Supreme Court Validates Same-Sex Marriage

[Inner Dirt]

No, you were not born to be a homophobe, but you were undoubtedly raised to be one and you have decided not change your attitudes. The good news for homosexuals is that eventually you and others like you will die off. Younger people who have a different upbringing and different attitudes are taking your place, making the world a better place for Gays to live. It is unlikely that the world will ever be completely free of homophobes, but in 50 years there will be a lot fewer of them.

As with most liberals you have poor reading comprehension as you are just concerned with what you are going to say next. I was born a homophobe or whatever negative brand you want to put on me, I didn't like men touching me even as a small child. I form my own opinions, I wasn't "raised" to be anything, I am the only atheist in my family. Glad to see you think I should "die off" just because the idea of two dudes having sex grosses me out. Maybe you should go to a gay bar and watch some gay porn to prove how accepting you are. I do not treat gay people any different as long as they don't flaunt their gayness. I will remove myself from the presence of over the top flamers. An example back in the day a flaming gay dude who had a pink car with "Boy Toy" on his license plate worked at a liquor store that sold the Racing Form, if his car was in the parking lot I would drive another 10 miles to buy the form, he acted more feminine than most women I know, made me sick. I have had many a friend who thought like me, pretty sure I am not alone, just the only one in here who will speak up.

[Robert Goren]

As with most liberals you have poor reading comprehension as you are just concerned with what you are going to say next. I was born a homophobe or whatever negative brand you want to put on me, I didn't like men touching me even as a small child. I form my own opinions, I wasn't "raised" to be anything, I am the only atheist in my family. Glad to see you think I should "die off" just because the idea of two dudes having sex grosses me out. Maybe you should go to a gay bar and watch some gay porn to prove how accepting you are. I do not treat gay people any different as long as they don't flaunt their gayness. I will remove myself from the presence of over the top flamers. An example back in the day a flaming gay dude who had a pink car with "Boy Toy" on his license plate worked at a liquor store that sold the Racing Form, if his car was in the parking lot I would drive another 10 miles to buy the form, he acted more feminine than most women I know, made me sick. I have had many a friend who thought like me, pretty sure I am not alone, just the only one in here who will speak up. What you feel is not common among people my age. But most people in their teens and twenties feel differently. You were not born a homophobe, it was drilled into you as a child just like it was me without either of us realizing it at the time. The fact that there is a lot fewer homophobes among younger people proves that. I had to deal with a "Raging Gay" at corporate headquarters. He took quite of bit of getting use to, but I did because I had to. Eventually he did not unsettle me at all.

[boxcar]

What you feel is not common among people my age. But most people in their teens and twenties feel differently. You were not born a homophobe, it was drilled into you as a child just like it was me without either of us realizing it at the time. The fact that there is a lot fewer homophobes among younger people proves that. I had to deal with a "Raging Gay" at corporate headquarters. He took quite of bit of getting use to, but I did because I had to. Eventually he did not unsettle me at all.

Isn't homophobia a behavior like homosexuality? How can you say anyone isn't born with any kind of gene that dictates behavior?

Oh...as far as the young people go -- all this proves is that this generation is more evil than the preceding one, since it embraces evil more readily.

[Inner Dirt]

Isn't homophobia a behavior like homosexuality? How can you say anyone isn't born with any kind of gene that dictates behavior?

Oh...as far as the young people go -- all this proves is that this generation is more evil than the preceding one, since it embraces evil more readily.

I would say it is. As an example I used to box, if an opponent clinched it felt disgusting and I definitely did whatever I could to prevent it from happening again. If it is genetic for a gay dude to like a sweaty guy hugging him why is it not genetic for me to be repulsed by it? Liberals are accepting of gays, celebrate them and shove them and other deviates in our face (Sick of hearing about Jenner), yet those same people want me to "die off." I am harming no one, I only voice my opinion on the internet or to my close friends. If I run across an obvious gay person they have no idea how I feel.

[TJDave]

Where is the "Love" that the Christians have shown for the "sinners" of this world?

Here:


A Tennessee hardware store owner who objects to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling permitting same-sex marriage across the country posted a "No Gays Allowed" sign at his store on Monday, according to a local media report.

Jeff Amyx, who also is a Baptist minister, then swapped the sign on Tuesday at his Washburn, Tennessee, store to one that reads, "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who would violate our rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion," Knoxville television station WVLT reported.

"I don't want them around because their lifestyle is one I disagree with," Amyx told the station.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/01/usa-court-gaymarriage-tennessee-idUSL1N0ZH1H320150701

[classhandicapper]

Here:


A Tennessee hardware store owner who objects to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling permitting same-sex marriage across the country posted a "No Gays Allowed" sign at his store on Monday, according to a local media report.

Jeff Amyx, who also is a Baptist minister, then swapped the sign on Tuesday at his Washburn, Tennessee, store to one that reads, "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who would violate our rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion," Knoxville television station WVLT reported.

"I don't want them around because their lifestyle is one I disagree with," Amyx told the station.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/01/usa-court-gaymarriage-tennessee-idUSL1N0ZH1H320150701


It's very easy for haters to find individual examples of hate from the other side to make their point and to try to diminish the negativeness of their own hate.

This guy is an idiot. There no reason not to serve gays in a hardware store and it should be illegal for him to do so. However, there are examples where refusal is appropriate in terms of both homosexual and heterosexual behavior and it's just as sad when the haters destroy people for their religious and moral convictions.

[thaskalos]

It's very easy for haters to find individual examples of hate from the other side to make their point and to try to diminish the negativeness of their own hate.

This guy is an idiot. There no reason not to serve gays in a hardware store and it should be illegal for him to do so. However, there are examples where refusal is appropriate in terms of both homosexual and heterosexual behavior and it's just as sad when the haters destroy people for their religious and moral convictions.
It's also sad to see professing Christians making up stuff in order to excuse inexcusable behavior. You said earlier that Jesus preached that we should "Love the sinner but hate the sin". Would you mind providing us with the quote where Jesus uttered such a thing? And Boxcar, who should know better, gave your post a :ThmbUp: Where did you get the idea that Jesus ever made a comment like that?

It's one thing for someone to betray his own prejudices by refusing to serve people who have done no harm whatsoever to him. But to invent bible quotes in order to give the impression that JESUS instructed him to behave in such a manner...that's pretty low. :ThmbDown:

[Greyfox]

Would you mind providing us with the quote where Jesus uttered such a thing?

The quote "Love the sinner, hate the sin" is attributed to Gandhi.

But several sites on the net are arguing that even though Christ did not say that it is a foundation stone of Christianity.

http://www.plainsimplefaith.com/2013/06/the-bible-doesnt-say-love-the-sinner-hate-the-sin-the-defense-series/

http://www.openbible.info/topics/hate_the_sin_love_the_sinner

[thaskalos]

The quote "Love the sinner, hate the sin" is attributed to Gandhi.

But several sites on the net are arguing that even though Christ did not say that it is a foundation stone of Christianity.

http://www.plainsimplefaith.com/2013/06/the-bible-doesnt-say-love-the-sinner-hate-the-sin-the-defense-series/

http://www.openbible.info/topics/hate_the_sin_love_the_sinner
It's attributed to Gandhi, but Classhandicapper attributed it to JESUS....in order to make the point that he wanted to make. You say that several sites on the net are arguing that this command is the foundation of Christianity, even though Jesus never uttered it. And I say, SO WHAT? There are sites on the net which make every claim that we could ever imagine. It doesn't really mean a thing...

[classhandicapper]

It's also sad to see professing Christians making up stuff in order to excuse inexcusable behavior. You said earlier that Jesus preached that we should "Love the sinner but hate the sin". Would you mind providing us with the quote where Jesus uttered such a thing? And Boxcar, who should know better, gave your post a :ThmbUp: Where did you get the idea that Jesus ever made a comment like that?

It's one thing for someone to betray his own prejudices by refusing to serve people who have done no harm whatsoever to him. But to invent bible quotes in order to give the impression that JESUS instructed him to behave in such a manner...that's pretty low. :ThmbDown:

Where did I say it was a Bible verse?

It's from St. Augustine, who is probably the preeminent theologian for Catholics on the what Christ's message means. In English, that is what the quote has become and what is taught.

http://www.catholic.com/quickquestions/who-said-love-the-sinner-hate-the-sin

There are multiple quotes and actions in the Bible where Jesus showed compassion towards or defended sinners. However, he never backed away from saying that what they had done was a sin. This is the kind of stuff I was taught for 9 years straight in Catholic school.

The most famous of them.

"So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her".

Another common story used to teach kids.

"36 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”

40 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

So he said, “Teacher, say it.”

41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?”

43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.”

And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”

48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”"

This is the kind of stuff that generated that saying. It conveys the message of what Jesus taught and said.

[thaskalos]

Where did I say it was Bible verse?

It's from St. Augustine, who is probably the preeminent theologian for Catholics on the what Christ's message means. In English, that is what the quote has become and what is taught.

There are multiple quotes and actions in the Bible where Jesus showed compassion or defended sinners. However, he never backed away from saying that what they had done was a sin. This is the kind of stuff I was taught for 9 years straight in Catholic school.

The most famous of them.

"So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her".

Another common one used to teach kids.

36 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”

40 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

So he said, “Teacher, say it.”

41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?”

43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.”

And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”

48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Go back and read your post #478 in this thread. See what you write at the very top of your post? You are insinuating that Jesus taught us to "love the sinner, but hate the sin". That's what you said...go look it up if you don't believe me. You said it, and you were dead wrong...because Jesus never uttered such a comment. And NOW what? You provide me with lame excuses, to prove WHAT? That you were RIGHT?

I don't blame you for making things up, CH. "Love the sinner but hate the sin" is a much catchier quote than "Go, and sin no more".

[Inner Dirt]

It's very easy for haters to find individual examples of hate from the other side to make their point and to try to diminish the negativeness of their own hate.

This guy is an idiot. There no reason not to serve gays in a hardware store and it should be illegal for him to do so. However, there are examples where refusal is appropriate in terms of both homosexual and heterosexual behavior and it's just as sad when the haters destroy people for their religious and moral convictions.

What do you think of gay people who go out of their way to patronize gay owned businesses? Back in California my two best track and drinking buddies were a gay female couple so I have a better insight into gay behaviors than most. Odd, a branded homophobe like me hanging out with a gay couple. Oddly enough Deb and Tina didn't like flamers either just wanted to blend in, didn't wear men's clothes or try to grow sideburns.
It seems a lot of areas had what I would call a gay underground while not outwardly advertising, businesses that were owned by gays that had large gay client bases and also events that attracted large gay followings that your average straight person had no idea about. Palm Springs, Ca has a large gay population and lots of gay owned businesses. A lot of gays in the Riverside area I lived in would drive the extra 40-50 miles to shop and eat in Palm Springs patronizing businesses owned by fellow gays. To an unbiased rational thinking person those gays are discriminating against heterosexual owned businesses preferring to patronize gay owned ones.

[classhandicapper]

The bottom line for Christians is that some of them are doing the exact opposite of what Jesus taught. They may be ignorant. They may been taught poorly. They may just have hateful hearts. But the bottom line is that guys like this plumber are way out of line and wrong.

On the flip side, there are situations where they are being asked to approximately aid and abet in the sin. Refusal would seem appropriate to me.

You have to look at it on a case by case basis. IMO, the best way to remain neutral is to think about it terms of a similar heterosexual sin. That gets the politics and passions out of it.

Should I be able to refuse to rent a room to a man I know will be using it to cheat on his wife and my friend?

Should I be able to refuse to cater a wife swapping party where sex toys and promiscuous behavior will be occurring out in the open?

If the law says "no" to both of these, IMO it's an unjust law and should be resisted.

Those that would subsequently go and destroy the career, business, and lives of those that refused things like this would also be doing the complete opposite of what Jesus taught. Even if you disagree with them and think they are hateful, you should not destroy them. They are every bit the hater as the plumber and should probably even know better because they are on the wrong side of it so often.

[classhandicapper]

Go back and read your post #478 in this thread. See what you write at the very top of your post? You are insinuating that Jesus taught us to "love the sinner, but hate the sin". That's what you said...go look it up if you don't believe me. You said it, and you were dead wrong...because Jesus never uttered such a comment. And NOW what? You provide me with lame excuses, to prove WHAT? That you were RIGHT?

I don't blame you for making things up, CH. "Love the sinner but hate the sin" is a much catchier quote than "Go, and sin no more".


You are simply wrong and attributing something to me that is NOT true.

1. I never said it was a Bible verse

2. I never said it was a quote from Jesus.

I said "Jesus preached" as in Jesus taught. Jesus taught to a large extent through parables and actions. Brilliant minds like St Augustine clarified them for the masses. Jesus preached to love the sinner but hate the sin in all his actions and parables. That is what Catholics are taught via St Augustine.

[classhandicapper]

What do you think of gay people who go out of their way to patronize gay owned businesses?

I wouldn't know. I think they are probably so used to abuse and intolerance, some prefer going to establishments where they know they will be safe and be in friendly territory. If they are looking to meet other people, then that's definitely the place to go.

[Inner Dirt]

What do you think of gay people who go out of their way to patronize gay owned businesses? .




I wouldn't know. I think they are probably so used to abuse and intolerance, some prefer going to establishments where they know they will be safe and be in friendly territory. If they are looking to meet other people, then that's definitely the place to go.

I didn't explain what I meant. By out of the way I am not speaking of the obvious place that flies a rainbow flag or other obvious symbol. Of course a gay dude looking to hook up is going to seek out bars and restaurants flying the rainbow colors. I am talking about places that only an insider or someone in the know would be aware was gay owned. A hardware store, gas station, liquor store, businesses that don't fly rainbow flags. There were people in my gay friend's group that knew every gay owned business in a 50 mile radius and pretty much spent most of their money at those establishments.

[TJDave]

I wouldn't know. I think they are probably so used to abuse and intolerance, some prefer going to establishments where they know they will be safe and be in friendly territory. If they are looking to meet other people, then that's definitely the place to go.

Good answer.

I now live in Palm Springs. While there are many predominately gay and even a few straight bars/restaurants, most have a mixed clientele. All the locals know the vibe and hang where they are most comfortable. I can recall seeing 'gay friendly' signs hanging in many establishments only a few years ago. All gone now. Superfluous, I guess.

[TJDave]

I am talking about places that only an insider or someone in the know would be aware was gay owned. A hardware store, gas station, liquor store, businesses that don't fly rainbow flags. There were people in my gay friend's group that knew every gay owned business in a 50 mile radius and pretty much spent most of their money at those establishments.

Here's a secret, don't tell anyone.

Most other groups behave the same. Jews, Christians, Muslims, Vietnamese etc.

[TJDave]

Oklahoma lawmaker wants anti-gay businesses to post "No Gays Allowed" signs.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2015/03/13/oklahoma_legislator_wants_anti_gay_businesses_to_p ost_no_gays_allowed_signs.html

[Greyfox]

Most other groups behave the same. Jews, Christians, Muslims, Vietnamese etc.

Exactly. :ThmbUp:
"Like beget like." and "Birds of a feather flock together." are truisms.
As humans we seek those who we feel safer with and avoid those we don't feel safer with.
As humans we seek those with commonalities, and edge away from those we don't have much in common with.
For example, I have nothing against bikers. Indeed my next door neighbor is one. He's a great guy.
Yet, I'd feel uncomfortable going in a biker bar hangout just as he might feel uncomfortable in some of the settings that I go into.

[thaskalos]

Oklahoma lawmaker wants anti-gay businesses to post "No Gays Allowed" signs.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2015/03/13/oklahoma_legislator_wants_anti_gay_businesses_to_p ost_no_gays_allowed_signs.html
After reading the link...I think it's a great idea. :ThmbUp:

[Tom]

What nonsense.
Did all the adults leave the country?

[Inner Dirt]

Good answer.

I now live in Palm Springs. While there are many predominately gay and even a few straight bars/restaurants, most have a mixed clientele. All the locals know the vibe and hang where they are most comfortable. I can recall seeing 'gay friendly' signs hanging in many establishments only a few years ago. All gone now. Superfluous, I guess.

Do you really live in Palm Springs? Or Palm Desert, Cathedral City, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Indio, etc,etc? Ha,ha. I lived in Palm Desert while in elementary school 1968-1973. All the non Palm Springs locals were pissed that the whole area was called Palm Springs, even when they broadcast the Bob Hope Desert Classic golf tournament they refereed to the area as Palm Springs on the broadcasts even though none of the courses used were in Palm Springs. Anyway when I was a kid on HWY 111 in Cathedral City there was a gay bar called Oil Can Harry's which was later called Aunt Hatie's, wonder if there is still a gay bar there?

[classhandicapper]

I think you have to make a distinction between the crazies that don't want to serve gays at all and the ones that don't want to give tacit approval by being the caterer, photographer etc.. of a gay wedding.

I could just imagine what would happen if I owned a motel and some guy was trying to rent a room with my best friend's girlfriend or wife. Not only would I not serve them, I'd chase them both out of the place with a crowbar. If they sued me and the law said I had to rent a room to them, I'd close up shop, shave my head, get some tattoos and go from there.

[TJDave]

Do you really live in Palm Springs? Or Palm Desert, Cathedral City, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Indio, etc,etc? Ha,ha. I lived in Palm Desert while in elementary school 1968-1973. All the non Palm Springs locals were pissed that the whole area was called Palm Springs, even when they broadcast the Bob Hope Desert Classic golf tournament they refereed to the area as Palm Springs on the broadcasts even though none of the courses used were in Palm Springs. Anyway when I was a kid on HWY 111 in Cathedral City there was a gay bar called Oil Can Harry's which was later called Aunt Hatie's, wonder if there is still a gay bar there?

Just moved up from Bermuda Dunes. There's really not much down that way and the sidewalks roll up around 10pm. Palm Springs has dozens of great restaurants/bars and more are opening. Most of my friends live here. Can't help with gay bars. Not my scene. Not that there is anything wrong with that. ;)

[thaskalos]

Do you really live in Palm Springs? Or Palm Desert, Cathedral City, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Indio, etc,etc? Ha,ha. I lived in Palm Desert while in elementary school 1968-1973. All the non Palm Springs locals were pissed that the whole area was called Palm Springs, even when they broadcast the Bob Hope Desert Classic golf tournament they refereed to the area as Palm Springs on the broadcasts even though none of the courses used were in Palm Springs. Anyway when I was a kid on HWY 111 in Cathedral City there was a gay bar called Oil Can Harry's which was later called Aunt Hatie's, wonder if there is still a gay bar there?

For a guy who is repulsed by public displays of gay behavior...you are strangely curious about the location of gay hangouts. :)

[boxcar]

After reading the link...I think it's a great idea. :ThmbUp:

It's downright stupid idea. Neither you or TJ have the first clue of why the Christian baker refused service. I think the vast majority of Evangelical Christians (including yours truly!) would have no problem doing business with homosexuals or lesbians so long as it didn't involve celebrating their lifestyle or giving tacit approval to it.

Try to keep up, Thask.

[LottaKash]

What nonsense.
Did all the adults leave the country?

Well, almost certainly it seems, they did in the arena's of Gov't these days...

[thaskalos]

It's downright stupid idea. Neither you or TJ have the first clue of why the Christian baker refused service. I think the vast majority of Evangelical Christians (including yours truly!) would have no problem doing business with homosexuals or lesbians so long as it didn't involve celebrating their lifestyle or giving tacit approval to it.

Try to keep up, Thask.

I don't know, Boxcar...I am still a little confused. The way the "sin" of homosexuality is being played out here...one would think that this is the worst sin that a "Christian" could imagine. Other local riff-raff, like mafiosos and politicians, get married too. Do you suppose that they too have a hard time getting bakers and photographers to tend to their weddings?

Shouldn't other "lifestyles" be offensive too...from a "religious" perspective?

[Tom]

Do you suppose that they too have a hard time getting bakers and photographers to tend to their weddings?

Shouldn't other "lifestyles" be offensive too...from a "religious" perspective?

You mean like a rapist wanting a suggestive posing on the wedding couple? Or a robber having the groom pointing a gun at the bride?

You seem obtuse to the fact that the baker may have only objected to the two grooms on the cake, not selling normal products to anyone who want to but them. Sounds like arguing just for the sake of arguing to me. Do you always take such an extreme position and then refuse to acknowledge anything else as possible? Because you sure are making Boxcar sound like the voice of reason here. :lol: :lol: :lol:

[horses4courses]

Do you always take such an extreme position and then refuse to acknowledge anything else as possible?

Yxxkajuw4fs

[JustRalph]

I don't know, Boxcar...I am still a little confused. The way the "sin" of homosexuality is being played out here...one would think that this is the worst sin that a "Christian" could imagine. Other local riff-raff, like mafiosos and politicians, get married too. Do you suppose that they too have a hard time getting bakers and photographers to tend to their weddings?

Shouldn't other "lifestyles" be offensive too...from a "religious" perspective?

The mafioso and the run of the mill politician is not using the heavy hand of the state, and the courts to enforce their "sins" if you so believe. Not to mention punishing someone monetarily for disagreeing with the sin.

[Greyfox]

I think the vast majority of Evangelical Christians (including yours truly!) would have no problem doing business with homosexuals or lesbians so long as it didn't involve celebrating their lifestyle or giving tacit approval to it.

Try to keep up, Thask.

Well said! :ThmbUp:
(P.S. Lesbians are homosexuals.)
Also, Christians , including Evangelical Christians, should have no problem doing business with homosexuals either except for activities celebrating their lifestyle.

[boxcar]

I don't know, Boxcar...I am still a little confused. The way the "sin" of homosexuality is being played out here...one would think that this is the worst sin that a "Christian" could imagine. Other local riff-raff, like mafiosos and politicians, get married too. Do you suppose that they too have a hard time getting bakers and photographers to tend to their weddings?

Shouldn't other "lifestyles" be offensive too...from a "religious" perspective?

Would the bakers be celebrating the crooks' lifestyles or their weddings?

Don't forget: The homosexuals and lesbians are "putting it (their unnatural sex lives) out there for the world to see. Again, why should they expect for the whole world to jump onto their bandwagon?

Yesterday, the preacher at my church preached on forgiveness from Matthew 18. He raised some very thought-provoking points about the unforgiving servant in Jesus' parable. I liken the homosexuals and lesbians to this unforgiving servant because like him, they think they are way too good to be hurt, offended or rejected. Perhaps if I find time later I'll unpack some of the more salient points to this pastor's sermon in the Religious thread.

[classhandicapper]

I don't know, Boxcar...I am still a little confused. The way the "sin" of homosexuality is being played out here...one would think that this is the worst sin that a "Christian" could imagine. Other local riff-raff, like mafiosos and politicians, get married too. Do you suppose that they too have a hard time getting bakers and photographers to tend to their weddings?

Shouldn't other "lifestyles" be offensive too...from a "religious" perspective?

In this case, the wedding in and of itself is not a sin.

An interesting test would be if the party was celebrating the murder of a gangster rival. It would then be the celebration of murder. Would anyone refuse? I suspect many would refuse because they'd be scared shitless to be there. :lol:

[Inner Dirt]

For a guy who is repulsed by public displays of gay behavior...you are strangely curious about the location of gay hangouts. :)

Answering honestly I am amazed I never went into a gay bar. My friends and

I traveled the Western States frequently and just would stop in many a place

we had never been in before to grab a beer, burger and shoot a game of

pool. My dad paroled from Palm Springs to Indio as a CHP from 1968-80 that is

where I got the local low down on the gay bars from.