Lesbian Teens Allowed At Prom -Scottsboro, AL

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Antipas

The scientists claim that the problem is rooted in our genetics. There are studies of hormonal responses in the brain of homosexuals only activating in blind experiments with hormones from the same sex. Studies from Europe and Australia found similar results. For many in the scientific community this is nearly a proven point.

But this wouldn't contradict Scripture. Paul wrote,

Romans 7:18
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

The flesh is fallen and possesses an evil nature. Science is only finding what the Bible has taught us all along.

What this does bring us to re-consider is how we deal and relate with those struggling from this fallen condition. Instead of seeing it as a choice to be made it must be seen as a symptom of our fallen condition.

Antipas, What then (if anything) should the church change concerning the way they address the sin of homosexual conduct?

[Antipas]

Originally Posted by nahkoe

The word translated as abomination is dealing with idol worship. I don't know enough to say why it's used in this context.

The word is used because idolatrous practices (primarily of the Egyptians and Canaanites) is in view. The verse before addresses child sacrifice to Molech,

Leviticus 18:21-23
21And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
22Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
23Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.

Here we see God addressing child sacrifice in relation to Molechism, homosexual acts which were a common feature among pagan religious festivals, and bestiality which was also common among pagans in ancient fertility rites.

It is believed by some theologians that God's motive wasn't condemnation of homosexuals or those that have same sex attraction but rather an authoritative condemnation of pagan social and religious practices.

[nahkoe]

Originally Posted by Antipas

The word is used because idolatrous practices (primarily of the Egyptians and Canaanites) is in view. The verse before addresses child sacrifice to Molech,

Leviticus 18:21-23
21And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
22Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
23Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.

Here we see God addressing child sacrifice in relation to Molechism, homosexual acts which were a common feature among pagan religious festivals, and bestiality which was also common among pagans in ancient fertility rites.

It is believed by some theologians that God's motive wasn't condemnation of homosexuals or those that have same sex attraction but rather an authoritative condemnation of pagan social and religious practices.

I did take a look at the rest of the chapter after looking that word up. It peaked my interest. lol I kind of got the idea from a brief look through that it wouldn't fit in very well unless it was specifically addressing pagan practices somehow.

[Arphaxad]

Originally Posted by nahkoe

Ok. Why do you believe it with all your heart? What has led to this deep felt belief that you have? Is it experience? Revelation? Someone else's experiences?

Because if God can free a former dirty filthy blaspheming cussing atheistic womanizing hard drinking rascist lying cheating backstabbing doubleminded lowdown hateful thieving scoundrel like I was my entire adult life, and do it when I was 40, in an instant, almost 6 years ago because I really wanted that stuff removed, and the desire to not be like that ever again, than I say God can and will free anyone from any sin if they really want it.


ARPH

[Antipas]

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

Antipas, What then (if anything) should the church change concerning the way they address the sin of homosexual conduct?

I'd say we must pray for their healing and deliverance, recognizing that this condition may be rooted in the genetic make up of their flesh. Those who struggle with this must be granted compassion. I'd also say that much understanding and patience is necessary.

While this presents challenges of it's own, we in conservative churches should attempt to encourage and help them live celibate lives. This may appear to be like trying to change the flow of the Mississippi River. But we hold the same standard for unmarried individuals. Unless one is married sexual intercourse is forbidden regardless as to gender.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Antipas

I'd say we must pray for their healing and deliverance, recognizing that this condition may be rooted in the genetic make up of their flesh. Those who struggle with this must be granted compassion. I'd also say that much understanding and patience is necessary.

While this presents challenges of it's own, we in conservative churches should attempt to encourage and help them live celibate lives. This may appear to be like trying to change the flow of the Mississippi River. But we hold the same standard for unmarried individuals. Unless one is married sexual intercourse is forbidden regardless as to gender.

Then, in my experience, no change. I have always believed in treating all sinners with compassion, understanding and patience, but admit this is often easier said then done. Celebacy depends on how, and to what degree their desire for the opposite sex changes.

[LadyChocolate]

Originally Posted by Arphaxad

Because if God can free a former dirty filthy blaspheming cussing atheistic womanizing hard drinking rascist lying cheating backstabbing doubleminded lowdown hateful thieving scoundrel like I was my entire adult life, and do it when I was 40, in an instant, almost 6 years ago because I really wanted that stuff removed, and the desire to not be like that ever again, than I say God can and will free anyone from any sin if they really want it.


ARPH

AMEN

[Antipas]

Some have argued that Jesus took no issue with homosexuals. They claim that this is highlighted by Christ having healed the servant of a centurion in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:2-10. Those who have studied ancient Roman society claim that centurions were not allowed to marry or have children because they were entirely the property of the Roman state. For these reasons it wasn't uncommon for centurions to visit prostitutes or have male "servants" that they cohabitated with. These male servants often served as armor bearers but also served as their "companions". Also ancient Greek writers use the same Greek word translated as "servant", "pais", to refer to younger male partners in this kind of a relationship that was common among the Greeks and the Romans. Some claim that the centurion's "servant" in Matthew 8 and Luke 7 was one of these servants and this is why the centurion felt too ashamed to allow Jesus to even come under his roof (Matthew 8:8; Luke 7:6). Those who feel that this is the case illustrate how Christ showed compassion and offered to even heal this servant without a stark condemnation of their condition.

In another passage Jesus appears to put Sodom in a more favorable light over those Israelites who were committed to their traditions and the Pharisees with their religiosity and strict moralism. (Matthew 10:15; Matthew 11:23-24; Mark 6:11; Luke 10:12)

I believe we do well to exercise patience, love, and compassion on this issue. Praying that God do whatever must be done to save the sinner. If Christ cannot save a homosexual who struggles with his (or her) sinful condition, there's little hope for any of us who struggle with our own sinful inclinations.

[Antipas]

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

Then, in my experience, no change. I have always believed in treating all sinners with compassion, understanding and patience, but admit this is often easier said then done. Celebacy depends on how, and to what degree their desire for the opposite sex changes.

True. But it goes without saying that straight people fight a constant battle of temptation in areas of heterosexual sex. No doubt this will be equally true for the Christian who struggles with homosexual attraction, the only difference will be that their struggle will be towards the same gender.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Antipas

True. But it goes without saying that straight people fight a constant battle of temptation in areas of heterosexual sex. No doubt this will be equally true for the Christian who struggles with homosexual attraction, the only difference will be that their struggle will be towards the same gender.

Well of course that is not the only difference, but that is what Homosexual Advocates would like for us to believe.

One is unnatural affection.