Should he get married?

[Dobie]

I know that this topic can really be very controversial, and people have strong opinions on both sides. I'm curious if people have any different reaction to the Bishop getting married over any other couple?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24521220&GT1=43001

I know it's not politically correct, but it does bother me more. I think marriage should be between a man and a woman. I flip flop on my opinions on civil unions, part of me doesn't think that people should be discrimanated against because of their sexuality, but an equally big part feels that civil unions are just the stepping stone to marriage.

Back to this story, for some reason, I find it offensive that a man of God would marry another man - I don't see how he can then go on to preach the word of God to others and be an example to the people in his church.

Again, not trying to start arguments - just curious how other people think

[Janet]

I don't think it's right either, but I have a relative who is gay. Quite a Christian man, very active in his church. He is a good Christian man. When I look at him and see/know what a wonderful person he is, I'm sad that he can't have the same thing legally and religiously.

But from my understanding, that's what the Bible says...Marilyn!! Diana!! I'm sure you know more about this in the scriptures.

I know he wouldn't have chosen this lifestyle. If there can be birth defects of many kinds..why can't this be considered one also. I do believe with my whole heart that not ALL homosexuals want this lifestyle, but if the feelings just aren't there for the opposite sex, what are they to do. It's not fair that they can't have a loving relationship and that it be blessed.

[Dobie]

I hope it didn't come across that I was condemming all homosexuals - I wasn't, my best friend was gay, he died of AIDS 10 years ago.

I also believe that someone is gay can have a relationship with God, we all sin.

My issue was this particular Bishop. I just feel that a church leader should not be able to be so open with his sin and still be in a position of moral authority.

[DianaB]

I don't think that a gay person should lead in anyway in church. It's much too contriversial. People have very strong feelings about gays and it could really stir up some trouble.

I'm not going to post scripture because this is a very hot subject, but the Bible speaks against homosexuality. We have to remember too that while God hates the sin, He loves the sinner.

[Marilyn]

I'm not going to post scripture here either. We've addressed this topic before and I think everyone knows that I believe what God's Word says on the subject and it is His word that judges each of us. To continue in any sin when we know it is wrong is not being repentant. God calls us to be a special, people. We are to be holy as He is holy. He defines for us what is and is not acceptable. What is does and does not authorize. We may not always like what He tells us, but He created us, He loves us, knows all about us, and knows what is best for us. There are standards for Biships, sometimes refered to as Elders, in more than one place in the New Testament. I don't however think that He requires any more from them than he does from the rest of us. We are to all strive to do our best to follow His word.

[Janet]

Originally Posted by Dobie

I hope it didn't come across that I was condemming all homosexuals - I wasn't, my best friend was gay, he died of AIDS 10 years ago.

I also believe that someone is gay can have a relationship with God, we all sin.

My issue was this particular Bishop. I just feel that a church leader should not be able to be so open with his sin and still be in a position of moral authority.

No Dobie, it didn't come across that way at all, at least to me it didn't.

I knew Diana and Marilyn would be able to shed some light on this. I forgot that this topic had been discussed before. I may have to go back and reread it again. Not that it really matters, I know I'll see him in heaven if I even make it there.

[Marilyn]

Please so not feel that my declining to post scripture here is one of those posts that is chastizing people for wanting to discuss something we've discussed before. I in no way intended to sound like that. It's just that it's hard not to sound preachy on topics like this. If you want a lesson straight from the Bible on this subject, I'd be happy to oblige (sp?). There are things that God is very specific about, and who are we to question Him and His judgment? He is GOD, the All Mighty, Jehovah, the great I AM. He is the beginning and the end the Alpha and Omega. He determines what is acceptable and what is not. It's not up to me to decide what I think is or should be right or wrong, what is fair or not fair. The Bible says that there is a way that seems right unto man that leads to destruction. There are lots of scripture about not relying on the opinions of men. We have to be careful about our or anyone elses opinion on something.

Love and Peace to all.

[Taurus Babe]

Well I don't thing being gay should be considered a birth defect, but I do think if a man wants to marry a man, he should have all the same rights as a man that wants to marry a woman.