You who condemn homosexuality...have you ever known a gay person?

Question

As a gay child...all I knew of gay people was what I heard from the pulpit...that they were the scum of the earth, and that they hung out in dark alleys and molested little boys.

All I saw on the news related to gay people..were pictures of gay pride parades where men were dressed in women's clothing, or leather, and were rather flamboyant and in your face.

As an adult, I have been to the parades...and I know the ones that get on the news are the ones doing sensationalistic acts...but, behind them are thousands of people, who are dressed and acting like everyone else in the world....we are doctors, lawyers, teachers and even preachers. We don't get on the news, because there is no story there.

So, we should not judge all Christians by the act of the extremist religious right...or Fred Phelps/Westboro Baptist Church...likewise, don't judge all gay people based on the actions of a few people in the gay community.

The stereotypes I see the fundamentalists post on this sight

are laughable...because you guys are so off base...and most do not obviously have contact with a lot of gay people.

I and most of my friends are in monogamous long term relationships...we do not participate in lude acts...do drugs, or dress in women's clothing...and we do not have HIV.

I challenge you to get to know people before you throw the Bible at them in judgement....

Answer 1

Amen :)

Sadly this happens too often. Everyone is judged by the few they see and hear about on TV and in the news. Those of us that actually know gay people and have gay friends know and understand the differences. Then again, I understood the difference before I ever even met a gay person, so it must just be their religion. They believe it's wrong and then what they see on TV just allows them to confirm those beliefs. I dunno, that's the only thing that makes sense to me.

And yeah, the stereotypes are pathetic. They hate it when they're stereotyped, yet they do the same thing to countless other groups of people.

Answer 2

I am a Fundamentalist and an Evangelical the two are not synonymous. I have met and worked with homosexuals throughout two careers. So yes I have known some homosexuals in my lifetime.

No, the actions of a few should never define the many it doesn’t work and is in a word dishonest. That being said, homosexuality is a sin according to Christian Faith. I can only judge a person (and we all do) by their words and their actions; if you say you are homosexual and act on it then you are in my view and God’s judgment in sin.

If as you say you and most of your friends are in monogamous long term relationships then according to the studies I have seen you are in the minority. From my frame of reference homosexual acts are lewd acts. I am glad that you do not do drugs and do not have HIV. I would wish neither on anyone.

“…we are doctors, lawyers, teachers and even preachers. We don't get on the news, because there is no story there.” You are right there is no story there. The only time I hear a Pastor preach against homosexuality from the pulpit is when there has been some “event” that the activists in your lifestyle staged to make it a “story.”

Contrary to popular opinion among homosexuals it not a weekly item addressed from the pulpit. Your other comment about being a “gay child” makes me wonder. Since prepubescent children are normally concerned with self sexual exploration I fail to see how you, or anyone that claims knowledge of their homosexuality from birth, explain this. Or is it because homosexuality is indeed abnormal?

I believe that a person can be homosexual or can be a Christian; a person cannot be both. I can endure that you choose to live that lifestyle and I can endure that you don't want to be a Christian. I can respect neither.

Answer 3

Yes.

As it is, I do condemn homosexuality, as the scripture is clear that it is not God's design. But, I DO NOT condemn the homosexual - they are no more the scum of the earth than anyone else.

Fred Phelps is a man in need of repentance. He breaks scriptural code in order to preach it. This is wrong.

God loves all of His children. He does not approve or condone the behavior when we act contrary to His laws or mandates, but His love is never changing. Jesus was the embodiment of love - look how he treated the woman at the well and the woman caught in adultry. He knew full well they were in sin, but did not slam the idea in their face with judgment and fury.

I do not judge anyone (well, I am human and slip into it occasionally). I will stand on what scripture says, which shows us how God intends for us to live. I will not be ashamed to say that something is sin when I know it is clearly written. But, I cannot pronounce judgment - that is God's job and He will have His day.

I have known and am related to several gay men and women. I do not bash them with the Bible nor look down my nose at them. I choose to be a friend, first. Now, if they want to ask what I think of their choices, I will speak plainly, but not judgmentally.

I recommend that if you love Jesus and hate the actions of Westboro Baptist, please write and tell them they are in serious error. Their actions contradict the example Jesus left for us. Now, I said 'hate the actions', not 'hate Westboro or Mr. Phelps'. To attack them with hatred puts one at their level.

Answer 4

Yes I know gay people. You are correct, many have the same ideas, ambitions, and desires as heterosexuals. Most Christians don't hate homosexuals. It's the outspoken few, who get all the press, that give a bad name to Christianity. I'm sure you can identify with that. It is not our job to judge, 'lest we be judged." GOD sets forth his principles in his Word. GOD is the one who doesn't approve of homosexuality. In their zeal to save the world, some of the Christians have elevated the sin of homosexuality above everything else. It's not. GOD condemns adultery and fornication just as much as homosexuality. The fallible nature of "man gags on a gnat and swallows a camel." (Sees others faults and ignores their own)

Answer 5

I don't condone homosexuality, but I also don't put people down over. We all sin at some level, and just because that is not my particular sin does not make me any better. I hate it when people define me by the things I do 'wrong' in their eyes. Yes, my aunt and my cousin are both gay. I never speak to my cousin because he is an @$$. My aunt, on the other hand, has always been good me and really helped out when my husband was dying of cancer. I will always love and respect her, even though she understands I don't agree.

Answer 6

I'm not the one who descriminates against you guys. Its okay to show your pride for what you are. I know this guy who is gay, but he's one of the nicest men I know to this very day. Too bad men that are too to be true are usuallya ll gay. I only know one ideal straight guy at my school. I luve you guys. I believe you have a choice to believe in what you want. Some people were brought up to descriminte against whatever thay don't understand. It's very easy to call something bad when you don't know what it is from experience. Keep the faith man. You're doing nothing in my eyes. God may rule, but we all have the right of free will. He created us that way. If we we all the same we'd be just as perfect as God himself. The rest of you guys ddscriminating are just as bad as the Ku Klux Klan. You can't descriminate against just becasue you don't know what is wrong. I know where your coming from though. My Grandma was brought up to think it wrong to be wrong to be gay. Some people you just can't change though. Thats why there will always be descrimination against not just gays, for every single catagory that fits under the bold title of descrimination. You only make things worse by judging people too quickly. You must get to know the people before you can say anythhing. You can't always change everything, but you can educate people to know how to tolerate the topoc at hand. Live in Peace People. Its better to help someone in tome of need than to cut them down.

Answer 7

We do not condemn anyone. We don't have that kind of power. Hey we are sinners too, only our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus. Yours can too. That's the good news!!! To not practice sin in our lives anymore.

Why can't people understand that? If you asked a question, that person will give their opinion and why they believe that way. Is this condemning? I don't think so.

We are just repeating what the Scripture stated 2000 years ago, and it is still in effect.

It is the "Word of God" that convicts you, not the Christian.

Answer 8

I respect people for who they are. I expect the same in return. I'm just one person who is living by the day. Everyone can do with their lifes whatever they want. I'm getting sick and tired about the religious sermons thrown in my face. The fact that these religious people think they know whats good for me when don't even know a thing about me.

Answer 9

Yes I do know (knew) gay people, including a very close relative. He knows that I do not "throw the Bible at" anyone, but I do not hesitate to show anyone (gay or not) what the Bible says. If the Bible condemns their life style it is up to them to decide whether being "who they are" now is preferable to the blessings that God offers for those who love him enough to do whatever is necessary to please him.

Answer 10

I do not condone homosexuality nor do I throw the bible in the face of gays. I have several friends who are gay, I allow them to be who they are and they allow me to be who I am. One of my gay friends is the most old fashioned kind of guy you could ever meet. He is not flamboyant and does not go to gay bars and very much dislikes displays of public affection and has never tried to screw me one way or the other.