what is costing people their very lives...it is ridiculous if you ask me.
Everyone wants to be "right." Our creator is just thinking..."You people are nuts and you are so foolish, and afraid!!!!"
Now tell me which is more God like ... same sex love ... or ... any fearful HATREDs ?