Intolerant Christians

There are those that believe that Christians, are bigots and prejudicial, because they are not accepting of homosexual behavior, as normal and morally acceptable. It is generally held that in order to not be considered bigoted and prejudicial, we must not only accept homosexuality as normal and natural, but must embrace it as well. It is not enough to simply be accepting and caring towards homosexuals- as people- we must also accept their sexual activity, without regard to what God's Word says on the subject. Having had this discussion more in depth than was initially intended, in the comment section of another post, I am now in a position to state fully what my position is, and what I feel is the position of fundamental Christianity as a whole. (This is my opinion only, and may or may not apply to all that identify as fundamental Christians.)

I do not agree that acceptance of a behavior- any behavior- is necessary, in order to refrain from being a bigot or prejudicial. Nor do I think it should be considered intolerant, simply on the basis of that nonacceptance, as long as we are accepting of the person themselves; for all of mankind is loved by God. Because many Christians will not agree to wholeheartedly endorse homosexuality as right and natural, just as heterosexuality is, intolerant is the label applied to us.

Standing upon the Word of God, as our basis for our stance, is the worst kind of offense to those that would have us turn a blind eye toward homosexual acts- as sin. It matters not if we apply this same rule to all acts deemed inappropriate or sinful in God's eyes (sexual or not.) Does anyone else see this as somehow unbalanced? I do not agree that true Christians that apply God's standard to all sin, in the same regard, and without preference over any, can be considered bigots or prejudicial. Case in point, defining prejudice and bigotry:

Bigotry and Prejudice

The definition of a "bigot" or a "prejudice" are interchangeable, as the definition of "bigot" utilizes the definition of "prejudice' as it's own. So let's define prejudice: the Encarta Encyclopedia strictly defines "prejudice" as:

a preformed and unsubstantiated judgment or opinion about an individual or a group, either favorable or unfavorable in nature. (Now the broad application:) In modern usage, however, the term most often denotes an unfavorable or hostile attitude toward other people based on their membership in another social or ethnic group. The distinguishing characteristic of a prejudice is that it relies on stereotypes (oversimplified generalizations) about the group against which the prejudice is directed. (emphasis mine and some parenthetical comments my own)

Note that this definition says nothing about the actions of the group, but only about the group itself.

"Prejudice" is from the Latin word praejudicium meaning "judgment in advance" and is directed, generally, as hatred or dislike towards a specific group or person, based on race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

But note again, that it is a preformed, unsubstantiated opinion or judgment toward a person or group...not their actions. How then could one honestly attribute traits of bigotry and prejudice toward Christians? We Christians are, for the most part, fully accepting of all persons, just not all actions (or at least this how we should be towards all humanity.) They need not be mutually exclusive of each other. This would be akin to having a loved one lie to you, and saying that because we love them, we should be perfectly accepting of their lying behavior. This is preposterous!

Sexual Immorality in Scripture

Scripture defines sexual immorality as any sexual act that occurs outside the bounds of heterosexual, married, consensual sexual intercourse. This includes adultery, sodomy, effeminate male behavior, bestiality, incest, and more. All of these are regarded equally as sin by God, and by Christians that hold firm to His word.


Marriage Defined- Homosexual Unions Are Not Marriages:

Let's look at Genesis 2:20, 22

So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. (emphasis mine)

This same chapter of Genesis then goes on to state that it is for this reason that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall be one flesh (this is seen by many as well, to be a reference to the sexual union, though it is not exclusively a reference to it.) A suitable mate for man, is woman; and a suitable mate for woman is man. In addition, marriage is the institution through which God commanded mankind to procreate. Homosexuals cannot do biologically do this, without medical intervention (on the part of a female.) I grant that there are also heterosexual couples that are not able to this as well, but this is not because of anatomical incompatibility, but rather physical or other various reasons. Now for specific Scripture references that support the Christian view.

OT Scripture References Regarding Any Sexual Immorality:

In the Old Testament, we are told not to engage in any kind of lewd or lascivious sexual act- whether heterosexual or homosexual. These activities include adultery, fornication (sex outside of marriage), incest, bestiality, sodomy, and any other act of fleshly lust. There are many references but for the sake of space, I will list those that also address homosexuality, specifically. Leviticus 18:22; Leviticus 20:13; and Judges 19:22 (this is a narrative very similar to that regarding Lot and the angels with him, before the destruction of Sodom). The question has been asked how the moral aspect is still applicable, but not the "death sentence," and I shall endeavor to address this in detail in a later post. Suffice it to say that OT law is not applied in the same manner, as it was before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and there are valid reasons for this.

New Testament Scripture References

In the New Testament we have a number of references to both hetero- and homosexual sin, as well. 1 Cor 6:9, 13, 18; Jude 1:7; and Romans 1:26-27 This last one, specifically, addresses homosexual acts, both female and male. I also find it extremely interesting to note, that though homosexuality was something that was known, and practiced by much of the Roman Empire- especially those of higher social status- at the time of Paul's letter to the church there; that there was no word (in Greek- the common language used for international and interracial communication) to describe a loving, committed, equal, homosexual relationship. Perhaps, if no such word existed, could it be because there was no such circumstance? Just a side thought.

Do I believe homosexuality is a choice?

Though I have used the word orientation, to state that I believed it to be a choice, I would like to try to clarify what I intended to impart. I believe that every sinful thought or desire is a fact of our humanity, and so therefore cannot be a choice. We all, as human, have them, it is a fact of mankind's condition. However, whether or not we act upon them is most certainly a choice. I was also asked if I were shown conclusive scientific evidence, that proved that homosexuality identification was something a person was born with- and had no control over- whether or not I would then be open to changing my stance. The answer is NO. The reason for this, is the fact that all sexual encounters are a choice, period. There are no exclusions. Sex is a choice. It is not a need. Some of us may believe that it is, but we are only fooling ourselves.

This is what I do know to be true, whatever our sexual orientation, it need not be also our sexual identity. If one should choose not to be aroused by members of the opposite sex, then they are free to choose celibacy, in my opinion. The same holds true for those that choose not be aroused the same sex. Self- identity need not be the basis of how we define ourselves. We are defined by who we are, not by what (or who) we do. (Please excuse my use of slang in the previous statement, it just happened to be apt.)

In conclusion, I would state, once again, that my unwillingness to accept and embrace another's sexual activity does not a bigot, make me- or any other Christian, for that matter. Everyone, regardless of any sin they may or may not have committed is loved without condition, by those that would profess to be Christ followers. For those Christians that cannot find it within themselves to do so, I can only say that being a Christian does not make anyone perfect, just more aware of our imperfections- or at least that is what should happen. I believe that most, if not all, Christians would agree with this statement; even if they agree with nothing else I have said here.

One last comment to those that do believe: We should remember that it is not our place to judge any unbeliever's sinful activity. The only "judgment" we are to make is in discerning whether or not it is sin, in order to refrain from it ourselves. The only time we should rebuke anybody's sin, is if they are already a part of the body of Christ, and we should do so according to Paul's instruction to Timothy. Though it is allowable to share what God's Word says about sin, only He can judge a person's heart, and only He knows whether or not they will one day become aware of the sin that holds them captive. Telling an non-seeking, unbeliever that they are a sinner, will do nothing more than cause hatred and revulsion of all that we are to represent. Let's follow Jesus' example in how we relate and communicate our love of all people, regardless of their sin.

Miss Goody Two Shoes

Yesterday, I prayed for a return to normalcy. Today, I realize that I can't pray for that, because one does not return to something they never were to begin with. I am NOT normal. :) Does anyone else in the world live their life as though it's a musical???? I think of songs all day long, and music is a big joy in my life, but COME ON!!! A couple days ago I had an "oldie" stuck in my head, and this morning I woke up to the song by Adam and the Ants "Goody Two Shoes" (anybody remember them??) I won't post the video here, because I'm not sure that it's a positive message to the song, but anyway, the link to it is up there, for those that just like 80's music.

I know why this song was in my head. I'm quitting smoking, and for now, I'm not drinking because drinking makes me want to smoke. So I've quit both for an undetermined amount of time (not the smoking- I plan on that being for the rest of my life.) Anyway, so I looked in the mirror this morning as soon as my eyes were clear of their stickiness, and I could once again see through my Night and Day contacts (I keep them in, night and day for 30 days at a time, then I put in a new pair) the first words out of my mouth were "You don't drink, don't smoke, what do you do?" And of course, I started laughing. (Even depressed, I'm a nut.) Then I wondered, where did the term, "Goody Two Shoes" come from??? Doesn't everyone that has two feet wear two shoes??? Was "Goody" a brand of shoe at one time??? Does anybody out there know? Well I'll share with you- because I just had to know.

"Little Goody Two-Shoes" was the heroine of a children's story of the same title, first published in 1765 and often attributed to that favorite of English graduate students everywhere, Oliver Goldsmith. The story, such as it is, concerns a poor waif who has somehow managed to make it through life with only one shoe. Finally rewarded with another, she scampers over hill and dale pointing at her feet and crying "Two shoes! Two shoes!" in so cloying a manner that her name has lived through the ages as a symbol of puerility. "Goody" is a contraction of "Goodwife," a form of address roughly equivalent to our "Mrs.," and now archaic.

Feel better, now that you know? I do. :)

And now for the point of this pointless chatter. Are you a "goody two shoes?" Do you point out to everyone you meet, whether by your actions, or your words, that you are a good, good person, worthy of reward?? Do you come across as holier-than-thou? I don't know of anyone that enjoys being around a goody two shoes. I don't know about you, but I've always found them to be annoying. Why is that? Well because I'm not one, that's why! Remember today that:

But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:21-23 NKJV (emphasis mine)

Blessings to you.

There is no "MORE" to this post.

Judge and Jury by Shalene Kearney

For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore put away from yourselves the evil person. 1 Corinthians 5:12 NKJV

If I were to ask you what one of the biggest "turn offs" of modern day Christianity is, what do you suppose would be the answer? I'm talking about those that are not believers- those standing on the outside looking in. It is my opinion that one of the biggest turn offs would be that we have made ourselves, oftentimes, into judge and jury of their sinfulness. That is not what we are called to do!

In the above verse, Paul is talking to the church of Corinth, explaining to them that they are to put away from themselves a person of their church that was found to be sexually immoral. And he admonishes them that they are not to judge those that are outside, that that is God's job, not theirs.

How often do you find yourself looking at a person's sin and judging it, whether they be of the Church (the body of believers, not the building) or not? I admit, I've done it myself. But I am not proud of that fact. We are all sinners! We all fall short of the glory of God. How can we judge the sin of another, when all sin is equal in God's eyes. Sin is Sin. Period. If we are to reach unbelievers, we have to be willing to look past the sin, without judging the person that has committed it.

Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."

"You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me." John 8:15-16 NKJV

Now let me be clear here. We are not to judge the sinful person outside of the church but we are called to help one another back onto the path of righteousness if any of us stumble (again, I'm speaking of the body of believers, not the building or institutional church.) But we are still not to be judge and jury. And this is to be done only by those that are of full knowledge of Scripture, and in fellowship with the Lord. In other words, they are not doing it because they judge the actions, but because having full knowledge of His Holy Word, they are able to show the trespasser their transgressions.

BRETHREN, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2 NKJV (emphasis mine)

For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load. Galatians 6:4-5 NKJV

Remember, you too were once unsaved. And you too, are still a sinner. Do not place yourself in the position of being judge and jury. God is the one and only Judge of all. Help your fellow brother or sister in Christ, to continue to follow in Christ's footsteps, but do NOT place yourself in a position of judgement or condemnation, lest you too should be judged.

I leave you with one last point regarding our behavior toward those outside the Fold:

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:5-6 NKJV

---Lord, today I pray that any judgemental thoughts I may have against my fellow man would be crushed immediately. I pray also that you forgive me for my moments of sinful thinking. I pray that I show only love and no condemnation for those outside the Fold. That I would bring them to You by that show of love, rather than push them away from that which would be their salvation. I pray this for the readers of this message as well. In Christ's Name I Pray, Amen.

Saved From Judgement?? by Shalene Kearney

I read my post to my husband yesterday, and afterward, a lively discussion on whether or not we are saved from Judgement ensued. I will not say which of us took which side, but I will say that we did not seem to be in agreement. So I have studied this subject in particular, so that I might keep you from having the same discussion. (Though it was lively, and it was loving, and it is always enjoyable to discuss scripture with my wonderful husband.)

Now on to the post: There are some that believe that because we have accepted Christ that we are now somehow saved from Judgement by God. This is not what the bible tells us. Let me say that again. This is not what the bible tells us.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 NKJV (emphasis mine)

Did you catch that? We must all appear before the judgement seat. This is the reason that a true believer must endeavor to do good, as much as his earthly body will allow. Our salvation is not dependent upon our works, but you better believe you will be judged by what you did or didn't do. Can you imagine the scene?

You're standing before God, and he's asking you about all that you didn't do. Can you think of anything that will justify it? And what about the things you did do? For the good, He may say "Good work my good and faithful servant" or He may say, "Why didn't you do it with a grateful heart, a servant's heart?" Though the thought of judgement is not something I look forward to, I know that my name is written in the Book of Life and that God is just and merciful. That is why He sent His Son for me, and for you. Because we cannot do it alone, and He must judge us all. Without the blood of Jesus Christ covering our sins, we would have no hope. So today I thank God that "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:19 NKJV

I urge everyone of you, please, please do not just take my word for it, but dive into His Holy Word, and learn these truths for yourself as well. I am only a servant of the Lord. I can share these truths, but I cannot make you know them.

---Lord, today I pray again, that You are pleased with my words, and that I might reach someone that is in need of You. I thank you Lord for giving me these words and this knowledge to "put to paper." I ask that all who read these words will be moved to learn more and read Your Holy Word for themselves and that if answers are needed that they are able to find them. I thank you again for working through me Lord, and for growing my faith as well. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen