"Real Christians Don't Gay Bash"
I read this great editorial today on Common Dreams that stood out to me. It's called "Real Christians Don't Gay Bash" by Rev. Jim Higby. Here is the link:
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0714-22.htm
It is about, basically, what the title says. This excerpt sums it all up:
"Jesus was kind and understanding, but he was not silent about those who abused the vulnerable. He called them “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Christians must follow the example of Jesus and confront those vicious predators who use the Christian religion as a camouflage for bullying. We must be as understanding and kind as we can be, but to be tolerant of the oppression of others is not true tolerance."
My dad and my brother can be considered homophobic and they like to trash talk gays whenever the subject arises. My sister-in-law's uncle is gay, and his sister calls him "the damn fag." This kind of behavior has always bothered me, even before I found out that one of my best friends is gay. Whatever happened to "Love the sinner, hate the sin"? As Christians, we believe in charity, which is the pure love of Christ. Where is the love in putting down another human being, simply because of the choices he makes--choices that have absolutely nothing to do with us, as each person is given agency to make individual decisions and act accordingly?
I don't know where I stand on the issue of homosexuality. On the one hand, I believe it is wrong. On the other hand, I don't believe I have a say in what a person chooses to do--practice that lifestyle, marry, etc. Who am I to tell another person how to live? All I can do is exemplify charity in my own life, in addition to standing up for those who are persecuted.
Sorry for bringing up another higly-controversial topic, but it is one that is close to home for me.
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0714-22.htm
It is about, basically, what the title says. This excerpt sums it all up:
"Jesus was kind and understanding, but he was not silent about those who abused the vulnerable. He called them “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Christians must follow the example of Jesus and confront those vicious predators who use the Christian religion as a camouflage for bullying. We must be as understanding and kind as we can be, but to be tolerant of the oppression of others is not true tolerance."
My dad and my brother can be considered homophobic and they like to trash talk gays whenever the subject arises. My sister-in-law's uncle is gay, and his sister calls him "the damn fag." This kind of behavior has always bothered me, even before I found out that one of my best friends is gay. Whatever happened to "Love the sinner, hate the sin"? As Christians, we believe in charity, which is the pure love of Christ. Where is the love in putting down another human being, simply because of the choices he makes--choices that have absolutely nothing to do with us, as each person is given agency to make individual decisions and act accordingly?
I don't know where I stand on the issue of homosexuality. On the one hand, I believe it is wrong. On the other hand, I don't believe I have a say in what a person chooses to do--practice that lifestyle, marry, etc. Who am I to tell another person how to live? All I can do is exemplify charity in my own life, in addition to standing up for those who are persecuted.
Sorry for bringing up another higly-controversial topic, but it is one that is close to home for me.
posted by Anonymous at 7/17/2006 09:26:00 AM
5 Comments:
I just saw "The Family Stone" last night.
I LOVE THE GAYS!!!!!!!
That pretty much is the way I feel about it too.
I saw Brokeback Mountain last night. It was super good. But yeah, that is how I feel too. Who cares? They are God's children too.
I have a few extended family members who chose that lifestyle. We have to be tolerant of their choices, but that doesn't mean we have to include their lifestyle into ours.
For example, there is a big debate in our family on if we want our gay family members to come around younger grandchildren and children while practising their lifestyle. Just like we don't want people drinking, or smoking around our children because it shows a certain level of acceptance. I think that is each person's decision to make. We should always show respect and love, but that does not equate to total acceptance.
I hear you there, dorko. My son is going to be exposed to alot of stuff because of our "dysfunctional" families.
I just tell myself - If he can't see the reasoning behind why his parents do the things they do, we're doing something wrong.
I was around alot of adults drinking when I was young, and I came to the conclusion that they were idiots. They changed, and acted like morons. I never wanted to be like that.
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