Sadly this thread clearly exhibits why religion, and in particular christian religion is effectively doomed to failure going forward.
Mind you, I have no objection to anyone choosing to live there life as they wish as long as doing so does not bring harm to others. As a matter of fact i think there would be a huge societal value in religion changing it's current mantra and becoming one of loving and acceptance of all god's creatures.... without passing of judgement that is "supposed" to lie in the hand's of god himself.
However the methods used in most religions breed hate and intolerance of others, What is most astounding is if you actually read and study the basis for those religions, you see that it is in fact the hate and intolerance of others that is to be avoided and shunned.... not the fact that some others are "different"
Mathgeek quotes from the story of Lot in the old testament, which dealt with two broad issues, Homosexual rape, as well as the proper treatment of guests. Because of human nature that original message has instead been distilled down to an irrational fear and hate of homosexuality, as well as further discourse on how it is this which is going to in fact bring about the "end of days"
In point of fact bible scripture goes out on a limb to state the following,
1) Everything in this world was created by god, and as such all are god's creatures and should be treated as such.
2) Judge not lest ye be judged. Judgement itself rest's solely with god.
3) specifically.. god does not hate homosexuals
In modern society, where information flows freely, ....... secrets, mistruths for personal gain, lies... become very apparent. Until modern religion realizes this... it will continue to miss the boat, and alienate many.
As for me personally, I am sure of two things.
1) If there is in fact a god / creator... and i owe my existence to him. Then i am absolutely positive that he would wish for me to live the best possible life that i could (one in which i helped and did not judge my fellow human)
2) If in fact he does not care about how i lived my life (and whether i treated all his creations fairly and impartially), and what is important to him is only that i kissed his behind every Sunday.... well... then he's probably not the sort of fellow that i want to spend the eternal afterlife with anyway.
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