I'm very disturbed by this...?

Question

A few hours ago, someone asked what at first seemed like a straightforward and simple question that seemed to be homosexual bigotry and hatred. Until he posted additional information where he claimed that homosexuality and pedophilia were the same thing.

http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070602143822AARDArN&r=w#A61qBlvtJ1fzLnNN93IK

My question is this....

Why is it that many religious seem to have difficulty separating a consensual adult relationship where both parties understand the circumstances, with the possible consequences of a sexual relationship and normally mutual passionate love, and the act of an adult preying on children who do not understand enough to consent to the action?

They are not the same thing. Is there something wrong with the Christian mind? Perhaps a retardation of maturity?

I have heard it from both Christians and Muslims. Same god, different book.

Judging from some of the answers I'm getting, its most definately not the homosexuals that are evil. Take a look at yourselves.

Answer 1

My opinion and part of the reason that I am agnostic: Religions tend to control their constituents by instilling fear into them; they do that often enough by denigrating those whom they condemn biblically, citing scripture to "prove" their "rationales". They then elaborate "righteously" by further accusing those whom their bible condemns of additional "sins". They are not interested in understanding or accepting your alternative life-style but only in abhorring it since their bible commands them to do so!

Answer 2

First of all that question looks like a blatant attempt to stir-up the sh*t. Obviously the screen name "muslim" was meant to anger people and fuel hatred for Muslims who are already on Americas Sh*t list. So I wouldn't get too worked up over it.
As for your question. Is there something wrong with them?
Maybe there is. You know both Muslim and Christian "faiths" originated from the same small scrap of desert. Both have histories of violence and intolerance and have fueled wars, crusades, terrorism from the beginning all the way to present day. Out in the middle east they have been hating and fighting each other forever. Doesn't look like that'll ever change. Maybe there is some sort of mental illness or insanity at work here. Genetic, something in the water, or just the result of digesting and accepting the whole belief system is in itself a sickness of the mind. Just like the way someone would become sick-in-the-head if subjected to an abusive or traumaticaly insane environment.

Answer 3

They are two very different things, at the same time they are both wrong in God's eyes. That does not mean that a mature Christian would not accept either. Obviously there are precausions we all have to take to protect our families, but God sees every sin the same. So just as He has forgiven me, He will do the same for any who ask. It is never a human being's place to judge anyone. Only God reserves that right, because He is the only perfect One. Obviously this person does not know what they are talking about. God Bless:)

Answer 4

I suspect this is about an equalitarian idea of sin. Sins are all sins and all equal. I don't know, to me it is an excuse not to think or feel empathy, let alone compassion or understanding. Not very deep is it?

I know there are some Christians who are incredibly deep thinkers but they do not seem to have much positive influence over this sort I am afraid.

I went to the question you showed us and answered the question. I am also shocked about that example of sex before marriage and rape. That is just as frightening. It always floors me to the quick that there are really people out there that are so emotionless as to be able to believe these things. Ihope that individual never gets invoved with anyone and stays celabet! Frankly the first one sounded like he was rationalising pedophelia. Maybe he has issues. Sorry.


Peace and awareness! More education, more!

Answer 5

Anyone who confuses homosexuality and pedophilia is delusional. Note that delusion means "false belief", but there is a connotation that false beliefs can lead to irrational behavior.

Belief in God is also delusional. Some God believers also have irrational behavior -- some quite so, like those who kill in the name of their deity.

You are trying to claim that there is a cause and effect relationship between Christianity and the kind of severe bigotry that can lead to the belief that homosexuality and pedophilia are the same thing. I think there probably is a correlation, but correlation does not prove causation.

Rather, I think that this kind of bigotry, and the worst kind of conservative Christianity are both the result of poor education.

Answer 6

Okay, I am a Christian, here are my thoughts.

In the earthly realm of things, these two things are very different. I admit, I am against both and believe them both to be sin. I personally find the pedophilia to be far more demented and gross and despicable, not even to be compared.

Having said that, for God, sin is sin. The only sin that is worse than any other sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. So, since sin is sin, judge not least ye be judged. Haven't they sinned equally by judging you?

I do not at all condone of homosexuality, and I know that God says in the Bible that it is wrong, but that is between you and God, for God is the one who judges. I have friends who are gay, they know my thoughts, but that doesn't make us not friends.

Answer 7

Dear asker,
the Christian "mind" in this respect is just about as distressing and horribly wrong as it about anything else that the Bible and their preachers teach which the rest of the world knows is ridiculous, like the notion that Christ had to die a horrible death to save us (says who) or that God is male, or that it was God's will that the pre Christian pagans were viciously slaughtered, or that Witches were burned and tortured in the Burning Times...etc.

The problem is that when common sense comes into conflict with a Christian teaching, the average Christian seems more likely to follow the totally objectionable or illogical Christian teaching rather than logic, reason or compassion.

Go figure. Better yet, don't try to figure it out, it just ends up giving you a headache and who needs to waste the time and energy?

Bright blessings!
Lady Morgana )0(

Answer 8

Most Christians do realize that there is a difference. It sounds to me like you are judgeing a group based on the foolishness of an individual. I am a Christian, and I have been struggleing with the problem of homosexuality for some time. I do not think that men were ment to be with men, or women with women. I believe that homosexuality is a phsycological disorder, even though most people would disagree with me. But even believing this, it is difficult for me to see homosexuality as wrong or sinful.

Answer 9

What I have found is that many people of my faith do not understand the difference between the two. Ignorance is harmful indeed. While I believe both are born the way they are, I also know that homosexuals do not harm anyone and pedophiles do. I think that if everyone were to take the most basic psychology class, they would understand this. I am disgusted by the question that inspired this one, and I am embarrassed that someone would actually have that opinion. God Bless.

Answer 10

I don't think it is just the Christian mind. It is the mind of someone who will find a morsel of information that they think justifies their prejudice, hatred and what I think amounts to a complete unwillingness to truly understand anything. They obviously don't understand homosexuality nor have they had any friends who were homosexual. They also have no idea of what Christ taught. This is demonstrated by their questions and answers.

One piece of the truth is not enough.

Answer 11

Why do a GREAT deal of pedophiles like attacking same sex victims? Why do many gays have experiences with older men early on in life? If you ask me pedophilia can cause homosexuality in their victims and or make them future pedophiles so it will never be separated. For the record I do not believe in any organized religion (the problem with the world). I am kind and do not discriminate on any basis but i call it as I see it.