So I guess he's a coward now? This is the direction the country is moving toward, acceptance of gay couples. If it also means there's another 'agenda' attached to this that some like to compare or bring up in here.... well if any of that becomes mainstream I'll owe you religious righties an apology.
Scott,
I don't really like those labels. I consider myself a Christian, although admittedly I don't do a very good job of acting Christ-like in this poly-forum
(I have very little patience for some of the gutter rats in here). Which is why I'm considering taking a break, or at least spending less time here.
Yes, for the most part, with a caveat. I believe the modern concept of hell has been distorted by Platonism, Dante's Inferno, and other non-Scriptural texts. As you probably know, being Jewish - the Old Testament (Tanakh) has no concept of hell. And in the New Testament, the words translated "hell" are bad translations. The Greek word hades should have been translated "grave," and the Greek word Gehenna was just the garbage dump outside Jerusalem. I believe that man has a mortal soul, and those that do make it to heaven are given the gift of eternal life, and those that don't, receive some sort of temporary punishment (maybe) and then they cease to exist (the doctrine of annihilationism). The idea that people are eternally tormented in fire is not a Scriptural one.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annihilationism
Mantis since you're not Jewish (I presume) you can't know what I've experienced throughout my life, especially in HS and college. The question I asked Zit regarding obligation? I have been told by people who consider themselves born again that they are commanded to save people like me. Some have tried to the point that approaches stalking, trust me. I've learned to deal with it in a polite way after trial and error.
OK, but your church instructs you to spread the word, recruit, and in a way instill fear into those who have not accepted Jesus as lord and savior. Is that fair? Assuming yes, the church also has other teachings, a way of life and a moral code you to which you must adhere. And the church condemns homosexuality. So I guess what I'm getting at is if one day gay marriage becomes more mainstream other things follow that leave you with only doctrine - Shame disappears, secrecy disappears, more couples means less promiscuity (by the way you know there are a lot of straight couples living dangerous alternative lifestyles despite being straight), less drug abuse, etc. And even if one day it is proven beyond all doubt that gays are born that way, you will still be obligated by the church to reject homosexuality. So I think you're better off having the stance that IYO homosexuality is a sin against God than trying to debate the issue with studies, persuasion etc. JMO.
