(This post is actually a comment I wrote in response to some (3-4) recent anonymous comments that object to how I defend the rights of gay people. It is an answer to why I don't publish some comments, and some e-mails just don't get answers.)
I won't publish your comments that criticize gay people because of their sexual orientation. When you claim that "some of my friends are gay," but you "doubt their "walk with Jesus" " (the commenter's quotes), well, let me share this with you: If you hold the opinion that they are "openly practicing the homosexual lifestyle," and you don't approve, they don't really think of you as their friend, nor do they like you.
I won't publish the messages that say that gay people must be denied freedom to share their lives with another adult to whom they are emotionally and physically attracted. When you (anonymous commenters) say that someone is "practicing an open homosexual lifestyle" I know you are drawing lines of rejection, and that you assume that all people who are gay adhere to crazy and irresponsible sex - and that isn't true.
I won't publish comments that assume that molestation is the source of same-sex attraction. This is not based in fact.
I refuse to publish comments that call gay people sinners in the same way as murderers, pedophiles, rapists, or those in incestuous relationships.
There are other reasons that I reject comments, but tonight it's late, and this is my short list.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
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16 comments:
I understand those anonymous commentors are commenting out of their own ignorance (though they don't believe it to be so) but I just wish people could actually define "homosexual lifestyle."
Because my homosexual lifestyle involves going to bed before midnight, working out, ushering at church, being a teacher, reading, taking care of our Dog, hanging with my family...
Its a very scandalous lifestyle!
But of course those who use talking points are not interested in genuine conversation or willing to change their opinions because they're on God's side and everyone else is not...
Thanks for the work you're doing!
Personally, I am glad you haven't posted them. We see them enough as comments to news items about bullies or DADT or proms and it is nice to come to some place that is very supportive.
You are like a virtual coffeehouse hangout. :D
Dawn - that coffeehouse comment made me smile really big :). The examples you gave are EXACTLY why I won't post them - because in other places anyone can read those. I object to their rhetoric and I refuse.
Pomoprophet - I'm making a list of yours as "homosexual lifestyle #1".
haha (making pomoprophet's list Lifestyle #1).
I just used this post as a jumping-off point to reply to a comment I approved on my blog (by one of the anti-gay people). I posted it thinking others would comment and disagree, but no one did. So, I just now posted a reply, and then linked to this post. :)
Bravo Carol.
Thank you, Carol. You are a treasure.
Carol, your graciousness humbles me. I try so hard to emulate your firm but gentle style—and it's easy in theory, but in practice my passion sometimes takes over and I reply in frustrated anger. (My sole comment on your interview is a case in point. I hate that I made it about me when I should have shown more grace.) Thank you so much for your steadfast example.
Birdie - you have no idea the cuss words I edit out before I hit "publish your comment." :)
Oh Carol, darn is not a cuss word! At my blog the most crappy comments are always anonymous.
These people don't want to have dialog, they want to be a demigod.
My rule is if it hurts someone I don't post it.
I had one attack my daughter over the day of silence, again anonymously.
I would like to know who it was so some day I could teach my grandchildren whose grave to urinate on when walking through a graveyard. But I digress...
My rule is this: My blog is like my living room. I have no obligation to allow someone to use hate speech in my home, and I feel the same way about my blog.
Putting LGBTs in the same categories with murderers, rapists, pedophiles, etc., *is* hate speech--and puts one in the position of bearing false witness. Talking about the "homosexual lifestyle" shows one to be willfully ignorant or just plain obnoxious.
And BTW---using the term "hate the sin, love the sinner" just demonstrates that you like to be able to say the word "hate" and still feel clean.
Not a single one of those ways of talking about fellow human beings, created in the image of God, does any credit to the Gospel--or to the person who uses them.
Doxy
Right on! Keep fighting the good fight and standing as a beacon for what's good and right.
Doxy, your rule sounds strangely similar to a certain priest's (who I admire and adore) comment policy. Coincidence? ;)
I'd add a few item's to Pomo's list:
Reading, writing, cuddling on the couch while watching a movie, going dancing, going to coffee with friends, going out to eat on occasion, and working a regular job.
Jarred--there are no coincidences. ;-)
Pax,
Doxy
I am sorry to say this but being gay is A Choice that you make. God did not make you that way. If you don't believe me "check your equipment". Really, Gay men and women will NOT make it to heaven. God loves everyone but he does HATE sin and NO SIN will enter in. Being Gay is a sin and that is the Truth. It is in the Book. I pray each and everyone make it right b/c God is coming back alot sooner than we think.
I am sorry to say this but being gay is A Choice that you make.
So when did you make a "choice" to be heterosexual, Amanda Joy?
And what gives you the right to call all LGBTs who say they did NOT choose liars? Because that is what you are doing. You are saying that you know their lives better than they do, and telling them they lie. That's some breathtaking arrogance and judgmentalism! (You *do* remember what Jesus said about judging others, don't you? Luke 6:37)
I can tell you right now that you are not likely to win a single soul for God by doing that.
God did not make you that way. If you don't believe me "check your equipment".
I hate to break this to you, but biological sex comes in more than two "flavors." In approximately 1 out of every 1,500-2,000 births, a child is born with genitalia that doesn't "fit the mold," and doctors/families have to call in a specialist to help them decide what sex the baby is. About 1 in every 100 babies has genitalia that differs from "standard" female or male. So what is God saying when the "equipment" does not reflect your either/or argument?
As for the rest of your comment...you should try studying ABOUT the Bible. How it came to be put together. The fact that we don't have the original manuscripts and are working from copies of copies of copies. The contradictions in it. The controversies over translation of words that we really have no idea what they meant in the original languages (hint: the ones related to homosexuality fall in that category).
I guide my life by the Bible, but it is not a scientific treatise, medical text, or a history book. It most definitely is NOT a literal dictation from God.
Jesus told his disciples that he had many more things to say to them, but that they could not bear them yet--so the Holy Spirit would come and lead them into all truth. (John 16:12-13)
And that is just what the Holy Spirit is doing on the issue of LGBTs. We know things about sexuality that the writers of the Bible didn't know, and we interpret the Bible based on new knowledge. That's called using the brain God gave us.
And many of us know that homosexuality is NOT a choice and NOT a sin that is going to send people to hell. Because Jesus told us that you would know his followers by the fruit they bear--and many of us know LGBTs who bear the mark of Christ in their lives. Much more so than the judgmental "Christians" who go around telling LGBTs that they are going to hell simply for loving.
So unless you believe Jesus was a liar, your arguments don't wash, Amanda Joy.
Doxy
This Christian believes that love is the most important thing.
Love God & the person in front of you. Against that... there is no law.
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