Originally Posted by
Darth Do'Urden
Black knight and Madvlad...two examples that we Christians aren't a bunch of ignorant, unintelligent, stupid-because-we-have-faith (as Kim-n-Dean would suggest), bigoted, "gay-hating" morons.
Are there bad apples in the body of Christ (represented by the Church)? Absolutely. Just as there's bad apples in the motorcycle community, the art community, charitable organizations, community outreaches...and GOOD apples in politics. It's wholeheartedly disingenuous to judge the whole group by the few freaks and retards that happen to go out of their way to make the truth of the matter seem stupid (Westboro Baptist Church in the case of Christianity).
As to homosexuality, as BK pointed out, there are enough biblical scriptures (IN context) that condemn the PRACTICE of homosexuality that to defend homosexuality as being as irrelevant and outdated (or culturally inapplicable) as women not cutting their hair is equally disingenuous and purposely putting blinders on in order to justify one's sin. But the same can also be said of adultery, fornication (sex outside of marriage), drunkenness (not the same as "consuming alcohol"), slanderous speech, et al. Sin is sin.
Now whether you choose to believe there IS sin is entirely up to you as an individual with free will. But one cannot simply pick-and-choose what they like out of the Holy Bible and apply it as they see fit (as one might with makeup or clothing). Are certain things possibly dependent on interpretation? Sure, but these are generally called "parables". But when the Bible clearly states (again, within context as well as understanding of cultures) that something is a sin, it's a sin...AND there's a reason it's a sin. God doesn't just make this crap up because He just really enjoys watching His creation fight and argue and generally suffer. There are serious physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual (whether you believe it or not) implications to every sin that God warns against. It doesn't take a genius or Christian to see the consequences of sinful behavior.
As for sharing one's faith: the Bible warns us (as believers) to not "hide our light under a bushel", that is to not hide our faith or shy away from sharing as though we were embarrassed, ashamed, or fearful of what others might think. This is NOT the same as aggressively aggravating people to the point that they can't stand being around us--I think everyone agrees that this approach is hardly "being an effective witness". In my experience, as well as Jesus' examples, the most effective approach in sharing the truth and LOVE of God and Jesus is to form personal relationships with people, and to live one's life above reproach, all the while giving glory and honor to God in every aspect of one's life. This does NOT mean we are above screwing up (sometimes in a HUGE way). What it means is that I live what I say I believe. As a result, others will see that, and for some a seed will be planted in their lives, perhaps to someday grow into the amazing flower that God intended. My job is to be the best ambassador for Christ that I can be. Maybe that means speaking a word of godly encouragement to someone that's hurting, maybe that means telling someone that they're on a hell-bound path. But the biggest factor in all this is learning to listen to God to know WHEN and to WHOM a particular word should be spoken.
But NOT sharing at all simply because someone might not like it...that's a slippery slope that can go bad either way. Jesus warned us that we would be persecuted for our faith in Him. That's fine when it's genuinely earned without our seeking it. But doing things that we KNOW are not received well (door-to-door approaches, springing on someone on the street...many televangelists) does not qualify as "being persecuted for one's faith"...it's just "being persecuted for being a douche".
And just for the record, MOST Christians do NOT hate homosexuals, or even DISLIKE them. They are people, sinful and selfish just like me. But they are people deserving of love, compassion, kindness, and forgiveness...just like me. The difference is that people who practice homosexuality want their sin to be accepted and justified, tying their behavior to who they are as a person. That simply cannot be. Acceptance as a person, yes. But not acceptance of the sin anymore than adultery can be accepted by the church. This doesn't mean someone should be exorcised from the Church (as certain groups are fond of doing), but it does mean that guidance AWAY from the sinful behavior should be given in love and grace. Whether that guidance and counsel is accepted is entirely on the individual.
But God's love and grace and forgiveness is there for all. It's just that He won't force it on anyone. Just don't blame Him for the consequences suffered should you choose to reject Him. It's like law enforcement: don't blame "The Man" when you get caught breaking the law. It's not their fault you broke the law, it's yours. You may not agree with the law, but to disregard it WILL incur consequences.
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