Let's Talk About Homosexuality
74
One night many years ago, I was watching the Johnny Carson Show and Joe Namath, the great professional-football quarterback, was one of the guests.
At the time, Namath was in the prime of his athletic career and one of the most popular people in the U.S. In addition, he held matinee-idol status among many of the women and girls in the country and he was regarded as “one of the most eligible bachelors in America”.
Well, at one point on the show while Carson was interviewing Namath, Carson jokingly asked him how would he feel if a gay man made a pass at him.
Without hesitation, Namath answered, “I would be flattered”.
When I heard Namath say that, I knew exactly where he was coming from. I identified with him 100%.
You see, I was in my mid-20s at the time and, if I must say so myself, I was a very handsome young stud. I mean, like, I was so hip and good-looking that on many occasions when I walked into some crowded upscale bar, an attractive young woman who I had never seen before would walk up to me and smilingly ask, “Can I buy you a drink”?
Or else as soon as I sat down at some fancy bar, the bartender would come over to me say something like, “That pretty young lady sitting over there would like to buy you a drink. So what are you having”?
Plus, on numerous occasions, I also got “hit on” by homosexual men and just like what Joe Namath said about himself, I always felt flattered when that happened. I never got upset or bent out of shape. I merely took it in stride and in a friendly or light-hearted tone, I would tell the guy something like, “Sorry, dude, I only swing with chicks”.
And presently, even though I am in my mid-60s, homosexual men often “give me the eye” or “bust a move” on me. And I still feel flattered every time one of those things happens. In fact, I recently told my sister that if the day ever comes when gay men stop making passes at me, I will then know that I look old, washed up and over-the-hill.
Also, whenever some “straight man” tells me something along the line that he hates or despises homosexual men because they are “freaks”, I always say the same thing to myself: “Brother, the only reason why you are telling me such a thing is you are making an all-out attempt to suppress or conceal your own homosexual inclinations”.
All of that said, and as I have expressed in other writings that I have posted on this site, I am strictly opposed to such things as same-sex marriage, “gays serving openly in the military”, and the glorification of the so-called gay-and-lesbian lifestyle. I believe that all of those things are wrong … quite wrong.
At the same time, however, I believe that a great many other things are quite wrong.
In my opinion, each of the following fall under the “quite-wrong category”: sex between males and females who are not married to each other, adultery, murder, stealing, lying, gambling, gossiping, hypocrisy, sanctimony, bigotry, contrariness, cynicism, and driving 75 miles per hour in places where the speed limit is 65 miles per hour.
What all of this is leading up to is I have often seen or heard “good-old God-fearing Christians” putting down homosexuality and homosexual individuals. Such things are said as “homosexuality is a terrible sin”, “homosexuals are abnormal people”, “homosexuality is sick and disgusting behavior”, “God hates homosexuals” and “all homosexuals are going to hell”.
Well, because of the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, any Christian who holds one or more of the aforementioned “beliefs” has The Right to openly express that is the way he/she sees things.
However, there is one great-big problem with “good Christians” putting down homosexuality and homosexual individuals. It is connected to what Jesus once said to a group of critical people: “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone”.
Thus, if a “good Christian” has ever had sex with someone that he/she was not married to, had an extra-marital affair, twisted the facts just a little bit on his/her income tax return, bought a lottery ticket, played a slot machine, exceeded the speed limit while driving, told a “little white lie”, or stolen a cookie from the cookie jar, he or she does not have any business putting down homosexuality or homosexual individuals -- at least, not in the eyes of God.
Finally, this is the way I see things.
It is just fine for people to be strictly or diametrically opposed to such things as same-sex marriage, “gays in the military” and the teaching of “gay and lesbian history” in the public schools. But what is NOT fine, especially in the eyes of God, is to get personal about it.
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (4)
- Funny (1)
- Awesome (5)
- Beautiful
- Interesting (4)
CommentsLoading...
“Brother, the only reason why you are telling me such a thing is you are making an all-out attempt to suppress or conceal your own homosexual inclinations”.
One hundred percent agreement. Kudos for the insight.
I've never thought that I was that good looking, but never mind that - I always manage to foul things up with my weirdness and outspoken ways. Oh well, I'm on the long range aging plan, and I hope I can still feel that I'm attractive when I'm your age, Sir.
WillStarr - I'm positive that you commit acts of sin each and every day. I know that I do, and I try not to - It's human nature, and the basis of everything we experience spiritually.
Everyone needs forgiveness. I'm pretty certain that a hatred in the heart for anyone. . .for any reason. . .is the exact same thing as a homosexual act. It's the same thing - SIN.
Will,
I agree with you. Homosexuality is a "perverted wrong". But in that same vein, there are things that I do in my "heterosexual lifestyle" that are quite wrong and "perverted".
Also, my attitude is I am not morally superior to anyone else, including homosexuals. As a matter of fact, because I am nothing but a lowly sinner, I am probably "morally inferior" to a whole lot homosexuals.
Wesman,
All I can say is, You know what time it is. In my opinion, you have a real good grip on things.
I'm fairly sure that homosexual people cannot control the feelings that they have for others of the same sex. I look at it like the feelings straight people have for those of the opposite sex. Can those of us that are straight make ourselves feel those same feelings for others of the same sex? No we can't. It's not really a choice that they can make so why call it wrong?
Voted Up.
"But in that same vein, there are things that I do in my "heterosexual lifestyle" that are quite wrong and "perverted"."
Then I assume you know both are wrong. True, we are all sinners, but that does not make us blind to other sins nor does it mean that we can no longer have an opinion on what is wrong.
The hypocrisy is in condemning others for what we ourselves do. I condemned no one. I simply recognized that homosexuality is wrong and perverted, just as you did.
The sins and wrongs we have committed in the past are gone and forgotten in the eyes of God if we have truly repented (1. Feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin. 2. View or think of (an action or omission) with deep regret or remorse.)
So I can "put down" homosexuality without being a hypocrite. God does NOT hate the person, He DOES hate the act (sin) they choose to perform.
One should not feel flattered when another person of any sex looks at us with lust. In fact we are instructed that: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:28. It should be discouraged at every turn so we all remain chaste.
I do believe we should get personal about homosexuality and other sins. Revelation 3:15 says, "I know what you have done, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot." A Christian is called to stand for the truth of God's word. It is loving the person, hating the sinful action. We should indeed "put down homosexuality." God once destroyed two cities because of it. Sins of the flesh concerning heterosexuality are also wrong, that is no reason to condone other sins though. All must be recognized and the way of life changed to a pure and holy lifestyle that is pleasing to God. Compromise and acceptance of any kind is dangerous and a denial of God's purity and holiness. That sinner should always be loved and treated with respect while the sin is firmly acknowledged.
A proof of the danger, an ad for gay dating came up on this page when I commented. It says "Register To View Gay Singles In Your Area."Wow
Row777,
I do not really agree with you.
While it is true that most homosexuals do not have any choice over who they are sexually attracted to, homosexual behavior is still wrong.
Just because someone "cannot help something", that does not make it right.
For example, I can't help lusting after the wife of one of my best friends, but because I can't help it damned sure doesn't make it right.
Will,
And you are right. You did merely point out that homosexuality is wrong, just like I am always doing.
What makes homosexuality wrong? Is it really peverted or wrong to be attracted to somebody who is also attracted to you and is not committed to anyone else? It's comparable to a man being attracted to his wife or girlfriend and her being attracted back to him. That is how I see it anyways, not meaning to disrespect your views in any way.
feenix,
Well ya know I love your writing and agree to disagree with you about things such as gay marriage but couldn't agree more with you that anyone should be flattered by anyone who hits on them because it's an ego booster and who doesn't need that?
What I love is all the "right" and "wrong" here. Everyone who has commented knows what is and isn't absolutely "right" and "wrong" it seems. Good for them, I guess. I like not always knowing the "right" or "wrong" thing sometimes. But know this I'm right about us gays being so much smarter, fun to be around and generally more attractive than you straightees!!! ;)
And to Hyphenbird - I'm just as offended when I get the Christian Singles and especially the Senior Singles ads in my email and on my hubs, they're very dangerous too, to a forty-something gay Jewish man!!!
somelikeitscott, I agree. They are dangerous indeed as they encourage people to look and lust. I wish they did not appear on my screen also.
Hyphenbird,
First, I never have, and never will, condone homosexuality or homosexual behavior. And I did not do so in this post.
What I essentially did was point out that no one on this site, or anywhere else, should appoint himself or herself as a spokesperson for God.
Speak for yourself, but do not ever proclaim to speak for God -- that is my view of things.
And quite frankly, there is really no such thing as "sins of the past". Even though Jesus died for our sins and His Father, God, constantly forgives us for our sins, the sins we have committed stick with us for the rest of our lives.
For example, when a person murders some one else, God will certainly forgive that person and chances are, that person will repent and go on to lead a "Christ-like" life.
But nevertheless, that person still killed someone. The sin was committed and it will never go away. When they repent, the person they killed will not suddenly rise from the grave.
Or the person they stole money from years ago will not suddenly find additional funds in their bank account. Or the emotional scars of the man they cheated on years ago will not suddenly cease to exist. Or the child they neglected years ago will not suddenly recover from all of the deeply rooted psychological problems that grew out of that neglect. Or the child they aborted years ago will not suddenly appear as a healthy full-grown human being. Or after having sex with "Tom, Dick and Harry" years ago, they will not return to being pure virgins.
And, yes, I often commit the sin of learing at women with lust in my heart, but I am not Jesus, I am "feenix" -- a lowly wretch and sinner who will never be a "perfect Christian".
And I fully agree with you that it is not hypocritical for one to condemn a sin even though he/she is committing his/her own sins. However, when one does that, he/she must always keep in mind that he/she is not morally superior to anyone else.
somelikeitscott,
As I have already expressed to you, you are one of my best friends here on HubPages. I think that you are a very cool and good person.
And just like all of the rest of us, you are just trying to make your way through this "valley of tears" that we call earth.
And between you and me, I selected the New York theme for this hub because the city is a real hip place that has a whole lot of hip people who accept life on life's terms.
The intended use of the male penis and female vagina is obvious to anyone with the IQ of a grape, so questioning why homosexuality is a perversion of the intended use is laughable.
Both the Old and New Testaments condemn homosexuality, so Jews and Christians that support the perversion are in direct opposition to their faith.
In that light and for those reasons, I am opposed to legitimizing an obvious sexual perversion with a state sactioned sham of a homosexual 'marriage'.
Given the same set of behaviors, that is true. However, one who adheres to the standards of God and not the world is indeed morally superior to those who make sinful choices. I am very much morally superior to the person I was before I accepted Christ and conformed to His word and grew the fruits of the Spirit. We are expected to control and subjugate our flesh, and it is possible to live that way.
As you know, I do not argue or quarrel so I will not get into a back and forth. This is my stand, and God's because His Word is clear on the matter.. HB
row777,
There is right and there is wrong, PERIOD!
Just as it is wrong for a 45-year-old man to lust after a 14-year-old girl, it is wrong for a man to be sexually attracted to another man.
It is just that old men being sexually attracted to young girls, and men being sexually attracted to other men, are parts of the human condition.
The point is, much of the human condition is comprised by things that are wrong.
Will, Hyphenbird,
I do not want any trouble with either of you because your friendships mean very much to me.
However, in my own way, I am merely trying to be a good Christian -- under the circumstances of the world I live in.
For example, I wonder, I just wonder, how would Jesus handle the "gay situation" if He were here on earth today. Afterall, some of the people who were closest to him had histories of being the lowest of the low.
He turned a common whore into a holy woman, a heartless tax collector into a compassionate man, and I could go on.
And keep in mind, Jesus did not preach or teach from the Holy Bible, because it was not even existence when He was here on earth.
Finally, many, if not most, of Jesus' followers were people who were regarded as outcasts and the "scum of the earth".
Also, it does not upset me one bit that a "gay singles" advertisement is appearing on this hub.
The world is the world, and it will keep right on being the world.
Jesus is coming back and when He does, He will straighten it all out.
Hi Feenix! Great hub and discussions. While I am not a supporter of the homosexual lifestyle, I have never been uptight or offended when an outwardly gay or "down low" man complimented me in that sexually suggestive way. I am very secure in my heterosexuality.
Some Christians (Jews, Muslims, etc. as well) pick and choose which sins are immoral when it comes to others but fail to recognize themselves (and get downright offended) when that standard is applied to them.
A few months ago, a fellow businessman across from my location came over to conduct a transaction. He let me know that he was gay by using some overt language in terms of what he liked sexually from a man. I was shocked! I thought he was quite forward especially since he didn't know me. But I actually liked him when I got to know him as a businessman. If he were to ask me how I felt about the gay lifestyle, I would tell him that I believe it to be wrong. If he were to ask me if I had ever committed any sins, I would have to say yes and not be a hypocrite. Not many people are able to face their own wrongs but are quick to point out others'.
Your point about who Jesus hung out with (sinners) is right on. Mahatma Gandhi once said in regards to Christians, "I like your Christ, but I don't like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." Words to consider when you look at history.
Nice hub and and voted up, up and away!
Dexter,
It is really good to hear from you and thank you very much for your generous comment and the vote.
I believe that when if comes to the way that you and I view things, a couple of significant factors must taken into account: You are a "Chicago dude" and I am a "N.Y.C.-L.A. dude". Big city homeys who have nearly seen it all.
Well written. While I disagree with the thinking that homosexuality is wrong, I do appreciate the matter of fact way you presented your opinion. To some of the responses on your article: I am often confused by the fact that people insist that homosexuality is "not natural", when in fact many other species engage in homosexuality. Also, how do Christians (I am not one, I am really asking your opinion here and not trying to be rude) work out that if God created everything and everyone, he also created homosexuals?
Sometimes in my little backstreet bar in Thailand we have an unusual and unplanned mix of people. There will be straight men and women, gay men, lesbian Toms and Dees, Kathoey (Ladyboys, cut and uncut) and a few sexes which people have never heard of. Last week was one such night. What do we do? We drink beer and Thai whiskey, we laugh and we swap stories. Rarely, very rarely does sex ever enter into the conversation and though there may be mild flirtation nobody is trying to pick anyone up. We don't talk about religion either. Just as well because it can get bigoted. There is a complete acceptance of each other. We love each other as friends and as people and would defend each others lifestyle to the end. We are people first and foremost and some of us are different. I am as straight as could be. My brother is gay. I have never had a homosexual inclination but accept that others do. I enjoyed your hub and agree with much of what you say feenix. You do make me think hard sometimes...and I like that.
Hello, danielleantosz,
I am very glad to have made your acquaintance and thank you very much for your generous and thoughtful comment.
I just read your profile and you appear to be my kind of person -- a free spirit who does not march by the same drummer that most others do.
Hello, Peter,
As I have said to you before, I really do admire you as a person and you are one of my very best friends on HubPages.
And years ago, I frequented a bar that was very similar to your "little backstreet bar".
There were the regulars who were all "straight" but quite often, a number of people from other walks of life would drop in and join us for a little fun.
One night that I will never forget, the place was packed and the crowd was comprised by straights, gays, lesbians, "flaming queens", "dykes", old people, young people, white people, black people, Hispanic people, Asian people and others who didn't really fall under any category.
Well, at about 1 a.m. when I thought that just about every member of the "human species" was in the place, in walked two clowns ... just like the ones you see at a circus.
I don't agree with homosexuality but what I detest more is judgemental people.
Sueswan,
I know what you mean. I am often judgmental and I always end up being very upset with myself for being that way.
feenix, I have a feeling that if Jesus of Nazareth was reading this he'd likely give you a thumbs up on this one. And even as our religious beliefs have some fundamental differences about the nature of wrongs and "sin", I like what you said and the astute way you put it, so gave a big Vote Up.
Hello, bethperry,
Thank very much for your generous comment. And actually, Jesus is my role model. ;-)
feenix: Personally, knowing that my Father God sees the "Gay" lifestyle as an abomination, I could not and never have felt comfortable with gay men or women. It is so unnatural and even just thinking about it makes my skin crawl. Twice in my life I have had to defend myself and fend off advances by men who wanted to force themselves upon me. I ran like crazy away from these two people and never looked back.
Feenix, I completely follow your line of logic and I think you stated it perfect.
I think homosexuality is as wrong as wrong can be....but as you also stated, so is hetrosexual adultry. Both are wrong in God's eyes. One is not MORE wrong than the other.
I will never condone the homosexual lifestyle. I will also never shun a homosexual on a personal level. I have befriended homosexual and they know exactly my view on their "chosen" lifestyle.
I think marriage is between a Man and a Woman. Period. There is no room for argument in my eyes.
As long as I have a vote, I will ALWAYS vote to protect marriage as it should be.
But, as long as any person is civil, decent and kind to me, I will always respond back to them in the same manner, despite their lifestyle.
Hello, Dave,
On those occasions when what they do slips into my mind, it makes my skin crawl, too. I mean, like, two dudes with 5 o'clock shadows making whoopee with each other is not a pretty sight.
But, as we pray in Alcoholics Anonymous, "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change ... "
Hello, CM,
To beat these people ... er, let me rephrase that. A lot of those people enjoy being beaten.
To save our country from swirling around and going down the drain, those of us who are concerned must develop and carry out well-organized plans based on sound and effective strategies.
Interesting hub, and equally interesting comments. If nothing else, this topic continues to generate energetic responses, doesn't it? The Bible is very explicit about this, as well as countless 'sins', most of which we are all tempted with, and all of which are subject to our freedom of choice. We are told to love one another, NOT to judge one another.. vote up.
Hello, G.L.A.,
Thank you very much for your generous comment and for the vote.
"... love one another, NOT judge one another."
That is so true, my friend.
What bothers me is not a person's views on homosexuality, I don't really care what people think about that as long as they are kind and civil to all. It does bother me that aspects of someone's personal life end up controlling so much public discourse. When presidential candidates have nothing better to talk about than same-sex marriage, I get mad. In America, marriage is a legal contract, and since everyone supposedly has equal rights, same-sex couples should be able to marry. If individual churches don't want to perform same-sex marriage, then fine. That's religion, which is separate from the state. But you should not wish to deny individuals the over 1,000 legal benefits of marriage just because your religion says homosexuality is wrong. Christianity says adultery is wrong, too, but adulterers still have parental rights, can have access to their spouse's medical records, can jointly buy a house, adopt a child, file taxes together, etc. And adultery is mentioned way more in the Bible than homosexuality. Why are we so hung up on one but not the other? Good and thought-provoking hub.
hazelbrown - I think I love you! :)
You have published an excellent and thought-provoking Hub here. I certainly do not hate anybody. I have a couple of friends and a couple of cousins who enjoy and make a habit of homosexual behaviors. I treat them exactly as I do anyone else who is my friend or member of my extended family. I also have friends who are crackheads and couple who are heroin addicts. I treat them the same and show them the same love I show the most pious person I know.
The idea that any man who doesn't approve of homosexual behavior—specifically the desire to "make love" to the nastiest place on the human body, the exit hole for feces—is somehow secretly wanting to do the same thing is absolutely false. It is propaganda. I don't approve of a lot of things, such as bestiality, child molestation, necrophilia. That in no wise means I long to do them myself in my heart of hearts.
I agree with you totally that homosexual behaviors are only one sin among many, such as adultery et al. The difference is that I do not see Adulterers parades, or people demanding that public schools teach kids that adultery is good and normal, or people demanding that ministers be arrested for naming adultery as sin, or people banning free speech by saying anyone who speaks out against adultery is guilty of "hate speech", of people demanding that "hate crime" legislation be enacted for crimes committed against adulterers.
Homosexual behaviors are certainly not "normal." Come on! The human sex organs have a purpose for their existence. Even if you don't believe in God you must realize that homosexuality is not something that would evolve to continue or improve the species. There is a solid reason why we have penises and vaginas and not just all of one and none of the other.
God does not hate homosexuals. He hates homosexual behaviors. These behaviors can become addictive just like a drug can. I don't see anyone parading for crackhead rights.
I don't give a damn if my next door neighbor enjoys a hamster up his ass or being defecated on or group orgies. But I do not want to forced to approve of it. I don't want to know about it.
People who practice homosexual behaviors are going to hell unless they repent and ask for forgiveness. But so are all people caught up in habitual sin that separates them from God. It is one thing to be contrite about ones sins; it is quite another to be damn proud of them.
Yes Jesus said he without sin cast the first stone. Nobody is asking for anybody to be stoned to death—which was what was happening in that story. Show me where Jesus said we should call evil good and good evil? Jesus said "Go! And Sin No More!"
Hello, James,
Thank you very much gracing this section with your eloquent and thoughtful comment.
I do NOT have any answers. I am nothing more than a mere human being who often attempts to express his views on one thing or the other -- and I have no doubt that much of the time, I am way off base.
Because I am not the brightest person in the world, I am only qualified to write here on HubPages instead of some highly-acclaimed or respected scholarly journal.
James nailed it.
I love all kinds of men, and so do we all...friends, relatives, children, etc., but the difference is, I don't want to have sex with them.
Homosexuality is not about love. As the name indicates, it's all about sex, and the most perverted type of sex...anonymous, loveless, and promiscuous.
There's nothing bigoted about telling the truth.
Homosexuality is not about love? OMG. Is HeteroSEXuality about love?
Just google 'gay', and you'll see what it's really all about.
And if that doesn't convince you, google 'gay pride parade', and what you'll see is raw sex on parade.
I don't need to Google that, I already know that being homosexual is the same as being heterosexual in terms of love.
also, what is MTV if not raw hetero-sex on parade? plus basically every lingere commercial, makeup commercial, sitcom, soap opera.... our culture is basically a shrine to raw heterosexual sex! your argument does not hold any water.
"I don't need to Google that, I already know that being homosexual is the same as being heterosexual in terms of love."
What's 'loving' about having anal or oral sex with a total stranger in a men's room or a rest stop on the freeway? That's what cruising homosexuals do, and almost all homosexuals admit that they 'cruise'.
I love the people, not the sin. The sin is wrong and I do not like being forced to condone it. Jesus did not condone the money changing in the temple. I will not condone the sin. If it is wrong, it is wrong and to condone it is wrong. People hide their adultery because it is wrong, homosexuality is one of the things that should be hidden, and deleted from your behavior, just as adultery is.
Will,
I hate to disagree with you but James did not "nail it" at all.
It is just that I responded to his comment in a tactful way because I have a lot of respect for him.
However, when you get right down to it, all human beings are disgusting -- and that is the reason why Jesus had to come down here to earth and show us the way. And, of course, it also the reason why he ended up suffering and dying on The Cross for our sins.
And when Jesus died for our sins, what sins do you suppose he died for?
Did He die only for the sin of homosexuality?
Or did He suffer and die on The Cross for all sins, spanning little kids stealing cookies from cookie jars, female prostitutes turning tricks under bridges, teenagers lying to their mamas about why they got home late, adultery -- to mass murders.
And what about when an adult male "seduces" a little 10-year-old girl and ends up having anal sex with her and having her to perform oral sex on him (which is something that happens quite often)?
Is that not disgusting sexual behavior, too?
When it comes to disgusting sexual behavior, homosexuals do not hold a monopoly on that.
hazelbrown,
Right you are.
As a matter of fact, anyone who has been around the block a few times knows that more often than not, sexual encounters between males and females do not involve any degree of love at all.
A great many of the encounters are nothing but instances in which male and female sinners get together for rolls in the hay -- that often include disgusting and sickening sexual practices and behavior.
Will,
"Raw sex on parade?"
When hundreds of half-naked female hookers are prancing up and down the streets of big cities, is that not "raw sex on parade?"
When nude women in strip clubs are doing such things as swinging around poles, giving lap dances and giving "blow jobs" in the back rooms of those places, are those not examples of "raw sex on parade?"
Becky,
The world is the world.
And this world will not be free of sin until Kingdom Comes.
For example, people will not stop writing, reading and commenting on hubs like this one until Jesus returns.
Will,
You said, "What's 'loving' about having anal or oral sex with a total stranger in a men's room or a rest stop on the freeway?"
What exactly are you talking about? What takes place between female hookers and truck drivers all along Interstate 10?
In this world, no one, I repeat, no one, is free of sin.
Or at least, I know I'm not. I am as much of a lowly wretched sinner as a "cruising homosexual" is.
Hey feenix, I actually agree with you! :) Woohoo! Thank you for pointing out that you can't mention rest-stop sex between two men without mentioning the rest-stop sex between men and women. And if straight guys in their 20's do not "cruise," then I don't know what else they do!
Now, let's get one thing straight.
Not only do I believe that homosexuality is a sin, I also believe that it is a very serious mental disorder. I believe that homosexuals are people who, somewhere along the way, got their wires crossed.
In addition, I am diametrically opposed to such things as same-sex marriage, so-called gay rights and the teaching of "gay and lesbian history" in the public schools.
However, at the same time, I do not ever hold myself up as someone who is morally superior to homosexuals.
As far as I know, and chances are, I will meet them all in hell.
hazelbrown,
All I know is that for much of my life, I have done a whole hell of a lot of "cruising" for female companionship.
feenix, I agree with James on this.
Sometimes, I'm sure, people do think they're morally superior to others including homosexuals. But in my experience, they usually (myself included) are falsely accused. Take this site, for instance. I've learned that when I take a direct Biblical stance on this subject in the forums, I get personally attacked myself and accused of making personal attacks, when in fact I've made none at all. The accusations of bias and hatred fly quickly, even though I've witnessed that I have loved ones who are "gay" and that I love them dearly but hate what they're doing; there's given no room for the concept of repentance and forgiveness. My own adulterous past is flung into my face to change the subject; a diversion tactic that's quite effective when a site is predominantly run by liberal minds. It's becoming that way in the general public too, from what I've seen. I don't mind talking about my past as long as the subject of forgiveness is taken into account too, because I'm a forgiven child of God. But I've learned, as I said, that Satan's lies get inserted into the mix so much that only the strongest in Faith can stand against the attacks, and the enemy seeks to gain sympathy for the Devil. And often gets it.
Your comment about as far as you know you'll "meet them all in hell"? My friend (I hope you still consider me a friend??), if you're a born-again child of God, the Holy Spirit will give you assurance and confirmation through His word that you will NOT go to hell; and the Lord will help you if you should stumble. I believe it's simply our duty and our desire as Christians to offer that same hope of assurance to those who think they're "gay", just as we have the assurance that, upon repentance, ALL sinners can be forgiven!
Hello, Brenda,
Thank you very much for your thoughtful and kind comment.
I call myself a struggling Christian and, quite frankly, I hope that I will always be struggling Christian.
I do not ever want to reach the point where I believe that I am "all right now" because I have found God and completely surrendered to Him.
In other words, I believe that for so long as I exist in this realm, I will be nothing but a lowly, wretched sinner, unworthy of God's love and devotion.
Thus, when I said I just might meet homosexuals in hell, I expressed that because I do not believe that I will ever be worthy of being in God's Kingdom.
Now, if I DO end up in God's Kingdom, it will only be because He took mercy on my soul.
So, I believe that when one is, or has been, something like an adulterer or fornicator, that person is in the same league as one who is a homosexual. He or she is nothing but a common sinner.
God's Ten Commandments are very straight forward. For example, one of The Commandments is "Thou Shalt Not Steal." Now, what that means is stealing one little Oreo from a cookie jar is as much of a sin as stilling millions of dollars from people in a Ponzi scheme.
In my opinion, and based on the way I understand God's Word, there are no degrees of sin. The are no first-degree sins and there are no second-degree sins. There are only sins.
I believe that one of the biggest tricks that Satan is playing on Christians is leading them to believe that there is a such thing as a "good Christian."
Because, you see, when people believe that they are "good Christians," they often gain a sense of moral superiority that drives them to do such things as enslave others and to steal land from others.
A whole lot of the folks who enslaved my African forebears and who wiped out entire nations of American Indians were people who regarded themselves as "good Christians."
If there were no such things as "good Christians," "bad Christians" and "non believers", the world would be far more peaceful than it is.
So, yes, I want to remain a "struggling Christian" until the day I depart from this realm.
Feenix,
You're justifying one wrong by pointing to other wrongs, a logical fallacy.
Will,
I am not going to argue with you because I do not have to.
I am the most conservative black man in America and I have a publicly-documented track record to prove it. The only thing you have to do to see that I deserve that title is "Google" my real name, and you do know what my real name is.
Before I go on, I will share something with you.
In the early-to-mid 2000's, I was one of the top bloggers on an ultra-conservative blogging network. Well, while on that network, I published a series of posts putting down homosexuality. One was entitled "Homosexuality Is A Serious Mental Disorder" and that post was read well over 100,000 times and largely by angry, rebellious and crude homosexuals and homosexual activists.
Ultimately, hackers made their way into my computer and caused it to crash. They did so much damage, I had to purchase a new computer. And I have no doubt that my computer was permanently damaged because I wrote those articles.
And because of the hard-hitting anti-homosexual articles I was posting, the hackers went on to hack into the system of the blogging network I was writing on, causing the site to be shut down everyday for long periods of time. And in the end, the network had to go out of business because things reached the point where the folks who ran it (far-right-wing, ultra-conservative Canadian separatists)decided that keeping it up had become too much trouble. They found new ways to get their message out.
Also, one or two of the anti-homosexual blogs I have written in the past are still on the internet and if I remember correctly, they can be found when you "Google" my name. -- And as a side note: If I published those articles on this site, I would probably be banned or suspended from the network.
The point of all this is, I am not just a "smack talker." I have always talked the talk and walked the walk.
Presently for example, I am a card-carrying member of a number of conservative organizations, including the National Rifle Association (NRA) and National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) -- and I used to work for the NRLC, writing anti-abortion brochures and other literature.
In addition, I have worked on numerous campaigns for Republicans who were running for office, including the presidential campaigns of every Republican candidate from Gerald Ford to John McCain.
So, please, stop coming after me in my comments sections by trying to paint me as being "less conservative" than you are in the area of America's "homosexual crisis."
I have been a soldier in that war for a very long time and because I have been fighting it for such a long time, I have come to learn that a great many conservatives and Christians are approaching and addressing the issue in the wrong ways.
Their misdirected actions and endeavors are only giving the "homosexual power elite" more strength and momentum.
Once again, please stop commenting against me because when you come right down to it, you and I are on the same side.
Now, if your objective is just to "show me up," ...
That wasn't my intent at all, and I'm sorry if you took it that way.
Will,
Well, I did take it that way, and that is because I have always been supportive of you and I have always had your back.
And prior to this, and opposite of what you did, I never sent a comment to you that could be construed as my being critical of you.
WillStarr Level 8 Commenter 10 months ago
It's a matter of right and wrong, and to me, homosexuality is a perverted wrong.