I need to stop reading the news: Elton John says Jesus was gay.....

[sugarbee]

http://entertainment.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/02/18/elton-john-says-jesus-was-a-super-intelligent-gay-man/?test=faces

I wonder what credentials he has?  Has he studied theology at all?  No, he is just grasping at straws....

This is unforgivable, imo......

[Chrisj CMA]

Its only to be expected that he would want to think Jesus was like him.......what better justification for his lifestyle choice.  I think everyone (to a certain extent)sees God as being like themselves, I mean He did say in his word we that man was created in His image.......however I dont think it works in reverse, when we change the image, that doesnt change God no matter how much we might want it to.

[Gryphon Rider]

This is unforgivable, imo......

God has considered far worse of an offense to be forgivable.

The apostle Paul (Acts 26):
9.I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10.And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.
11.Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.

I don't know why many in the modern church place such a premium on the sin of practicing homosexuality.  Perhaps it's because it's something the majority of us don't have a weakness in, thus find it very difficult to empathise with this particular brand of sinner.  Lust for other sinful activity seems to be much more understandable.

Proverbs 6:
16.There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:
17.haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
18.a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19.a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

I think most of us relate better to to these sins, so much so that we tend to de-emphasize them.  Thank God these are also forgivable.

[John Schmidt]

QUOTE: "I don't know why many in the modern church place such a premium on the sin of practicing homosexuality."

Because it's an abomination unto Him. I can't lay my hands on the source at the moment, just got in from an 8 mile bicycle ride and sweating like a new bride on her wedding night. But I have both a Concordance and other reference material so will look it up after I get cleaned up....unless someone beats me to it.

Right now I'm letting my system slow down a bit before hitting the showers.

[alph]

well, i love my three brothers, and my father (but he's dead now), does that make me gay?  i would think that in elton johns eyes i am, and who cares?  

i remember visiting relitives in Italy.  my cousin would hold my arm while we walked and sometimes put his arm around my shoulder.  here in america, he would be called a fag.  

i have a real problem with people getting all belt out of shape, just because they chose to show love to another man.  

before you respond, think a little.

[big turkey]

Hello my name is Big Al and I am Gay.

Yah Right.

Ole Elton will meet the Bright and Morning Star, The Rose of Sharon, My Banner, Counselor, My Provider, Master, The Alpha and the Omega, Heavenly Father one day and all he will be able to do is stand there and listen then.

But now while there is breath in him he can say what he will. It's the God given Free Will God allows us to have.

All of us will be known even as we are known and nothing shall be hidden.

And the books were opend and all those great and small were judged.

For it is written, It is appointted unto man, once to die and then the judgement.

Without the Blood of Our Savior we are all doomed.

Repent or you shall all likewise perish.



Buck Stops There.


Thinsk I'll go out and polish my Kawasaki now.

[big turkey]

There are only three Categories of sin.

Lust of the eye.

Lust of the Flesh

The pride of Life.

We are drawn and away and enticed by our own lusts and when lust has concieved it brings forth sin.

And sin brings forth death.

But God has made a way for all to escape the sinful nature we have .

It is through faith in his son that we are to be saved.

While we were still yet sinners he died for us, so we might hear him speak to our  heart and believe and be saved.

Only way a man or woman can come to the Heavenly Father is through the Son, and the only we we
 can come to a place to recieve the Son is that God draws you to him by the Holy Spirit.



Then and only then can we enter a relationship with Jesus that brings about Salvation.

If we believe in our Hearts and confess with our mouth that Jesus is the Christ and accept him as saviour.

You are then sealed for eternity and your name is written down in the Lamb's Book of Life.

 It Is called Salvation through Faith and not by works , lest any man should boast.



So there you go simple huh.

[john]

i'd like to find his wallet ....   

[Chrisj CMA]

As far as a "premium" on homosexuality.....not sure exactly what is meant there......But, the Bible says all sin except sexual sin is outside the body but sexual sin is against and within your own body and soul.  And so that all sexual sin is against your self, homosexuality is in addition to that the highest form of Idolatry......the Bible says it puts worshipping the creation more than the creator.

I think the premis about putting a premium on one sin over the other is a version of a common misconception.  many say sin is sin, no sin is worse than another.  This is false.  The notion of any sin being sin and equally as bad is ONLY in reference to judgement.  You need only be guilty.......not of a lot not of many just of one and no matter how small and you are a sinner.  Beyond that there certainly are sins that are more grevious...in fact the sin of greiving the Holy Spirit is the unforgiveable sin and there is a sin unto death it says in Romans and obviously there are many sins not unto death..........sexual sin is more serious to the sinner and homosexuality is an abomination to God.......so my feeling is that is worse than say telling a lie

The bottom line is its not up to me to judge...thats Jesus' job, I am to love the sinner in spite of hating the sin....its hard, but all that call on the name of Jesus are commanded to strive to that end.

[Psychotic Bovine]

wow, very well put!

[czuch]

If I say Jesus was fat, would I feel better about the extra 25?
If you go to rock stars or actors for religious or political info or advise, well you need better advise.
Shut up and sing.

[3fan4life]

The problem as I see it, is not the degree of the sin.

It's the fact that it is UNREPENTED Sin.

In other words the sinner has no remorse for his actions and is not sorry for them.

While this applies to those who are homosexual and Proud of it.

It would also apply to anyone that has sinned and hasn't repented and asked God for forgiveness.

[Robert]

Jesus really taught love the sinner hate the sin and that goes for every person on this earth. But that still doesn't say accept a lifestyle that is sinful. I try to live the best I can by doing what the Bible says is the right way to live. Because I want the blessings that go along with it. I can tell you the blessings are real just as the penalty is real. When I do something wrong I dont feel right in my spirit and it makes me think and maybe even act on something that's not right. Thats what sin can do it can also stop you from feeling loved which we all need. Homosexuals need the very same things we do but its not society that denies it from them its the sin in their life. They become even more sensitive when society doesn't want to live that way and see it as rejection personally only separating themselves more from mainstream. People down through time have tried to change or stop the Bible because a passage doesn't suit them in fact it condemns them. This is what the law is about its called the law of sin and death. The law was written so we as humans would know when we are sinning and that word/law stands as judgment against all who would choose to not walk a life that the Bible says is righteous. It stands and cannot be taken down its a standard a real standard and people dont like that because it makes them accountable. My word is living and active and sharper than a two edged sword says the Lord. I realized early on that God dosent change His way for me, so I better change my way for Him. I wish Elton would really come to know Jesus so that he could have all his hurts healed and finally feel accepted and loved. We all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God but thanks be to Jesus who took our sin upon Himself so all can live that come to know and accept Him.

[big turkey]

Yah,,, what Chris said.

Al

[X Ring]

I look at this way, I'll probably tick some people off by this comment but I really don't care if I do.

I look at Elton John and all performers whether they be musicians or actors as well paid performing monkeys.  You know the ones organ grinders have.  The performers opinions are about as useful as the brown stuff that comes out of the monkeys rears that they fling at you.

Marty

[Ratdog]

I look at this way, I'll probably tick some people off by this comment but I really don't care if I do.

I look at Elton John and all performers whether they be musicians or actors as well paid performing monkeys.  You know the ones organ grinders have.  The performers opinions are about as useful as the brown stuff that comes out of the monkeys rears that they fling at you.

Marty

LOL  Well put.    

[f6john]

     Well you got to give ol' Elton credit for one thing. At least he's recognizing Jesus existence, some among us don't go that far. People who were alive when Jesus walked the earth did not accept him for who he was. Not too much of a stretch to see how all the well educated and self sufficient people of today feel the way they do. Easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of heaven.

[RoadKill]

If I say Jesus was fat, would I feel better about the extra 25?
If you go to rock stars or actors for religious or political info or advise, well you need better advise.
Shut up and sing.

AMEN ! Elton John MY ASS !  I dont subscribe to the church of Madonna,or Rosie O'Donnell EITHER ! !

[big turkey]

Regardless of the knowledge we have of our creator when he reveals himself to you,,, be it a Burning Bush that is not consumed.

A sermon.

Or in my case, I simply said one day out walking the dog, how in the world can I become a Born Again Christian>?

Well he showed me the way and a year later ole Big AL was on his knees, accepting the Greatest Gift God has for Mankind.

When he speaks to you, you will know it, and then it's up to you.

Do you accept his Son as your Saviour, or do you say well maybe later I will or simply say no, but it is up to the person.

You have a God given free will and he will respect that and you will die in your sins and then folks we know the rest of that story.

But we are(CHRISTIANS) believers of the saving of the soul through faith.

For it is written THE JUSTIFIEd SHALL LIVE BY FAITH>

But Jesus preached a lot on the consequences of not having forgiveness of Sin when we die.

There a Sermon that never mentioned a thing about where the unforgiven end up.

So there is hope as long as there is a breath in any person there is hope.

But as Ole Abraham said as he was about to sacrifice his only son from Sarah, we must obey him in all things, concerning Faith.

Thanks and God Bless all those that will hear the word this day and recieve the Savior.

If you have any questions regarding Salvation or a Prayer request .

Call me at 865-457-4356,

I am Simply a Christian doing what all Born again Christians should do.

tell people about the Good News of God and his love for us through his son Jesus Christ.

[Charlie]

As far as a "premium" on homosexuality.....not sure exactly what is meant there......But, the Bible says all sin except sexual sin is outside the body but sexual sin is against and within your own body and soul.  And so that all sexual sin is against your self, homosexuality is in addition to that the highest form of Idolatry......the Bible says it puts worshipping the creation more than the creator.

I think the premis about putting a premium on one sin over the other is a version of a common misconception.  many say sin is sin, no sin is worse than another.  This is false.  The notion of any sin being sin and equally as bad is ONLY in reference to judgement.  You need only be guilty.......not of a lot not of many just of one and no matter how small and you are a sinner.  Beyond that there certainly are sins that are more grevious...in fact the sin of greiving the Holy Spirit is the unforgiveable sin and there is a sin unto death it says in Romans and obviously there are many sins not unto death..........sexual sin is more serious to the sinner and homosexuality is an abomination to God.......so my feeling is that is worse than say telling a lie

The bottom line is its not up to me to judge...thats Jesus' job, I am to love the sinner in spite of hating the sin....its hard, but all that call on the name of Jesus are commanded to strive to that end.

Chris, help me out here, please.  Site me some passages so I can read them myself.  Not saying you are right or wrong, but it helps to give conformation to statements like this when there are sites included.

[SANDMAN5]

"Homersexuality" is spoken against in Leviticus ".....an abomination before the Lord"
and in Romans..."men forsaking women to do that which is unseemly". Well, it's SURE
unseemly to me!!! Elton's just trying to get some publicity because his career's been
dead for years. 

[fstsix]

As far as a "premium" on homosexuality.....not sure exactly what is meant there......But, the Bible says all sin except sexual sin is outside the body but sexual sin is against and within your own body and soul.  And so that all sexual sin is against your self, homosexuality is in addition to that the highest form of Idolatry......the Bible says it puts worshipping the creation more than the creator.

I think the premis about putting a premium on one sin over the other is a version of a common misconception.  many say sin is sin, no sin is worse than another.  This is false.  The notion of any sin being sin and equally as bad is ONLY in reference to judgement.  You need only be guilty.......not of a lot not of many just of one and no matter how small and you are a sinner.  Beyond that there certainly are sins that are more grevious...in fact the sin of greiving the Holy Spirit is the unforgiveable sin and there is a sin unto death it says in Romans and obviously there are many sins not unto death..........sexual sin is more serious to the sinner and homosexuality is an abomination to God.......so my feeling is that is worse than say telling a lie

The bottom line is its not up to me to judge...thats Jesus' job, I am to love the sinner in spite of hating the sin....its hard, but all that call on the name of Jesus are commanded to strive to that end.

Chris, help me out here, please.  Site me some passages so I can read them myself.  Not saying you are right or wrong, but it helps to give conformation to statements like this when there are sites included.

Here ya go.Strange Flesh


Jude 1:7

Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.


Leviticus 20:13

If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.


Leviticus 18:22

You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abominatio
Genesis 19:1-38

The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant's house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.” ...

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.


Romans 1:26-27

For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error
1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our Go
1 Corinthians 6:9

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,


Romans 1:1-32

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, ...


Deuteronomy 23:17

“None of the daughters of Israel shall be a cult prostitute, and none of the sons of Israel shall be a cult prostitute.


1 Timothy 1:9-10

Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,


Romans 1:26

For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature;


Genesis 13:13

Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord.


Genesis 2:24

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.


Romans 1:32

Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.


Romans 1:27

And the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.


Matthew 19:5
And said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?


Matthew 19:4-6

He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”


Matthew 19:4

He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,


2 Kings 23:7

And he broke down the houses of the male cult prostitutes who were in the house of the Lord, where the women wove hangings for the Asherah.


1 Kings 15:12

He put away the male cult prostitutes out of the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.


Genesis 1:27

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Helpful Not Helpful
Jude 1:6-7

And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.


2 Peter 2:6

If by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;
Want more ?

[Bob E.]

Wow!  So from reading all of this...for the most part (except from a slight mention in Romans) it seems that male homosexuality is a no-no.  But female homosexuality is ok??  That's GREAT!!!  I love lesbians...I think I am one...

My brain hurts now...I wish someone would turn this into a political thread about car tires or something. 

[Charlie]

Nice job, fsix.  Thanks!

[Chrisj CMA]

Ok Charlie........start with these, there are a couple more I was thinking about as well...still looking, so here goes:
A sin unto death and Not unto death  Romans 6:16 and also read 1 John 5:16

Sexual sin being against your self not like other sin 1 Corinthians 6:18

Homosexuality being Idolatry rom 1:25 and Colossians 3:5  If you think being gay is ok with God read all of Romans ch1

One sin is guilty of all James 2:10

the unforgivable sin Mark 3:28,29

that its an abomination Leviticus 18:22 and Luke 16:15  and luke 16:15 is where I think old Elton is at (justifyig behavior)

[Chrisj CMA]

Wow!  So from reading all of this...for the most part (except from a slight mention in Romans) it seems that male homosexuality is a no-no.  But female homosexuality is ok??  That's GREAT!!!  I love lesbians...I think I am one...

My brain hurts now...I wish someone would turn this into a political thread about car tires or something. 

Sorry Bob...Romans 1:26 talks about the ladies as well........however I think it ok for you to be a lesbian

[Bob E.]

Wow!  So from reading all of this...for the most part (except from a slight mention in Romans) it seems that male homosexuality is a no-no.  But female homosexuality is ok??  That's GREAT!!!  I love lesbians...I think I am one...

My brain hurts now...I wish someone would turn this into a political thread about car tires or something. 

Sorry Bob...Romans 1:26 talks about the ladies as well........however I think it ok for you to be a lesbian

I said "except for Romans"   

[Chrisj CMA]

Wow!  So from reading all of this...for the most part (except from a slight mention in Romans) it seems that male homosexuality is a no-no.  But female homosexuality is ok??  That's GREAT!!!  I love lesbians...I think I am one...

My brain hurts now...I wish someone would turn this into a political thread about car tires or something. 

Sorry Bob...Romans 1:26 talks about the ladies as well........however I think it ok for you to be a lesbian

I said "except for Romans"   

OK, my bad.....but I dont see God granting you the fantasy you could be thinking about anytime soon.......

[fudgie]

Now I'm not definitly defending him or even like his songs, but.....he never said homosexual. He said gay. Doesn't that mean happy?   

[valkmc]

Does this mean all gays will burn in he77 or can they become ungay and repent and receive life ever after?? 

[Charlie]

Ok Charlie........start with these, there are a couple more I was thinking about as well...still looking, so here goes:
A sin unto death and Not unto death  Romans 6:16 and also read 1 John 5:16

Sexual sin being against your self not like other sin 1 Corinthians 6:18

Homosexuality being Idolatry rom 1:25 and Colossians 3:5  If you think being gay is ok with God read all of Romans ch1

One sin is guilty of all James 2:10

the unforgivable sin Mark 3:28,29

that its an abomination Leviticus 18:22 and Luke 16:15  and luke 16:15 is where I think old Elton is at (justifyig behavior)

Thank you, Chris.

[Chrisj CMA]

Does this mean all gays will burn in he77 or can they become ungay and repent and receive life ever after?? 

The act of repentence for salvation is between a person and God alone.  Even after salvation we have free choice and many choose to sin.....the way I understand it is that its no longer your nature to sin, it shouldnt "feel right" if you are saved where as before salvation its a mans nature to sin so theres less remorse.  We are not saved because of what we do or not do...we are saved through a relationship with Christ.  Only God knows all the rules here, but If a person knows Christ and Christ knows them and they can somehow "justify" being gay....well that is between them and their maker, Its not for us to judge

[Gryphon Rider]

I stand by all I said in my original posting.

As far as a "premium" on homosexuality.....not sure exactly what is meant there

Sugarbee's "unforgivable" statement is a perfect example of putting a premium on homosexual sin.  In many of the scripture passages quoted in this thread, homosexuality is part of a longer list of other sins that are no less "abominable" to God.  In fact, as far as abominations go, using dishonest measures is mentioned more than homosexual acts in the Old Testament (Deut. 25:13-16, Prov. 11:1 & 20:23), and its relatives, greed and love of money, are more strongly emphasized in the New Testament.

So, we hear Elton John claim that Jesus was gay, presumably to justify his own homosexuality, and we Christians are outraged.

When we hear televangelists, one after the other, claim that Jesus, while incarnate, was wealthy, presumably to justify their own __________, we shout "AMEN" and expect that if we have enough faith, God will make us rich too.

Now I'm not saying wealth equals greed, just like I don't say alcohol equals drunkeness, but they live in the same neighborhood, and all too often in the same house.

My point is that we rate different sins at different levels of evilness, but we tend to single out homosexuality and make it more evil than the sins of a similar nature that we or our friends might be more susceptible to.

[Serk]

Okay, I kept telling myself to just stay outta it, but... If you're gonna hold up Leviticus as a guide for life, I hope you're willing to follow the OTHER "rules" in it... Like...

If you have a disobedient child... Don't spank him or her! Execute 'em!

"For everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother. His blood shall be upon him." (Leviticus 20:9)

If you have sex with your wife during her "cycle" you are to be shunned from all of society...

"If a man lies with a woman during her sickness and uncovers her nakedness, he has discovered her flow, and she has uncovered the flow of her blood. Both of them shall be cut off from her people." (Leviticus  20:18)"If a man lies with a woman during her sickness and uncovers her nakedness, he has discovered her flow, and she has uncovered the flow of her blood. Both of them shall be cut off from her people." (Leviticus  20:18)

Ooooh! Watch out Canadians, we're coming for you!

"Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property." (Leviticus  25:44-45)

I sure hope you don't shave!

"Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard." (Leviticus 19:27)

...or eat pork...

"...and the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean to you." (Leviticus 11:7)

Hope all your clothes are made of only a single material...

"...do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. Do not wear material woven of two kinds of material." (Leviticus 19:19)

I sure hope you don't eat mud bugs, lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters, etc!

"But all in the seas or in the rivers that do not have fins and scales, all that move in the water or any living thing which is in the water, they are an abomination to you." (Leviticus 11:10)

"They (shellfish) shall be an abomination to you; you shall not eat their flesh, but you shall regard their carcasses as an abomination." (Leviticus 11:11)

"Whatever in the water does not have fins or scales; that shall be an abomination  to you." (Leviticus 11:12)

Poor Tiger Woods.....

"And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbor's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death." (Leviticus 20:10)

I could go on, the bible in general, but Leviticus specifically is FULL of fun stuff like this that gets selectively ignored, while some people cherry pick a few verses here and there to justify their hatreds... If you're gonna hold others to one line in that book, you need to hold YOURSELF to all the OTHER lines in it, IMHO...

[3fan4life]

In many of the scripture passages quoted in this thread, homosexuality is part of a longer list of other sins that are no less "abominable" to God.  In fact, as far as abominations go, using dishonest measures is mentioned more than homosexual acts in the Old Testament (Deut. 25:13-16, Prov. 11:1 & 20:23), and its relatives, greed and love of money, are more strongly emphasized in the New Testament.

So, we hear Elton John claim that Jesus was gay, presumably to justify his own homosexuality, and we Christians are outraged.

When we hear televangelists, one after the other, claim that Jesus, while incarnate, was wealthy, presumably to justify their own __________, we shout "AMEN" and expect that if we have enough faith, God will make us rich too.

Now I'm not saying wealth equals greed, just like I don't say alcohol equals drunkeness, but they live in the same neighborhood, and all too often in the same house.

My point is that we rate different sins at different levels of evilness, but we tend to single out homosexuality and make it more evil than the sins of a similar nature that we or our friends might be more susceptible to.

You are quite correct in that many people do distinguish degree of sin.

While to God ALL sin is SIN.

I can only speak for myself... but, my problem with homosexuals is not what they do in private... That is between them and God.

None of us live a life free of sin....... We have all fallen short of the Glory of God.

My problem is their constant attempts to legitimize their behavior as normal or acceptable.

Which if you believe the Bible is WRONG! (and yes it is just one of many things that are wrong).

So for me it's not that they are homosexual it's that they constantly try to convince the world that their actions aren't wrong (attempting legitimize their actions).

You don’t see adulterers dancing in the streets and holding signs saying to the world that they’re cheating on their spouses and proud of it.

So again it comes back to the act of unrepentent or in the case of many homosexuals the act of unacknowledged sin.

Add to that them suggesting or outright saying that Jesus was a homosexual and you should be able to understand the outrage of many Christians.

Saying that Jesus was a sinner nullifies the entire Christian faith.

Remember that the core of Christian belief is that Jesus was perfect and without sin………. Had he not been, his death on the cross would not redeem us of ours.

BTW:
I really like your comment about wealth & greed and drinking & drunkenness living in the same neighborhood.
That is a great analogy.

[3fan4life]

Okay, I kept telling myself to just stay outta it, but... If you're gonna hold up Leviticus as a guide for life, I hope you're willing to follow the OTHER "rules" in it... Like...

If you have a disobedient child... Don't spank him or her! Execute 'em!

"For everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother. His blood shall be upon him." (Leviticus 20:9)

If you have sex with your wife during her "cycle" you are to be shunned from all of society...

"If a man lies with a woman during her sickness and uncovers her nakedness, he has discovered her flow, and she has uncovered the flow of her blood. Both of them shall be cut off from her people." (Leviticus  20:18)"If a man lies with a woman during her sickness and uncovers her nakedness, he has discovered her flow, and she has uncovered the flow of her blood. Both of them shall be cut off from her people." (Leviticus  20:18)

Ooooh! Watch out Canadians, we're coming for you!

"Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property." (Leviticus  25:44-45)

I sure hope you don't shave!

"Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard." (Leviticus 19:27)

...or eat pork...

"...and the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean to you." (Leviticus 11:7)

Hope all your clothes are made of only a single material...

"...do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. Do not wear material woven of two kinds of material." (Leviticus 19:19)

I sure hope you don't eat mud bugs, lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters, etc!

"But all in the seas or in the rivers that do not have fins and scales, all that move in the water or any living thing which is in the water, they are an abomination to you." (Leviticus 11:10)

"They (shellfish) shall be an abomination to you; you shall not eat their flesh, but you shall regard their carcasses as an abomination." (Leviticus 11:11)

"Whatever in the water does not have fins or scales; that shall be an abomination  to you." (Leviticus 11:12)

Poor Tiger Woods.....

"And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbor's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death." (Leviticus 20:10)

I could go on, the bible in general, but Leviticus specifically is FULL of fun stuff like this that gets selectively ignored, while some people cherry pick a few verses here and there to justify their hatreds... If you're gonna hold others to one line in that book, you need to hold YOURSELF to all the OTHER lines in it, IMHO...

Yes the Old Testament is very harsh, the old testament is also just that “old”.
While there are things in the old testament that can provide a moral compass to man, a lot of things were part of the LAW.
This was the law of Moses’ which a Christian is not subject to…………..
Rom 6:14  For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

And you are correct in that when quoting from the Bible one should be careful.
However, in the case of homosexuality you’ll find that both the new and old testaments find fault with it.

[SANDMAN5]

Yes the Old Testament is very harsh, the old testament is also just that “old”.
While there are things in the old testament that can provide a moral compass to man, a lot of things were part of the LAW.
This was the law of Moses’ which a Christian is not subject to…………..
Rom 6:14  For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

And you are correct in that when quoting from the Bible one should be careful.
However, in the case of homosexuality you’ll find that both the new and old testaments find fault with it.

 You beat me to it! You also said it better than i probably would have.

[DIGGER]

Does anyone remember the old song from many yrs back.......
"GOD'S GONNA GET YOU FOR THAT......
GOD'S GONNA GET YOU FOR THAT.....
AINT NO PLACE TO RUN AND HIDE.....
HE KNOWS WHERE YOUR AT.....

[Chrisj CMA]

Great and thought provoking comments especially about the old testament vs the new.  I tend to agree that certain LAWS for man applied only to some like the Laviticus Priests had special rules etc.  However passeges that reveal the nature of God, will be more universally applicable as God is the same yesterday today and forever.  So rules come and go, but something that was an abomination to God then, most likely still is today IMHO.  Peace, and nicely done so far without any personnal attacking

[SANDMAN5]

Rom 6:14  For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

That's why Jesus said "I have come not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it". Now, we as
Christians, don't have to abide by all those laws. Pork, shellfish etc have been removed
from "unclean" and pronounced clean by God (That which I have called clean, call not thou
unclean). A lot of Christians and even more religious people never even scratch the
surface of all that is revealed in God's Word. I learn something new almost every day. There are
some great morals and ideals to set your life by in the Old Testament (Ten Commandments,
for example) but we are now living under Grace...God's unmeritted Favor!!!! Ain't it great!!!