Posted on 10/23/2014 4:31:04 PM PDT by detective
I’m so happy to live in a place and time where Bibles are so freely available, that I can read the Scriptures for myself, and not be dependent on any priest or preacher or synod or council or convention of men to tell me what the truth is.
It’s hard to fathom why, in these circumstances, people willingly submit to those who want to keep them in ignorance, when they could read and understand the Bible for themselves. For them, the Bible might as well still be banned by the Catholic power-brokers.
It seems that the left’s relativizing of gender differences might be turned back against them. If “male” and “female” are arbitrary social constructs, mere labels, mere tools of social power, then so are terms like “gay” and “homosexual.” There would thus be no “gay” people or “homosexuals,” there would just be persons who at some time in their life engage in, or are attracted to, homoerotic BEHAVIOR. The “essentializing” and reification of gayness as an almost metaphysical reality would be untenable.
Agree to a point - it would be easier to agree but for those who single it out as particularly heinous among sins. The lament that Paul made when he said that he did that which he would not do and did not do that which he would do describes the human condition. If one who met the risen Jesus (along with those who walked with Him before He was crucified) cannot do away with repititious sins which require repentance over and over again, how can we insist that a homosexual not commit homosexual acts? Jesus pretty much made it clear that He came that we all had the opportunity to have a personal relationship with Him - it is our job to make the most of our individual relationships and to carry the Word - He will decide whether or not others are deserving of His Grace. I think we let ourselves get diverted from the real task when we fight so hard to quell the sins of others. Biblical instructions tell us to lovingly point out another's wrongs and to not associate with them if they continue their ways (If a man will not work, he should not eat explains this). I know some homosexuals who get it and who do not want to change marriage to suit - they attend church, read the Bible, and are open to some pretty frank discussions - instead of condemning them, I explain my beliefs and where the Bible helps me develop those beliefs. I believe that is more effective than open condemnation.
For better or worse, Pope Francis deserves a respectful title.
...in a word, no...
...after reading your post, I must say, the second part off your tagline is most appropriate..
...after reading your post, I must say, the second part off your tagline is most appropriate..
..and after reading my post, my inner fool realizes that I meant to say screen name instead of tag line...
“...not more than one in twenty Catholics under the age of 50 has been to confession in the last five years.”
Perhaps they have not committed a sin in the last 5 years...
Yes, some folks want to measure sin by degrees and call one sin more heinous than another, especially their own.
That is not what this thread is about, or maybe I’m on the wrong thread.
I don't know about that, but it looks like this thread is on the wrong forum.
Perhaps
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