For fundies, why are you so obsessed with homosexuality?

Question

The Bible is thousands of pages long and covers every aspect of human existence, but the only passages you seem to be able to see in it are the few prohibitions against homosexuality. What's the deal with you people, anyway? If it bothers you so much, why do you dwell on it? Why do you go out of your way to visit gay websites?

Just curious.

Rabbit: The question wasn't directed at you; you're the kind of person the site was created for, I think; honest questions and answers are always welcome. But too many of your bretheren seem more concerned with pushing their religious views down our throats and harassing gays than with any genuine interest in learning anything about what it means to be gay. It's like not just witnessing but kicking people's doors down. When it happens hour after hour, we get tired of it. That's why I asked. I appreciate your answer.

Answer 1

I too find this strange--not just homosexulaity--but sex in general. As you point out--it is far from being a central issue in The Bible.

It is curious that fundamental Muslims also have a real hangup on sex.

It seems to be the nature of fundamentalism--regardless of the particular brand of religion.

Answer 2

That is far from "the only issue" and most of us have nothing to do with "gay websites".

As for here, I started visiting this branch of the Yahoo Answers tree because questions were on the main trunk listing. Someone asked, so I answered and often from a point of view that wouldn't have otherwise been voiced. Still, I've gotten more than a few 'best answers' here so I come back. As for most of my efforts, they are in investing or history, areas I know best.

As for the "if it bothers you so much, why do you dwell on it?"--the 'dwelling on it' is because it bothers some folks so much. If it didn't, THEN I wouldn't. Can you see the logic in that?

Answer 3

I've said for a long time that most virulent gay-bashers are gay themselves, and with the explosion of the internet and amateur investigators, I think we're starting to see the truth to that hypothesis (See Mark Foley, the Catholic Church, and every fundie preacher in Colorado).

It does not make sense that a straight person would hold so much animosity towards homosexuality unless it is, in truth, hatred towards their own gay tendencies. Humans are a selfish lot by nature--we're not willing to expend much energy on irrational hatred of others, but for some reason many do become obsessive with irrational self-loathing (See rates of depression in America, rates of suicide compared to 1st degree homicide, and self-mutilation, among others).

It is also a human tendency to deal with cognitive dissonance (see wikipedia entry) with a defense mechanism called "projection," where one attributes to others his or her own unwanted thoughts or feelings (also see wikipedia entry).

It follows, then, that homophobia and heterosexism have an expected and prominent role in society. There are two ways to defeat it. The best option is to attack it at its roots--the self-loathing. By exposing the mainstream to non-stereotypical homosexuality in the media, schools, and on a day to day basis (this is the dreaded "homosexual agenda") we can defeat the taboo and defeat the self-hatred before it is ever projected. This approach has worked in the past, for example, for jewish groups like the anti-defamation league.

The other option is to straight up fight. Organizations like the Washington Blade dedicate a lot of resources and energy to outing hypocrites. That's a big first step. It's a hard thing for gays to accept as necessary, because we all have gone through the experience of hiding our sexuality at one point or another, and have experienced the fear of being outed. However, if a person is actively working against the gay population, such as Ted Haggert, then there is no other option. Such a campaign would expose the hypocrisy of the fundies and they would lose most of their credibility. The key to this approach is to get HRC or another large group on board.

There is also a need for more aggressive, possibly militant groups (see Black Panthers) to balance with groups such as HRC who are approaching the issue politically. This is NOT a call for violence of any sort. The mere presence of an organized, aggressive group would send the message that the gay community is serious about change, and is not willing to back down.

Both approaches are important and necessary to the fight. Right now the gay rights agenda is getting beat from all sides by the fundies, because we're not willing to fight back. We're stronger than the fundies and have the moral authority--we just have to show that to everybody else.

Answer 4

They are afraid they might like it... ; )

No seriously I think there is truth to the adage "methinks the lady doth protest too much".

Also wrt to the bible, you're absolutely right. The fundies should be consistent - if they are going to condemn queers, they should also condemn people who eat shrimp stuff like that. www.godhatesshrimp.com.

Seriously, there are much bigger problems in the world to worry about that gay people.

Answer 5

Forbidden fruit is always the sweetest, ain't it?! And nothing is finer than sexual pleasure. Even people whose whole lives are bent on denying happiness to themselves and others find creative ways to sneak a taste when they can. Let's face it: the real definition of fundamentalism should be hypocrisy.

Answer 6

Amen! They're just mad because they're not part of the club. If they would just focus all of their hateful energy on performing good deeds (donating to charities and such) this world would be a much nicer place.

Answer 7

nothing better to do,some are unhappy in their own pathetic lives, they must play the gay hate card to feel superior.

Answer 8

why do homosexual people go out of their way to wave their situation in our faces. like we wanna see 2 guys acting silly holding hands & kissing, etc. WELL! I never. God made Adam & Eve, NOT adam & steve. Also, what's the diff between a lesbian & a homosexual. they gotta be observed differently? why?