Scott, I’m going to disagree with you. I read the linked article, and I think the author did a pretty good job of breaking down the issue and explaining the perspectives. I don’t think she muddied it at all. I see some clarity there.

I think the theological conservatives need to be really careful. It’s dangerous to quote Leviticus as a guide to personal behavior, if you’re going to single out particular laws and ignore others. Jesus had some pretty harsh things to say about that kind of attitude, I seem to recall.

It comes down to our ideas about Biblical interpretation, and what we believe the various texts are for. And, these arguments have been going on pretty much forever, and they won’t end in our lifetimes.

Didn’t read it all, but what I read was clear. What is also clear is the abuse of the language of the faith by its believers.

What Jesus shared with us above all else was integrity of the word. He spoke it and fulfilled it, not in a righteous way, but in an inspired and committed way. It is “the way” to our ongoing conversation with God.

It requires work to stay clear. I have to constantly remind myself of who is speaking when I read the Bible, and always listen for the voice of God.

Paul is a good example of a well intentioned believer who speaks in the Bible, and is used to quote what many believe are the words of God. It is clear when God is speaking, and when others are speaking.

I see Jesus’s distinction of wordly matters differently. I do not see it as a lack of interest. He was free of judgement of it. That may show up for some as indifference, but it is not. He is here to transform that day in the Garden of Eden when we took on judgement. Without judgement the empty space that is all that is possible in the world for each of us may terrify us with the power that is avaible in it. We turn from it as easily as we turn from the face of God.

I would be surprised to see institutions of any kind in heaven.

At the end of the day, the abuse of the words of the Bible comes from our own fear, and a lack of faith in our own power to choose and stand in what we believe to the glory of God. It is human nature to put the Bible in the space between us and the ones we are called to love.

hs,

Scripture makes it very clear that sexual and affections between ones of the same sex are an abomination against God. Scripture also makes it very clear that sexual relations are to be expected among married couples. So I ask, how could anyone attempt to argue that scripture confirms same sex marriage?

I understand your plight being a Christian with a gay daughter, I myself have a baby sister, and she is my baby sister 16 years my junior. My mother and I and in fact my entire family love her dearly but at the same time, none of us are confused concerning where our faith stands and scripture concerning gay marriage and homosexual relationships. And, let me ad that my sister, my family and mother all get along extremely well and sees her often even though she lives in a different state, she visits us and we all visit her. We all respect her right to choose to live outside God’s will, but at the same time she is not playing this game with people or God attempting to twist scripture as accepting of homosexuality as some are attempting to do making themselves appear lacking in comprehension skills. She doesn’t force her lifestyle upon us and we don’t force ours upon her. But, we are all continuously praying for her salvation along with girlfriends of hers that we have known about. And, I can’t wait to see her when she comes to stay with me during the Holidays.

It is much more admirable for ones to just say, hey, I don’t agree with what is in that Book (the Bible), but to attempt to twist what’s there is just plain foolish. When one begin to distort God’s word, they risk their hearts being heartened. Or, I believe that it is sin, but I cannot control my feelings and desires because most of us who have struggled with sin realize that we truly can’t control it along through our own strength but through God, Christ and the Holy Spirit we can overcome all our short-comings.

There are many other places in scripture (New and Old Testament) outside the “Book of Leviticus” that confirms that homosexuality is not acceptable to God, it is sin.

Click the link below to learn of the many other places in scripture:

http://www1.itech.net/~ydl/WITHOUT_NATURAL_AFFECTION.htm

D. W., Here’s my problem:

When anyone goes through the Bible and says, “THIS is sin, and those who do this act have no place in the family of God”, then the danger is in ignoring the OTHER sins that are also there.

Since ALL have sinned and fallen short, then we need to be very careful which behaviors we condemn and which we ignore. The doctrine of Grace suggests to me, at least, that we have to start by accepting that all of us are sinners, and so, none of us are better or worse than any others, in the eyes of God.

I’d also suggest that a serious look at some of the literature and public statements by religious folks on the subject of Prop 8 in particular need to be examined for truthfullness. Example: there was nothing in the law, that even implied that churches and ministers would be required to perform homosexual weddings under threat of legal action. And yet, that ‘truth’ was spread far and wide.

Where do we draw the line?

D. Walker, I’m just curious. Could you point to a passage in the Gospel regarding homosexuality that wasn’t written by Paul of Tarsus or his followers? We’re Christians, not Paulians.

Good point. Paul is not infallible, and is corrected by God on occassion.

Reading the Bible for answers will generate what you want to hear. Listening for the voice of God will generate what inspires you.

Newsweek did a great service in providing honest education about the Bible and homosexuality. For too long, a half dozen texts have been taken out of context and used prejudicially. Further, there is no Biblical norm for marriage. Jacob had two wives; David and Solomon had harems with a couple thousand women each. The commitment read most often at weddings today taken from the book of Ruth is a commitment between two women. Above all, Jesus never mentioned sex or homosexuality. But he got very angry with religious hypocrites who caused others to carry heavy burdens.

D. Walker,

If you are suggesting that the laws of Leviticus are Christian. Then we have much putting to death to do.

I only recall one story of Jesus’ anger, and that was when he ran people out of church for conducting business there.

Does anyone remember the story of the Pharisee and the Publican? The Pharisee who stood and prayed, thanking God that he wasn’t like the sinning publican over there?

How many of today’s Pharisees thank God daily that He didn’t make them a Homosexual?