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 Anderson Cooper's coming out provoked the author to send a tweet that triggered some strong reaction.
July 5th, 2012
01:11 PM ET
My Take: Will there be gays in heaven? Will there be fat people?Editor's Note: Craig Gross is the pastor and founder of XXXchurch.com and is the author of seven books. He just turned 36 and is no longer a hip 20-something pastor from California. By Craig Gross, Special to CNN After Anderson Cooper came out this week, I posted a link on Twitter to a story that included this quote from Cooper: “I love and am loved.” As I said in my tweet, Cooper is one of my favorite journalists. I was honored to once be on his show. After I tweeted I got e-mails and a direct message asking the same question: "You still like him now?" I was saddened by that reaction and started thinking: What would happen if we read the Bible and, instead of highlighting certain passages, we took it all for what it is - truth. In 1 Corinthians, the Bible says don't indulge your body with food or sex: “‘Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food,’ and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.” My Take: The Christian case for gay marriage I deal with people who indulge their bodies with sex. I’ve done it for 10 years with XXXchurch.com, helping people caught up in porn addiction. If you indulge your body with sex via pornography, affairs, strippers or hookers, and your secrets are exposed, you will not be preaching on Sunday. Sexual sin is not tolerated in our churches. If clergy are caught in these things, they’re disqualified. What if you indulge your body with food? Well, then you can pastor some of the largest churches on the planet and have the most successful broadcasts on the religious channels and sell a lot of books. CNN’s Belief Blog: The faith angles behind the biggest stories Same biblical passage, same sin. Why is one accepted and one rejected? Why is it that religious folks want to camp out on a few things rather then all things? Why do they believe that the gay guy goes to hell but the fat preacher who builds some of the largest churches in the world makes it to heaven? I have no problem bringing my fat friends to church; they fit right in. Our Los Angeles church has doughnuts to eat during worship service, which makes the hymns we sing sound so much better. My Take: Why many Christians focus on homosexuality I coached my son's soccer team last year. My assistant coach is a lesbian. My son became great friends with her son, and my wife and I have become good friends with his mom and her partner. We played on three teams this year with them and have spent time in each others’ homes. Could I bring them to church? Absolutely not. Most evangelical Christians don't have gay friends. We just have gay stereotypes and we base our beliefs on a few biblical passages, ignoring passages about things that people in the church really struggle with, like food and other addictions. The problem is that the church has only one answer for homosexuality: Don't be gay. Come as you are, but you'd better not be gay. But you can be fat. Follow the CNN Belief Blog on Twitter Most Christians believe you should just help your friends to not be gay when, in all honesty, only Christ can do that. I love my lesbian friends. Let’s say I share Christ with them and they accept Jesus - or maybe they already have. Where do they go to church? There is no way I would send them to an evangelical church, because not everyone would treat them the way they should be treated. But if they attend a gay church many Christians look at them as crazy. People will push you to take a stand one way or the other on homosexuality, but no one has ever asked me to take a stand when it comes to fat people. The goal shouldn’t be to change anyone's sexuality. Ultimately, I believe homosexuality gets blown way out of proportion in our churches. If we would all see gays as fellow sinners instead of “others,” there wouldn't be a need for gay outreach, because they would already be incorporated into our community based on a shared need for Christ. God loves gays and Jesus is for them. God loves the fat preacher. Homosexual activity and overeating are both sins - just like speeding, gossip, lying and cheating. I think I did all of those just today. All are forgivable in Christ and, with the leading of the Holy Spirit, can be changed. Just remember that change does not happen overnight. Have you ever seen someone lose 100 pounds overnight? The process takes time. When it comes to the Lord, it’s nothing less than a journey of sanctification. And wherever you are at on that journey, I think there should be a place for you at church. Because there’s probably one in heaven. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Craig Gross. |
  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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No matter what any one says, God doesn't change. He remains the same.
True, and we need to hold to what we know of Him, but with humility. Otherwise we may as well worship idols.
The one unchanging truth about God is that he has remained unchangingly non-existent for all of eternity.
Dr. Loveless that's a puzzling theory. I suppose existence must have just been this way for all eternity, or that it just occurred spontaneously from nothing. Eternity sure is a long time.
Very long time, and still no god.
Bowing to political pressure, the Office of Celestial Interior has announced that the Pearly Gates will be undergoing extensive redesign and rehabilitation. Included will be a widening about the size of a six lane highway to accomodate the recently departed obese. While this gate will be closed, during this phase, all those passing through will have to detour via Perkatory.
Bodies...in the ground...
Souls...?
Hello folks. Everyone is always welcome to visit – thestarofkaduri.com
No one cares. Go away.
if there was a heaven.... how much would it suck to have to put up with the bs of ALL the different people that get in AND how boring would it be to be stuck there forever??? good grief make me a demon and let me tempt and terrorize the silly xtians ... lol
Hell = hate/endless pain...
God is not an idiot. He judges based on the heart, not the outward appearance. Try reading the New Testament. It doesn't resemble the self-righteous rantings of the crazy right at all. Those are the type of people Jesus condemned. He called the hypocrites whited sepulchres (aka marble on the outside; full of rotting worms on the inside). =>
The BS you talk about won't exist in heaven. That is Satan / Lucifer trying to deceive you from accept Christ. Lucifer knows his fate. It was sealed 2k years ago. He just wants to take down as many of us with him as he can. God, it letting us make the decision ourselves. Free will. You know the story. You even know how it will end and I am still letting you choose the option you prefer. Life with me or separation from me and hang out with the fallen angels. God would prefer you'd accept him, but he won't force you too. That is why so much wrong is in this world. Many seem to prefer to want to take the wrong path that leads to destruction.
99.9% of "christians" are people more interested in reading the Bible and finding things they may use against others than worshiping a god. Also though they believe their god is real, they actually do not have faith in him as they do not believe in attempting to live the way he wants. They reform the words to suit their lives and allow them to keep things the bible tells them to let go of. They also spend most of the condemnation time focused on people doing things they crave for but cant seem to have.
Christians are pathetic and miserable people who dont even follow their own religion.
Buddhists and other religions actually live as their religion dictates. Because they are truly dedicated and have true faith in what they believe.
Please provide valid evidence of your statistics. I don't disagree there are selfish fake Christians out there, but don't judge so narrow mindedly.
I would say a large percentage of Christians don't actually read the Bible. Jesus was only critical of the self-righteous, unforgiving hypocrites, the Pharisees.
Ever read The Chronicles of Narnia? The last book is fascinating. C.S. Lewis captured human behavior well.
Sid – the fervent, concerted efforts of many christians to deny rights to a group of americans is evidence enough.
If thats truly how you feel about Christians I'm not surprised you're not meeting any friendly ones. They can probably read the hostility in your body language. Kind of like girls who says they can't find a good man while walking around with a gigantic chip on their shoulder.
manbearpig, why should people have to love each other to obtain these 'rights'? What is the rationale for that? Why only two people? You ignore the fact that th inst-itution of marriage is a matter of interest to greater society, otherwise there would be no need for the state to concern itself with marriage. The state certainly does not support the insti-tution of marriage because people who love each other have a right to tax deductions.
bgg1175,
All of your negative comments about Christianity won't amount to anything, who shall lay charge to God's elect for it is God who justify, not you, are this corrupt world system.
Christianity just didn't start in the 21 century if you want to know about it, read the entire Bible its about Christians and are fellow brethren the Jews we are related through Yeshua (Jesus).
Christianity is not just saying you're a Christian! True Christians will live true Christians lives. There is no middle ground.
What I can't understand is why so many people here are so angry at and so afraid of A god ,that they claim doesn't exist.I fear GOD because I believe in him.Anyone that choose to disbelieve,that is their right. I choose to believe and that is my right.I will not try to take away your right. Don't try to take away mine.
Well said.
With all due respect, your comment couldn't sound more canned, if you tried to make sound as such. Like theists, atheists are individuals with their own, unique viewpoint. I, for one, fear no "God" or acknowledge the existence of one. I feel no anger toward any "God", and I'm as non-believing as they come. Your question answers itself. You will believe until you are convinced(if ever) otherwise. As it goes for belief, so it goes for disbelief. The conflict is in your head.
Defythegods, sorry but this isn't a very convincing argument when we see you all here constantly commenting on these topics. You hardly seem as though you are settled or conflict-free about your atheist beliefs, otherwise why is it so important to you to disparage Christians? Why are the comments about throwing insults rather than saying something intelligent or inspiring? That's not how inner peace presents itself.
All will go to heaven no matter what their sin may be if they confess and accept Jesus as their saviour. We are all sinners and can do nothing to save ourselves (i.e. good deeds do not get you an admission ticket) except we accept Jesus.
Forgt repent and turn.
"Forgt"?
I dont sin my religion says so
Oh, no you d'int, girlfriend! Men are judged by their actions, not the crap that flow from their mouths.
SidB You are so right.Thank GOD there has been payment made for the sins of all that will accept it.
I think he meant I forgot to add repent and turn. But lets look at Romans 10:9 if you confess Jesus and believe in your heart God hath raised him from the dead you shall be saved. Remember the thief on the cross – he merely said that Jesus didn't do anything wrong and he (thief) was being justly punished (probably repented or acknowedged his sin) and then said Jesus remember me when you go to your Kingdom. (confess Jesus as a deity and would be alive) Again, not complicated. I sin every day. Try not too, but I know God is just and will forgive me.
No one is gay, fat, ugly, skinny, old or young in Heaven. Those are conditions of mortality. In Heaven, all are perfect.
psssttt... there is no heaven, no hell, no afterlife... when u die its like going to sleep forever... you won't even know it.... don't tell anyone cause it may upset them...
I'm just posting to tell the author of this article to shut up. I don't believe in your stupid Bible, and there is no God. What I do with my body is my business.
Yeah, Tiger...that much is obvious. Look at that nasty-assed rash!
Thanks for venting and sharing. Feel better now?
Ha ha ha
NO...they will not go to heaven, but only because there is no heaven. PS I am gay and I'm fat
You are also very wrong!
Extra nasty
You're not gay and fat, dearie. You're fabulous and cuddly! And if they don't like you in Heaven, start your own party!
Wanna make a bet? =>
Essentially, everything that Jesus taught in the Bible is just as He said it would be: the religious are sanctimonious and think more highly of themselves than they ought; lack of love & lack of forgiveness abound; we are all like the Pharisee who thought he was God's gift to God.
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
I'm handsome and smart,thank you God for not making me ugly and dumb,or with buckteeth ,bad skin or body odor,or gay
...and then we get old, decrepit...and die...
...and a new batch of young and beautiful people come along who believe they were the 1st generation to ever live...
...and then they get old, decrepit and die...world without end? I think not.
"Happy the man who shall seize and smash your little ones against the rock!" (Psalms 137:9). This a clear passage from the word of God about how to God's people can gain happiness. The Bible also says that women should keep silent in the churches and that a Xtian should never pray in public. I say that Xtians need to get their own house in order before they self-righteously quote from the Bible. No sin is more or less than any other in the eyes of their minor mountain storm deity.
As Girolam Savonarola said about Xtian leaders, "They have sat for so long in their own stench that they don't realize that they stink".
Fat people should go to hell if hell exists! They should also not be given health care until they put in the effort to try to live healthier.
That's cruel, some is heredity.
Yeah! Broil away the pounds! You'll be slimmer in no time!
Then Richard Simmons will come down and lead you in a conga line to heaven1
Can anyone explain why the sin of being gay is any different than the sin or murder, pedophliia, beastiality, rapist, etc. They could all argue that god made them with those desires so it is a violation of their rights to condemn them. Any takers?
It isn't a sin. And it's "bestiality", AH. Get a dictionary.
Yes, you simpleton. Pedophilia is a crime. It infringes on the rights of another. Being gay does not. Murder is a crime for the same reason. So is ra pe. Are you catching the drift?
Ra .pe, murder, and ped.ophelia all have a VICTIM whos rights are being very directly infringed upon. If you had taken even two seconds to really think about your question, this would have been obvious.
@Atheist Hunter
LOL You ran away from this thread really quick! Couldn't think up something to say?
It's no different, hunny, and the sin of being a self-righteous jerk. There's probably a lot more gays that'll get into heaven than those pompous, self-righteous fools and their faithless beliefs.
I'll take that – there is absolutely no difference. Lying is treated the same as murder – it is a sin. I am no better than a mass murderer for lying or cheating on my taxes. The punishment for sin is separation from God. Life with God – eternal is to accept Jesus as your saviour. It is really very simple. Man makes it too complicated.
Being born gay is a birth defect that people have like being blind or deaf. We just cant see it .
I wouldn't say it is a defect, it is out of the norm but definitely not a defect. People that are blind are not defective they are just without visual sight as is the deaf person is without auditory hearing. Both of the people have other senses that will be much stronger because of this. The gay is not defective either it is just predisposed to be attracted to the same s*ex. Nothing out of the ordinary unless you believe in god and doctrine, there lies the defect.
BamaDaniel – H o m o s e x u a l i t y is considered a normal part of human s e x u a l i t y by the following professional mental health associations: The American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the American Counseling Association, the Canadian Psychological Association, and the National Association of Social Workers.
Read your new name, dingus. It makes about as much sense as your posts. You illiterate noobs get on here and attempt to interpret the Bible for others when you can barely write a simple sentence. If you want anyone to take you seriously, then study religion from a neutral standpoint. If all you've ever read is the Bible, and all you've ever listened to is some fire-and-brimstone charlatan, I have no respect for your beliefs as to what the Bible says.
I rely on those who have brains and an education. That would not be you.
BamaDaniel: the result of 6 generations of cousins marrying each other.
It cracks me up that the thumper calls himself "Atheist Hunter". What do you suppose prompted him to choose that moniker? IT implies that he hates those who don't believe what he does and is intent on hunting them down. What are you going to do when you 'catch' one, AH? Do you think you have some power to affect others? Do you think you have the authority to speak for God?
What an arrogant POS.
Why are you so worried about other peoples ID's? Does it make you paranoid?
I am a christian and I agree wholeheartedly with you Tom Tom
God kills his enemies
How are you any different from Atheist Hunter? I have also seen your hateful comments towards those who refuses to follow your thinking and beliefs.
Why are you so worried about what I'm asking, dipsh!t? Is AH your lover?
Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son just loves to talk to me. He lives to think he can anger me. He's fun. It says hunter, doesn't mean I want to kill them. Just converse with em. Okay, call me fisher of atheist. Is that any better? Don't be so angry Tom. It makes other atheist look bad.
Ah, I see, so Higgy agrees that AH is hateful. Good to know, considering you just finished kissing his ass.
truthwilliams.........so you are judging me without knowing me by a name??? Is that christian???
Then tell us your name.
AtheistHunter yes. I am guilty of that sin. I think i took the same impression that Tom Tom did and judged you before talking to or asking you. It shows my immaturity and is not a good witness to the people you are trying to reach on here. I apoligize for not walking in the love of Christ and ask your forgiveness. I should of waited for you to comment, or better yet not of made a comment myself.
Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son – There can't be anyone as hateful as you. I seem to cause you to SQUIRM every time you see me. You need to get either mental help or seek Christ for your mental issues, honey.
How many beers have you had tonight, Higgy? You know that drunkenness makes the baby Jeebus cry, don't you?
Would this name be better for you, honey? Or is it offensive too? 🙂
Oh, dear Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son, I love they way you make yourself look so foolish with my help. Who is the Jeebus you are talking about? Please explain.
Thanks!
In that it's completely indicative of your inability to make any kind of sentient statement, yeah, dearie. Much better. It makes you look even dumber.
Correction:
"I love they way you make yourself look so foolish without my help."
Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son – Aw, what's the matter, honey, are you squirming?
Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son
Read your new name, dingus. It makes about as much sense as your posts. You illiterate noobs get on here and attempt to interpret the Bible for others when you can barely write a simple sentence. If you want anyone to take you seriously, then study religion from a neutral standpoint. If all you've ever read is the Bible, and all you've ever listened to is some fire-and-brimstone charlatan, I have no respect for your beliefs as to what the Bible says.
I rely on those who have brains and an education. That would not be you.
Being gay isn't a sin. Anyone can Google the original text, the context and its meaning. The only people who beliege being gay is a sin are those who aren't interested in the truth.
Thank you.
Sin is sin, no matter what it is and no sin is greater then the other. The person, being straight or gay are sinners by nature and anyone who claims that they don't sin is a liar and the Truth (God) isn't in him/her. Plain and simple.
I am sin free ,and was born into a hospital to loving parents.
Why believe Google ? Because it tells you what you want to hear.
Wow, BamaDaniel, you are sin free, then let's put you on the Cross for the salvation for all humanity then. What do you say, Mr. Perfect wanna be?
What a dumbbell. You must have started on the beers early tonight, Higgy.
Mike – Well said!
What about the story of sodom, how is the part about the angels and the evil men of the city translated in the original text? If what you believe is true God would own them a huge apology. Sorry, but you're wrong! He would not destroy a whole city for such behavior and today say I changes my mind, now it's cool cause I made you like that.
There are many Biblical scholars who interpret that story differently. What are your qualifications as a Biblical scholar, AH?
Hahahahaha, Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son, you tickle me!
Sure I do. You do know that lying makes the baby Jeebus cry, don't you?
Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son – Forget about how the scholars interprets the bible for a few minutes, can you tell us your qualifications as a Biblical scholar as well?
Never said I was one, moron. What I have done, however, is taken several comparative religion classes at the university level and read what scholars have written.
Now are you going to answer the same question, since YOU'RE the one pretending you have all the answers as to who goes to heaven and what is a sin?
I'll be back to check on those qualifications, AH. Make sure you don't lie.
Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son – Well obviously you learned from blind scholars who interprets the Bible instead of seeking spiritual guidance from the Holy Spirit who is ABLE to lead and guide you into all truth.
Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son – You said: "What I have done, however, is taken several comparative religion classes at the university level and read what scholars have written."
So, who is this Jeebus you speak of?
Thanks for playing. I figured as much; you've never taken any classes in religion that weren't taught in YOUR church by YOUR preacher, and you believe that's the ONLY interpretation that could possibly be correct.
I tend to agree with Tom Tom here. It certainly isn't a sin to be gay, it's only a question of what you do. Even with regard to the story of Sodom and Gomorah what we know is that God is condemning se-xual immorality. I don't think that the point of the story is that this is a particular sin that heteros dont need to worry about.
No, because gluttony is a deadly sin.
Bad news for the afterlife prospects of most of the bible belt...
Well, they're protestants, so they're going to hell regardless.
When you think about it, if the Muslims are right then the Catholics are f.ucked too. Seems just as likely.
Mennoknight – Do you really believe God would give gays a h o m o s e x u a l orientation and then tell them they can never act upon it? I can't believe that God would expect gay people to live lonely lives and never experience the joy of a romantic relationship.
Actually, the guy's kind of a d1ck. If the bible is anything to go off of, doing something like that seems right up his alley.
Every sin I ever committed was my choice to do so. Gay is no different. You can say no just like you can say no to anything else God has forbidden. Sometimes we just don't want to because we like how sin makes a feel. But eventually the good feeling is replaced by consequences that are many times devastating. That is the Gay lifestyle. May be fun to them for a season but Satan is a master at deception. All sin leaves you broken and empty in the end. Gay people are no exception. No hate here for them, but truth is truth. Their sin is no better than any of mine and no more excusable.
It isn't a sin. Theologists who actually study the Bible disagree with your interpretation, and considering the level of your intelligence and education, I'll go with them, instead of your fundy preacher.
All unbelievers disagree with God's word too, so what is your point, Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son? And being that they lack knowledge and spiritual understanding, I'll go with what the Holy Spirit reveals to me instead of your fundy blindness.
HelsGod, if you think the "holy spirit" is revealing things to you, I heartily urge you to get some counseling. It's likely that you are insane.
Not just likely.
manbearpig – If you knew what we know, then you would have know what we know if you only humble yourself to the voice of the Holy Spirit. If anyone can give us great and divine counseling is the Holy Spirit, so I urge you to seek Him for the salvation of your soul....it's not that hard, really. :o)
Correction:
"then you would have known what we know"
Yeah, it's not hard. You just have to leave your brain behind. That's why Higgy is such a good thumper.
I consider myself a fairly open-minded person. If you "know" that god exists, then convince me. Note: I don't find "drink the kool-aid and you'll know" to be a convincing argument. Furthermore, you nutjobs are completely incapable of following your thoughts through to a logical conclusion. Any god who creates people who by his rules must be persecuted and burned alive for all eternity for loving who they choose is an as.shole. So is anyone who would worship said god – sorry if that includes you.
manbearpig – Good for you to consider yourself fair open-minded person, I won't argue with you about that. No one can convince you or others of God's existence. I didn't have anyone convincing me and just like you, I had many people Minister to me when I was an atheist and I hated to see them talk about God and seeing them carry their bibles in the public was very stupid to me and guess what, it was God who dealt with my heart for many years before I decided to humble myself to Him so I can get to know how real He was. It only takes one act of FAITH and you don't have to wait for anyone to convince you about God. The burden of proof is on God, not on me. I am yet to see an atheist completely follow their though through to a logical conclusion, so how are you better then any of us? You have so little knowledge of what God wants for humanity. If God wanted those who doesn't want to follow His rules, then Christ wasted His time dying on the Cross of Calvary for us because He came to fulfill the laws written in the O.T. Get educated before making yourself look totally foolish on here before yo9u speak.
Thanks!
Got those qualifications, AH?
Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son – Too bad you let your brain lead you instead of your heart, which is full of hate and darkness, btw.