I am christian and I have homosexual and bisexual friends. I believe in justice for all people and they (the homosexual community) are facing social oppression to an extent and I feel it is wrong. Is it, by me being christian, wrong to tolerate their lifestyle and vouch for civil rights for them? Or should I be like the extremist christian and do nothing while people who are sinners like we are get persecuted by those of us who proclaim the God that IS love?
2006-11-29 14:25:55 · 9 answers · asked by Haz the Preacher 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
same thing
2006-11-29 14:26:44 · answer #1 · answered by george p 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tolerance and acceptance are both the same as far as I'm concerned ... like when we're forced to "accept" the terms and conditions before downloading something. LIke they always give us all these disclaimers about they can change things whether we like it or not and our only recourse is to stop using whatever's downloaded.... and so it's more like, how long can we tolerate whatever is going to happen .. but I'm getting off point ...
Just because people are gay and we tolerate them or accept their existance among us in no way means we have to follow their lifestyle or behave the same way they want us to. Some people are so weak minded though, that they ARE influenced by the lifestyles of others and it's the fear of that which is so scary to some ... not that they will start having to be gay, because they're strong minded, but more people will start behaving like gays because they're weak minded individuals and that the problem will keep getting worse and worse.... getting off topic again ....
civil rights .. we all should be treated equally and have expectations about what's proper behaviour .. which acceptance of gays goes against as they're pressing for more rights and freedoms than everyone else has ... like ... getting off topic again ...
People are so closed minded about being open minded sometimes and to think gays are the same and equal because they're behaving just like everyone else is just a ludicrous thought that causes good people everywhere to wander off topic.
Think about it everyone .. when we accept the terms of an agreement are we doing it with open arms or ready to stop using whatever when it becomes no longer bearable and simply tolerating it until that point is reached .. hopefully never.
In other words, the only way a person can accept the lifestyle is to embrace it, otherwise they're simply tolerant and could very well be pushed over the deep end as it's a fine line and someone could go either way depending on which arguement wins.
in other words .. some people who woulnd't normally live that lifestyle are pressured into it as it's the normal thing to do around them.
So, are you actually accepting them, or just being tolerant, for now, depending on their behaviour towards you?
2006-11-29 14:43:51 · answer #2 · answered by thellord_thighgod 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I believe there is a thin line. I will not judge you, however I will say be not unequally yoked with unbelievers. I assume you know the bible to some extant. I would hope your goal is to bring them to Christ. Accept them for a season but don't compromise the message of Christ. I whole heartily believe the message of the Gospel is intolerant to sin. That's not about my opinion but what the word says. Christ is the way, the truth and the life. No man will enter the kingdom of heaven but by Him. Romans chap 1:24-32 says people of the such are condemn unless they repent. It has to be a thin line between tolerance and acceptance because confessed christians are a chosen people called out of the darkness into the light. Peter says a royal priesthood, chosen generation. At the end of the day one has to ask themselves what will separate them from the love of God. Will it be friends, money, trials, tribulations, being ostricized amongst peers or in the community. God is love however also He is a God of jugdement and wrath. Be careful Brother because that its a strong spirit your entertaining. I have seen many men come to the church manly and end up on the sweet side if you know what I mean. Let the Word of God be our final authority.
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2006-11-29 14:49:47 · answer #3 · answered by Neil R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, BRAVO!!!!!!!!!! I am SO happy that there are people in the world like you, and only wish that there were MORE!!!
Second, you aren't tolerating...you are downright ACCEPTING THEM! Again, YAY! Tolerating someone is saying, "I may not agree with what you are doing, but good luck to you." Accepting them is, "I may not agree with what you do, but I SUPPORT you and I believe you are EQUAL to me".
Third, IT IS NOT WRONG FOR YOU TO CARE FOR ANOTHER HUMAN BEING, no matter WHAT anyone else says. There will be lots of people that give you a bunch of crap answers and hassle you, but stay strong in your beliefs!!! They are people just like us, and deserve the same freedoms and respect that we do!
Finally, PLEASE NEVER CHANGE YOUR VIEWS! You are the most intelligent, loving Christian I've come across yet, and you should be very proud of your choice to be that way. You don't have to take religion to an extreme to be a believer, and you don't have to be an extremist to go to heaven (granted, I'm an Atheist...but I've picked up a few things...if there is a heaven, you will go there...). Keep spreading your views! Maybe some others will finally wake up to the 21st century and learn to ACCEPT people for who they really are!
Your god is love according to you, so keep it loving!!!
2006-11-29 14:32:14 · answer #4 · answered by Heck if I know! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are a good person to see that bigotry is wrong. Ask yourself, what would God want you to do? Bear in mind that the bible was written by men and is in no way inspired by God.
2006-11-29 14:29:56 · answer #5 · answered by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there's a wide line. Tolerance means you'll deal with it but you're judging at the same time, while accepting means you accept that person as they are, with no judgment.
Which is what a good Christian should do.
2006-11-29 14:28:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Tolerance mean putting up with something or someone that you'd rather not deal with. Acceptance is embracing the person or situation in true love.
2006-11-29 14:28:15 · answer #7 · answered by Blooming Sufi 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
it depends on which church you go to. i don't think that it is wrong, but i also believe that it is a genetic thing, which you may or may not believe, so i guess its up to you. most christians believe that it is a choice, which is kinda bogus to me, but that's their view and they're entitled.
2006-11-29 14:27:55 · answer #8 · answered by odieman_3 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hate the sin and not the sinner.
2006-11-29 14:27:16 · answer #9 · answered by Moxie Crimefighter 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋