Eighteen months ago today I wrote: The
'conclusion' (posted below) refers to the series of 6 articles focusing on the
GLBT population’s issues....
The series' intent was to encourage further discussion on equality and inclusivity. I also sought to challenge people to move beyond the 'same old'
thinking and arguments. To that end I'll have to wait and see what transpires beyond 2011.
We welcome articles on this sensitive subject for publication.
There have been a score or more of thoughtful responses and I encourage you to expand on them, adding resources; please send them to selmoscow@aol.com .
There have been a score or more of thoughtful responses and I encourage you to expand on them, adding resources; please send them to selmoscow@aol.com .
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Is it wishful thinking in January 2014 to say, ‘we’ve come a
long way’? The FSAOF will return today to the LGBT (I’ve been instructed that
PC requires that L – be the first letter, not G, as was my habit - ladies
first?) to determine just where we are as we enter this new year; 2014. Is there greater equality,
inclusivity, tolerance, acceptance and less homophobia, discrimination and
gay-bashing?
It’s clear that many have lost interest in the
LGBT concerns: ‘too much in-your-face’ according to those who prefer a more conservative and graceful exchange.
IN YOUR FACE FACEBOOK PHOTO - LGBT equality site…
IN YOUR FACE FACEBOOK PHOTO - LGBT equality site…
Has there been a preponderance of argument about a person's sexual orientation being predestined but not anywhere near as much about celibacy… and how about exaggerated claims of the overall percentage of homosexual persons? And the non-stop, repeated, ad nauseam, claims of discrimination, and twisting truth into false narratives? The arguments too often employ eisegesis; no examination of the words of the text or their relationship to each other, no cross-referencing with related passages, and no real desire to understand the actual meaning. There are few whole truths, only narratives. -
But that is the direction and tactics of many fringe groups - those who feel betrayed, disenfranchised and without a voice. Immigrants, religious, racial minorities, those receiving social assistance, and even the disabled come to mind. My 5 year old wheelchair is falling apart and I'm housebound - who will speak up for me?!
Comments received the last 3 years. “If they keep shoving it in our faces every day many will grow tired of it and give in to accepting it.” –“They are getting their kind into congress/ political seats and lobbying everyone so they can get their agenda passed and their sinful lifestyle accepted by everyone.” – “Unfortunately many Christians do not stand up and speak against it so the homosexuals and their supporters are winning this battle.” - “The homosexual community has coined benign words to describe what in essence is abhorrent behavior to somehow make it seem less than it is.” - “I don't argue the right to homosexual activities but I do object to it being forced on the general population as a normal alliterative lifestyle, it ain't and never will be.” – “I believe the gay agenda is to pressure governments to legalize their sin and perversion so they won't feel guilty. After all, if the government says it's okay then it's not considered a sin, right?”
Comments received the last 3 years. “If they keep shoving it in our faces every day many will grow tired of it and give in to accepting it.” –“They are getting their kind into congress/ political seats and lobbying everyone so they can get their agenda passed and their sinful lifestyle accepted by everyone.” – “Unfortunately many Christians do not stand up and speak against it so the homosexuals and their supporters are winning this battle.” - “The homosexual community has coined benign words to describe what in essence is abhorrent behavior to somehow make it seem less than it is.” - “I don't argue the right to homosexual activities but I do object to it being forced on the general population as a normal alliterative lifestyle, it ain't and never will be.” – “I believe the gay agenda is to pressure governments to legalize their sin and perversion so they won't feel guilty. After all, if the government says it's okay then it's not considered a sin, right?”
The above quotes are all from unique Christian
sites, and in my view, appear well entrenched. Is there any hope of their
shifting even minutely to the center? And if not, can the increasing chasm,
church divisiveness and congregational splits be averted?
THE FSAOF BLOG
If I lust after a woman, picture her in my head
while self-gratifying, meet her, date her and sleep with her it is a sin right
up to the point where we might eventually wed.
As a young man I slept with my future wife
before marriage - I believe our failure to reconcile ourselves with this as
'sin' right throughout our marriage impacted the whole relationship to the
extent that, eventually, my ex-wife and I lost our love for each other
completely.
There is NO situation in which such behaviour can be considered
righteous and acceptable within a church. (The SA)
Can this be argued at all? And, if that is so,
then how can similar acts between same sex Christians be condoned?
There is no
Biblical consent or encouragement of same-sex marriage or even a hint at
acceptability for the same - regardless of how convenient it might be to try to
manufacture such a thing in a modern day, 'enlightened' and pluralistic
society'!
… advances in 'Scientific thinking' since 1974 have seen the status
of homosexuality altered from a mental illness to a genetic inheritance - so
what? Since when have Science and Christianity been happy bedfellows (if that
is not too trite an expression in this debate)?
The fact is, that to be able
to preach or even speak in public what have been long-held, Christian (church)
principles is now, effectively illegal. Does not the Bible warn us that this
will happen as we get nearer the end times? Does it not imply that merely being
a Christian will be made almost impossible by the demands and expectations of society
(law!) at that time?
I have no problem at all with people with
homosexual natures or tendencies or genetic inheritance or whatever one may
wish to call it being a fully active and welcome member of my SA corps or any
other! But they MUST, by the nature of sin itself be celibate.
I know several very active and high-profile
Salvationists in this very situation. They may personally feel it a unfair -
that cannot be helped in the same way I feel it unfair that I have had to be
celibate for almost a decade myself now - and in the same way I expect my
children to be celibate until marriage.
I must also add that I also know several other
Salvationist men who, both in the way they spoke and acted as well as having
their natural tendencies, were 'homosexual' yet, in order to honour God, they
married women and lived happy, productive lives. I can think of one current,
highly successful officer born from such a union right now as I type.
There is
plenty more in this debate, let alone a 'conclusion' - but it still all boils
down to the one question - a question of sinful behaviour, hetero or homosexual!
(name on file)
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