The bible and homosexuality

The Bible can be read by anyone and interpreted by anyone to justify many things. Only one who is filled with the Holy Spirit and has extensive knowledge of ancient greek and hebrew can be 100% sure of what the passages says with all its technicalities (this is the purpose of a pastor/teacher). Its not surprising that people can take God's Word and twist it to fit their beliefs. Satan did.

I haven't been following this hot argument much, but I'll stick my two cents in.I work as a lifeguard and see many scantly clad beautiful girls on a daily basis. The desire or urge to pursue a relationship leading to sex with a hot chick is a very strong part of my genetic make-up and upbringing. This desire in itself is not sinful. If I let that desire or urge turn into actually "wishing" I could have sex with them or "fantasizing" about it then it is lust and very wrong.The homosexual desire, I will assume, is a combination of genetics and upbringing. If I had homosexual tendencies, the desire or urge to pursue a relationship leading to sex with another man for me would be just as much a test to my strength of will as my heterosexual urges. If I were to let my homosexual desires get out of control to the point where I start acting on them to either pursue such a relationship or "fantasize" about such a relationship, that would also be wrong.

I am not married and could possibly never get married. For me to ignore those desires my whole life would be difficult, but do-able.The reasons I reject homosexuality as a valid lifestyle.1) God created man for woman and woman for man both in body and soul.
2) Authority is a necessary part of life even in a relationship between two people.
3) Marriage is a covenant before God to last a lifetime.
4) God said it was wrong (don't start with the Bible passage debate again)'nuff said.

In this nation, I have a right to vote for the candidate or the law according to whatever the heck I think is best. I desire that this nation function according to God's principles because I believe this is the only way it will last and prosper. If enough people in a state desire that that state function according to God's principles, so be it. Those who disagree can either deal or get out.I like hamburgers. That is one reason out of many I do not live in India. If I get married just as the majority of America decides and votes that Homosexuality is the only valid lifestyle, I will simply leave.

Jesus said that to lust for a woman is the same as commiting adultery in your heart.Besides the fact that I have become arrogant and am no longer viewing her honorably as a child of God, but an object for my sexual gratification.This message has been edited by Hangdawg13, 06-11-2004 10:30 PM

Of course homosexuals can love one another. I am not challenging that notion. I do believe that any sexual activity outside of marriage (between one man and one woman) is related to lust.

see previous post

A free society does not come without laws. It is my desire and the desire of many that the laws of this nation stay aligned with God's moral law (Laws of Divine Establishment: see thread on Satan). A change in the nature of marriage, a fundamental societal institution, will inevitably result in a change in the entire society. As long as I am a voting citizen in this society, I am alowed my beliefs and my vote as to what is immoral and what should be lawful and what should not be. When have I disrespected a gay person? If I meet a gay person on the street, I will treat them with respect as I treat anyone else. But I am a part of this society and have a voice as to how it should function.

If you believe like I do that marriage between gay people is simply illegitimate and therefore a non-marriage, then discrimination is a non-issue.The license comes from the government. The marriage covenant comes from God. In fact the Government that gives the licenses was set in place by God for God.

To butt in here:I believe the attraction in itself is not a sin, but a temptation to sin.I would guess that the homosexual attraction is a combination of many factors. I know that there are thousands of homosexuals who became het after becoming a Christian and being epistemologically rehabilitated. I think these people have started a website with testimonials.Edited to add: by the way SleepingDragon, I think you ought to be commended for being the most mannerly and least emotional of any member on this site.This message has been edited by Hangdawg13, 06-13-2004 11:55 PM

Does anyone else find that this just strikes them as lunacy?We have been reduced to debating the physical details of anal sex to determine whether homosexuality is moral or immoral in God's eyes.Sigh... whatever.

I assume you've sat down and talked to all of them?Sure, I know people who know people that have ex-homo Christian friends and one or two has told me that their friends still have struggles from time to time. I wouldn't doubt it. No one said its easy to do the right thing.BTW, I don't know what ya'll thought I meant by epistemological rehabilitation. I simply meant studying God's Word, learning and applying Bible doctrine, and developing a closer relationship with God.