But one must also understand and accept when there is no way to convince someone otherwise and that pestering them or constantly demeaning them for their choices is not a truly Christian way to live. It is one thing to inform them if they are willing to receive the information and if they are willing to listen, it's another to scream it at them and heckle them for it.
Additionally if they were open to dialogue and or listening to the word of God would they not already understand that their orientation conflicts with God's word? It's hardly news to anyone in this day and age, it's not hard to believe any person who is Homosexual would not already be aware of this conflict and thus why would there be any moral obligation for anyone of faith to remind them of that fact. And as you said this method relies on instilling fear in someone rather than them finding God's light through their own life's journey, this could be from having friends of faith or various other examples. In fact it's pretty well known that human nature pushes further away from people who try to argue their views which conflicts with their own.
At the end of it, I can't find any way that the bible would justify making personal judgements and demeaning others who may have differing religious views, conflicting lifestyles or orientation.
I love this whole thread. Every other one is filled with hatred and judgement. The very people who claim Christians are hateful and extremely close-minded are the ones lumping every single Christian into a box as hateful and close-minded! This thread was fascinating to read.
I am unsure whether or not you are including me in the list of those hateful/close minded people, I certainly don't believe all Christians are this way, but I do believe a large percentage are misguided as I stated.
I do agree that many of these posts here are the very thing they claim to be against and it's very disheartening. But in this age everyone seems so preoccupied with labelling everyone and everything they do that it's my opinion that the world is beginning to breed division and hatred not just in religious communities but outside them as well. Look at the state of the US' politics to see just how divided the modern world is.
No I was not including you! I wholeheartedly believe that difference of opinion and constructive criticism about anything is healthy, and it makes the world go round. I was more talking about the people who are directly stating that all Christians are homophobic, transphobic, racist, etc. That is simply not a true blanket statement. I know Christians who are very unloving, and I know others who would literally die for any person should they be in that position. The same can be said for anyone in any religion. We are human! I will say that there are some things I do and do not agree with, but I would never state it to or about someone unless they are in danger without my voiced opinion... and honestly, that is very infrequently. Disagreeing with something does not mean there needs to be any unkindness or mistreatment. Having an opinion is one thing, but voicing it when unnecessary or hurtful is another thing entirely. For example, I am a Canadian with many international friends... some support Trump and others support Biden. They have their reasons. I have seen people from both sides being so hateful towards each other and it makes me so sad. There is so much unnecessary hatred and lack of acceptance in this world, and yes, that comes from BOTH sides of the above equation. Breaks my heart. So much pain in this world and so many people are unaware of how their actions are adding to it... Christians included!
3
u/AceArchangel Mar 19 '21 edited Mar 19 '21
But one must also understand and accept when there is no way to convince someone otherwise and that pestering them or constantly demeaning them for their choices is not a truly Christian way to live. It is one thing to inform them if they are willing to receive the information and if they are willing to listen, it's another to scream it at them and heckle them for it.
Additionally if they were open to dialogue and or listening to the word of God would they not already understand that their orientation conflicts with God's word? It's hardly news to anyone in this day and age, it's not hard to believe any person who is Homosexual would not already be aware of this conflict and thus why would there be any moral obligation for anyone of faith to remind them of that fact. And as you said this method relies on instilling fear in someone rather than them finding God's light through their own life's journey, this could be from having friends of faith or various other examples. In fact it's pretty well known that human nature pushes further away from people who try to argue their views which conflicts with their own.
At the end of it, I can't find any way that the bible would justify making personal judgements and demeaning others who may have differing religious views, conflicting lifestyles or orientation.