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Jesus gave us an ideal. I don't know anywhere Jesus said anyone who could not achieve that ideal is condemned. My personal belief is that what CONSENTING ADULTS do is between them and God.
AND, YES, I hold the teachings of Jesus superior to any one else's teaching. My personal opinion, apostles and disciples although inspired by God, were human.
I wish you the best in your search. The bold is correct. Avoid ANY church that believes they are to judge and enforce God's rules as they see them. God needs no enforcers for any reason! He seeks our love for Him and each other, period!
I don't think anyone has mentioned the United Church of Christ (UCC), who are Congregationalists, which is a direct descendant of the Puritans. It is a socially liberal, mainline church that is not just welcoming but affirming. This may be what you are really looking for, a church that doesn't just welcome the LGBTQ+ community, but affirms you as you are.
Reading through this thread, I think by now you should know the Southern Baptists are NOT for you! But there are socially liberal Baptist churches elsewhere, such as Old Cambridge Baptist Church in Massachusetts.
As a gay man I've had an on-again off-again relationship with the Episcopal Church, which I was raised in. The style of worship in different Episcopal parishes can vary widely, as well as the political leanings of their members (who tend to be well-educated in either case), so if you try one and don't like it, try another. Along the way I've also studied other world religions and enjoy finding common ground.
If you have a strict "Bible-believing" background, then the Episcopal Church may not be for you, as they tend to view the Bible as sacred literature (not literal) and open to many interpretations.
I've been inactive for over a decade, I think because I became overly involved (especially with music) and then hit a kind of burn-out. Sometimes I think of going back, but now it seems like every church streams their services, so you get livestreamed while taking Communion, which I find extremely invasive.
And that reminds me, you can always check out different churches through their livestreams, without having to go there, and shop around that way. It could save a lot of time.
Yes, that scenario might rightly raise eyebrows. But then, that's unlikely to happen.
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Originally Posted by BaptistFundie
The guy with husband . . .
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Originally Posted by RomulusXXV
This might happen. So, what's the issue here? Do you personally disapprove, or do you disapprove because you believe that 'God' disapproves? Which one is it?
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Originally Posted by BaptistFundie
Why do YOU have an issue with one and not the other? Do you personally disapprove, or do you disapprove because you think someone else might?
The first scenario ...the guy entering the church with two wives ...may well quote areas of the Bible where God appears to approve of polygamy. Me? I couldn't really argue against that. It would also be none of my business although I would personally think it to be an odd scenario. Polygamy is also against common law in most, if not all, countries. 'The church', however, would likely frown on this and in fact veto this couple from becoming members of their church. Some churches may bar them altogether.
The second scenario ...the guy entering the church with his husband ... may well say that marriage to his life-long partner IS approved by the common law of the land and so he/they are not breaking any laws in that regard. He may also say that the Bible nowhere prohibits marriage between two males or two females. If the church insists that the Bible DOES prohibit intimate relations between those of the same gender, it's to be hoped that he would be knowledgeable enough about those half-dozen or so passages of scripture in the ENTIRE Bible to counter their argument. The church, in its ignorance, would likely not agree with his interpretation of those scriptures and would veto this couple from becoming members of their church. Some churches may bar them altogether.
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Originally Posted by BaptistFundie
Do you believe a church is wrong for daring to follow what the Bible says?
Don't come at me with that scare tactic. That's a big problem with many professed Christians. They tend to come at you with the Bible as though it's the equivalent of the hanging sword of Damocles.
The first scenario ...the guy entering the church with two wives ...may well quote areas of the Bible where God appears to approve of polygamy. Me? I couldn't really argue against that. It would also be none of my business although I would personally think it to be an odd scenario. Polygamy is also against common law in most, if not all, countries. 'The church', however, would likely frown on this and in fact veto this couple from becoming members of their church. Some churches may bar them altogether.
The second scenario ...the guy entering the church with his husband ... may well say that marriage to his life-long partner IS approved by the common law of the land and so he/they are not breaking any laws in that regard. He may also say that the Bible nowhere prohibits marriage between two males or two females. If the church insists that the Bible DOES prohibit intimate relations between those of the same gender, it's to be hoped that he would be knowledgeable enough about those half-dozen or so passages of scripture in the ENTIRE Bible to counter their argument. The church, in its ignorance, would likely not agree with his interpretation of those scriptures and would veto this couple from becoming members of their church. Some churches may bar them altogether.
Don't come at me with that scare tactic. That's a big problem with many professed Christians. They tend to come at you with the Bible as though it's the equivalent of the hanging sword of Damocles.
Poor Baptist Fundie. So glad he wasn't a teacher and principal. He would have had to accept any student (and their parents) who walked through the front door.
Poor Baptist Fundie. So glad he wasn't a teacher and principal. He would have had to accept any student (and their parents) who walked through the front door.
Seriously? You’re comparing public schools with private churches?
Seriously? You’re comparing public schools with private churches?
Oh...are churches really private? Among the many in my community, their electronic signs seem to emphasize messages that include that 'everyone is welcome'. Or are you saying that everyone is not really welcome? So I guess they're lying.
But straighten me out. Who did Jesus turn away from him?
Oh...are churches really private? Among the many in my community, their electronic signs seem to emphasize messages that include that 'everyone is welcome'. Or are you saying that everyone is not really welcome? So I guess they're lying.
But straighten me out. Who did Jesus turn away from him?
Yes, churches are private. They can determine who can be members and who can’t.
The church isn’t the only organization that has criteria for membership. That’s not being dishonest.
So, they're not as welcoming as some of you like to pretend. That's fine. Just be honest about it.
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