Have you noticed by chance the hostility towards gays? Much of it comes from people who label themselves as Christians, unfortunately. I can give you numerous examples "God hates gays" etc.
I am fully aware of what Christians are doing in the world. Our kids are in a multi-cultural Christian school, we have had a foster child thru a Christian agency, my child and husband are going on a mission trip this summer. My brother-in-law has been to Haiti several times since the earthquake. Shall I go on. My husband grew up in the Reformed tradition. We have family members and friends who are still a part of that denomination.
Again, I agree it is possible to not love what your neighbor does and to still love them. I agree. I have that situation with a current neighbor.
I just don't understand how an organization who calls themselves Christian can be against anti-discrimination of any law abiding, potentially fellow Christian.
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
It does not say love your neighbor as yourself, as long as they obey all 10 commandments in the exact manner you choose to interpret them.
Ok. So the entire city should not adopt an anti-discrimination law, because it is against Hope College's worldview? Please tell me that is not what you mean.
No one is suggesting they change their religious beliefs. In the Hope situation, no one is asking or expecting anyone to change their beliefs. It is a request for dialogue. Dialogue! Colleges should be one of the first institutions willing to dialogue--they are an intellectual instuition, as you said. If they are that strong in their belief, why not discuss the issue? Reminder: both straight and gay people are requesting the discussion. Is it possible they fear that someone might change their mind?
Almost made a "total depravity" joke, but won't. Agreed, Christians strive toward their goals. But above all else, love. Love your neighbor. How is "we are unwilling to sit down and talk with you" loving your neighbor? This has nothing to do with pre-marital sex, because marriage is currently not an option for gay people, some of whom consider themselves Christians. It has to do with non-acceptance of another and unwillingness to love thy neighbor, because they are different. Yes, I get that it is private property. Hope can do as they choose. Carry on.
That may have been a funny Freudian slip. No marriage outside of sex, hmmmm. That was cute. Please tell me you are not so naive as to think there is no sex outside of marriage on Hope's campus. They are kids, kids do silly things... you know, like spray painting on fences. Hope might need to show mercy. And, besides, just because a student claims to be gay, does not mean he/she is having sex. And, btw, thanks to our laws it is currently impossible for 2 loving gay persons to get married. So they are not allowed to be married, yet are restricted because they are not married. Doesn't work!
Being homosexual is NOT a crime, Einstein! Rape and Pedophilia are.
You are so right on, Taurus. This discussion could and should end with this statement. Nothing more to be said.
I am in full agreement with what you have just said. Without question, mercy should be shown to these kids. I do not believe that was ever in question, but feeling happy to be on common ground.
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Opus