For all Christians out there, what are the hardest questions that you struggle with

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I started to go to church but I struggle to believe everything

Try a Unitarian Church or the Washington Ethical Society and your struggles will be over. They don't appeal to you to believe things that just don't add up.

OK, explain the problem of evil from the Washington Ethical Society perspective.

Not a member, but doubt they approach the subject as a "problem" that needs to be explained-- rather that humans are capable of both good and evil.

[Anonymous]

I struggle with people looking away from suffering and denying others health care, a living wage, and engaging in mass incarceration of poor people. How are they Christian like I am? I do not understand how they can care about abortion but not loving and compassionate about poverty and human dignity. It makes no sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I struggle with people looking away from suffering and denying others health care, a living wage, and engaging in mass incarceration of poor people. How are they Christian like I am? I do not understand how they can care about abortion but not loving and compassionate about poverty and human dignity. It makes no sense.

I do think some Christians focus too much on punishing people for their actions or just for no reason and don’t apply the principles of mercy and compassion into their daily lives. But you have to remember that not everyone who calls themselves Christian is a true Christian. There’s all different types of Christians: good, bad, hypocritical, judgemental. Ultimately how the Bible tells us to treat people is what’s most important. Even if other so-called Christians disregard what Jesus taught, you can still do what you know is right.

And it is hard to see other Christians give Christianity a bad name, but we should take it upon ourselves to educate them to be better. Some people are just lost and needed some guidance to get back on track.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

There are people who misunderstand what the Bible says, and that does negatively affect women. But if they looked at the parts of the Bible that praised women, they would have a different view. Acts 16:13-16 recounts the story of the first church in Europe. Paul met two women, Priscilla and Aquila. When Paul left Ephesus, (where the church was located), he left the two women to be in charge of the church at Ephesus. So while some passages seem to portray women in a negative light, and I don’t have the answer to all of those passages, the Bible does have examples of women being praised and exalted.

Ok now for the homosexual topic. I believe that people do feel the homosexual urges and that’s fine. But you have to remember that we have a sin nature, which tempts us to do bad things. I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh, just like other things, such as the temptation to lie or cheat. The Bible says that our spirit is willing to do good, but that our flesh is weak. Ultimately I believe that we have to fight such temptations. It can be really, really hard, and we sometimes fail, but it’s something that we can overcome. Again I don’t have all the answers, but hope this helps.

So do you believe that anyone who isn't straight should remain alone and celibate throughout life. No love, no intimacy, nothing.

No. I believe that you can find someone of the opposite sex that you would want to form a relationship with. Or for some people, remaining single is for them and that’s totally fine too.

Help me understand. A gay man, he doesn't want to be single. He wants to be with someone. Who should he be with?

Or you think everyone who is gay is being fake and they are actually straight and could be happy in heterosexual relationships.

Do you feel you could just as easily fall in love with a woman as with a man?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

There are people who misunderstand what the Bible says, and that does negatively affect women. But if they looked at the parts of the Bible that praised women, they would have a different view. Acts 16:13-16 recounts the story of the first church in Europe. Paul met two women, Priscilla and Aquila. When Paul left Ephesus, (where the church was located), he left the two women to be in charge of the church at Ephesus. So while some passages seem to portray women in a negative light, and I don’t have the answer to all of those passages, the Bible does have examples of women being praised and exalted.

Ok now for the homosexual topic. I believe that people do feel the homosexual urges and that’s fine. But you have to remember that we have a sin nature, which tempts us to do bad things. I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh, just like other things, such as the temptation to lie or cheat. The Bible says that our spirit is willing to do good, but that our flesh is weak. Ultimately I believe that we have to fight such temptations. It can be really, really hard, and we sometimes fail, but it’s something that we can overcome. Again I don’t have all the answers, but hope this helps.

So do you believe that anyone who isn't straight should remain alone and celibate throughout life. No love, no intimacy, nothing.

No. I believe that you can find someone of the opposite sex that you would want to form a relationship with. Or for some people, remaining single is for them and that’s totally fine too.

Help me understand. A gay man, he doesn't want to be single. He wants to be with someone. Who should he be with?

Or you think everyone who is gay is being fake and they are actually straight and could be happy in heterosexual relationships.

Do you feel you could just as easily fall in love with a woman as with a man?

I believe that a man should be with a woman. I don’t believe that people who are gay are being “fake”. Like I said in my initial response, “I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh” I don’t believe that a man should be with another man, but I don’t automatically assume that he could easily be in a heterosexual relationship. All I know is that according to the Bible homosexuality is wrong, but what you believe is your prerogative. I don’t know what type of relationship, married or single, is for anyone. That’s something that they have to figure out. But as a Christian who believes in the Bible, homosexuality is sinful and I wouldn’t be a good Chrsitian if I didn’t adhere to my own religion’s teachings

[Anonymous]

I don't understand why people quote the Old Testament. Jesus clearly came to get rid of the hateful teachings of the old testament.

Also how can people still quote Leviticus about homosexuality and eat shrimp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

There are people who misunderstand what the Bible says, and that does negatively affect women. But if they looked at the parts of the Bible that praised women, they would have a different view. Acts 16:13-16 recounts the story of the first church in Europe. Paul met two women, Priscilla and Aquila. When Paul left Ephesus, (where the church was located), he left the two women to be in charge of the church at Ephesus. So while some passages seem to portray women in a negative light, and I don’t have the answer to all of those passages, the Bible does have examples of women being praised and exalted.

Ok now for the homosexual topic. I believe that people do feel the homosexual urges and that’s fine. But you have to remember that we have a sin nature, which tempts us to do bad things. I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh, just like other things, such as the temptation to lie or cheat. The Bible says that our spirit is willing to do good, but that our flesh is weak. Ultimately I believe that we have to fight such temptations. It can be really, really hard, and we sometimes fail, but it’s something that we can overcome. Again I don’t have all the answers, but hope this helps.

So do you believe that anyone who isn't straight should remain alone and celibate throughout life. No love, no intimacy, nothing.

No. I believe that you can find someone of the opposite sex that you would want to form a relationship with. Or for some people, remaining single is for them and that’s totally fine too.

Help me understand. A gay man, he doesn't want to be single. He wants to be with someone. Who should he be with?

Or you think everyone who is gay is being fake and they are actually straight and could be happy in heterosexual relationships.

Do you feel you could just as easily fall in love with a woman as with a man?

I believe that a man should be with a woman. I don’t believe that people who are gay are being “fake”. Like I said in my initial response, “I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh” I don’t believe that a man should be with another man, but I don’t automatically assume that he could easily be in a heterosexual relationship. All I know is that according to the Bible homosexuality is wrong, but what you believe is your prerogative. I don’t know what type of relationship, married or single, is for anyone. That’s something that they have to figure out. But as a Christian who believes in the Bible, homosexuality is sinful and I wouldn’t be a good Chrsitian if I didn’t adhere to my own religion’s teachings

What about people - lets say men who are obviously gay from a young age. They have all the stereotypical mannerisms of being gay and it is obvious to everyone that even as a young child, they will grow up to be a gay man? I know two boys who were teased for being gay when they were only 3 or 4 - they both are now openly gay men and no one at any point their lives have ever thought they were anything but gay. How is that temptation of the flesh? Why would God have boys born gay - just to watch them suffer through life as sinners who can't be redeemed because their sin is not a choice?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand why people quote the Old Testament. Jesus clearly came to get rid of the hateful teachings of the old testament.

Also how can people still quote Leviticus about homosexuality and eat shrimp.

Jesus came to fulfill the law, not get rid of it entirely. We still obey the 10 Commandemnts. That’s OT Mosaic Law. 1 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” ALL Scripture has a purpose.

Here is how a Jesus fulfilled the OT law:
-He removed the need for a physical temple, our bodies are the temple of God
-He became our intercessor to God, before people took their sins to the priest.
-He corrected the Jews’ wrong interpretation of an”eye for an eye”
-and there’s more but you get the gist of it

We aren’t bound by the OT law though because we are not a theocracy like Israel was. That’s why we don’t burn witches or homosexual people. But witchcraft and homosexuality are still wrong, that didn’t change with Jesus.

Leviticus was for the tribe of Levi. They were the priests. They had special rules for them that didn’t apply to anyone else. We don’t and have never been equired to follow those rules.

The OT still has a purpose even though we are not bound by it anymore. But we shouldn’t ignore what it says. Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

There are people who misunderstand what the Bible says, and that does negatively affect women. But if they looked at the parts of the Bible that praised women, they would have a different view. Acts 16:13-16 recounts the story of the first church in Europe. Paul met two women, Priscilla and Aquila. When Paul left Ephesus, (where the church was located), he left the two women to be in charge of the church at Ephesus. So while some passages seem to portray women in a negative light, and I don’t have the answer to all of those passages, the Bible does have examples of women being praised and exalted.

Ok now for the homosexual topic. I believe that people do feel the homosexual urges and that’s fine. But you have to remember that we have a sin nature, which tempts us to do bad things. I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh, just like other things, such as the temptation to lie or cheat. The Bible says that our spirit is willing to do good, but that our flesh is weak. Ultimately I believe that we have to fight such temptations. It can be really, really hard, and we sometimes fail, but it’s something that we can overcome. Again I don’t have all the answers, but hope this helps.

So do you believe that anyone who isn't straight should remain alone and celibate throughout life. No love, no intimacy, nothing.

No. I believe that you can find someone of the opposite sex that you would want to form a relationship with. Or for some people, remaining single is for them and that’s totally fine too.

Help me understand. A gay man, he doesn't want to be single. He wants to be with someone. Who should he be with?

Or you think everyone who is gay is being fake and they are actually straight and could be happy in heterosexual relationships.

Do you feel you could just as easily fall in love with a woman as with a man?

I believe that a man should be with a woman. I don’t believe that people who are gay are being “fake”. Like I said in my initial response, “I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh” I don’t believe that a man should be with another man, but I don’t automatically assume that he could easily be in a heterosexual relationship. All I know is that according to the Bible homosexuality is wrong, but what you believe is your prerogative. I don’t know what type of relationship, married or single, is for anyone. That’s something that they have to figure out. But as a Christian who believes in the Bible, homosexuality is sinful and I wouldn’t be a good Chrsitian if I didn’t adhere to my own religion’s teachings

What about people - lets say men who are obviously gay from a young age. They have all the stereotypical mannerisms of being gay and it is obvious to everyone that even as a young child, they will grow up to be a gay man? I know two boys who were teased for being gay when they were only 3 or 4 - they both are now openly gay men and no one at any point their lives have ever thought they were anything but gay. How is that temptation of the flesh? Why would God have boys born gay - just to watch them suffer through life as sinners who can't be redeemed because their sin is not a choice?

We are all born with a sin nature and suffer because of it, but there’s a reason for it. God uses it as a trial for us. Sin is always a choice, you can give in to your desires or not. Young boys from a REALLY early age may feel like their gay. But young boys also feel the desire to lie, cheat, fight other kids, and do other bad things. I would never blame a boy for feeling like he’s gay. Never. I would simply explain when they are old enough about how we are all tempted. No one’s born gay and doesn’t have a choice, but EVERYONE is born with a sin nature that wants to do bad things. It’s always our choice though. And we should never make fun of or shame or tease people who say they are gay wrong. That’s is very wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

There are people who misunderstand what the Bible says, and that does negatively affect women. But if they looked at the parts of the Bible that praised women, they would have a different view. Acts 16:13-16 recounts the story of the first church in Europe. Paul met two women, Priscilla and Aquila. When Paul left Ephesus, (where the church was located), he left the two women to be in charge of the church at Ephesus. So while some passages seem to portray women in a negative light, and I don’t have the answer to all of those passages, the Bible does have examples of women being praised and exalted.

Ok now for the homosexual topic. I believe that people do feel the homosexual urges and that’s fine. But you have to remember that we have a sin nature, which tempts us to do bad things. I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh, just like other things, such as the temptation to lie or cheat. The Bible says that our spirit is willing to do good, but that our flesh is weak. Ultimately I believe that we have to fight such temptations. It can be really, really hard, and we sometimes fail, but it’s something that we can overcome. Again I don’t have all the answers, but hope this helps.

So do you believe that anyone who isn't straight should remain alone and celibate throughout life. No love, no intimacy, nothing.

No. I believe that you can find someone of the opposite sex that you would want to form a relationship with. Or for some people, remaining single is for them and that’s totally fine too.

Help me understand. A gay man, he doesn't want to be single. He wants to be with someone. Who should he be with?

Or you think everyone who is gay is being fake and they are actually straight and could be happy in heterosexual relationships.

Do you feel you could just as easily fall in love with a woman as with a man?

I believe that a man should be with a woman. I don’t believe that people who are gay are being “fake”. Like I said in my initial response, “I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh” I don’t believe that a man should be with another man, but I don’t automatically assume that he could easily be in a heterosexual relationship. All I know is that according to the Bible homosexuality is wrong, but what you believe is your prerogative. I don’t know what type of relationship, married or single, is for anyone. That’s something that they have to figure out. But as a Christian who believes in the Bible, homosexuality is sinful and I wouldn’t be a good Chrsitian if I didn’t adhere to my own religion’s teachings

What about people - lets say men who are obviously gay from a young age. They have all the stereotypical mannerisms of being gay and it is obvious to everyone that even as a young child, they will grow up to be a gay man? I know two boys who were teased for being gay when they were only 3 or 4 - they both are now openly gay men and no one at any point their lives have ever thought they were anything but gay. How is that temptation of the flesh? Why would God have boys born gay - just to watch them suffer through life as sinners who can't be redeemed because their sin is not a choice?

We are all born with a sin nature and suffer because of it, but there’s a reason for it. God uses it as a trial for us. Sin is always a choice, you can give in to your desires or not. Young boys from a REALLY early age may feel like their gay. But young boys also feel the desire to lie, cheat, fight other kids, and do other bad things. I would never blame a boy for feeling like he’s gay. Never. I would simply explain when they are old enough about how we are all tempted. No one’s born gay and doesn’t have a choice, but EVERYONE is born with a sin nature that wants to do bad things. It’s always our choice though. And we should never make fun of or shame or tease people who say they are gay wrong. That’s is very wrong.

I am the person you are discussing with. I too am a Christian but this is one area that I really struggle with. The idea that 3-4 year olds are not born gay but are making a personal choice to be gay just doesn't sit with me. That age knows very little about sexual orientation and so to say they made a sinful choice as a young child just doesn't make sense. IT is not at all like lying or cheating. Being gay as a child isn't doing anything - there is no action, there is no conscious choice. it would be like saying a child being shy is sinful and that choosing to be shy is a choice like lying and if they wanted to be outgoing and extroverted they could be but they are a sinful person making a choice as a 3 year old to be shy or introverted.

The other experience I have had is that in the 90s/2000s I worked in an adolescent mental health unit with teens who attempted suicide. There were numerous male teens who appeared to have great lives with no major issues who attempted suicide. It would turn out that they were gay but didn't want to be gay, couldn't change and didn't want anyone to know. These were teen boys who had girlfriends, who had never told anyone they were gay, who absolutely 100% did not want to be gay..but despite all that, knew they were gay and felt that death was a better option than either faking being straight or living as a gay man.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

There are people who misunderstand what the Bible says, and that does negatively affect women. But if they looked at the parts of the Bible that praised women, they would have a different view. Acts 16:13-16 recounts the story of the first church in Europe. Paul met two women, Priscilla and Aquila. When Paul left Ephesus, (where the church was located), he left the two women to be in charge of the church at Ephesus. So while some passages seem to portray women in a negative light, and I don’t have the answer to all of those passages, the Bible does have examples of women being praised and exalted.

Ok now for the homosexual topic. I believe that people do feel the homosexual urges and that’s fine. But you have to remember that we have a sin nature, which tempts us to do bad things. I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh, just like other things, such as the temptation to lie or cheat. The Bible says that our spirit is willing to do good, but that our flesh is weak. Ultimately I believe that we have to fight such temptations. It can be really, really hard, and we sometimes fail, but it’s something that we can overcome. Again I don’t have all the answers, but hope this helps.

So do you believe that anyone who isn't straight should remain alone and celibate throughout life. No love, no intimacy, nothing.

No. I believe that you can find someone of the opposite sex that you would want to form a relationship with. Or for some people, remaining single is for them and that’s totally fine too.

Help me understand. A gay man, he doesn't want to be single. He wants to be with someone. Who should he be with?

Or you think everyone who is gay is being fake and they are actually straight and could be happy in heterosexual relationships.

Do you feel you could just as easily fall in love with a woman as with a man?

I believe that a man should be with a woman. I don’t believe that people who are gay are being “fake”. Like I said in my initial response, “I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh” I don’t believe that a man should be with another man, but I don’t automatically assume that he could easily be in a heterosexual relationship. All I know is that according to the Bible homosexuality is wrong, but what you believe is your prerogative. I don’t know what type of relationship, married or single, is for anyone. That’s something that they have to figure out. But as a Christian who believes in the Bible, homosexuality is sinful and I wouldn’t be a good Chrsitian if I didn’t adhere to my own religion’s teachings

What about people - lets say men who are obviously gay from a young age. They have all the stereotypical mannerisms of being gay and it is obvious to everyone that even as a young child, they will grow up to be a gay man? I know two boys who were teased for being gay when they were only 3 or 4 - they both are now openly gay men and no one at any point their lives have ever thought they were anything but gay. How is that temptation of the flesh? Why would God have boys born gay - just to watch them suffer through life as sinners who can't be redeemed because their sin is not a choice?

We are all born with a sin nature and suffer because of it, but there’s a reason for it. God uses it as a trial for us. Sin is always a choice, you can give in to your desires or not. Young boys from a REALLY early age may feel like their gay. But young boys also feel the desire to lie, cheat, fight other kids, and do other bad things. I would never blame a boy for feeling like he’s gay. Never. I would simply explain when they are old enough about how we are all tempted. No one’s born gay and doesn’t have a choice, but EVERYONE is born with a sin nature that wants to do bad things. It’s always our choice though. And we should never make fun of or shame or tease people who say they are gay wrong. That’s is very wrong.

I am the person you are discussing with. I too am a Christian but this is one area that I really struggle with. The idea that 3-4 year olds are not born gay but are making a personal choice to be gay just doesn't sit with me. That age knows very little about sexual orientation and so to say they made a sinful choice as a young child just doesn't make sense. IT is not at all like lying or cheating. Being gay as a child isn't doing anything - there is no action, there is no conscious choice. it would be like saying a child being shy is sinful and that choosing to be shy is a choice like lying and if they wanted to be outgoing and extroverted they could be but they are a sinful person making a choice as a 3 year old to be shy or introverted.

The other experience I have had is that in the 90s/2000s I worked in an adolescent mental health unit with teens who attempted suicide. There were numerous male teens who appeared to have great lives with no major issues who attempted suicide. It would turn out that they were gay but didn't want to be gay, couldn't change and didn't want anyone to know. These were teen boys who had girlfriends, who had never told anyone they were gay, who absolutely 100% did not want to be gay..but despite all that, knew they were gay and felt that death was a better option than either faking being straight or living as a gay man.

It’s a hard question. I have never felt I was gay at 3 or 4 so I can’t really explain it. But when I was 3 or 4, I wasn’t thinking about if I was gay or straight. At that young age I wasn’t even interested in any form of relationship. I was just focused on playing with my toys or whatever. But there are parents who kinda influence their child from a really early age. Once I saw a video of a parent saying to like a 5 year old girl “You can like girls or boys, you can be a boy or a girl or neither, or whatever you want.” And I think that parents who do this confuse their child.

There are people who really struggle with this, and the best I can say is that we need to support and love them, but also tell them the truth at a very early age. We need to educate them better. With part of society saying “it’s okay to be gay” and the other saying it’s not, it really confuses people. Also, parents who disown their child because they find out he or she is gay is wrong too. Both sides are very adamant in their beliefs and can be intolerant of each other, leading to hate which can drive people to suicide.

We need to do all we can to support those who are gay, but we must tell them the truth too. It’s horrible that people feel the need to either be gay or commit suicide, and I honestly don’t have all the answers to this problem

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, it is the biblical prohibition on homosexual behavior, as well as Paul's writings on women in the church. I am not someone who just pretends the Bible does not say things that I don't like. Anyone who has known a homosexual person knows that it is not some sort of "choice," and yet the bible is very clear. It just seems to me to go so much against Jesus' loving, inclusive message. I also think that Paul's writing on women specifically set women back for thousands of years. Why did these things happen? Even if we assume that Paul's teachings were based more on his opinion, how do we reconcile the last 2,000 years? It's a really difficult topic for me.

There are people who misunderstand what the Bible says, and that does negatively affect women. But if they looked at the parts of the Bible that praised women, they would have a different view. Acts 16:13-16 recounts the story of the first church in Europe. Paul met two women, Priscilla and Aquila. When Paul left Ephesus, (where the church was located), he left the two women to be in charge of the church at Ephesus. So while some passages seem to portray women in a negative light, and I don’t have the answer to all of those passages, the Bible does have examples of women being praised and exalted.

Ok now for the homosexual topic. I believe that people do feel the homosexual urges and that’s fine. But you have to remember that we have a sin nature, which tempts us to do bad things. I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh, just like other things, such as the temptation to lie or cheat. The Bible says that our spirit is willing to do good, but that our flesh is weak. Ultimately I believe that we have to fight such temptations. It can be really, really hard, and we sometimes fail, but it’s something that we can overcome. Again I don’t have all the answers, but hope this helps.

So do you believe that anyone who isn't straight should remain alone and celibate throughout life. No love, no intimacy, nothing.

No. I believe that you can find someone of the opposite sex that you would want to form a relationship with. Or for some people, remaining single is for them and that’s totally fine too.

Help me understand. A gay man, he doesn't want to be single. He wants to be with someone. Who should he be with?

Or you think everyone who is gay is being fake and they are actually straight and could be happy in heterosexual relationships.

Do you feel you could just as easily fall in love with a woman as with a man?

I believe that a man should be with a woman. I don’t believe that people who are gay are being “fake”. Like I said in my initial response, “I believe that homosexuality is a temptation of our flesh” I don’t believe that a man should be with another man, but I don’t automatically assume that he could easily be in a heterosexual relationship. All I know is that according to the Bible homosexuality is wrong, but what you believe is your prerogative. I don’t know what type of relationship, married or single, is for anyone. That’s something that they have to figure out. But as a Christian who believes in the Bible, homosexuality is sinful and I wouldn’t be a good Chrsitian if I didn’t adhere to my own religion’s teachings

What about people - lets say men who are obviously gay from a young age. They have all the stereotypical mannerisms of being gay and it is obvious to everyone that even as a young child, they will grow up to be a gay man? I know two boys who were teased for being gay when they were only 3 or 4 - they both are now openly gay men and no one at any point their lives have ever thought they were anything but gay. How is that temptation of the flesh? Why would God have boys born gay - just to watch them suffer through life as sinners who can't be redeemed because their sin is not a choice?

We are all born with a sin nature and suffer because of it, but there’s a reason for it. God uses it as a trial for us. Sin is always a choice, you can give in to your desires or not. Young boys from a REALLY early age may feel like their gay. But young boys also feel the desire to lie, cheat, fight other kids, and do other bad things. I would never blame a boy for feeling like he’s gay. Never. I would simply explain when they are old enough about how we are all tempted. No one’s born gay and doesn’t have a choice, but EVERYONE is born with a sin nature that wants to do bad things. It’s always our choice though. And we should never make fun of or shame or tease people who say they are gay wrong. That’s is very wrong.

I am the person you are discussing with. I too am a Christian but this is one area that I really struggle with. The idea that 3-4 year olds are not born gay but are making a personal choice to be gay just doesn't sit with me. That age knows very little about sexual orientation and so to say they made a sinful choice as a young child just doesn't make sense. IT is not at all like lying or cheating. Being gay as a child isn't doing anything - there is no action, there is no conscious choice. it would be like saying a child being shy is sinful and that choosing to be shy is a choice like lying and if they wanted to be outgoing and extroverted they could be but they are a sinful person making a choice as a 3 year old to be shy or introverted.

The other experience I have had is that in the 90s/2000s I worked in an adolescent mental health unit with teens who attempted suicide. There were numerous male teens who appeared to have great lives with no major issues who attempted suicide. It would turn out that they were gay but didn't want to be gay, couldn't change and didn't want anyone to know. These were teen boys who had girlfriends, who had never told anyone they were gay, who absolutely 100% did not want to be gay..but despite all that, knew they were gay and felt that death was a better option than either faking being straight or living as a gay man.

Hi I am just adding a few more words to my previous statement. I want to emphasize that little kids who feel like they’re gay DIDN’T make a sinful choice to feel that way, that is not what I meant, I was referring to older people who can consciously make their own choice.

[Anonymous]

So as a Christian, I do not struggle with homosexuality. The new testament only has Paul say anything and he did not think anyone should be having sex because of the end time. What I do struggle with is Christian's getting on their moral high horse about homosexuality when they could be feeding the poor and in general caring for their fellow man. I am wondering how Christian I am anymore because all the Christians seem to do is obsess about who is having sex and with whom and are they conceiving that they do not actually care about people in the way God intended us to care for another. Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, so you do unto me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If there’s a God, how do you explain:

Kids suffering and dying of cancer

The tsunami that killed 200k people in Thailand and Indonesia

Does he just not care?

Oy. This question has been answered many times by theologians. Do your fvcking homework...

No it hasn’t.

No one can provide a satisfactory answer to this. This is why so many Jews left religion after surviving the Holocaust death camps.

Do your f*cking homework.

There is no definitive answer as to why some people suffer and others do not. That’s why it’s called faith.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I struggle with people looking away from suffering and denying others health care, a living wage, and engaging in mass incarceration of poor people. How are they Christian like I am? I do not understand how they can care about abortion but not loving and compassionate about poverty and human dignity. It makes no sense.

I do think some Christians focus too much on punishing people for their actions or just for no reason and don’t apply the principles of mercy and compassion into their daily lives. But you have to remember that not everyone who calls themselves Christian is a true Christian. There’s all different types of Christians: good, bad, hypocritical, judgemental. Ultimately how the Bible tells us to treat people is what’s most important. Even if other so-called Christians disregard what Jesus taught, you can still do what you know is right.

And it is hard to see other Christians give Christianity a bad name, but we should take it upon ourselves to educate them to be better. Some people are just lost and needed some guidance to get back on track.

Yeah well most Christians are unbelievably hypocritical, judgmental, and cruel (see for example, basically the entire GOP and anyone who supports Trump) and that’s a big reason I can’t stomach organized religion.