Gay-Affirming Podcast
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Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 22 2006 at 2:42pm by I subscribed to your podcast after seeing a promo of you at an independent film house that features Sundance films monthly. I am enjoying the different perspective you bring to Christianity as a Punk Minister.
Of course, I don't have tele access {whole other topic}, so I can't get the whole feel of what your topic is about and how you deal with homosexuality as a minister. I'd like to give my opinion, if I may.
I am a Unitarian Universalist. I truly believe that my spiritual journey is my own and has been entrusted to me as my own. I was heavily involved in the Southern Baptist church until I was 17 and found many things about it hypocritical and ignorant as well as very scary. But one thing that disturbed me the most was how every time I was being preached to during my evangelical training was how Christians were at war and were constantly being prejudged and cast in a role of minority that we have to struggle through. But after reading about the life of Jesus and passages from the Bible, I understood my role as a Christian much differently.
Isn't that he died for us originally? So how is it my responsibility to determine what is right or wrong with other people? I understood my role to be different in Christianity. And thus, I left the Baptist Church. I spent many years learning about Judiaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and many more and found that all of them, when read with an open mind - they all really say the same thing. Love.
My views on Christianity have changed, I have learned a lot about myself through this journey and found Unitarian Universalism to be my match. My views and opinions in this world are certainly my own but they are not my own to force on others. Whether I believe in homosexuality or not, it isn't my call. Every human being deserves to be respected and dignified, no matter the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, or their past, along with so many others. Does this mean I have to agree or like them? No. But it does mean I have to respect their descisions in life, because it is theirs to do with as they see fit. When it comes to the end of my life, I want to look back with no regrets. I want to know that I treated others with the same respect and dignity that I have been treated with or did better.
I am pro choice. Not because I believe in abortion, but because I believe in my right to choose, regardless if it is life.
I am pro same sex marriage. Not because I believe in homosexuality, but because I believe that everyone should be afforded the same rights that I as a heterosexual am afforded.
These are things that I have been looked down upon by old church mates. I am not hurt, but disappointed. It has been hard to look upon someone with love though they hate your guts, but I am human and not a robot.
I have babbled long enough. I just found your podcast to be so interesting that I felt the need to comment. I hope you continue to do what you feel is right in your heart.
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RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 22 2006 at 4:02pm by I am Catholic, and I have been taught that the Bible declares homosexuality to be sinful. I have been taught that it is not a sin to be gay, but to give in to those homosexual desires is. You have said just the opposite in your latest Podcast, Jay. You said that if the historical context is taken into account, people would better understand what the Bible really says about this issue. Could you cite some particular passages and give us all the historical background that you believe does not condemn homosexuality? I became very confused when you said that in your Podcast, and I (and dare I say many others) would like that historical support to back up your beliefs. RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Sep 12 2007 at 4:17am by Yeah, the explanations really werent air tight were they?
RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Sep 12 2007 at 4:19am by I guess we should also say its okay to commit adultry now eh>
RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Sep 12 2007 at 4:20am by I guess we should also say its okay to commit adultry now eh>
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RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 22 2006 at 7:05pm by I've been told I am a very different type of Christian. My belief comes from a personal inescapable feeling of the presence of God. And a belief in Christ as the son of God and having sacrificed himself for the sins of mankind. Not from a church or the Bible. As such, my picture of God is not dictated by the Bible. The God I picture is very loving of his children. I do believe that God doesn't make mistakes.
So I also believe that God did not make a mistake in the creation of homosexual people. I do not believe it is a choice. I do not believe it is the environment in which they are raised. There are gay children that come out of the most conservative, heterosexual households and there are heterosexual children that come out of the most liberal, homosexual households. And all variations in between. I believe they are born gay just as I am born straight. I also can not for a second imagine the God I love creating these people to be homosexual to either deny who they truly are and to live a life of misery or to be damned to hell for being true to who they really are.
That then raises the question, why? Why would God create homosexual people? Well, why does God create people of different races? Why does God allow there to be people of various cultures? Why does God allow there to be people of various religions or lack there of? And so on. Diversity. What would be the point to this world if we were all the same? What would we gain from a place full of people that are all the same. These differences re what give this world it's color. It's flavor. Perhaps it's very meaning. But hey, those are just MY thoughts. :-) Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Holidays!
http://www.youtube.com/user/1938superman-
RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 22 2006 at 7:29pm by You said "I do not believe it is a choice". Jay, you said the same thing on Episode 2. It seems the logic is, "Well, if it's not a choice than it cannot be wrong."
If this is true, then can I ask, "why can't I choose this lifestyle?" It seems to me any time someone says "well, it's not a choice," what they are reaffirming is this idea that homosexuality is something unwanted. "But, well, I was born with it so this is the life I must lead, and it can't be wrong." I have several gay friends who do not believe they were born with their sexual preferences, but have arrived at them regardless, through various other events. What would you say to them?
If homosexuality is not wrong, folks, then why can't some choose it?
T
fear_68 wrote:
(Dec 22 2006 @ 07:05pm)
I've been told I am a very different type of Christian. My belief comes from a personal inescapable feeling of the presence of God. And a belief in Christ as the son of God and having sacrificed himself for the sins of mankind. Not from a church or the Bible. As such, my picture of God is not dictated by the Bible. The God I picture is very loving of his children. I do believe that God doesn't make mistakes.
So I also believe that God did not make a mistake in the creation of homosexual people. I do not believe it is a choice. I do not believe it is the environment in which they are raised. There are gay children that come out of the most conservative, heterosexual households and there are heterosexual children that come out of the most liberal, homosexual households. And all variations in between. I believe they are born gay just as I am born straight. I also can not for a second imagine the God I love creating these people to be homosexual to either deny who they truly are and to live a life of misery or to be damned to hell for being true to who they really are.
That then raises the question, why? Why would God create homosexual people? Well, why does God create people of different races? Why does God allow there to be people of various cultures? Why does God allow there to be people of various religions or lack there of? And so on. Diversity. What would be the point to this world if we were all the same? What would we gain from a place full of people that are all the same. These differences re what give this world it's color. It's flavor. Perhaps it's very meaning. But hey, those are just MY thoughts. :-) Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Holidays!
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RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 23 2006 at 12:44am by I'm not suggesting for a second that there is anything wrong with homosexuality at all. Quite the opposite. What I was suggesting is that homosexuality, in my estimation, is no more a choice than heterosexuality. I don't recall choosig to be heterosexual. It's just the way I am. And I had plenty of opportunity to consider whether or not i may have been gay. I never experimented with that idea but I had opportunities where I could have. And I was just never attracted to men. And every homosexual person I have ever spoken to about this subject has said that they were never really attracted to the opposite sex, though some may have tried or pretended, and they came from various different backgrounds.
If your gay friends believe it is a choice, I would say they obviously have the right to believe whatever they want and they obviously would know more about why they are gay than I would. But what I would ask them is, that if it is a choice, does that then mean that if they wanted to that they could choose to be straight and to be attracted to the opposite sex? And if so, wouldn't that make them bi-sexual rather than homosexual?
thomas wrote:
(Dec 22 2006 @ 07:29pm)
You said "I do not believe it is a choice". Jay, you said the same thing on Episode 2. It seems the logic is, "Well, if it's not a choice than it cannot be wrong."
If this is true, then can I ask, "why can't I choose this lifestyle?" It seems to me any time someone says "well, it's not a choice," what they are reaffirming is this idea that homosexuality is something unwanted. "But, well, I was born with it so this is the life I must lead, and it can't be wrong." I have several gay friends who do not believe they were born with their sexual preferences, but have arrived at them regardless, through various other events. What would you say to them?
If homosexuality is not wrong, folks, then why can't some choose it?
T
fear_68 wrote:
(Dec 22 2006 @ 07:05pm)
I've been told I am a very different type of Christian. My belief comes from a personal inescapable feeling of the presence of God. And a belief in Christ as the son of God and having sacrificed himself for the sins of mankind. Not from a church or the Bible. As such, my picture of God is not dictated by the Bible. The God I picture is very loving of his children. I do believe that God doesn't make mistakes.
So I also believe that God did not make a mistake in the creation of homosexual people. I do not believe it is a choice. I do not believe it is the environment in which they are raised. There are gay children that come out of the most conservative, heterosexual households and there are heterosexual children that come out of the most liberal, homosexual households. And all variations in between. I believe they are born gay just as I am born straight. I also can not for a second imagine the God I love creating these people to be homosexual to either deny who they truly are and to live a life of misery or to be damned to hell for being true to who they really are.
That then raises the question, why? Why would God create homosexual people? Well, why does God create people of different races? Why does God allow there to be people of various cultures? Why does God allow there to be people of various religions or lack there of? And so on. Diversity. What would be the point to this world if we were all the same? What would we gain from a place full of people that are all the same. These differences re what give this world it's color. It's flavor. Perhaps it's very meaning. But hey, those are just MY thoughts. :-) Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Holidays!
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RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 24 2006 at 3:07pm by Jay, I have a question for you. To frame it a bit, I've noticed disillusionment with the evangelical Christian status quo. It's almost like Jesus is whispering in the ears of people like Carlton Pearson and saying "Don't buy what they're selling." So on with the question...you have a take on things that is much more in keeping with what I believe is truth. Are you prepared for the shit that comes down to those people willing to buck the system at their peril?
fear_68 wrote:
(Dec 23 2006 @ 12:44am)
I'm not suggesting for a second that there is anything wrong with homosexuality at all. Quite the opposite. What I was suggesting is that homosexuality, in my estimation, is no more a choice than heterosexuality. I don't recall choosig to be heterosexual. It's just the way I am. And I had plenty of opportunity to consider whether or not i may have been gay. I never experimented with that idea but I had opportunities where I could have. And I was just never attracted to men. And every homosexual person I have ever spoken to about this subject has said that they were never really attracted to the opposite sex, though some may have tried or pretended, and they came from various different backgrounds.
If your gay friends believe it is a choice, I would say they obviously have the right to believe whatever they want and they obviously would know more about why they are gay than I would. But what I would ask them is, that if it is a choice, does that then mean that if they wanted to that they could choose to be straight and to be attracted to the opposite sex? And if so, wouldn't that make them bi-sexual rather than homosexual?
thomas wrote:
(Dec 22 2006 @ 07:29pm)
You said "I do not believe it is a choice". Jay, you said the same thing on Episode 2. It seems the logic is, "Well, if it's not a choice than it cannot be wrong."
If this is true, then can I ask, "why can't I choose this lifestyle?" It seems to me any time someone says "well, it's not a choice," what they are reaffirming is this idea that homosexuality is something unwanted. "But, well, I was born with it so this is the life I must lead, and it can't be wrong." I have several gay friends who do not believe they were born with their sexual preferences, but have arrived at them regardless, through various other events. What would you say to them?
If homosexuality is not wrong, folks, then why can't some choose it?
T
fear_68 wrote:
(Dec 22 2006 @ 07:05pm)
I've been told I am a very different type of Christian. My belief comes from a personal inescapable feeling of the presence of God. And a belief in Christ as the son of God and having sacrificed himself for the sins of mankind. Not from a church or the Bible. As such, my picture of God is not dictated by the Bible. The God I picture is very loving of his children. I do believe that God doesn't make mistakes.
So I also believe that God did not make a mistake in the creation of homosexual people. I do not believe it is a choice. I do not believe it is the environment in which they are raised. There are gay children that come out of the most conservative, heterosexual households and there are heterosexual children that come out of the most liberal, homosexual households. And all variations in between. I believe they are born gay just as I am born straight. I also can not for a second imagine the God I love creating these people to be homosexual to either deny who they truly are and to live a life of misery or to be damned to hell for being true to who they really are.
That then raises the question, why? Why would God create homosexual people? Well, why does God create people of different races? Why does God allow there to be people of various cultures? Why does God allow there to be people of various religions or lack there of? And so on. Diversity. What would be the point to this world if we were all the same? What would we gain from a place full of people that are all the same. These differences re what give this world it's color. It's flavor. Perhaps it's very meaning. But hey, those are just MY thoughts. :-) Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Holidays!
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RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 24 2006 at 3:21pm by And by the way, there is a LOT more going on to life than Gay or Straight and silly earthly issues like that. As such, for those people who allow descriptors of people to color their opinions and actions, "Let the one without sin cast the first stone..." (Wow, no one qualifies to throw stones!)
sandiheller wrote:
(Dec 24 2006 @ 03:07pm)
Jay, I have a question for you. To frame it a bit, I've noticed disillusionment with the evangelical Christian status quo. It's almost like Jesus is whispering in the ears of people like Carlton Pearson and saying "Don't buy what they're selling." So on with the question...you have a take on things that is much more in keeping with what I believe is truth. Are you prepared for the shit that comes down to those people willing to buck the system at their peril?
fear_68 wrote:
(Dec 23 2006 @ 12:44am)
I'm not suggesting for a second that there is anything wrong with homosexuality at all. Quite the opposite. What I was suggesting is that homosexuality, in my estimation, is no more a choice than heterosexuality. I don't recall choosig to be heterosexual. It's just the way I am. And I had plenty of opportunity to consider whether or not i may have been gay. I never experimented with that idea but I had opportunities where I could have. And I was just never attracted to men. And every homosexual person I have ever spoken to about this subject has said that they were never really attracted to the opposite sex, though some may have tried or pretended, and they came from various different backgrounds.
If your gay friends believe it is a choice, I would say they obviously have the right to believe whatever they want and they obviously would know more about why they are gay than I would. But what I would ask them is, that if it is a choice, does that then mean that if they wanted to that they could choose to be straight and to be attracted to the opposite sex? And if so, wouldn't that make them bi-sexual rather than homosexual?
thomas wrote:
(Dec 22 2006 @ 07:29pm)
You said "I do not believe it is a choice". Jay, you said the same thing on Episode 2. It seems the logic is, "Well, if it's not a choice than it cannot be wrong."
If this is true, then can I ask, "why can't I choose this lifestyle?" It seems to me any time someone says "well, it's not a choice," what they are reaffirming is this idea that homosexuality is something unwanted. "But, well, I was born with it so this is the life I must lead, and it can't be wrong." I have several gay friends who do not believe they were born with their sexual preferences, but have arrived at them regardless, through various other events. What would you say to them?
If homosexuality is not wrong, folks, then why can't some choose it?
T
[quote=fear_68] (Dec 22 2006 @ 07:05pm)
I've been told I am a very different type of Christian. My belief comes from a personal inescapable feeling of the presence of God. And a belief in Christ as the son of God and having sacrificed himself for the sins of mankind. Not from a church or the Bible. As such, my picture of God is not dictated by the Bible. The God I picture is very loving of his children. I do believe that God doesn't make mistakes.
So I also believe that God did not make a mistake in the creation of homosexual people. I do not believe it is a choice. I do not believe it is the environment in which they are raised. There are gay children that come out of the most conservative, heterosexual households and there are heterosexual children that come out of the most liberal, homosexual households. And all variations in between. I believe they are born gay just as I am born straight. I also can not for a second imagine the God I love creating these people to be homosexual to either deny who they truly are and to live a life of misery or to be damned to hell for being true to who they really are.
That then raises the question, why? Why would God create homosexual people? Well, why does God create people of different races? Why does God allow there to be people of various cultures? Why does God allow there to be people of various religions or lack there of? And so on. Diversity. What would be the point to this world if we were all the same? What would we gain from a place full of people that are all the same. These differences re what give this world it's color. It's flavor. Perhaps it's very meaning. But hey, those are just MY thoughts. :-) Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Holidays!
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RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 24 2006 at 4:21pm by Why Can't I Own a Canadian?
Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a east coast resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as
informative:
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need
some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19-24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you
clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to
curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your devoted fan,
JimRE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 24 2006 at 8:20pm by That was clever and funny...and I continue be an advocate for owning Canadians....(does this make me a racist?)
subhuti wrote:
(Dec 24 2006 @ 04:21pm)
Why Can't I Own a Canadian?
Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a east coast resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as
informative:
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need
some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19-24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you
clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to
curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your devoted fan,
Jim
RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 24 2006 at 8:20pm by That was clever and funny...and I continue be an advocate for owning Canadians....(does this make me a racist?)
subhuti wrote:
(Dec 24 2006 @ 04:21pm)
Why Can't I Own a Canadian?
Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a east coast resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as
informative:
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need
some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19-24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you
clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to
curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your devoted fan,
Jim
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RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Jun 29 2007 at 8:25am by Some years ago, I authored a letter to CephasMinistry.com in defense of Jay Bakker.
( http://www.cephasministry.com/evangelists_jay_bakker.html )
For the record, I still feel the same now as I did when I authored that letter.
-However-
I feel that the proverbial line in the sand has been drawn. Jay's chosen to cross that line, and I've chosen not to. I feel that, as a Christian, I cannot pick and choose which passages of scripture are applicable for today's world and which ones aren't. For me, the Word of God is just as applicable today as it was when it was authored thousands of years ago.
My brother was very well known in gay communities all across the United States. His birth name was Barry Rogers, but he was known as "Johnny Rahm". I loved my brother very much, and he knew that. I was able to have a brotherly relationship with him. In spite of his homosexuality, Barry and I had a great relationship as brothers. Barry committed suicide at Piedmont Park on November 6, 2004.
That being said, Barry made a choice - a conscious decision - to become a homosexual. I do not believe that God creates anyone gay anymore than I believe that God creates someone to become a pedophile. All are conscious decisions that a person makes. (And I am not equating homosexuality with pedophilia. I view both as sexual sin, but that's where the similarities end.)
Other posters on here have gone through the trouble of posting applicable passages of scriptures, both from the Old and New Testaments, so I won't bother to repeat them here.
I believe that God was the author of the Bible. He inspired men, who wrote down what God laid upon their hearts. I do not believe that I follow and serve a God who is double-minded or speaks with a forked tongue. It makes no logical sense whatsoever for Him to condemn an action, then turn around and create the very thing that He's condemned. I don't believe that God would do that.
Satan's deceptions are strong. Whether it's homosexuality, adultery, or any other sexual sin, if we enjoy it and don't want to turn away from it, then we'll believe what we want to believe, and justify it within our own minds in order to continue in that sin and feel as though God's condoning our activities.
It's time to wake up and see sin for what it really is: A lie and deception straight from the pits of hell.
I do not hate homosexuals at all. Rather, I love them as I do everyone else. As with my brother, I have the ability to separate the individual from their sin, and love them while detesting what they are doing.
I pray that God starts opening people's eyes before it is eternally too late.
Don't hate me for the way that I feel, please. I would be lying to both of us if I were to pretend to believe otherwise. Just as you feel that you must be true to yourself, I must be true to myself as well.
Peace
Scott RogersRE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Sep 12 2007 at 4:34am by Right on Scott. We cannot pick and choose what we believe in the bible. I really wish that people would understand that you can love someone and still disagree with what they do at the same time.
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RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 23 2006 at 2:22am by I suppose I should start and say that Im a terrible person, Im selfish, materialistic and shallow. Im a sinner that is only lovable through the grace of Christ. I know these things are wrong and it is Christ in my life that motivates me to change them and to be a more selfless, giving, caring person.
God hates sin, he can have nothing to do with sin, that includes me and my sinful nature my selfishness. I am only allowed to have a relationship with God because of Christ's love and sacrifice.
I do think that a homosexual lifestyle is a sin, no more than my own. I applaud Jay and others for welcoming homosexuals into their church because so many 'traditional' churches have pushed homosexuals away. They must be welcomed and loved.-
RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 24 2006 at 1:46am by micah.obadiah wrote:
(Dec 23 2006 @ 02:22am)
I suppose I should start and say that Im a terrible person, Im selfish, materialistic and shallow. Im a sinner that is only lovable through the grace of Christ. I know these things are wrong and it is Christ in my life that motivates me to change them and to be a more selfless, giving, caring person.
God hates sin, he can have nothing to do with sin, that includes me and my sinful nature my selfishness. I am only allowed to have a relationship with God because of Christ's love and sacrifice.
I do think that a homosexual lifestyle is a sin, no more than my own. I applaud Jay and others for welcoming homosexuals into their church because so many 'traditional' churches have pushed homosexuals away. They must be welcomed and loved.
RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 24 2006 at 1:54am by I thank you jay for hearring the ward .I a gay chistion AND I have seen God work thought me to help others to heal,we are all God's kids . warriordove2 wrote:
(Dec 24 2006 @ 01:46am)
micah.obadiah wrote:
(Dec 23 2006 @ 02:22am)
I suppose I should start and say that Im a terrible person, Im selfish, materialistic and shallow. Im a sinner that is only lovable through the grace of Christ. I know these things are wrong and it is Christ in my life that motivates me to change them and to be a more selfless, giving, caring person.
God hates sin, he can have nothing to do with sin, that includes me and my sinful nature my selfishness. I am only allowed to have a relationship with God because of Christ's love and sacrifice.
I do think that a homosexual lifestyle is a sin, no more than my own. I applaud Jay and others for welcoming homosexuals into their church because so many 'traditional' churches have pushed homosexuals away. They must be welcomed and loved.
RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 24 2006 at 1:28pm by warriordove2 wrote:
(Dec 24 2006 @ 01:46am)
micah.obadiah wrote:
(Dec 23 2006 @ 02:22am)
I suppose I should start and say that Im a terrible person, Im selfish, materialistic and shallow. Im a sinner that is only lovable through the grace of Christ. I know these things are wrong and it is Christ in my life that motivates me to change them and to be a more selfless, giving, caring person.
God hates sin, he can have nothing to do with sin, that includes me and my sinful nature my selfishness. I am only allowed to have a relationship with God because of Christ's love and sacrifice.
I do think that a homosexual lifestyle is a sin, no more than my own. I applaud Jay and others for welcoming homosexuals into their church because so many 'traditional' churches have pushed homosexuals away. They must be welcomed and loved.
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RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 24 2006 at 1:12pm by jbcowland wrote:
(Dec 22 2006 @ 02:42pm)
I subscribed to your podcast after seeing a promo of you at an independent film house that features Sundance films monthly. I am enjoying the different perspective you bring to Christianity as a Punk Minister.
Of course, I don't have tele access {whole other topic}, so I can't get the whole feel of what your topic is about and how you deal with homosexuality as a minister. I'd like to give my opinion, if I may.
I am a Unitarian Universalist. I truly believe that my spiritual journey is my own and has been entrusted to me as my own. I was heavily involved in the Southern Baptist church until I was 17 and found many things about it hypocritical and ignorant as well as very scary. But one thing that disturbed me the most was how every time I was being preached to during my evangelical training was how Christians were at war and were constantly being prejudged and cast in a role of minority that we have to struggle through. But after reading about the life of Jesus and passages from the Bible, I understood my role as a Christian much differently.
Isn't that he died for us originally? So how is it my responsibility to determine what is right or wrong with other people? I understood my role to be different in Christianity. And thus, I left the Baptist Church. I spent many years learning about Judiaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and many more and found that all of them, when read with an open mind - they all really say the same thing. Love.
My views on Christianity have changed, I have learned a lot about myself through this journey and found Unitarian Universalism to be my match. My views and opinions in this world are certainly my own but they are not my own to force on others. Whether I believe in homosexuality or not, it isn't my call. Every human being deserves to be respected and dignified, no matter the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, or their past, along with so many others. Does this mean I have to agree or like them? No. But it does mean I have to respect their descisions in life, because it is theirs to do with as they see fit. When it comes to the end of my life, I want to look back with no regrets. I want to know that I treated others with the same respect and dignity that I have been treated with or did better.
I am pro choice. Not because I believe in abortion, but because I believe in my right to choose, regardless if it is life.
I am pro same sex marriage. Not because I believe in homosexuality, but because I believe that everyone should be afforded the same rights that I as a heterosexual am afforded.
These are things that I have been looked down upon by old church mates. I am not hurt, but disappointed. It has been hard to look upon someone with love though they hate your guts, but I am human and not a robot.
I have babbled long enough. I just found your podcast to be so interesting that I felt the need to comment. I hope you continue to do what you feel is right in your heart.
RE: Gay-Affirming Podcast Posted on Dec 24 2006 at 1:13pm by fotograf11 wrote:
(Dec 24 2006 @ 01:12pm)
jbcowland wrote:
(Dec 22 2006 @ 02:42pm)
I subscribed to your podcast after seeing a promo of you at an independent film house that features Sundance films monthly. I am enjoying the different perspective you bring to Christianity as a Punk Minister.
Of course, I don't have tele access {whole other topic}, so I can't get the whole feel of what your topic is about and how you deal with homosexuality as a minister. I'd like to give my opinion, if I may.
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