Replies to post #6191 on Zeev's Turnips Talk Politics (ZTTP)

[Chris McConnel]

Mlsoft, i've got just the book for you, to help you overcome your fear and hatred of gay people:


Openly Gay, Openly Christian: How the Bible Really Is Gay Friendly

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0943595789/ref=ase_whosoevanonlinemA/103-5048637-0833425


Also, here are some really cool websites...


The face of Christianity has changed forever. A controversial Christian movement is growing. Increasing numbers of international GLBT people of faith are saying, "Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior." These believers do not represent "ex-gay" ministries. Growing numbers of churches and denominations bless same-sex marriages, ordain "practicing" non-celibate clergy, baptize children in these families of choice and represent a spiritual revolution. The spirit of Christ is evident in transformed lives. Their presence and growing influence is well demonstrated through the Internet. Several web sites which represent this growing ministry outreach that are worth serious study are "Christian Lesbians,"1 "Whosoever"2 and "Evangelicals Concerned."3 They offer a loving, inclusive Christian gospel, which empowers and encourages GLBT seekers around the world in countries without gay-affirming churches in aggressively homophobic governments. They help sexual minorities integrate their Christian faith with their human sexuality.

http://www.soulfoodministry.org/docs/English/NewLifeChristPart4.htm


Many years ago I was asked to speak to a church's congregation and community members about why gays should not be ordained to the clergy. At that time, reading such Scripture verses as Romans 1:20-32 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, as well as verses in the Old Testament ostensibly pertaining to homosexuality, I fully believed that gays should not be ordained. I would never make that speech today! Indeed, I'm deeply ashamed that I did give that speech.

When studying anything, let alone Scripture, consideration of context is crucial! The context of prohibition against homosexual behavior in the Old Testament was that people were to be fruitful and multiply; the Messiah would come through the fruit of procreation, though be born of a virgin. In the New Testament, the context of prohibition is against any behavior that supplants God as an object of worship.

http://www.whosoever.org/v4i2/wrong.html

[sarai]

How do you know God didn't "make" or intend for an individual to be gay?... Aren't you being slightly assuming when you claim to understand God's will or intentions.....