July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
God still in control
Letters to the Editor
Regarding the letter from Mrs. Supinger.
As a Christian, I am offended by the remarks in your letter. What gives you the right to pass judgment on anything anyone else does? As Christians, we are to love the sinner and hate the sin. We are also not to pass judgment lest we be judged.
Did any of you protestors consider that? What judgment could be passed down on you? Are you one of those people who looks down on people who are different, whether it be color, lifestyle, or creed? God created us all and gave us the greatest gift possible - His love. We don't have to ask for your approval as to how we live our lives. We have His approval, through creation.
I could honestly put you in the same category as those "religious" people who think they know what's best for everyone, but they never take the time to look at their own lives or behavior. Try sitting in front of a mirror and looking yourself in the eye for an hour. It will give you a very scary insight who and what you actually are. Most people don't make it five minutes.
God created everyone and is in total control. He does not need you or anyone else to tell or show Him how to run the world. If He did not have a reason for allowing people to be different, He would not allow them to exist. He is in control, not me or anyone else.
The program at Arts Place was very entertaining and totally appropriate. It had nothing to do with recruiting anyone to the gay life. The intention was to provide an evening of entertainment. According to those who attended, the aid was very nicely accomplished. Mr. Boltz has long been a favorite of mine and has inspired me on many occasions through his music. It is none of your business what goes on in the private lives of anyone but yourself. If you are a Christian, act like one. Be Christ-like, instead of condemning.
Remember, He is in control; not you or any other human.
Patricia L. VanSkyock
Portland
Concerns
To the editor:
Thanks to the CR for facilitating open debate about homosexuality.
Two assertions lie at the heart of this controversy: 1. Christians should "celebrate diversity;" and 2. A gene for homosexuality would make the practice inevitable (and respectable).
A church extends hospitality in three steps: Fellowship, Membership, and Leadership. True Christian fellowship welcomes everyone because all stand in need of the transformations that only God can work in our lives. On Sunday morning each person present is a work in progress, all guilty of yet-unconquered sins that God is patiently, relentlessly addressing. (For some in every congregation, their only remaining sin is pride!) "Gay pride" should feel right at home sitting in fellowship next to "loves to gossip" on one side and "fudges on income taxes" on the other. As Christians, we don't celebrate individual diversity, we celebrate the universality of our need for redemption. Our hand of loving, accepting fellowship reaches out to all.
The second step of Christian participation - becoming a "member" of the church - is centered on an individual's public acceptance of Jesus Christ as "Savior, and Lord." If a person arrives at the point of saying, "I understand that the Bible repeatedly and consistently lists homosexuality as a sin, but I will refuse to give God control over the sexual aspects of my life," then that person is not yet ready to "join a Christian church." His/her ineligibility is not the result of sin, but of the refusal to accept the authority of Scripture.
The third level of discernment applies to the selection of leaders (role models). If a congregation holds that homosexual practice is a serious breech of Christian morality, then those involved in such activities disqualify themselves from holding responsible church positions.
On the subject of Nature and Nurture, many of us are already concerned that the creation of a public culture of acceptance (particularly in our schools) will encourage individuals who are only minimally predisposed toward homosexuality to enter that life-style. Beyond that, we object to the assertion that if there is a gene for homosexuality, then "God made me this way," and that it would be impossible to resist a predisposition that is hard-wired into someone's physiology.
Even if a homosexuality gene exists, the arguments of inevitability are ridiculous. Surely the homosexuals' attraction to members of their own gender are no greater than those of heterosexuals to the opposite sex, but such urges are well within our power to control them. A wedding ceremony does not change internal biochemistry, but to the degree that we remember our marriage vows we are able to discipline those natural-attraction impulses. Surely it is not more difficult for someone with homosexual feelings to avoid acting on them than it is for a married man or woman to overcome romantic inclinations toward anyone who is not their spouse.
I hope that lots of Christians, welcomed in celebration of diversity, will participate in the club's discussions.
Roger Domingo
Portland
'Real' love
To the editor:
This is in response to all the letters you have received about the GSA. I was glad to see such a response, even from the GSA. Why? Because it opens up all the misconceptions for discussions.
First of all, that "love" is right or wrong. There is nothing wrong with love. What is wrong is "sexual preference," or giving in to lust. They want to be loved and accepted. At least that is what they say they want, when in fact they want to be justified in what they are doing and told it is O.K. to have sex anyway they want.
Otherwise, why don't they just live their life like we do, instead of trying to make everyone agree with them and "accept" them? The word "tolerate" to gays has become, 'tell me it is O.K. to live like this and accept it.' If you want to be a homosexual or lesbian, do it, but don't expect those who disagree with that lifestyle to accept it. You don't want to "be", you want everyone who isn't to say it's O.K. to "be."
That doesn't mean we don't love you; we just don't agree with you, and we love you enough to tell you so. We don't have to turn our backs on you nor do you harm. But we do have to stand up and say, "I don't agree with you."
As far as wanting to have a place to gather and be accepted, what is wrong with each other's houses or places where you hang out? Don't try to force it on others who don't agree with you. Live your life and let us live ours. What I have heard in all these letters is real Christian love. Everyone said we love you as a person. We are not chasing you down and persecuting you, but we do not accept your sexual preferences and that is what it is.
You keep saying it is the 21st Century. What does that mean? Just because it's the 21st Century doesn't mean we discard our principles, tradition, morality or our belief system. You try to say we're old-fashioned and wrong, that we should accept the "freedoms" of today. Wrong! We will stand on what made this country what it is, and not accept some of the perversions presented. As far as no religious organization, that is because to obey the laws of God, you can't accept your agenda as right.
There are some people who can't distinguish between loving the people but not their lifestyles. This, I believe, is because of fear and misunderstanding, and this can lead to wrongs done to each other, no matter who you are. A true Christian, and you should be able to distinguish between the two, will love you the way God does, without judgment on you personally. But there will never be acceptance in the way you want it. Do you realize that to change the people is to change the Church? For the church is the people.
Everyone is God's child and He loves us all. You obey God's word in the spirit of love, not sex. What we must remember is the difference in being religious and being a true Christian. You can go to church every day the door is open, give an offering, and come out of that building the same as you were when you went in.
It is not that we are "so full of ourselves," but I would argue, "Full of God and His love."
When people argue against God's word it is because they fear it. To believe it, is to change. They know they must change if God's word is true, therefore they degrade it anyway they can and make it out as harsh, mean and unloving.
Many wrong things have been done in the name of "religion," and I again say look to the difference between being religious and being a Christian.
We will continue to stand up for what we believe in, but with our arms around you in love.
Brenda Fennig
Union City (in Jay County)[[In-content Ad]]
As a Christian, I am offended by the remarks in your letter. What gives you the right to pass judgment on anything anyone else does? As Christians, we are to love the sinner and hate the sin. We are also not to pass judgment lest we be judged.
Did any of you protestors consider that? What judgment could be passed down on you? Are you one of those people who looks down on people who are different, whether it be color, lifestyle, or creed? God created us all and gave us the greatest gift possible - His love. We don't have to ask for your approval as to how we live our lives. We have His approval, through creation.
I could honestly put you in the same category as those "religious" people who think they know what's best for everyone, but they never take the time to look at their own lives or behavior. Try sitting in front of a mirror and looking yourself in the eye for an hour. It will give you a very scary insight who and what you actually are. Most people don't make it five minutes.
God created everyone and is in total control. He does not need you or anyone else to tell or show Him how to run the world. If He did not have a reason for allowing people to be different, He would not allow them to exist. He is in control, not me or anyone else.
The program at Arts Place was very entertaining and totally appropriate. It had nothing to do with recruiting anyone to the gay life. The intention was to provide an evening of entertainment. According to those who attended, the aid was very nicely accomplished. Mr. Boltz has long been a favorite of mine and has inspired me on many occasions through his music. It is none of your business what goes on in the private lives of anyone but yourself. If you are a Christian, act like one. Be Christ-like, instead of condemning.
Remember, He is in control; not you or any other human.
Patricia L. VanSkyock
Portland
Concerns
To the editor:
Thanks to the CR for facilitating open debate about homosexuality.
Two assertions lie at the heart of this controversy: 1. Christians should "celebrate diversity;" and 2. A gene for homosexuality would make the practice inevitable (and respectable).
A church extends hospitality in three steps: Fellowship, Membership, and Leadership. True Christian fellowship welcomes everyone because all stand in need of the transformations that only God can work in our lives. On Sunday morning each person present is a work in progress, all guilty of yet-unconquered sins that God is patiently, relentlessly addressing. (For some in every congregation, their only remaining sin is pride!) "Gay pride" should feel right at home sitting in fellowship next to "loves to gossip" on one side and "fudges on income taxes" on the other. As Christians, we don't celebrate individual diversity, we celebrate the universality of our need for redemption. Our hand of loving, accepting fellowship reaches out to all.
The second step of Christian participation - becoming a "member" of the church - is centered on an individual's public acceptance of Jesus Christ as "Savior, and Lord." If a person arrives at the point of saying, "I understand that the Bible repeatedly and consistently lists homosexuality as a sin, but I will refuse to give God control over the sexual aspects of my life," then that person is not yet ready to "join a Christian church." His/her ineligibility is not the result of sin, but of the refusal to accept the authority of Scripture.
The third level of discernment applies to the selection of leaders (role models). If a congregation holds that homosexual practice is a serious breech of Christian morality, then those involved in such activities disqualify themselves from holding responsible church positions.
On the subject of Nature and Nurture, many of us are already concerned that the creation of a public culture of acceptance (particularly in our schools) will encourage individuals who are only minimally predisposed toward homosexuality to enter that life-style. Beyond that, we object to the assertion that if there is a gene for homosexuality, then "God made me this way," and that it would be impossible to resist a predisposition that is hard-wired into someone's physiology.
Even if a homosexuality gene exists, the arguments of inevitability are ridiculous. Surely the homosexuals' attraction to members of their own gender are no greater than those of heterosexuals to the opposite sex, but such urges are well within our power to control them. A wedding ceremony does not change internal biochemistry, but to the degree that we remember our marriage vows we are able to discipline those natural-attraction impulses. Surely it is not more difficult for someone with homosexual feelings to avoid acting on them than it is for a married man or woman to overcome romantic inclinations toward anyone who is not their spouse.
I hope that lots of Christians, welcomed in celebration of diversity, will participate in the club's discussions.
Roger Domingo
Portland
'Real' love
To the editor:
This is in response to all the letters you have received about the GSA. I was glad to see such a response, even from the GSA. Why? Because it opens up all the misconceptions for discussions.
First of all, that "love" is right or wrong. There is nothing wrong with love. What is wrong is "sexual preference," or giving in to lust. They want to be loved and accepted. At least that is what they say they want, when in fact they want to be justified in what they are doing and told it is O.K. to have sex anyway they want.
Otherwise, why don't they just live their life like we do, instead of trying to make everyone agree with them and "accept" them? The word "tolerate" to gays has become, 'tell me it is O.K. to live like this and accept it.' If you want to be a homosexual or lesbian, do it, but don't expect those who disagree with that lifestyle to accept it. You don't want to "be", you want everyone who isn't to say it's O.K. to "be."
That doesn't mean we don't love you; we just don't agree with you, and we love you enough to tell you so. We don't have to turn our backs on you nor do you harm. But we do have to stand up and say, "I don't agree with you."
As far as wanting to have a place to gather and be accepted, what is wrong with each other's houses or places where you hang out? Don't try to force it on others who don't agree with you. Live your life and let us live ours. What I have heard in all these letters is real Christian love. Everyone said we love you as a person. We are not chasing you down and persecuting you, but we do not accept your sexual preferences and that is what it is.
You keep saying it is the 21st Century. What does that mean? Just because it's the 21st Century doesn't mean we discard our principles, tradition, morality or our belief system. You try to say we're old-fashioned and wrong, that we should accept the "freedoms" of today. Wrong! We will stand on what made this country what it is, and not accept some of the perversions presented. As far as no religious organization, that is because to obey the laws of God, you can't accept your agenda as right.
There are some people who can't distinguish between loving the people but not their lifestyles. This, I believe, is because of fear and misunderstanding, and this can lead to wrongs done to each other, no matter who you are. A true Christian, and you should be able to distinguish between the two, will love you the way God does, without judgment on you personally. But there will never be acceptance in the way you want it. Do you realize that to change the people is to change the Church? For the church is the people.
Everyone is God's child and He loves us all. You obey God's word in the spirit of love, not sex. What we must remember is the difference in being religious and being a true Christian. You can go to church every day the door is open, give an offering, and come out of that building the same as you were when you went in.
It is not that we are "so full of ourselves," but I would argue, "Full of God and His love."
When people argue against God's word it is because they fear it. To believe it, is to change. They know they must change if God's word is true, therefore they degrade it anyway they can and make it out as harsh, mean and unloving.
Many wrong things have been done in the name of "religion," and I again say look to the difference between being religious and being a Christian.
We will continue to stand up for what we believe in, but with our arms around you in love.
Brenda Fennig
Union City (in Jay County)[[In-content Ad]]
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