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March 7th, 2012
02:16 PM ET
Kirk Cameron defends views on gay marriageBy Breeanna Hare, CNN (CNN)–Kirk Cameron lost at least one fan with his remarks about homosexuality and gay marriage last week, but the former "Growing Pains" actor is standing his ground. He explains in a statement that he "spoke as honestly" as he could when asked about his views on "homosexuality, gay marriage and abortion" while being interviewed for his film, "Monumental," "but some people believe my responses were not loving toward those in the gay community." Cameron continued, "That is not true. I can assuredly say that it's my life's mission to love all people." On Friday, Cameron appeared on "Piers Morgan Tonight" to discuss his film, among other topics. CNN’s Belief Blog: The faith angles behind the biggest stories When Piers Morgan asked the actor what he'd tell his kids regarding gay marriage, Cameron responded, "I'd tell my children what I believe myself...I believe that marriage was defined by God a long time ago. Marriage is almost as old as dirt and it was defined in the garden between Adam and Eve. One man, one woman for life till death do you part. I would never attempt to try to redefine marriage, and I don't think anyone else should, either. So do I support the idea of gay marriage? No, I don't." |
  About this blog
The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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It's perfect time to make a few plans for the long run and it is time to be happy. I have learn this publish and if I could I desire to counsel you few attention-grabbing things or advice. Maybe you can write next articles regarding this article. I desire to read more things approximately it!
Who cares what Kirk cameron thinks?
At the end of the Day, God will have the LAST WORD.
For the time being, His written testimony and the testimony of His Spirit, which is the Spirit of Truth, stand unmovable and unshakable.
Many bishops, pastors and teachers who lead masses of people, and those who loved the praise of man(kind) will have a big surprise waiting for them!!!
"Many bishops, pastors and teachers who lead masses of people, and those who loved the praise of man(kind) will have a big surprise waiting for them!!!"
You'll be so surprised when you're in hell because all you've done is spread hate in this world.
!
Some argue that since homosexual behavior is "unnatural" it is contrary to the order of creation. Behind this pronouncement are stereotypical definitions of masculinity and femininity that reflect rigid gender categories of patriarchal society. There is nothing unnatural about any shared love, even between two of the same gender, if that experience calls both partners to a fuller state of being. Contemporary research is uncovering new facts that are producing a rising conviction that homosexuality, far from being a sickness, sin, perversion or unnatural act, is a healthy, natural and affirming form of human sexuality for some people. Findings indicate that homosexuality is a given fact in the nature of a significant portion of people, and that it is unchangeable.
Our prejudice rejects people or things outside our understanding. But the God of creation speaks and declares, "I have looked out on everything I have made and `behold it (is) very good'." . The word (Genesis 1:31) of God in Christ says that we are loved, valued, redeemed, and counted as precious no matter how we might be valued by a prejudiced world.
There are few biblical references to homosexuality. The first, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, is often quoted to prove that the Bible condemns homosexuality. But the real sin of Sodom was the unwillingness of the city's men to observe the laws of hospitality. The intention was to insult the stranger by forcing him to take the female role in the sex act. The biblical narrative approves Lot's offer of his virgin daughters to satisfy the sexual demands of the mob. How many would say, "This is the word of the Lord"? When the Bible is quoted literally, it might be well for the one quoting to read the text in its entirety.
Leviticus, in the Hebrew Scriptures, condemns homosexual behaviour, at least for males. Yet, "abomination", the word Leviticus uses to describe homosexuality, is the same word used to describe a menstruating woman. Paul is the most quoted source in the battle to condemn homosexuality ( 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11 and Romans 1: 26-27). But homosexual activity was regarded by Paul as a punishment visited upon idolaters by God because of their unfaithfulness. Homosexuality was not the sin but the punishment.
In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul gave a list of those who would not inherit the Kingdom of God. That list included the immoral, idolaters, adulterers, sexual perverts, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, and robbers. Sexual perverts is a translation of two words; it is possible that the juxtaposition of malakos, the soft, effeminate word, with arsenokoitus, or male prostitute, was meant to refer to the passive and active males in a homosexual liaison.
Thus, it appears that Paul would not approve of homosexual behavior. But was Paul's opinion about homosexuality accurate, or was it limited by the lack of scientific knowledge in his day and infected by prejudice born of ignorance? An examination of some of Paul's other assumptions and conclusions will help answer this question. Who today would share Paul's anti-Semitic attitude, his belief that the authority of the state was not to be challenged, or that all women ought to be veiled? In these attitudes Paul's thinking has been challenged and transcended even by the church! Is Paul's commentary on homosexuality more absolute than some of his other antiquated, culturally conditioned ideas?
Three other references in the New Testament (in Timothy, Jude and 2 Peter) appear to be limited to condemnation of male sex slaves in the first instance, and to showing examples (Sodom and Gomorrah) of God's destruction of unbelievers and heretics (in Jude and 2 Peter respectively).
That is all that Scripture has to say about homosexuality. Even if one is a biblical literalist, these references do not build an ironclad case for condemnation. If one is not a biblical literalist there is no case at all, nothing but prejudice born of ignorance, that attacks people whose only crime is to be born with an unchangeable sexual predisposition toward those of their own sex
Jesus said "let the blind be the leaders of the blind...you can't mock God...and even Jesus said not to debate the Word...why do christians defend God...He needs us to preach to those who would listen...and prophesy tells us that in the last days they would make God's Word of non affect...the more we try to defend God the more the unbeliever grows...No one comes onto God unless he is drawn by the Holy Spirit....! Remeber what the Lord said" the preaching of the Gospel is foolishness to the unbelievers..that is why we are saved by Grace through Faith...! Lest any man should boast...!
Bishop John....Great post! Thank you!
"He needs us to preach to those who would listen...and prophesy tells us that in the last days they would make God's Word of non affect...the more we try to defend God the more the unbeliever grows...No one comes onto God unless he is drawn by the Holy Spirit....! Remeber what the Lord said" the preaching of the Gospel is foolishness to the unbelievers..that is why we are saved by Grace through Faith...! Lest any man should boast...!"
Hey hypocrite – practice the stupidity you're trying to preach. What an idiot.
@Bishop John
Breeanna? Stephen? is that you? Good to see CNN writer(s) commenting here.
Bishop John, out of curiosity alone, what church are you a bishop of?
"Now would you mind quoting even a single statement from those books you were munching? Rather than letting your mouth dribble/foam with a one-paragraphed babble."
LMAO – It just shows how much you really don't comprehend about this issue. Do you really think that the laws in this country that changed to protect sexual orientation had NO proof! The problem is you probably only read the bias and prejudice literature that Christians put out that aren't based on real facts. Do you really think people would be loosing in the court system if all the major organizations fighting for civil rights of gays didn't have proof! The opponents of gays getting equal rights are losing in the courts. Now use that brain of yours and ask yourself why! I am not going to do your homework for you just because you're too lazy to the the research yourself. No wonder the statistic that just came out today that stated 2 out of 3 children in America are ignorant and lack a basic education is showing on this blog.
@HawaiiGuest continuatio..
2.) "Also, from a procreative standpoint, how would gays and lesbians have continued to survive in this time period if they were created the way there were at the beginning?"
It was because they obeyed the commandment and observed the covenant they have have made with God. They do lived likewise procreate like Adam and Eve did. And God was very happy for them.
"They do lived likewise procreate like Adam and Eve did. And God was very happy for them."
LOL! Keep showing the world how clueless you are on the REAL facts on this subject. By the way your bible has been proven NOT to be a historical document, so everything you are spewing about gays is unfounded and not based on FACTS!
Obviously two guys or two girls can't procreate together; if that were the justification for banning equal marriage, well there wouldn't BE any gay people to begin with. Fact is, we're here and should have the legal rights to love, live with, and have protections of the laws, including marriage law, like anyone else. How you read your bible and what you choose to believe in your church is your business, but should have no more effect on the law than me telling you and your church that you should perform marriages for people not in your church. Have a little Christian humility and charity and stop making other people miserable.
The story of Creation
When Man was created
God molded dust/mud and blew an air inside his nose and there goes ADAM the first man. And God said, "what a magnificent Creation."
When a woman was created
After God administer to the man his dominion in all things on earth, all the lands and water; plants, trees and all manner of vegetations; beast in the fields and fowls in the air and and all creeping animals, He still finds the man lonely. So when the man falls into a deep sleep, he took a rib from the man and made out of it EVE the first woman, and He said to himself "What a beatiful creation".
The UNtold story of creation
When God made all His creations, Satan was spying and was extremely envious in all God's creation especially the man and the woman because he also find them beautiful. And he said to himself, "I can do better than that, and I'll PROVE it to the world" and swore that he'll make a perfect one using Science. He was planning to make an ultimate human that would possess both the characteristics of man and woman through GENETIC ENGINEERING.
So when God was sleeping in the 7th day, Satan had an opportunity to sneak. He gather the left over of dusts/mud form which man was made. But he was having trouble how to get a DNA from the woman. He had been secretly following the woman to fall asleep so that he could get a strand of her hair as DNA sample. But the woman has been busy checking all the other beautiful things that God has made. Until the time that the woman has to answer the call of nature. Satan was wondering what she was doing and wanted to get a closer look but was afraid that she might notice him.
After a few minutes the woman stood up and continued of her sight-seeing in the beautiful Garden of Eden. Satan has been very patient following her to get a DNA from her. As he was following her he has stepped-on something where the woman had answered her call of nature. Satan find it gross and it stinks. He immediately rub his foot on the ground to get the yucky thing from his foot.
But a brilliant idea has just p.opped-up into his mind. He was stinking that the thing (c.rap) came from the woman and probaly contain her DNA and could be a good sample. To make the story short, Satan genetically engineered the dust/mud and the piece of cr.ap to make his ultimate creation.
Then, their goes STEVE the first..you know, gay. But satan find him (steve) so clumsy so he hid him under the bushes. Then, satan made another experimentation, he gather all the DNA samples of Adam and Eve that are left from his first attempt and made his another ultimate human, then there goes "AMANDA" the first lesbian.
However, satan couldn't get enough with his creation and find her quite unruly. And to his despair he opted to ruin the lives of God's Beautiful creation by tempting and deceiving our first parents to make them miserable as his creations (Amanda and Steve).
And when God found out about Amanda and Steve, He commanded satan to take them with him. But satan was so stubborn, and even attempted to tempt God saying that if God really don't want them (Amanda and Steve) God can burn them like a stubble.
But God is a God of LOVE and JUSTICE. As a God of love he accepted Amanda and Steve as his own. BUT as a God of Justice, he give them commandments. For Steve to do, act and practice all things like of Adam and for Amanda to do, act, practice all things as to Eve.
And God as LOVING and JUST God, He made a covenant unto them, that as long as they obey of the commandments, them and all his posteirity will be acknowledge as sons and daughters one of His heirs like Adam and Eve. BUT if them or their posterity will not obey, they will become abominable into His sight and if they will not repent and die, they'll surely ROT in hell forever.
If some are born that way, don't blame God.
How did you know that, were you there when it happens?!
"When a woman was created"
Gays were created too now.
Being gay is not a choice. I hate to burst any bubbles, but science, in fact, is actually not in dispute on this matter.
All major medical professional organizations concur that sexual orientation is not a choice and cannot be changed, from gay to straight or otherwise. The American, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, and European Psychological, Psychiatric, and Medical Associations all agree with this, as does the World Health Organization and the medical organizations of Japan, China, and most recently, Thailand. Furthermore, attempts to change one's sexual orientation can be psychologically damaging, and cause great inner turmoil and depression, especially for Christian gays and lesbians.
Reparative therapy, also called conversion therapy or reorientation therapy, "counsels" LGBT persons to pray fervently and study Bible verses, often utilizing 12-step techniques that are used to treat sexual addictions or trauma. Such Christian councilors are pathologizing homosexuality, which is not a pathology but is a sexual orientation. Psychologically, that's very dangerous territory to tread on. All of the above-mentioned medical professional organizations, in addition to the American and European Counseling Associations, stand strongly opposed to any form of reparative therapy.
In my home country, Norway, reparative therapy is officially considered to be ethical malpractice. But there are many countries that do not regulate the practice, and many others that remain largely silent and even passively supportive of it (such as the Philippines). Groups that operate such "therapy" in the Philippines are the Evangelical Bagong Pag-asa, and the Catholic Courage Philippines.
The scientific evidence of the innateness of homosexuality, bisexuality, and transgenderism is overwhelming, and more peer-reviewed studies which bolster this fact are being added all the time. Science has long regarded sexual orientation – and that's all sexual orientations, including heterosexuality – as a phenotype. Simply put, a phenotype is an observable set of properties that varies among individuals and is deeply rooted in biology. For the scientific community, the role of genetics in sexuality is about as "disputable" as the role of evolution in biology.
On the second point, that there is no conclusion that there is a "gay gene," they are right. No so-called gay gene has been found, and it's highly unlikely that one ever will. This is where conservative Christians and Muslims quickly say "See, I told you so! There's no gay gene, so being gay is a choice!"
Take this interesting paragraph I found on an Evangelical website: "The attempt to prove that homosexuality is determined biologically has been dealt a knockout punch. An American Psychological Association publication includes an admission that there's no homosexual "gene" – meaning it's not likely that homosexuals are 'born that way.'"
But that's not at all what it means, and it seems Evangelicals are plucking out stand-alone phrases from scientific reports and removing them from their context. This is known in academia as the fallacy of suppressed evidence. Interestingly, this is also what they have a habit of doing with verses from the Bible.
This idea of sexuality being a choice is such a bizarre notion to me as a man of science. Many of these reparative "therapists" are basing this concept on a random Bible verse or two. When you hold those up against the mountain of scientific research that has been conducted, peer-reviewed, and then peer-reviewed again, it absolutely holds no water. A person's sexuality – whether heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual – is a very deep biological piece of who that person is as an individual.
The fact that a so-called "gay gene" has not been discovered does not mean that homosexuality is not genetic in its causation. This is understandably something that can seem a bit strange to those who have not been educated in fields of science and advanced biology, and it is also why people who are not scientists ought not try to explain the processes in simple black-and-white terms. There is no gay gene, but there is also no "height gene" or "skin tone gene" or "left-handed gene." These, like sexuality, have a heritable aspect, but no one dominant gene is responsible for them.
Many genes, working in sync, contribute to the phenotype and therefore do have a role in sexual orientation. In many animal model systems, for example, the precise genes involved in sexual partner selection have been identified, and their neuro-biochemical pathways have been worked out in great detail. A great number of these mechanisms have been preserved evolutionarily in humans, just as they are for every other behavioral trait we know (including heterosexuality).
Furthermore, there are many biologic traits which are not specifically genetic but are biologic nonetheless. These traits are rooted in hormonal influences, contributed especially during the early stages of fetal development. This too is indisputable and based on extensive peer-reviewed research the world over. Such prenatal hormonal influences are not genetic per se, but are inborn, natural, and biologic nevertheless.
Having said that, in the realm of legal rights, partnership rights, and anti-discrimination protections, the gay gene vs. choice debate is actually quite irrelevant. Whether or not something is a choice is not a suitable criterion for whether someone should have equal rights and protections. Religion is indisputably a choice, but that fact is a not a valid argument for discriminating against a particular religion.
This is not an issue in dispute. According to modern science: baby, you were born this way.
@Erik
"This is not an issue in dispute. According to modern science: baby, you were born this way."
I'm not here to argue that either, In fact I agree with it. My purpose here is simple, to divulge the secret on WHY and HOW you were born that way and who was responsible. And I can only do that by tellng here the whole story of creation, including the UNtold one.
@Really..No, I wasn't. But if told you how I know it, I would have to kill you.
"I'm not here to argue that either, In fact I agree with it. My purpose here is simple, to divulge the secret on WHY and HOW you were born that way and who was responsible. And I can only do that by tellng here the whole story of creation, including the UNtold one"
All the research has proven Christians wrong. LOL!
@GynnAndroMorph
Where did you get this stuff LOL. I was forced to go to a religious school for 12 years, I've heard the creation story more times than I care to think about, and I've never heard anything as crazy as that strange attempt to say that all ga.ys and lesbians are created through "science" and gene manipulation at the beginning of creation lol. You gave me quite a laugh there.
@LMAO
"All the research has proven Christians wrong. LOL!"
Yes, because they're not telling the truth yet, that's what I'm doing now to let you know the whole truth by telling the whole story.
@Hawaiianguest
"I was forced to go to a religious school for 12 years, I've heard the creation story more times than I care to think about, and I've never heard anything as crazy as that strange attempt to say that all ga.ys and lesbians are created through "science" and gene manipulation at the beginning of creation lol."
Funny but true. Now you heard and now you know.
It's my pleasure to give you good laughs.
"Yes, because they're not telling the truth yet, that's what I'm doing now to let you know the whole truth by telling the whole story."
The experts around the world continue to prove you wrong. What's great is all those reading can see what an idiot you are. LOL! You have absolutely no proof. LOL! LMAO!
"The experts around the world continue to prove you wrong. What's great is all those reading can see what an idiot you are. LOL! You have absolutely no proof. LOL! LMAO!"
@LMAO
I was thinking to call you an "idiot" even if I'm 97% sure that you are and 101% deserving to be called one but I will not. I might endanger myself in the fire of hell.
BUT..
If you allow me just one question, Do your experts have a concrete and scientific explanation why there is gay.
Note: (Just to spare you from making a nonsenical reply) Saying that "gays are born this way" doesn't explain why there are gays.
"If you allow me just one question, Do your experts have a concrete and scientific explanation why there is gay. "
LOL! Thanks for proving were to lazy to do any reading on this subject and that you have poor reading comprehension. LOL! LMAO! Typical Christian walking with blinders on to the truth around you....click your heels three times you might actually get a brain.
*why there is gay?, rather
"*why there is gay?, rather"
It's well documented in nature and found in over 1500 other species – it's just part of nature.
So your logic is that, since science has not isolated anything, that means that satan did it? Why satan and not god? Also, from a procreative standpoint, how would gays and lesbians have continued to survive in this time period if they were created the way there were at the beginning? Their very orientation would keep them from procreation.
Honestly, I've been reading but find nothing concrete other than psychological/social studies and explanation ABOUT gays.
Now would you mind quoting even a single statement from those books you were munching? Rather than letting your mouth dribble/foam with a one-paragraphed babble.
My latest response was @ LMAO
And now @ HawaiiGuest
You have some good points and allow me to address it one by one, please bear with me.
1.) Why satan and not god?-God had already made Adam and Eve and was very satisfied and happy. Whlie satan, because of his extreme envy and ambition to surpass God, was trying to create his own (ultimate) version using Science (genetic engineering) but miserably fail.
I'll get back to you to addrss your other concerns
So, if they "learned it", who taught the penguins in New York, Canada and China, and monkeys in England (since they are primates, I would expect it to occur more frequently)? A quick search brought up hits on stories in the NYT, Scientific American, National Geographic and Psychology Today. More science to be dismissed by "belief"?
@HawaiiGuest continuation..
2.) "Also, from a procreative standpoint, how would gays and lesbians have continued to survive in this time period if they were created the way there were at the beginning?"
It was because they obeyed the commandment and observed the covenant they have have made with God. They do lived likewise procreate like Adam and Eve did. And God was very happy for them.
@HawaiiGuest:
The survuval of Penguins and other wildlidfe in the ice are dictated by wheater conditions.
Religion can't dismiss Science, neither Science dismiss Religion. Science and Religion were supposed to work hand in hand but satan didn't allow it and had claim over the former and have been using it to deceive people not to obey God break the covenants that have been passed by our forefathers from the time of Genesis till the present through Religion.
And the best way for people not obey the law and break the covenant with God is to make people think and believe the logic of There's no God: If there's no God, then, there should be no law and covenant, if there's no law and covenant, there's nothing to be dis/obeyed or not/followed. See how logic works? But well, it doesn't work without having something to support it. That is the role of Science. Big bang? evolution? etc. thet's what it all about.
And if satan will be successful to deceive at least the majority of the people that there is no God, no laws and commandment to be followed. The next thing will be to abolish the laws of the lands and control all life on earth and create chaos all over it.
Gladly, we are all been warned in the book of revelation and ready for it.
We ALL stand firm holding firmly to our belief, obeying the commandments and faithfully observing the covenant with God. And satan will never succeed.
You might say that you as well don't believe in satan but that's how deceitful satan is. Because if you believe in him you might as well believe in hell. And that would stop you for fulfilling his plans.
*weather condition
"Honestly, I've been reading but find nothing concrete other than psychological/social studies and explanation ABOUT gays.
Now would you mind quoting even a single statement from those books you were munching? Rather than letting your mouth dribble/foam with a one-paragraphed babble"
Obviously you haven't because all the major world health organizations and psychologist experts on the subject disagree with you. It's why the laws in America have changed....oh they changed the laws not based on real facts...right? LMAO!
"And if satan will be successful to deceive at least the majority of the people that there is no God, no laws and commandment to be followed."
Don't you just love all the if's in your post...if...if...if.....nothing based on real facts. Guess what we don't need your god but we do need laws.
Who cares if being gay is a choice or not? Being Baptist is a choice and their churches pay no taxes, can't be discriminated against on the basis of religion, etc., etc., but because I love another guy I can't even marry him in most states? As it happens, who in the world would "choose" to be gay and endlessly have such abuse heaped from every side?
The worth of our relationships and our love and commitment to them should never be determined by others. No one has the privilege or responsibility to validate my relationship with my wife. No one other than she, and me, and God that is. We know what it is we have together. We know how deep our love and how genuine our commitment is to one another and to the life we share. We know that the other was brought into our life as a gift from God and that our union is a blessing to God. That others in our lives recognize and affirm our marriage is a wonderful thing but our marriage doesn’t depend on them to give it worth. In the same way, the worth of your life doesn’t hinge on anyone’s or everyone’s approval. You have already been fully and completely validated by God. Your great worth has been established in the love of God and in God’s eyes you are fully seen, fully known, and fully loved and if you allow God’s thoughts of you to shape your thoughts of you, then whether a thousand applaud or a thousand throw tomatoes nothing will cause you to sway and lose your footing.
From your loving wife.
Love you dear wife.
XOXO!
"Love you dear wife.
XOXO!"
So you get that gays and lesbians love each other the same way as straights.
@ToMyWife
There are not many people that could write that about their spouses. Thank you for sharing, please continue to ignore the hate being shown you by bogus Christians. God Bless You!
Susan
Your bringing Chistans and hate together shows that the love of God is not in you. There may be some Christians out there that are confused but the vast majority understand what it means to like Chirst. I imagine that even you have put boundries around who should and should not marry. Does that make you hateful?
"Your bringing Chistans and hate together shows that the love of God is not in you. There may be some Christians out there that are confused but the vast majority understand what it means to like Chirst. I imagine that even you have put boundries around who should and should not marry."
Spoken like a truly prejudice bigot. Congratulations! What a jerk you are, you are nothing like your Christ.
Yo
What is it I lack?
"What is it I lack?"'
Intelligence.
@fred.
Yo know best what is laccking to you it coz he learned it from experience. The the difference he is lacking both intellectual and emotional. He's a troll.
Blessings Amydeanne,A beautiful fall falimy photo of many blessings! Indeed from the FULLNESS of His Grace, we have all received one blessing after another. Excellent way to get us ready for THANKING HIM every day and especially for the upcoming month of November count our blessings one by one. I would agree with your blessings of all the little people but for today, my greatest blessing has been sweet sista's in Christ, that have come along side me here in blog land for prayers and their support, that I made a safe trip home & back, though it was full of not so many blessings but problems, I am seeing each one as a blessing because each trial and tribulation could be seen as showing mehow blessed I am that HE PROTECTS ME! (Is that you in the front of this walk, leading the crew? that could be very prophetic, ya' know?) Beautiful WORD!Thanks and love,Peggy(I'm gonna dupe this one over at your home base)
How sweet are thy words uuto my taste yea sweeter than honey to my mouth! I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil
"For ever, 0 LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89)
"For ever, 0 LORD, thy word is settled in heaven."
"Thy word is true from the beginning: and everyone of thy righteous judgements endureth for ever." (Psalm 119:160)
"Every word of God is pure. He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." (Proverbs 30:5,6)
"What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it." (Deuteronomy 12:32)
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book. If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:18,19)
"For the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." (Revelation 1:9)
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. " (Isaiah 8:20)
It's a choice...
Bible quotes are as useful as Harry Potter quotes...in other words not at all.
"It's a choice..."
Being gay is not a choice. I hate to burst any bubbles, but science, in fact, is actually not in dispute on this matter.
All major medical professional organizations concur that sexual orientation is not a choice and cannot be changed, from gay to straight or otherwise. The American, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, and European Psychological, Psychiatric, and Medical Associations all agree with this, as does the World Health Organization and the medical organizations of Japan, China, and most recently, Thailand. Furthermore, attempts to change one's sexual orientation can be psychologically damaging, and cause great inner turmoil and depression, especially for Christian gays and lesbians.
Reparative therapy, also called conversion therapy or reorientation therapy, "counsels" LGBT persons to pray fervently and study Bible verses, often utilizing 12-step techniques that are used to treat sexual addictions or trauma. Such Christian councilors are pathologizing homosexuality, which is not a pathology but is a sexual orientation. Psychologically, that's very dangerous territory to tread on. All of the above-mentioned medical professional organizations, in addition to the American and European Counseling Associations, stand strongly opposed to any form of reparative therapy.
In my home country, Norway, reparative therapy is officially considered to be ethical malpractice. But there are many countries that do not regulate the practice, and many others that remain largely silent and even passively supportive of it (such as the Philippines). Groups that operate such "therapy" in the Philippines are the Evangelical Bagong Pag-asa, and the Catholic Courage Philippines.
The scientific evidence of the innateness of homosexuality, bisexuality, and transgenderism is overwhelming, and more peer-reviewed studies which bolster this fact are being added all the time. Science has long regarded sexual orientation – and that's all sexual orientations, including heterosexuality – as a phenotype. Simply put, a phenotype is an observable set of properties that varies among individuals and is deeply rooted in biology. For the scientific community, the role of genetics in sexuality is about as "disputable" as the role of evolution in biology.
On the second point, that there is no conclusion that there is a "gay gene," they are right. No so-called gay gene has been found, and it's highly unlikely that one ever will. This is where conservative Christians and Muslims quickly say "See, I told you so! There's no gay gene, so being gay is a choice!"
Take this interesting paragraph I found on an Evangelical website: "The attempt to prove that homosexuality is determined biologically has been dealt a knockout punch. An American Psychological Association publication includes an admission that there's no homosexual "gene" – meaning it's not likely that homosexuals are 'born that way.'"
But that's not at all what it means, and it seems Evangelicals are plucking out stand-alone phrases from scientific reports and removing them from their context. This is known in academia as the fallacy of suppressed evidence. Interestingly, this is also what they have a habit of doing with verses from the Bible.
This idea of sexuality being a choice is such a bizarre notion to me as a man of science. Many of these reparative "therapists" are basing this concept on a random Bible verse or two. When you hold those up against the mountain of scientific research that has been conducted, peer-reviewed, and then peer-reviewed again, it absolutely holds no water. A person's sexuality – whether heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual – is a very deep biological piece of who that person is as an individual.
The fact that a so-called "gay gene" has not been discovered does not mean that homosexuality is not genetic in its causation. This is understandably something that can seem a bit strange to those who have not been educated in fields of science and advanced biology, and it is also why people who are not scientists ought not try to explain the processes in simple black-and-white terms. There is no gay gene, but there is also no "height gene" or "skin tone gene" or "left-handed gene." These, like sexuality, have a heritable aspect, but no one dominant gene is responsible for them.
Many genes, working in sync, contribute to the phenotype and therefore do have a role in sexual orientation. In many animal model systems, for example, the precise genes involved in sexual partner selection have been identified, and their neuro-biochemical pathways have been worked out in great detail. A great number of these mechanisms have been preserved evolutionarily in humans, just as they are for every other behavioral trait we know (including heterosexuality).
Furthermore, there are many biologic traits which are not specifically genetic but are biologic nonetheless. These traits are rooted in hormonal influences, contributed especially during the early stages of fetal development. This too is indisputable and based on extensive peer-reviewed research the world over. Such prenatal hormonal influences are not genetic per se, but are inborn, natural, and biologic nevertheless.
Having said that, in the realm of legal rights, partnership rights, and anti-discrimination protections, the gay gene vs. choice debate is actually quite irrelevant. Whether or not something is a choice is not a suitable criterion for whether someone should have equal rights and protections. Religion is indisputably a choice, but that fact is a not a valid argument for discriminating against a particular religion.
This is not an issue in dispute. According to modern science: baby, you were born this way.
Hbr 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
"Hbr 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Yeah it sucks knowing your god created gay people and all you are left with is your hate and bigotry.
"modern science"? Oh yeah, we all know that "modern science" is 100% correct 100% of the time. Some "modern scientists" subscribe to global warming, some do not. I'm pretty sure there is not 100% consensus on the gay gene issue, either-so stop lying and acting like it's a done deal.
"I'm pretty sure there is not 100% consensus on the gay gene issue, either-so stop lying and acting like it's a done deal."
You're so clueless on this subject, the experts disagree with you and have proven that all the bogus christian literature about gays were done by bias and prejudice people! Gays and Lesbians deserve the same civil rights as everyone else. It's time stupid people like you stop fueling the hatred in this country that are not founded on REAL Facts!
Athesit Steve
Bilble quotes are what is often needed to bring truth into perspective. They should not be taken out of context.
@Yo
Orientation is not a choice but, what you do with your orientation is a choice and that choice detemines who you really are. This nonsense about "I just can't help myself is an excuse used by man to justify poor choice.
"Orientation is not a choice but, what you do with your orientation is a choice and that choice detemines who you really are. This nonsense about "I just can't help myself is an excuse used by man to justify poor choice."
Loving someone and having an intimate relationship is NOT a poor choice only a hateful bigot would say something like that.
Yo
You jumped the gun, I did not say you were a man or made a poor choice. Straight or gay if you make a poor choice it is a choice you make and you should take full responsibility. Nothing more nothing less.
I am sorry you feel that you are personally attacked about the choices you make. My general rule is that if I am sensitive about something there must be something there that needs to be resolved. If I am small and take offense at every pee wee joke height is never the problem. It is my thoughts that are wrapped up in stature which need to brought into proper perspective
Usually poor choices will have negative consequences. As far as gay marriage, I do not see any negative consequences. There are more positives than negatives in that instance.
J.W
I have certainly seen many straight marriages that were poor choices. Somehow we act as if two guys falling in love was new, it is not. The only thing that has changed is that immorality has been redefined. It was the purpose of the Church to maintain the morality as expressed by God. The Church has failed by its own immorality and godless behaviour. Perhaps the Church can regain its footing but that would take a mighty work of God. In the meantime $exual immorality is being set by a new force that has filled the void left by the Church.
"Somehow we act as if two guys falling in love was new, it is not. The only thing that has changed is that immorality has been redefined. It was the purpose of the Church to maintain the morality as expressed by God. The Church has failed by its own immorality and godless behaviour. Perhaps the Church can regain its footing but that would take a mighty work of God. In the meantime $exual immorality is being set by a new force that has filled the void left by the Church."
LOL! Spoken like a true judgmental Christian which totally goes against what your Christ preached. What an idiot, can't even follow your own rule book.
“Straight or gay if you make a poor choice it is a choice you make and you should take full responsibility. Nothing more nothing less.”
Yo, idiot being gay is not a choice they are entitled to the same loving relationships that straight people have, including marriage.
“I am sorry you feel that you are personally attacked about the choices you make”
I am not gay but I do see the hateful comments like you make that are not based on REAL facts.
“My general rule is that if I am sensitive about something there must be something there that needs to be resolved.”
Yeah denying someone their basic civil rights should make people sensitive to the injustice!
“It is my thoughts that are wrapped up in stature which need to brought into proper perspective”
Yeah the proper perspective is your are full of hate and prejudice but your ego gets in your way of seeing that truth.
Yo!
“idiot being gay is not a choice they are enti-tled to the same loving relationships that straight people have, including marriage.”
=>agreed being gay is not a choice what you choose to do with your orientation is a choice.
No one is enti-tled to a loving relationship. A loving relationship comes about through the expression of love.
“I am not gay but I do see the hateful comments like you make that are not based on REAL facts.”
=>you must have the wrong person or please me some specific examples.
“Yeah denying someone their basic civil rights should make people sensitive to the injustice!”
=>ah, I see you assume that because I am Christian I would deny civil rights to someone. That would be the opposite of what Jesus taught and who Chirst is. You seem to assume the worst in people have you been personally harmed by a Christian or the evil one dressed as an Angel of Light?
“Yeah the proper perspective is your are full of hate and prejudice but your ego gets in your way of seeing that truth.”
=>example please.
“No one is enti-tled to a loving relationship. A loving relationship comes about through the expression of love.”
Well gee….moron that is exactly what happens in a gay relationship, straights don’t have the monopoly on that one. DUH!
“I see you assume that because I am Christian I would deny civil rights to someone. That would be the opposite of what Jesus taught and who Chirst is. “
You’re spelling give you away every time idiot.
“You seem to assume the worst in people have you been personally harmed by a Christian or the evil one dressed as an Angel of Light? “
No, that’s your assumption, not mine, now ask yourself why you did that.
“example please.”
Thanks for proving my point and how blind you truly are to what I was pointing out. LMAO!
How sweet are thy words uuto my taste yea sweeter than honey to my mouth! I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil
"For ever, 0 LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89)
"For ever, 0 LORD, thy word is settled in heaven."
"Thy word is true from the beginning: and everyone of thy righteous judgements endureth for ever." (Psalm 119:160)
"Every word of God is pure. He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." (Proverbs 30:5,6)
"What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it." (Deuteronomy 12:32)
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book. If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:18,19)
"For the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." (Revelation 1:9)
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. " (Isaiah 8:20)