An amazing essay about religious people's treatment of gays.

[dsc]

When Christians Are Not Christian
by: John Hosty
Mon Jan 01, 2007 at 01:24:30 AM EST

(Nicely said. Perhaps the Cardinal should consider a New Year's resolution... - promoted by David)

In the past few weeks I have been calling for Cardinal O'Malley to step up and speak out against violence. The absence of proper leadership and guidance in the issue of gay marriage has caused much trouble for our community, and I wish to set the record straight from my own point of view.
John Hosty :: When Christians Are Not Christian
I have distanced myself from the Church because I have been made to feel unwanted, even though I was a member in good standing. I was a youth group leader that once went with our parish to see Pope John Paul II during the 1993 Denver World Youth Day. I was a Eucharistic minister, and a third degree knight for the 4442 chapter of the Knights of Columbus. I have a firm understanding of religion.

It is my personal belief that God makes some people different to make the world a better place, and to test all our ability to love. It is not just gay people He tests, but also the rest of society's ability to follow His lessons of love when dealing with those who they deem sinners. The lack of love that has been shown to the gay community by the Christian groups stems from a lack of leadership right from the top. Clearly we are all called to be as brothers, and to try not to judge each other, but that is difficult for people to do when they are afraid. People are afraid because they are told they should be by leaders who promote fear instead of Christ's unconditional love. I can assure you gay people are just like any other group of people. We have our good and bad, and we should be judged as individuals, if at all.

Christ calls people to live in peace with those who are in opposition to His teachings. Rather than force Muslims or others that do not follow, Christ asks for Christians to be an example of His light. Love and patience is Christ's path, and this approach allows others decide for themselves to follow. Enlightenment happens at the individual's pace. Some take longer to see the value of peace, and some never do. Those who would try to be Christ's light should resist the urge to give up or not bother to try with those they personally deem unworthy.

More:
http://www.bluemassgroup.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=5751

I am not the person who found this, it was originally posted in the GLBT forum by another DUer but I felt it fit perfectly here.

[Danger Mouse]

1. Love the sinner, hate the sin...it's their chant.

Which is another way of saying 'I hate gays.'
Listen, we're all sinners. We all live in sin. Why should gays be singled out?
It's ridiculous, but since when have fundies been logical?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. I know a spiritual leader

in a Sufi order who held a prejudice against gays, saying they could never be spiritual teachers....and then he met and talked with some gay mureeds (students)--he came out and said that they were like everyone else in that they could become spiritual teachers. Personally, I know of a gay senior teacher in one of the Sufi orders, and several teachers and leaders who are gay. As the poet Rumi said, "Come, come, whoever you are...."

God willing, some day the Catholic hierarchy will get past their fear and ignorance and do the same.

[kwassa]

3. O'Malley is a jerk ..

having watched him over time. He is regressive in most areas.

and the Catholic church in major denial about the many gay priests in service now. If the Church doesn't admit it, they don't exist.

[and-justice-for-all]

4. Like I need an essay to know this..LOL...nt

[Az]

5. Its a spear in their side

Its tied to the fact that they believe sin is the result of choice. And the fact that the bible (in their opinion) clearly states that homosexuality is a sin (abomination). Therefor they cannot accept anything that suggests that there is not choice involved in being homosexual. But science is showing us consistantly that it is not choice. It is wiring. It is the brain. We do not choose what we are attracted to. We come to realize what we are attracted to.

So there is a horrible flaw within the doctrine. One they cannot wriggle away from unless they change their interpretation of it. And changing the interpretation of it destroys faith which in the end is all they have.

[NMMNG]

6. Hmm

Its tied to the fact that they believe sin is the result of choice. And the fact that the bible (in their opinion) clearly states that homosexuality is a sin (abomination).


Funny how the fact that the Bible says that shellfish is an abomination doesn't stop them from pigging out at Red Lobster. :eyes:

[Az]

7. Their excuse for that is

That the rejection of Homosexuality is reiterated in the NT. Peter (iirc) makes a comment condemning homosexuality. Trouble is though it could well be a translation error. Seems the word he used for the subject was not the ancient Greek word for homosexual. Instead it was the word for male prostitute.

[NMMNG]

8. They have an excuse for everything

Like the one who claimed Paul's order to women to not wear gold and pearl jewelry was "just a recommendation". :eyes:


Funny how his alleged proclamation against homosexuality wasn't "just a recommendation".