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Just because we, as adults, engage in harmful behaviors it should not be promoted or advocated to children. I smoke cigarettes and I try hard to never smoke in front of a child. If a teen would ask me for a cigarette I tell them no and I also make it a point to tell them that of all the mistakes I have made in my life, smoking is one of my biggest regrets, that it is dangerous and a great health risk. Maybe I was born or had the inclination to be addicted to some sort of substance abuse (cigs only).
Nowdays if you smoke it is viewed as wrong and unnatural and you are treated as some sort of freak of nature. Would it make it right for me to advocate my adult choises to children so I can feel better about myself? No. Decent adults protect children from things hazzardous to their health and well being.
How can you equate smoking cigarettes with being attracted to the same sex? You weren't born with a cigarette in your mouth. Also, I have already said the general plight of gays should not be judged by polarizing, militant gays.
“Fear always springs from ignorance.” Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), American lecturer, poet, and essayist
[quote=jeffncandace;1279405]How can you equate smoking cigarettes with being attracted to the same sex? You weren't born with a cigarette in your mouth.
They are both choices, why are you struggling so much with this Jeff?
God created us, but because sin entered the world, we have sinful desires. Christians should try to repress them, but not on their own strength! It's not possible. I have seen Christians who have tried to do it "on their own", not looking to God's grace, and this does lead to discouragement. Someone who is constantly fighting against giving their whole will to the Lord, trying to live two lives and not willing to give the old one up, definitely has alot of unnecessary stress which can affect them mentally.. you can't serve two masters.
That's funny, I've met people who seem to be a lot happier since they began questioning their stringent Christian upbringing. The only stress they feel is peer pressure from overzealous family members or so-called friends. They seem to be at peace with God though.
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They are both choices, why are you struggling so much with this Jeff?
I think ILNC it's because he doesn't (and probably won't) agree with you that being gay is a choice like deciding to smoke cigarettes. The only struggle is getting YOU to see the light.
But anyway, this was fun. Let's do it again sometime.
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I guess he missed it. Some people have desires, weaknesses or inclinations that have proven to be bad for society, yet some people do not resist the temptations to engage in them. It could be smoking, drinking to excess, doing drugs, stealing, killing another person, or a variety of sexual attractions or actions. We also have people that have strength of character and can overcome or resist these character flaws. We also have people that choose not to resist their weaknesses and may still engage them without exposing society to them.
I think ILNC it's because he doesn't (and probably won't) agree with you that being gay is a choice like deciding to smoke cigarettes. The only struggle is getting YOU to see the light.
I have seen the light, it's Jesus Christ, when we follow Him, the true light we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin.
Jeff since you struggle to believe God's Word I'm not surprised you are struggling with this topic. People can develop these desires just like with any other sin. Show me all the medical proof you want, I still stand on Gods Word over that. And since I want God's blessing on my marriage and sex is part of that marriage yes I want His blessing, I want His blessing on EVERYTHING in my life.
So, maybe Hot-Houston, Texas will become "Nice and Cool Houston, Texas, with towering mountains".
Seriously though, I don't thing being gay is a sin. I think they are born that way. I was born straight...I didn't have a choice. Well, I believe gays are born gay...they don't have a choice. I find that many closed minded-Christians (like my mother...my father is more accepting), put gays as a sin, and try to beat The Bible into their heads (even those that are Christian).
They are both choices, why are you struggling so much with this Jeff?
Maybe he's struggling with your points because it's NOT a choice... sexuality isn't a "choice", as I never made a conscious decision to be straight, did you?? And think about it this way - could YOU simply "choose" to be gay?? I'm innately attracted to men, and can't imagine suddenly turning gay for the heck of it. I can't believe this is still being debated, but I guess some people have trouble seeing things from a different point of view. I understand that, but it doesn't mean I have to agree!
Recently some advocates went to Boulder High School in Colorado and told kids "I encourage you to experiment with same sex"".
You still remember & believe that whole "story"?? Oy vey... talk about making a mountain out of a molehill! Not to mention, we never did get to see the un-edited (non-FOX News) version of that. And I don't know about you, but I like to reserve judgment until I've heard the whole story - preferably not from the likes of Bill O'Reilly, LOL.
Nowdays if you smoke it is viewed as wrong and unnatural and you are treated as some sort of freak of nature. Would it make it right for me to advocate my adult choices to children so I can feel better about myself? No. Decent adults protect children from things hazzardous to their health and well being.
SEX is hazardous to your health, whether it's between a man & woman, 2 men, or 2 women - well, actually lesbian sex is known to be the SAFEST, so I guess we don't have to warn kids about that. But seriously, if your issues are simply with the safety, we need to educate kids about safe sex in general... whether you're gay or straight really doesn't matter, since it only takes one unprotected encounter to get an STD. So yes, I agree we need to educate kids about the dangers of unsafe sex - but unlike you, I'm not going to discriminate against homosexual acts, or pretend that straight sex is without risks. In fact, when I think about the people I know, the straight ones have contracted STDs & had unwanted pregnancies... whereas none of my gay friends have any diseases, and the only ones with children planned them very carefully.
I have seen the light, it's Jesus Christ, when we follow Him, the true light we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin.
I meant that you haven't yet made any movement to see things from another person's point of view. That's fine. You'll probably be forgiven.
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But seriously, if your issues are simply with the safety, we need to educate kids about safe sex in general... whether you're gay or straight really doesn't matter, since it only takes one unprotected encounter to get an STD. So yes, I agree we need to educate kids about the dangers of unsafe sex - but unlike you, I'm not going to discriminate against homosexual acts, or pretend that straight sex is without risks. In fact, when I think about the people I know, the straight ones have contracted STDs & had unwanted pregnancies... whereas none of my gay friends have any diseases, and the only ones with children planned them very carefully.