Posted by BS (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

While this is a complex emotional issue for many church members, on many levels, the decision of the local ELCA churches to wait and see, and [I assume] pray about this issue is in alignment with Christ's compassionate teachings. Abrahamson's recognition that the synod does "....so many wonderful things on the national and international level” is indicative of one who recognizes you don't throw the baby out with the bath water! Blessings on all who have the capacity to resist participating in a knee-jerk reaction this decision may cause. Even a non-biblical scholar knows that Jesus would probably turn this over to his Father in heaven for the final decision on the matter!

Posted by REPLUV (Nancy Stokes) on November 25, 2009 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It will be interesting to see if this leads to any 'hate crimes' lawsuits'. I say, 'Stand on the word of God'.

Posted by IramsGrandSon (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To REPLUV - which word of God should we stand on? Those that allow slavery or sleeping with a concubine when your wife is barren? Or the ones that allow you to sell your daughter?

I am believer who regularly participates and contributes to my church. I have gay friends. I believe God made them the way they are and we need to accept that. Unless God made a mistake? I also believe if you are uncomfortable with the leader of your church - regardless of reason - you are free to select another place to worship. No one has an exclusive, perfect way to worship God even though some believe they do. I agree with BS - we have been TOLD not to judge our fellow man. Why do so many people ignore this?

Posted by werty (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This story is gay

Posted by BWD (David Adams) on November 25, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We have also been told Homosexualism is an abomination before the Lord. It's in the Bible, in several places.

I want no truck with Priests or Pastors that already come as an abomination. And do not ever expect the congregation to hand their children over to such insidious nature. God did not create them, they chose their own corruption and manifestly enjoy expanding their corruption to your children.

American Churches have some insidious rats eating away at their doors. Corrupt Internationalism, Humanism, Homosexualism, a Liberal Judiciary, and plain ignorance of the Bible itself are eating away the doors of sanctification and sanctuary.

Posted by werty (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fear the gays! Jebus says they are evil! eeeevil! wooooooo ... However the gays do have a knack for being well dressed and have a great eye for interior design...TLC has a bunch of great shows...lets not forget pageant dresses either and all sorts of clothing design.

Posted by mplsgirl (Tamara Bergstrom) on November 25, 2009 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BWD,
Please show one scripture that states that Homosexuality is an abomination. Don't show the ones that you are interpretting please, I want to know the exact spot that states this! It's so funny to me how much ignorance still lives in this world. Have we all forgotten that the word of God is to love one another? Have we all forgotten that the Bible itself is not some magical book that floated from the heavens, but rather an ancient artifact. It seems that a lot of people in this world can accept change when it is to benefit themselves in a positive manner but when it comes to other issues that one doesn't personally understand, all of a sudden the Bible comes into play as stating disbelief in current world changes. It's scary people! Wake up!

Posted by ffrogg (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

charlie manson had a similar doctrine, and a BS preacher, namely himself.

are they planning to replace the holy trinity with a threesome?

Posted by concerned22 (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What is wrong with people? The Lord I know accepts everyone no matter what. I think its a disgrace that people who claim to be believers in God's word are SOO discriminatory!!

Posted by pilsnerurquel (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is total crap. I thought the church was a place to come and be accepted by God, not be judged by a bunch of uptight holy rollers. I'm Lutheran but considering joining a more liberal church. The discrimination is too much for me.

Posted by BWD (David Adams) on November 25, 2009 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mplsgirl: here some passages you asked for. You can look up for yourself.
And the word of God is not an artifact.
Have a nice Thanksgiving.

Genesis 19
Leviticus 18:22
Leviticus 20:13
Romans 1:26-27
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
1 Timothy 1:9-10
Jude 1:7

From the Hebrew and Greek texts.

Posted by Mai_Orez (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's not God or Christ or the Holy Spirit I fear. I fear the FOLLOWERS of the Trinity.

Posted by werty (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Crazy religious zealots say the darndest things :) ...BWD

...gimme any bible passage and I could probably find a way to interpret in any way you like. I like this one personally: "Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:22) or this:
"Happy those who seize your children and smash them against a rock." (Psalm 137:9)

Later I'm going to throw the kids around and put the woman in her place because of these.

Prolly going to start into the Koran later to see what else I can find thats ok.

Posted by Viking1 (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The people do not object to having gays in church, they are very welcome, what they do object to is our children being taught by gay clergy. If that is what you want your children to be taught, stay with the ELCA. Many churches including ours have already began the procedure to leave the ELCA. Just how many of you that are leaving comments have even been near a church for years?

Posted by werty (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sure the new curriculum in this ELCA church is to teach people how to be gay. It's the new focus of the church. lol

Classic example of how someone can justify hatred and discrimination towards other people by using their religion...(muslim extremists have been doing it for years)

I don't think god likes it when you do that :)

Posted by mp2981 (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Homophobia is a front page web article? What a shame. You would think this story had come from a small town where people have no experience with others who aren't exactly like them. Wait a sec...

Posted by TheVikingman (John Magnuson) on November 25, 2009 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's rich Viking1.

So the gay clergy teach something different? Or are you saying that people that go to church presided over by a gay minister will make everybody in the church gay? Wait...if that is the case then shouldn't everybody who ever went to church presided over by a straight minister be straight?

What is your take on female ministers? Are they evil as well? I know they used to be and still are in some brands of Christianity.

Quick, check the instruction book and get back to me.

This is just another example of hatred being veiled under the banner of religion. It is unfortunate...

Posted by pilsnerurquel (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How would you feel about your children being taught by a black pastor, Viking1? I feel like it's 1960 all over again and instead of Fergus Falls, MN we're in Birmingham, AL. Look, being gay isn't a sin, it isn't shameful and it isn't something you can "catch" from being around people who are. The idea that children can or would be influenced by a gay clergy member to become gay themselves, or perhaps exposed to something dangerous or immoral by being taught by a gay clergy is absurd, and frankly offensive.

Posted by Generally_Misunderstood (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BWD, Do you eat pork? Please see Leviticus 11:7-8

Leviticus 11:7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.

Leviticus 11:8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.

Leviticus 11:7-8 is in the exact context of your example of homosexuality as a sin yet no distinction is made to the level of sin between eating pork and homosexuality. If there is a clear distinction made somewhere, please enlighten me. So keep that in mind when you're dining on that Christmas Ham for you are just as guilty of the same level of sin you chastise others for.

If you believe one part you must believe every part. Ala Carte Christianity, got to love it. The fundamental tenant of Christian is only God can judge and to love and accept all.

Posted by LuvMyGirls (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Unfortunately, there are many Christians that judge people for their sins...that's not our job. God is the only righteous judge. Homosexuality is a sin, but not any more of a sin than any other sin. Sin is sin and that's it. Our job as Christians is to love and accept ALL people. We are to love them, but not to condone their sinfulness. I would not stay at a church that is lead by anyone that is acting on their homosexual tendancies. I know Christians that have homosexual feelings, but do not act on them because it is sinful, they rely on God to help them overcome the temptation of acting upon their sinful desires. There are a lot of ministers out their that are living sexually immoral lives, unfortunately, not all of these sexual immoralities are as noticeable or as "unacceptable" to most people. An affair is just as sinful as a homosexual act. Get it together people! Judge not! Love ALL people!

Posted by werty (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah...geez doesn't every good Christian know that god hates fags...read the bible...and don't be a homo because at those pearly gates no homo is allowed. LOL...please zealots don't sugar coat your comments be honest.

Posted by werty (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

btw there are more people that are homosexual in the church than you could ever imagine...as it was common practice (decades ago) especially in the catholic church to force young men into priesthood that had homosexual tendancies as it was a way to "fix" them...and not just catholic it goes for many denominations (lutheran included)...just a tidbit as many of you have already been preached to by homosexuals in the church...yes even in Fergus Falls...OMG

Posted by votedem (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 7:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People have no idea how fake the religious 'leaders' in their church are. One of my best friends went on a date with a divorced pastor here in town and he even admitted he doesn't believe 90% of the stuff he preaches. It's not uncommon at all. More and more educated people are realizing that the teachings of the bible are nothing more than a tale of fiction used to extract money from people with no common sense or opinion of their own. It's really sad to see how religion has ruined so much of our society.

To say someone 'chooses' to be gay is like saying someone would choose to be handicapped...or black...or fat. Nobody in their right mind would choose to be discriminated against the way that gay people are. They're born gay, nothing you can do about it.

Peace and rationality to all,

Votedem

Posted by werty (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

obviously the journal is not going to allow anonymous comments anymore...but I would like to spell out in full force before that happens the F you that you religious bigots deserve and emphasize that you don't understand what your religion represents...I am not a gay person but just understand the bigot that is within you and it it should make anyone sick. FU

Posted by Viking1 (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Werty you have such an abundant amount of knowledge about gays but say you aren't, are you sure? When is the last time you been to church to do an official survey on how many people are gay? Most of the posters making all the anti-religion comments haven't been close to a church and have a fear of the unknown. You are welcomed to come to church at any time. Don't be ashamed, most Liberals think as you do, even your President does!

Posted by quackerjack (Jack Donelan) on November 26, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm just curious,when did queers turn gay ? I'm still having a hard with the switch,but I'm much older.

Posted by quackerjack (Jack Donelan) on November 26, 2009 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hard time with the switch (ooops)

Posted by jrjj (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If the ELCA is going to do this, then we should all turn catholic. No, that won't work either.

Posted by ffprofessor (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who cares, like it is going to make any difference. LOL

Posted by mccain08 (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 3:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

almost all crimes are committed by heterosexuals

Posted by mccain08 (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 3:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Deuteronomy 23:1

No one whose testicles are crushed or whose male organ is cut off shall enter the assembly of the Lord.

sorry bwd

Posted by tippy98c (Aaron Schultz) on November 27, 2009 at 6:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

“I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.”
-Ghandi

Posted by proterrorist (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

homosexuality is a sin just like any other. God did not create us to be homosexual nor does he desire us to be in bondage to homosexuality. If churches would shift toward a message of deliverance from homosexuality instead of trying to be politically correct or sweep the issue under the rug, we might actually see some progress made in this area. I know several people who have been delivered from homosexuality. Unfortunately, people would rather fight about this issue rather than actually do what Jesus tells us to do and casting out demons and healing the sick.

Posted by pilsnerurquel (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Proterrorist, being gay isn't a disease. Are you serious with this "being delivered from homosexuality" bit? I can't tell. No one who is educated in biology or human sexuality would take this seriously. You can't pray away the gay and since homosexuality is determined in utero, there is no point in trying to force someone to change their state of mind just to please homophobes who think there is something wrong with them. I urge you to do some research on the subject so that you can have an intelligent conversation based on scientific fact rather than some bizarre religious theory.

Posted by Mai_Orez (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am from your community and I am gay. I went to your schools and I attended your churches. Is being gay a choice I made? No...but I knew I was gay at the age of 8. In your community I heard the queer/fag jokes and I heard the disgust in your voice. In your schools I heard I was a diviant and mentally ill and I was aware of local pastors visiting the State Hospital to cast out demons. I certainly had no intentions to "out" myself while in school. I was also aware of Lutheran Brethren church leaders casting gay church members out of the church. Again, I had no intentions to "out" myself while in church. At the time, I was positive I was the only gay person in my school and church. Eventually, I left the Lutheran Brethren church and school and I SURVIVED!! Although I am no longer in your church, rest assurerd...there are gay and lesbians in the pews. Some of them are older than you; some are your age; some are younger. Rest assured...they are your friends and rest assured...unknown to you...they are also members of your family. It's not a sin. It's not a choice. It just is. Robert L.

Posted by watermelon (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some people choose to live their lives free of the idea of moral retribution and accept the fact that nothing will happen to them when they die, other than simply cease to live and breathe like all other mammals do.

Explaining away everything that happens to us simply by re-re-re-interpreting scripture means absolutely nothing and can in no logical manner be explained. I shudder to think what our world would be like without religion. No more hate. No more wars. No more absent minded intolerance. I don't care if it's Catholic, ELCA or Unitarian. They all embrace the same magical mystery tour of contrived hebrew fairy tales.

I think our embarassing ex-governor Jesse Ventura put it best - organized religion is a crutch for the weak-minded.

It's not that I don't respect those that believe. It's the disrespect displayed by a vast array of so-called "christians"towards non-believers.

So I'm going to hell. If so, I hope they have dark beer.

Posted by LoisMustDie (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hate the sin, love the sinner. Homosexuality IS a sin, but so is unmarried heterosexual activity, as is being angry without forgiving, stealing, murder, lying, gossiping. ALL sin can be forgiven throught Christ! Revelation 3:14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write the following:

“This is the solemn pronouncement of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God’s creation: 3:15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot! 3:16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth! 3:17 Because you say, “I am rich and have acquired great wealth, and need nothing,” but do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, 3:18 take my advice and buy gold from me refined by fire so you can become rich! Buy from me white clothing so you can be clothed and your shameful nakedness will not be exposed, and buy eye salve to put on your eyes so you can see! 3:19 All those I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent! 3:20 Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and he with me. 3:21 I will grant the one68 who conquers permission to sit with me on my throne, just as I too conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 3:22 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Posted by concerned22 (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Very well said Mai_Orez

Posted by Alex (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 1:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is a little disappointing that such an alarming number of Fergus Fallsians still live in colonial America.

As ironic as it may sound, biblical literalists may just be the most unchristain folk around.

It makes me want to go join the "Abominators" and eat a rabbit... Leviticus

Posted by betterworld (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am especially fond of the Ghandi qoute, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.

This display of anonymous assualts on homosexuality from our own community is another reason why our young people are leaving this community by the droves. Today's young people accept multi-culturalism as a given out there in the great big world of "real life". It is why, once they leave here, they will never come back.

To truly be at one with your God, to truly be a believer, would mean that tolerance should be at the top of your list, not the bottom. Once again, shame on Fergus Falls, MN.

Posted by Viking1 (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Watermelon you and Ventura are exactly alike "seedless"! You both have fear of anything religious because you have never experienced it. Fear of the unknown they call it.

Posted by LoisMustDie (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 6:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Read 1 Corinthians 2 - Paul writes that the reason non-Christians don't understand the Bible is because it is God's letter to His people, and they are reading someone else's mail!

Posted by mnperham (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said Watermelon

Another phrase i like is "Religion is the root of all evil"

Posted by proterrorist (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pilsner, are you educated in biology and human sexuality? regardless, your lack of faith will be your undoing. Homesexuality is a sin just like any other. Jesus died to set all sinners free from all of their sinful bondage- including homosexuality. If people want to live in bondage to that type of lifestyle, that's their choice- but there is no way that they can use the excuse 'that's just the way God made me." But if somebody wants to be set free from it, God made a way out. Like I said, I know several people who have been set free from homosexuality. I've even been set free myself of similar ailments. To say that this talk of deliverance is just 'religious theory' is nonsense. I've never experienced anything more real

Posted by girllovescamo (Sarah Glocke) on November 30, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe in a God who loves all, I do not believe that homosexual people choose to be that way. I have friends that are gay and are afraid to tell their parents..and they are 28 years old. Dont they deserve to be happy? We are suppose to be honest in life. If my Pastor was gay I would respect him more for the fact that he "came out" instead of trying to hide it. That really takes alot of guts to go against the grain. I can understand why some people would have concern, but I would rather have a pastor who was open about it than one hiding it. God loves us for who we are not who we pretend to be.

Posted by TheVikingman (John Magnuson) on November 30, 2009 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Proterrorist let me make sure I understand. You are saying a person can be "cured" of Homosexuality?

Let me pose this to you. If the norm was the reverse and people were trying to cure heterosexual people would you think it would be possible to be "cured" of wanting to have physical relations with somebody of the opposite sex?

I know I would not be able to be cured of wanting to be with a woman. But that is just me.

I find these any and all "cure" claims to be absurd. First off you have to have an ailment to be cured. Being gay is not a disease or ailment. You can't "catch" it so it can't be cured.

I suppose you might get by with calling it an addiction. If that is the case then again the idea of a "cure" is ridiculous. I have never met a alcoholic, compulsive gambler, ex-smoker, etc that is cured. They may no longer indulge their addiction but they are still an addict. As an ex-smoker I can tell you that after almost 4 years there are still days a smoke sounds REAL good.

Final thought on this...

I keep seeing quotes from the bible that this is an evil act. Without a doubt it is in the bible. There really is no arguing that. The bit that is confusing though is the bible itself. It also says I can sell my daughter in certain circumstances, have a sexual partner outside my marriage in certain instances, and various other points that when I go to church I don't see being held up as something that we need to do better at.

Christianity is a fine thing, and I number myself as one of it's group, but like many other religions it has a tendency to just follow the things from the bible that they choose to.

It really is disappointing and is one of the reasons that many Christians I know are staying away from the churches made of brick and mortar and instead are worshiping in their homes and in their hearts.

Posted by pilsnerurquel (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Proterrorist, I don't need a lecture on morality from you. I happen to be a regular church goer, in fact, I attend a local ELCA church so I actually have a dog in this fight, so to speak. I believe that we judge not, lest we be judged and I certainly don't take kindly to your accusation that I am not a "believer". What I DO believe in is equality, compassion, kindness and the Golden Rule...treat others as you wish to be treated. What I DON'T believe in is bigotry, homophobia, hatred and narrow mindedness. I urge you to choose your words carefully, and not to make baseless accusations of immorality to strangers on the Internet.

Posted by jafo (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ditto what pilsner said. Man, I'm going to miss the comments here.

Posted by watermelon (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"your lack of faith will be your undoing." Just one of the baseless threats we have all come to know so well. Just threaten that bad things will happen to someone if they aren't the right type of Christian, much less a Christian at all.
And to tell me that I am "seedless" is downright absurd. I was brought to church (dragged there as I got older) since I was born. I went to that Lutheran church as long as I lived in my parent's house, because I had no other choice-I even got smacked up when I once refused to go. As I got older, I started to realize that what I was being taught and having drilled into my young and impressionable brain didn't quite mesh with what was going on around me. And for the most part, didn't make a bit of sense. Thinking for yourself. A novel concept.

Posted by watermelon (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Loismustdie: That is _exactly_ what I was talking about. The only way you're able to explain your side of the story is by quoting a smorgasbord of scripture. Try using your words.

P.S Here's a little quote from the "scripture" of Charles Bukowski.

"I am my own god. We are here to unlearn the teachings of the church, state, and our educational system. We are here to drink beer. We are here to kill war. We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us."

Posted by Mai_Orez (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I read all the comments and am reminded on why I left the Lutheran Church. I'm not singling out the Lutheran Church as the message is pretty much the same from the Catholic Church. I can't speak about messages from other houses of God. Clearly some of the writers are using the King James Loose Leaf Bible. That's the version where only certain passages are selected for enforcement. Only certain verses are quoted because they "suit" the occassion. I left the church because the messagners so often left the message.

Other than saying "Hate the sin...love the sinner", I haven't read too many comments about the joy your gay and lesbian children have brought into your life. I haven't read about your adult gay or lesbian sister or brother and the joy they've brought to your life.

Enough with the attacks. It's not doing your gay and lesbian community members any good. We are certainly not going to feel welcome in your houses of worship.

Again, we are your children, your siblings, your neighbors, your doctors and nurses, your policemen and firemen, your teachers and preachers, your military guardians. We are everywhere. We are...

Posted by Lillylivered (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, a fact! People can receive help for their homosexual desires and actions. Once you deal with the abuse, adults cultivating you when young or vulnerable,and the real reason for the negative turning point in your life comes out, you will be able to move from the hurtful life you are in. Just look on line, phone books, churches, and counseling advertising and you will find hundreds of places for help.And countless success stories. Personal story, family member received help and is now married with two kids. No longer depressed, leaving for weeks, healthy, off meds, not blaming hetros, christians, and parents. Once the abuse in his life came out and the adults that had a hold on him removed. Life began. Sorry many of you love the life style by sexual choice and many think it has to be this way...not true. Truth, you can get help. And you do not have to act on manufactured attractions. Also, Ryan an identical twin and his brother never a hemosexual or desire. Please get help from someone, you do not need to live this way if you want out! Also, no Pastor, Priest, or any clergy should ever be allowed on the alter who continues a lifestyle of homosexual activity. Once the behavior or abuse issues are dealt with and the activity stops, preach! Show others how you beat sin and abuse! Like affairs, domestic abuse, etc, homosexual behavior kills family and deprives you of a true life. May all of you who want out find your way. Dont let people stop you from leaving, you can and will make it.

Posted by TheVikingman (John Magnuson) on December 1, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lilylivered did it ever occur to you that the family member you mention that was cured is actually bi-sexual? Just because you see a result you like doesn't mean it is all it seems to be.

There are many people that are happy with members of either sex. Some choose to live a heterosexual lifestyle and others a homosexual lifestyle. You know what makes the decision for many? The person that comes into their life that makes their heart happy. Sadly some make the decision based on pressures from their "loving" family and the unrealistic claims that a person can be cured.

Again, you can't become gay by standing to close to a gay person. If you can't CATCH it then it can't be cured.

Posted by AmyO (anonymous) on December 1, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Personal story, family member received help and is now married with two kids. No longer depressed, leaving for weeks, healthy, off meds, not blaming hetros, christians, and parents." - Lillylivered

Hmm. Did you ever think that maybe has something to do with the fact that he no longer has people like you looking down on him, telling him he has an illness and is basically a flawed human being??? I know if my family and friends were constantly telling me there is something wrong with me and that I am "sick" and treating me like a second-rate human being, I'd probably be depressed and not want to be around them for weeks at a time also. And all he had to do was become straight and people would stop discriminating against him and accept him as a person.

Hey, maybe we should start acting this way towards people of other faiths too? We can tell all Jewish or Muslim people that all they have to do in order to be accepted as an equal in our community is convert to Christianity. Just be sure to let them know that there is help for their illness all around them. Next maybe we could let interracial couples know that they don't have to live the way they do. That all they have to do in order to be accepted by us is to simply BE like us. Doesn't that sound great? All their "illnesses" are curable if they truly want to be cured!

Posted by crucified (Merle Hexum) on December 1, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

From what I see on most of these blogs are two types of people: 1) Those who receive the word of God as absolute truth. 2) Those who do not love truth and have thus become delusional.

1) 1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

2) 2 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Posted by crucified (Merle Hexum) on December 1, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

God loves Homo-sexuals, adulterers, fornicators, rapists, drunkards, thieves, and murderers equally. The bible says that if you have broken one of God's laws, your gulity of breaking them all.
James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

God requires repentance from Homo-sexuals, adulterers, fornicators, rapists, drunkards, thieves, and murderers equally. The bible says that changing your mind and turning from sin is the foundation from which Jesus love is accessed.
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

God's love embraces all former Homo-sexuals, adulterers, fornicators, rapists, drunkards, thieves, and murderers equally. The bible says that those who will inherit the kingdom of God WERE those who have been washed, sanctified, and justified. They WERE all of this things prior to repenting and getting saved.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Posted by crucified (Merle Hexum) on December 1, 2009 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Christians are not to hate homosexuals, nor condemn them, but we are to love them enough to correct them.

I have a 3 year old daughter who’s stolen her daddy's heart. She is the apple of my eye. I would do anything to keep her from danger. Since she's only 3, she doesn't understand danger. Sometimes she wants to run, and if left to herself she dashes toward the street. As her father, I have a responsibility to protect her. This includes; the power to restrain her, the authority to discipline her, and the duty to rebuke and correct her. Because I have a great love for her, I will not neglect my duty.

God calls His children "The Apple of His Eye". He loves us infinitely more than we love our kids. God's done everything to keep us from danger, even laying down His own life. God has the power to restrain us and the authority to discipline us; but the task of rebuking and correcting (not judge), He has committed to men. If a Christian loves his brother, he’ll not neglect this duty.

"2 Tim. 4:2-4 I command you to preach God's message. Do it willingly, even if it isn't the popular thing to do. You must correct people and point out their sins, but also being patient ,exhort and instruct them. The time is coming when people won't listen to good teaching. Instead, they will look for teachers who will please them by telling them only what they are itching to hear. They will turn from the truth and listen to fables."