Well, today was the day at the Synod Gathering that we started delving into the same-sex ordination and unions. It was a very interesting day. I went to a pro-same-sex workshop, and a anti-same-sex workshop. The anti-homosexual workshop was called: Three contrasting viewpoints of homosexuality. I thought it would provide 3 opposing and supporting viewpoints. Man, was I wrong. I listened to a guy ramble off statistics that said homosexuality was a disease and it was treatable. He also said that the reason we have gay children is because of the school district. He said it encourages them. Well, I disagree with that since I am a student, and I haven't been encouraged to be a homosexual.
On the flip-side, I listened to this ordained minister talk about how the Bible doesn't say that same-gender unions are wrong and immoral. What the Bible does say, however, is that prostitution, the use of callboys, and other sex slaves is immoral and wrong. When the Bible said in Leviticus 20, "When a man lays in a bed with another man, they have both made an abomination." it was referring to the time, in Greek history, when little boys between the ages of 12 and 15 were sold as slaves to be used for sexual acts. There are only 6 verses in the Bible that mention homosexuality, and they are referring to the Greek usage rather than the same-gender unions.
I have listened to both sides of the story, and I believe that same-gender unions should be allowed in the ELCA (the Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America). I have prepared a little speech to say in front of the Synod, and tomorrow, when we discuss the issue, I will be discussing it, and voting pro-same-gender unions and ordination.
There was more I planned on saying, but it will have to wait, since I just forgot what it was. Love all around.
3 comments:
I think that that is a very wrong interpretation of the those bible verses. Take this passage for example, concerning homosexuality. It comes from Romans 1:26-27
"26God let them follow their own evil desires. Women no longer wanted to have sex in a natural way, and they did things with each other that were not natural. 27Men behaved in the same way. They stopped wanting to have sex with women and had strong desires for sex with other men. They did shameful things with each other, and what has happened to them is punishment for their foolish deeds."
This has absolutely nothing to do with sex slaves, callboys, or prostitution. There are places in the bible that talk about prostitution, but not here. This is talking about homosexuality, and how it was shameful.
practicing homosexuality is a sin. It isn't more of a sin than lieing, nor less of a sin. It is shameful in the eyes of God just the same as stealing is shameful. However, just because someone is homosexual doesnt mean they are going to go to hell. If it did, it would mean that anyone who has ever lied, thought something immoral, stolen something, or was jealous of someone is hosed and is going to hell. Jesus died for our sins, and as long as we repent and have faith in him, he will save us.
Homosexuality... hmm... such a touchy subject.
My belief: it is a sin like any other sin, but only when it is in the form of lust. Yet we are all forgiven by the One who has the most open mind of all. God.
And I believe that two men or two women can have a lifelong relationship filled with unconditional love. The physical thing is not important in my mind. Sex is about reproduction. Having children is not the purpose of life...unless you're catholic. (Just kidding. No offense to the Catholics.)
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