I love my gay friends!

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  1. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
    schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years ago

    It is a fact that (if) being gay is a sin, it is no greater a sin than fornication.
    So

    I myself feel no right to judge anyone being gay especially when they are truly in love-

    I'm a bit perplexed because-

    It's wrong to judge and 'let the first one without sin case the first stone' - no one here could-

    but

    Is it ok with my God to promote it? or Is it ok with my God to acknowledge it?
    Personally I have no opinion or bias in retrospect so why do I have to 'ask' God if I can say my opinon?
    I don't think gay marriage is evil. 'Love is between the ears and not the legs.'

    I guess my question is to those who are 'religious' or Christians or whatever:
    Why is being gay such a big deal?

    1. keirnanholland profile image60
      keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      BTW if what the Westboro church upsets anyone, note that Jesus was more against self-righteousness than anything, a whole chapter was devoted to that.. I wish those people would just read their bibles than pretend to believe in Jesus. Also Jesus said it would be better for soddom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for the Pharisees.. So basically if you are Christian and you piss on gays, it's not helping you, it's hurting.. Just a sideways FYI, to help the gay people out, sort of a strange approach I know, but I've got gay friends too.. Probably not as sensitive as I could be.. I personally am a sexfreak, so I'd probably not make it into heaven, but serriously I don't think anyone would make it into heaven, we all have problems and failings. I think it is better to do what Jesus said in the nutshell gospel: "love others as you would love yourself, and love god with all your heart". What this means really is: love others (don't judge them, don't treat them like dirt if you think they need that, love, what did Jesus say about love, define love?)  and to love god, is to love good.. To know what is good and to do good. So if you know how to treat people well, you are likely already loving god.. The bible outlines what is good, but it's pretty intuitive aside from things like "loving others gods and such".. That stuff is mostly about "don't be superstitious", don't think that just because things are bad now, it was something you did.. The devil is who you blame for bad stuff, not people, the devil. not god, the devil.. If you think that there is evil in the world, yes there is, it's the devils fault.. Pretty easy stuff.. I'm not talking to the atheists or others who don't believe in Christ, I'm talking to Christians here..

      Also from the liberal slant, I think the real problem now is watching too much damn TV, it's a mind control device.. Just be careful what you watch, much of it is junk food, there to keep you watching and selling ads, the news stations such as Fox will change their tune if their market changes, they pander to the audience because they get paid by advertisers, so as long as you are watching, they are making money.. So what you get is not news, it's info-tainment.. You can pretty much tell when it occurs, just ask yourself every 5 minutes if the information that is being delivered is collected from "in the field" reporting and if it is "new" and is collected from random sources, and is fresh, if not, it's entertainment.. Mostly what you see on cable news is "speculators who gossip about crap they don't know, in hopes that you will think what they want you to think" but mostly just to keep you watching, take in the ads, identify brands to inform your future purchasing decisions, because brand recogntion translates to approval when you have to make a purchasing decision.. That's why it doesn't necessarily matter what the advertisers are showing, all they need is to have their brand recognized, and they got ya.

      BTW check out these documentaries:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFDwdRXCg3I
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y888wVY5hzw

      1. profile image56
        mours sshieldsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Very well said!

      2. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
        schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        I haven't heard about the Westboro thing...

    2. keirnanholland profile image60
      keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'll tell you what the conservatives are against, it is basically that they think if they let Gay Marriage get by then there will be other things they don't agree with getting by.. Look 'serve's, if America gets screwed up, move somewhere else, isn't that what the Essenes did? If America goes to hell because of what you think is sin, leave, and it will become apparent, but don't force people to think what you think.. It won't work.. Only through treating people well will you get anywhere..

      1. keirnanholland profile image60
        keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this
        1. keirnanholland profile image60
          keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          It was from a ray vander laan series I learned this from I think, but I don't recall which one.. Ray's cool.. Informative stuff..

          1. keirnanholland profile image60
            keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Sorry for the added replies.. I personally think that marriage or something like that for gays would be okay, the alternative is having relationships that might become destructive. I had a cousin who was killed by her lover, I think if gay marriage was more accepted then she might have had more of a choice of lovers and might be alive today. 

            I know a boy who was sexual abused as a child, brought up in a very Christian family.. How Christian? His foster mother is the sister of Ken Young (aka Founder of Hallal).. And this boy after having being put through all sorts of programs is still gay, and married to a gay man, and he is happy.. I can't imagine how his family feels, I know his father tried hard to keep him out of gay relationships.. But if it was hard for them to control that behavior, I think it's unlikely Christians will be able to change it..

            1. keirnanholland profile image60
              keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Keep in mind though that HIV passes best through anal sex, and is why it is so common among the gay community. I personally think the safest sex is no sex, masturbation.   Anyone can get STD's, and you don't even have to have sex. Example given: you can get herpes by sharing tooth brushes.. HIV is actually much harder, I 've heard, to contract.. It's said to be very rare but the phobia that surrounds it is strong because the consequences are great.. But the way I think about that stuff is its just a modern day leprosy, but leprosy was so much worse and in Jesus day it happened to everyone regardless of their sin. Christians are told to blame the devil.. Disease happens..

    3. Paul Wingert profile image62
      Paul Wingertposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Being gay is NOTa sin since sin is man made. Claiming homosexualality is a sin is a cop-out for admitting bigotry. Doesn't matter if it's printed in some worthless religious book, it's still bigotry. I take that back, religious books such as the Bible are not totally worthless, they make great fire starters.

      1. keirnanholland profile image60
        keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Being gay according to the bible is not a sin.. And the bible is kinda sketchy about the act of being gay in bed, it says you are not to lay with someone of the same sex (I think).. But then there is that old testament story about soddom and gamorah  (but the message is if you are the holy spirit, stay out of gammorah, there are evil people there, joke)..

        But the old testament I write off as really about how tough it is to please God without Jesus, so its really pretty irrelevant since Christians aren't bound by the old law, it's just there to say that "you can't get to heaven by keeping a law".. You can't buy a stairway to heaven.. LOL.. 

        Anyhow it proves that people are incapable of keeping a law, which would say that even our own legal system is bound to fail because we are all imperfect, how many people run red lights? If to get in good with God was not to break any american laws in the constitution or otherwise  and such, we'd all fail.. It makes me wonder why conservatives think they are closer to the original America because they push for the way things were..

        Things change, laws change, you can't return to yesterday, people change their perception of what is "evil".. We eat tomatoes now, we listen to Jazz, things that 100 years ago might have been considered evil. There is a cool documentary about Paris in the early 1900s and how the drive for religious perfection drove a lot of people to Paris to live a life of sin.. It was also where Jazz musicians were driven to live and play, and also a place rich people flocked.. Then it got to be too popular and the sinners left Paris because there were too many Tourists..

        Anyhow.. The conservative Christians of now... Yes there are liberal ones..  I think the serves are Just a bunch of old people dragging their feet, failing to realize that there is 100 Christian sects that don't agree.. Major fail for them..  Meanwhile in the Atheist camp they are looking for the way to make gene modifications.. I think that will be the next major human race failure.. But people were given free will, were they not? Let's see where that sin leads,

        I think I recall in a sermon someone saying the world is like a spectacle to the angels, we are on God's TV, and the days are filled with reruns of human failure, because sin is in the world, but it is all very fascinating, just imagine Angels really know everything about God and are not permitted to have free will, the one who turned its back on God, is the one that justified this whole free will experiment, the Devil.. All of time, everything we are experiencing, is just to see what sin does.. What we are experiencing is that idea playing out.. Well that's the Christian idea..

        Disturbing I know, but just think how disturbing life is without an explanation.. It's good to have one if you are looking for one.
        Otherwise you might just go insane.. However I think those who really just don't step back from the painting to see what life is and that they have a free will and such, really just would go insane either way.. Just sleep on it.. If it makes you feel better and do good, do it.. Otherwise, life is too short to spend everyday stressing about anything, Christians should recall what is like to be persecuted, recall what the romans used to do to Christians? I seem to recall that Christians did similar things during the crusades.. Every religion has permitted man to justify evil, the evil there is justification beyond self-righteousness, if you think you are above the law, soon you start drinking your own koolade and then you start making everyone else drink it.. Soon everyone is dead because the koolade was tained with imperfections you could not foresee.. There are times when Jesus would say things to the apostles like "go here, get this colt from this guy, or go down to the lake there will be a coin in this fish's mouth, and so on, nobody can have such faith as to expect that things will be there for them.." I think that when Jesus says "faith moves mountains" I think he really means "faith moves you past the mountains, so philosophically you moved that mountain from here to there". Nobody has such faith as to move mountains, only Jesus did. But faith will move you beyond the landscape that seems inescapable. It's like " The city where you live, the people who persecute you, you have the ability to move beyond them, and the driver's name is faith, get in the taxi cab and ride away".

        Any major dude will tell you my friend, any 'mount of world breaks apart falls together again, when the demon is at your door, in the morning it won't be there no more, any major dude will tell you - Steely Dan

        Trivia "Steely Dan" is a euphemism for  "Dildo".. Maybe  Donald Fagan and David Becker thought of the ultimate orgasm of a band would be a different band for every song, it's band was part myth, not one band but a bunch of different bands. Can you imagine trying to be a musician at the time, hoping to compare with this fantastic group only to realize that it was pure analog production magic? We know now the story.. 

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbbnMXZLPHk
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waIBA6_0GQc

        Naw I know I'm incorrect about Steely Dan, they started that studio experimental stuff after Pretzel Logic which is the album "Any Major Dude" came from.

        1. keirnanholland profile image60
          keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I think I have a disease that causes me to quote things as if I've become world famous and quoting things make them even more grandiose and such.. Argh.. It's just emphasis..

        2. keirnanholland profile image60
          keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Oh another falsity, the Devil is a he? Nope, the devil is an it.. The Devil has no genitals, nor do the Angels, nor does god.. There is no he or she when it steps beyond the Human race, you simply refer to their names.. Which is precisely how many homosexual people prefer to be referred to.. Not as he or she or it, but "Tom" , "Mary" or "Fruit Loop Unit" or "Blue Boy Wonder".. Free to be who you want people.. Technically though God is not to be referred to as God or by any name for fear that God might lose emphasis.. So blasphemy saying things like "God" with the word "damn", essentially dumbs down God.. I mean its easy, its human to not consider all creation and use the word God, but I think God would prefer that we think about all creation before uttering the word God..

          Okay now for something completely different.. Christians this is what you are driving gay people to do.. Pretty soon you won't be able to tell who is or who isn't Gay.. I think this is ultimately what happens with all this persecution..  I know this all looks silly, but acceptance can drive someone to do anything to be seen the way they see themselves.

          Here is an interesting documentary about Gender Bending....
          http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0192069/

          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq_VB6Jvvkg

      2. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
        schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        lol idk it's weird is all i can say

    4. keirnanholland profile image60
      keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I think marriage in the christian upbringing and from where our culture borrowed a lot of the ritual from, is defined as being strictly between a man and a woman, but it says in the bible if you can avoid being tempted (into sex) with another, it is better than being married to be alone. It also says for eunuchs, and gay people get sort of clustered together with Eunuchs, that it's not easy to accept marriage so one should become in a sense married to Christ.. But that's the Christian philosophy.. I'm approximating this as I don't really read the bible.. Reading puts me to sleep, I've never completed a novel, I remember everything by concept.. If you want to know absolutely, "seek and ye shall find"..  Me I'm sticking to the nutshell gospel, its enough for me.   I don't know if a gay marriage would have the same strength of a traditional marriage between man and woman, but I would argue that these days traditional marriage has had less strength and I think it would be a great challenge if by permitting gay marriage it would setup a competition with those who are in traditional marriages to out-commit those in gay marriages.. You know, like see how long you can stay together before failing..  I think if there was monogamy in gay relationships it would probably put an end to a number of STD's that are spread through non-monogamous relationships. Of course the heterosexual people would be challenged by "hey you think you want to get a divorce, look at our gay friends they have been married for 20 years  are we so weak to give up now?".. I see a purpose for mainstream secular culture, it's there to determine if we really think we are all that much better being Christians, and sort of challenges us to stick it out.. If there is no point of reference, how do you know you are making progress?
      Okay I know its not good to compare yourself to others, but we do it nonetheless, and it doesn't hurt to fail as a culture once and a while, it reminds us why we have the values in place that we do, and a reason for believing what we should.  If we say "stay away from gay marriage you will go to hell", is it not like the apostles who were afraid of the lake.. Yay though I walk through the valley of death I shall fear no evil. And yet people are fearing it anyhow.. ARgh! There are other solutions to such problems, as I said before.. Leave Christians leave if  you can't take the heat? We've got these Amish people that are doing quite well off by themselves..  I don't think we have a chance of comparing to the Amish, they should be inspiration for Christians.. Changing the culture and the people we come in contact with won't get it fixed.. Sin is in the world and we just walk around it.. Someone wants to marry someone of the same sex, just walk around it, it's not something to fear.. Oh ya, for deacons, at least this is true, public displays of affection, major no no, every Christian should be like sister and brother, even if they are married.

      1. keirnanholland profile image60
        keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        I think what is bigger a problem is seducing others out of loving relationships with their spouses.. Adultery.. Me personally I don't see a problem with things like porn, just so long as I'm not ruining someone's marriage.. Of course, I ruin my chance for a relationship.. But I've tried being in a relationship, it's tough stuff.. Not for me.. But you won't find me going looking for women to seduce, because for me at least, it's not as gratifying, I have social problems that prevent me from carrying on a conversation with someone, I'm boring as hell, I think if I married someone who doesn't speak the same language, like some french hotty, and she didn't care, I that would work for me. We'd use sign language to communicate, hows that?    There is something to be said about seeking pleasure, I find that the more pleasure I seek, when there is an absense of pleasure, I seek pleasure in other ways.. Sugar is pretty bad stuff, it drives one to over-eat. Inaction is bad, when bored I look for instant gratification.. What will it be?
        I don't even know if writing here is all that productive, or if its just another vice..

        1. profile image0
          Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          "I ruin my chance for a relationship." Ive never heard it said that way before. Very insightful. (Im always sarcastic, I hope that didn't come across sarcastic cause I was being honest. lol)

          I gotta go to work... take care. smile

          1. keirnanholland profile image60
            keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I ruin my chance for a relationship because I short circuit the sexual urge, so to say.  But serriously, I think there is enough children in the world, I think we've got a population problem.. If you long to be in a relationship, get a Dog, they read your facial expressions, they bring joy, and they don't complain about your looks. But if you want a challenge, get a spouse, children.. You will come to realize just how self-centered you are, and that marriage will break you of it, if you are lucky.

            1. keirnanholland profile image60
              keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              I'm not saying you are self-centered, I don't even know you..

              1. profile image0
                Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                No, I didn't take it that way.
                But you're right, nothing will break you of self centered-ness faster than a spouse and kids. smile

      2. profile image0
        brotheryochananposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        It is a fact that (if) being gay is a sin, it is no greater a sin than fornication.
        still a sin. forgivable of course.
        So I myself feel no right to judge anyone being gay especially when they are truly in love-
        humans have a type of love. God has a type of love. human love is equated to two animals rutting in a field. Gods love is not so superficial.  The two types of love are very much different. Human love does not take precedent over Gods type of love. Human love is not justification its something that happens but it is not a balm that gets rid of sinfulness.

        I'm a bit perplexed because-
        You want to make homogenized love more important that God.

        It's wrong to judge and 'let the first one without sin case the first stone' - no one here could-
        There is a difference between judging and accessing; judgment and assessment. Casting the stone in the above case would be judgment, and is more than an assessment. We are called to assess all people but not to judge them, herein is the difference. It would be of tantamount hypocrisy to stone someone for something you yourself do, but not hypocrisy to assess what someone else does even if you do it too. Hope that helps.

        but Is it ok with my God to promote it? or Is it ok with my God to acknowledge it? Personally I have no opinion or bias in retrospect so why do I have to 'ask' God if I can say my opinon?
        I don't quite understand this... skipping to the next section

        I don't think gay marriage is evil. 'Love is between the ears and not the legs.' I guess my question is to those who are 'religious' or Christians or whatever:
        love is not really between the ears or the legs its a heart matter and who can assess the heart.? Just because two people kiss and have sex does not equate to love. They may even say they love each other, who are we to know, we will have to see how long that 'love' lasts. People come together for all sorts of reasons, convenience, money, they like their looks, whatever.

        Why is being gay such a big deal?
        Gayness is not really a big deal but it needs to be dealt with to come into alignment with Gods perfect will. On a forum people will ask about gayness and on a forum answers will happen but this is a forced scenario. In my world gayness doesn't pop up, its not an issue i am dealing with in peoples lives on a daily weekly or monthly or yearly basis, whereas others might. I deal with drug addicts commonly and others deal less with these issues - to each their own.
        Back to perfect will (there is also permissive will) Perfect will aligns to much of what God wants, permissive will aligns to much less, indeed in permissive will people can live in their sin for long periods of time. In the perfect will area people have dealt with their sins and continue to walk in Gods ways. The benefits of the two vary greatly. People who do not do what God wants walk in permissive will, as will gay people, and until the time they correct this situation, their walk toward perfect will will be hindered as God needs to do much work in their lives, but perfect will pleases God, as does male and female union - obviously the way it was intended to be from the beginning and God has less to do instead of a clean up job he works more in the area of revelation and guidance.
        Why did i say gayness was not such a big deal if i say it needs to be corrected? Gayness is something that God needs to deal with, and He will and does, in His time. I can discuss that being gay is an aberration of Gods intention, others will disagree, whatever. The point is that God is supposed to change people. It is not my job to change anyone. Bible bashing does not help this we know. So its not a big deal to me if someone is christian and gay but i will pray about the situation and make supplication known unto God, for my own benefit and state of heart which may enable me to deal with Gods love throughout the situation. I hope this help also.

        1. profile image0
          riddle666posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Here is another fellow who is sitting with god and knows what god wants!!

      3. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
        Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

        It says in scripture about men laying down with men . It is an abomination. If the good Lord above wanted men and men and women and women. Then there would never be off spring since Adam and Eve. *gay* is the devil's work. He goes inside the hearts who have been abused or mistreated and turns them into fornicators. I don't believe it something one is "born with". This is as crazy excuse as I ever heard one. There is no reliable evidence to date that homosexual behavior is determined by a person's genes.“Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth.” Genesis 8:15-17.
        Proverbs 31:10-31. And you may read “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22; see also Leviticus 20:13).
        Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

        1. profile image0
          Emile Rposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          The fact that Christians pick and chose which sins are the worst (leaving out the ones they feel comfortable committing themselves) to the side. You say there is no evidence of a genetic link. You might want to read this.

          http://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/17/scien … study.html

        2. profile image0
          Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Let's get this straight. Are you saying all gay people were abused as children and God is punishing them for being abused? You think God would punish the abuser. Think for yourself much?

          Are you sure there is no evidence that homosexuality doesn't have a DNA link? Have you studied DNA enough to make that statement? I've know a few sets of Gay identical twins in my day.

          1. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
            Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Deleted

            1. profile image0
              riddle666posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Are you telling us that the gay people are like animals?
              In case you haven't noticed adult humans can give informed consent while animals and kids cannot and that is why bestiality and paedophilia are crimes.
              PS: Well if somebody choose to select animals what is your problem, unless you are a compassionate animal lover and hate cruelty against animals? Of course there is the problem of transmitting some germs from the animals to humans, but set that aside.

              I am NOT a gay, just in case. My only concern is human rights and Just like you I am not bothered what two consenting adults do in private.

              1. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
                Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Well, let me say this in response to your question. I am a rescue foster home for cats and dogs. I noticed every now and then one cat will smell the other cat's butt. I have witnessed two male cats who have been fixed, one will try to mount the other male. So, you can take this answer and decide for yourself. shall I pass the catnip or a bone? Oh, and "informed consent"?
                really? Now you are sounding like Obama who thinks he can just woo me with his smile and serenating.

                1. profile image0
                  riddle666posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  My question is why you want to do either? Why can't you leave the cats alone? Have you seen cows or bulls doing it? You will not even think of getting near.
                  And the first question, why do you think humans are like animals that need your guidance? Why don't you think, like yourself, they too can form opinions and decide for themselves?

            2. profile image0
              janikonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              I'm not sure when the pamphlet was handed out drawing a comparison between homosexuality and bestiality but I think it's time to retire it. Giving the LGBT community the right to marry, have children or live openly will not open the floodgates for people seeking partnership rights with their dog. It's a ridiculous comparison, for a multitude of reasons I'm not going to bother listing, so let's stop going there.

              As for you being tired, I'm tired too, I think I've had just about enough of people telling me I'm doomed to spend my afterlife burning in the seventh level of hell, I'm tired of being called names, I'm tired of constantly having to feel afraid to openly be affectionate with my boyfriend, and I'm tired of being denied basic rights and freedoms many straight people have, yet abuse.

              I was not abused at all as a child. I had a very happy life and I am still gay. Both my parents are still married, inherently straight and there is not one other gay person in my immediate or extended family. Where would I learn such a behaviour? I dated women and even slept with a few, not that it's any of your business, but I consistently felt more attracted to the boys in class. When I met my first boyfriend it was like I was coming alive and finally understood what all my friends were describing.

              Is it written in my DNA? I think it is. There are several scientific studies stating that there is a strong possibility it could be. And to be fair, if the parent of the gay twins was gay, it could also feed into the theory of passing on the 'gay' gene to one of their children. The argument can go both ways, at least if both sides are willing to entertain the idea they are not always right.

              Thanks for the advice on the water. I'm drinking it by the litre.

              1. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
                Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Deleted

                1. profile image0
                  riddle666posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Rape in any form is rape and it is a crime irrespective of it is gay or bisexual and those who perpetrate such crimes should be given the maximum penalty.
                  But what has it got to do with being gay?
                  Is your own source of love and enjoyment the only form of love and enjoyment?

                  1. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
                    Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Deleted

                    1. profile image0
                      riddle666posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      roll
                      You were saying something was done to you, was that another of your nightmare you were elaborating, to get sympathy?

              2. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
                schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Thanks for sharing that, very interesting information, I appreciate it smile

      4. Cristale profile image82
        Cristaleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        This is a good point and I agree. It is biblically wrong to judge and wrong to be gay, so how do we become right?

        1. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
          Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I am not trying to Judge. I am repeating what I know with all my heart to be the truth! There are three rules I was raised to never question.
          1.) GOD
          2.) God's purpose
          3.) God's laws

          1. profile image0
            riddle666posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Out of curiosity, are you not allowed to question god(his purpose or laws), or the persons who told you there is god/his purpose/laws?

            1. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
              Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              I know there is a God as sure as I know my name! The persons who told me about God, didn't have God in their lives. God was revealed to me many times in my life. He sent his spirit or Angel to protect me and guide me! I am not in jail for murder or dead because of suicide or in a mental hospital because of what *MAN* has done wrong by me. It is because of God. And for me to question the only entity who give me everything I have, including the breath in my body is unfathomable to me!

            2. profile image0
              Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Why were you raised to never question those three rules? You don't think God would want you to ask question with the brain you think he gave you?

              1. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
                Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I was raised to believe, I would go to hell if I questioned the authority of God. He would curse me and I would die. I can't ask God a question because he is not in the earth relam for me to hear his answer.
                As far as why did my parents raise me this way? I don't know. They are both gone, and I can't ask them either.

                1. profile image0
                  Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  That's too bad. It really is too bad. I believe it's called extortion and is against the law.
                  Extortion is the practice of obtaining something, esp. money, through force or threats. Now without certain you church demands/asks for money.

                  Do you really think a loving God would lower himself to extortion just to get your praise?

                  1. UnknownAuthor72 profile image60
                    UnknownAuthor72posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    good point! but doesn't the church and man ask for the money. there is no god asking for money is there?

                    1. profile image0
                      Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      right, so why are people listening to those telling them to believe or burn in hell? It appears that all the God of the NT is asking for is worship. Worship and obey and don't burn in hell. So he is asking for something isn't he? Seems like asking for worship is a bit of a character flaw if you ask me. Some would call it needy. Would you follow a human who asked for worship and said if he/she/it doesn't get worship you will burn in hell?

                2. Paul Wingert profile image62
                  Paul Wingertposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  @85 Jo_Goldsmith   -   You know there's a god? You were raised not to question anything about god? So what you're saying is that you know there's a god because someone simply told you so and you accepted this without question because you're scared of going to hell - something else that someone told you and you accept that without question. Hmmmm. OK. There's a term for that, it's called brainwashing.

            3. dmvjane profile image59
              dmvjaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              I have read the discussion and I hope by now you have started to question his laws, purpose, and existence. Wake up! It's time to vindicate Alexander the Great. Get over with your medieval morality that drags our society backwards while hurting a lot of people in the process.

        2. profile image0
          Brenda Durhamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I love my gay friends too.
          Just like I love my alcoholic friends.
          And my druggie friends.
          And my divorced friends.
          And my friends, period, whether they're right or wrong.
          So does God.
          I just don't love their wrong actions, nor condone it, nor intend to let them convince me that wrong is right.
          Neither does God.
          It's that simple.

          1. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
            schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I want to support gay rights but I just can't seem to get involved. That's why I posted this.

            1. profile image0
              Brenda Durhamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              I see!

            2. MelissaBarrett profile image57
              MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              You know what honestly, the best thing you can do is to just know that the stereotypes aren't true.

              You've seen plenty of stereotypes in this thread, pick em out and break em down.

              As long as you realize that gay men aren't having sex with animals, lesbians aren't an abomination and bi-sexuals aren't "sleeping around" then that's all anyone can ask.

              The biggest struggle the LGBT community faces is ignorance.  With every person that doesn't believe the hype, the community is one step closer to equality.

              1. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
                schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                smile

                1. profile image0
                  Brenda Durhamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Ehhh...
                  If you remember that all people in America already have the same human/civil rights, and have had for decades now, you'll do okay.   
                  Except for unborn babies of course.   They have no rights at all.   Who can hear their cries while the gay rights activists holler?    I wonder if that's by design of theirs or if they really don't realize they're that self-centered?..........

                  1. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
                    schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    I wrote a few hubs about unborn babies (pro life) I'm more passionate about it than other issues for exactly the reason you stated- they have no voice and no one to stick up for them, so I do find it important. And since science proves it's life at conception, it's a no brainer

                    1. profile image0
                      Brenda Durhamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      Agreed.

                      1. JMcFarland profile image69
                        JMcFarlandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        Interesting.  Where was god's pro-life stance when he was ordering the jews to "rip open women's pregnant bellies" and slaughter all of the innocent babies, infants and children repeatedly in the bible?

        3. cockadawalk profile image59
          cockadawalkposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          You would have to tell me. I am not interested in anyone's sexual preference but my own, and those of my partner (potential partner). I don't understand why people have to broadcast theirs in public. Why not be tasteful and keep it in the bedroom?

          By the way, I would venture to say that you have a "Christ-like" attitude towards your friends.

      5. profile image0
        SirDentposted 11 years ago

        The biggest problem I see is that so many will justify their sins, no matter what the sin is.  Some try to justify fornication, for instance.  This is the biggest problem that I see personally in the world.

        It isn't just about being gay or fornicating.  It is about justification.

        1. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
          schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Well, the question is- is either a sin?

          1. profile image0
            SirDentposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Fornication is a sin, according to the Bible.  You must define being gay before we can discuss if it is a sin or not.  I can only go by what the Bible says about it,

            1. profile image0
              Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              That's simply not true, you could use your own brain instead of using a two thousand year old book with ridiculous rules not intended for us today.

              1. JMcFarland profile image69
                JMcFarlandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Dammit, I was JUST going to say that!

                1. profile image0
                  Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  I'm sure you would have said it much better anyway.

              2. profile image0
                brotheryochananposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                The rules are the same, God has not become politically correct. The spirit of his laws apply today as in noahs day. The rich man needs to give to the poor of a pure heart, the poor man needs to help the needy from a pure heart. The hooker needs to find a new job and the crooked accountant needs to clean up his act. The angry dad needs to become less angry. The disobedient child needs to learn to be more obedient. Gay people need to realize that God made children to be a blessing and carry on the dna sequence (multiply)
                When it comes to the sex lives of humans we can see that Gods rule of abstinence greatly diminishes much heartache, sorrow  etc. If we truly ever wanted to value finding that one special person to experiment and experience our virginal sex lives with and to grow together sexually we might have found out that sharing virginity with a wife is a wonderful thing beyond imagination and it builds character along the way.
                To say what you said shows shallow and selfish understanding of what Gods intentions really are.

                1. profile image0
                  Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  To say what you said shows shallow and selfish understanding of what Gods intentions really are. It also shows a shallow and selfish understanding of human nature and nature for that matter. Asking people to change who or what sex they are attracted to is futile. I'll make the assumption you are a heterosexual man for a moment. Do you think you could abandon your feeling, emotions and desires for women and simply apply them to men?

                  Shallow and selfish? First of all there is no God so you are wasting your breath except to look like a bigot. Sorry you can't see the irony of a supposed God making making homosexuality and then telling people not to be homosexual.

                  And while I'm at it, incase you are unaware, both homosexual men and women are able to pass their DNA onto their children.

                  God's rules from the bible? Rape, murder and slavery!

                  1. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
                    Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    Deleted

                    1. profile image0
                      riddle666posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      Why do you insist that everybody should think like you?
                      Gay people will also say the same, instead of the same sex, they will be saying that about the opposite.

                      1. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
                        Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        Deleted

                    2. MelissaBarrett profile image57
                      MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      If you wanted to become a nun rather than join my dating pool, I'd encourage it.

                      1. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
                        Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        Deleted

                      2. profile image0
                        Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        I'm more concerned about the genetic pool.

            2. dmvjane profile image59
              dmvjaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              I am having the impression that the bible is robbing us of our common sense. If the bible is the word of God then why is our common sense makes a lot of sense than the bible? I've read the OLD TESTAMENT but I've skipped the genealogies and the census.

              1. profile image0
                Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Now that's common sense.

              2. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
                schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                hmm

            3. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
              schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              walking the 'straight and narrow'!

          2. dmvjane profile image59
            dmvjaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Being gay or having sex with homosexuals is not a sin. It can only be a sin if your reference is the bible. However, there are acts that are morally unacceptable (e.g. Doing it in public) and it goes the same with male-female relationships.

        2. MelissaBarrett profile image57
          MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I've never met one gay person-including my bi-sexual self- who has tried to justify anything.

          That would mean that there is someone to try to justify it to.  Someone they view as an authority that would disagree with what they are doing.

          That person/deity obviously doesn't exist to them.

          I would assume they fall into two major categories...

          1. They don't believe it's a sin.
          2. They don't believe in God.

          Therefore no justification needed.  Personally I'll "fornicate" with whomever I like.  There is no justification needed or attempted.

          1. profile image0
            SirDentposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Hmm.  Does non-belief in God make Him disappear?  How do you justify sleeping around with whoever you choose?

            1. MelissaBarrett profile image57
              MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              I don't justify "sleeping around with whoever I choose".

              I have no one to justify it to.  It's my body. If it was someone else's body then I would have to justify.

              And no not believing in God doesn't make him disappear any more than believing in him makes him appear.

              1. profile image0
                Motown2Chitownposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                My aunt had eight children.  They were struggling financially when they found out she was pregnant with her sixth child.  A friend asked her what on earth she was thinking by getting pregnant again and told her how irresponsible she was to have done so.

                My aunt very diplomatically told her to mind her own business.  Her exact words were, "I appreciate your concern, but I would thank you to keep your nose out of my uterus."

                1. MelissaBarrett profile image57
                  MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  I said something similar to someone when I was pregnant with Aiden.  A bit less polite but I'm not big on diplomacy smile

                2. keirnanholland profile image60
                  keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  BTW what's the difference between war and abortion, either way is killing.. Jesus was never for killing.. Give that to your conservative friends.

                3. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
                  schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  tongue lol

              2. keirnanholland profile image60
                keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I have a friend, who's wife and he were Christians, they met on a evangelism mission, door to door.. They were both spreading the word.. Anyhow, later she revealed that she was a Lesbian.. I think that's what drove him away from Christ.. Keep in mind, once you are married, don't divorce if you can help it.. I've avoided marriage because it's a tremendous commitment, and I think these days people have really lessened the importance of remaining married. It destroys families, I know I was a child of divorce at the age of 7, it changes everything when you are in a loving relationship in a family, and divorce just $#!@# everything.. But if you are in a abusive relationship, that's justification for divorce..  Divorce in my family didn't have to happen, there was no abuse, it was just a lack of communication. Unfortunately it took the divorce for one to get the message.  Marriage is about mutual submission, that means you literally lose your self-will, but isn't that a big time Christian attribute? Zero selfishness?    I also say don't have Children unless you think you are good enough..  The sins of the father are the sins of the son, if you are a bad person and you have children, it's likely you will pass on your bad judgment and treatment of others.  A rebel shouldn't be a father. If you are a rebel and you want to do well, become a priest.. I'm serriously thinking about this, as I am a major rebel. However I think that rebels shouldn't be put to death like some jerk politician was pushing recently.. Rebels could be called liberals, and to put rebels to death would be to remove people who actually seem to think.. I haven't seen very many Conservatives that can think outside the lines of whatever box they think they are in.

              3. profile image0
                SirDentposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I have seen you write in these forums that you belong to God.  if you belong to Him, then it is not your body anymore but it  is His.

                1. MelissaBarrett profile image57
                  MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  If he made me he would also know that my body still belongs to me.

                  I made my children yet they certainly don't belong to me.

                  I'll not justify myself to him either.  He can either throw me in hell or send me to heaven but I still don't owe him an explanation.

                2. Hollie Thomas profile image60
                  Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Bollocks!

              4. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
                Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Your life and your body is from the one who made you. God knew of you in your mothers womb. He gives life and can take it away. There are two well known stories about folks who said there wasn't a God. They are no longer on this earth. The two examples are Actress Marilyn Monroe told Billy Graham that she did not need Jesus and died shortly afterwards-
                The man who built the Titanic After the construction of Titanic, a reporter asked him how safe the Titanic would be. With an ironic tone he said:
                'Not even God can sink it'   The result: I think you all know what happened to the Titanic

            2. profile image0
              Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              He can't disappear if he has yet to appear. But yes, when you stop believing in God the concept of God disappears. God is only real in your imagination, much like santa.

            3. profile image0
              riddle666posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              If she 'sleeps around with whoever she choose' what is your problem as long as she is not sleeping with you (in that case she has a problem)?
              Better keep your nose(and Bible) out of others private.

            4. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
              schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              now that's just bad 'etiquette'

          2. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
            schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            lol

          3. profile image0
            brotheryochananposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Of course Gods rules do not apply to those who don't believe in Him. Thats like making sharia law apply to me, like making communism my way of lifestyle, like making me adhere to australian drinking rules. For me to tell a non believer they are sinning is like trying to tell a geologist he is adding wrong.
            People do what people do and this is what God has been battling throughout our entire history. If and we should include when, people come to God they soon learn differently about their former beliefs, until then there is really no question of justification.

        3. keirnanholland profile image60
          keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Self Righteousness is the worst sin of all.. Because it drives potential converts away.. Recall this seen, Pharisees are the old world self-righteousness:

          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3ZArH1K8gE

          1. keirnanholland profile image60
            keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Actually no I got that wrong, if you are a Christian, denying God is the worst sin of all.. But that's basically doing this: saying you believe in god, then turning around and saying "naw God doesn't exist, my mistake".. But you can always come back, the unforgivable sin is just denying what you feel is right..  If that makes you feel better, but its best just to let some room there for some words to enter in, it's like you don't just decide to ignore people.. To ignore people is wrong, isn't that what dictators do? Good example of ones sinning the ultimate..

            1. keirnanholland profile image60
              keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              To deviate more, denying people the freedom of speech, is linked to the ultimate sin.. And what is the greatest commandment, according to Stephen Spielberg, as well as God. "To Listen".To him who has ears, let him hear..

        4. Hollie Thomas profile image60
          Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I agree, especially when it comes to the self righteous! Who, exactly, do they think they are?

      6. Jerami profile image58
        Jeramiposted 11 years ago

        I have gay friends, and we have mutual interests(other than sexual) to talk about and partisipate in together.
        I have hetrosexual friends, and we have mutual interests (other than sexual) to talk about and partisipate in together.
        If sexual preferance and or description of sexual actavities are all that any one of these friends have to talk about (weather they are gay or hetrosexual)  I soon become disintrested in communicating with them.
        The same can be said of tapdancers or tennis players. Friendships are built upon commonalities
        If I'm not interested in tapdancing or tennis, I certainly don't want that to be the center of conversation

        And YES   one sin in NO greater than another.  I need to take out my own trash before becoming concerned about any one elses.  And even then, If I'm not falling down over it, it is not my concern.

        1. profile image56
          mours sshieldsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Well said!

      7. profile image0
        Gypsy Rose Leeposted 11 years ago

        I used to have a couple of gay friends who were the most wonderful people in the world. The way I look at it is that it is a worse sin to lie and cheat on your wife or husband and wreck their lives than it is to be gay. This is because gay couples just like any other couples can love and cherish each other till death do they part. So where is the sin? As someone once said when confronted by the gay issue - they don't have horns, do they? Just regular folk only they love differently from the rest.

        1. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
          Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Do you really believe gay people don't cheat or lie, steal ect? That just because they are *gay*, they some how don't have the same other sins like anyone else? I don't find it to be "love" when two men or two women engage in exchanging in bodily fluids. It is sick, sick, sick! It is to satisfy the flesh. I am tired of the *gays* being allowed to have their "free reign" in the disgusting public display of satisfying their cardinal affections with each other.

      8. JMcFarland profile image69
        JMcFarlandposted 11 years ago

        Like it or not, the Bible says that gay people, like disobedient children, are to be put to death.

        1. profile image0
          brotheryochananposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          That was old testament. A new testament interpretation of this OT way is that they will die spiritually.  We are so very blessed to be living in NT times. Count your blessings not your curses lol.

          1. profile image0
            Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            God changed his mind and decided to kill their spirit instead. Time to think with your own brain. What's right and what's wrong.

      9. profile image0
        Motown2Chitownposted 11 years ago

        What is it that makes a human being think that they must have a 'special' kind of love for their 'special' kinds of friends?  We do not deserve a reward for loving anyone.  We do it by choice.  So, I deserve no special reward for loving my husband, loving my children, loving my friends, loving an addict, loving a sinner, loving an individual who is gay, straight, fat, thin, tall, short, purple, blotchy, covered in cellulite, smart, stupid, kind, cruel, or any of the other umpteen million labels we put on other people.

        If you love someone, wonderful.  That means you must accept them as they are.  Period.  What you believe in, condone, respect, loathe or abhor, like, find interesting...whatever...should have absolutely no bearing on whether you choose to love someone or not.  The only behavior that should affect you is yours.  IF another chooses to behave in a manner that brings you harm, you are well within your rights as a human being to walk away from that person.  If you choose not to do so, then the effects are your responsibility to deal with, not theirs.

        Being gay is not a big deal unless you make it one.  Last time I checked, every one of my gay friends just wants to be recognized as a human being.  If I can't give them that recognition, it's my problem, not theirs. 

        I have a lot to say on this, but for now, I'm rambling and wish to stop.  I'm still really trying to put together a reasoned response to this question.  I will end with this.  I am a Christian.  I am convinced that God is far more concerned with how I treat people than with whom I share my bed.  Because of that, I'm pretty sure that's all he's concerned with for everyone.

        1. keirnanholland profile image60
          keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Right on!!

        2. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
          Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          You have said it well. I enjoyed reading your post. I pray for those who call themself *gay*. I cry for those hearts who have been broken and now allow another person to break their bond with God. It is something everyone should pray to have the truth come out and stop this insanity!  And so you know. Yes, God does want us to *love* each other. This doesn't mean to have sex with them. It means when they hurt you, you turn the other cheek and when they steal your food, you give them your house too. Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you.
          If you only love those who love you, then that is your reward.

        3. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
          schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          No, the reason for this post is that I want to post or Like rather on facebook lgbt rights but something is stopping me. I look for no rewards for liking wonderful people who I have no problem with. I just can't seem to fight for their rights. I'm just non action type in regards to this. but I am seeing more lately things I didn't see before, hence the forum

      10. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
        schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years ago

        Well I'm not interested in getting politically involved but I guess that says it all.
        I'm just an observer. And that's what I'll continue to be.

        That was my point- whatever anyone else got out of it-good! Cause I don't know where a lot of it came from lol

        I'm fine.....Like I said in the beginning.....I''m just happy I've evolved to this place of acceptance

        Peace all!
        smile

      11. profile image0
        Motown2Chitownposted 11 years ago

        I'm so discouraged...lol

        I go on a passionate rant, pour out my heart, make what I think are some damn good points about human behavior...and all I get is a 'Right On.'

        Am I just really that boring?

        lol

        1. Hollie Thomas profile image60
          Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Don't be Motown. Your answer (not rant) was full of compassion. Aren't Christians supposed to be full of that? I'm an atheist, you're a Christian, we can accept and respect each other because we have so many other things in common, which includes compassion and an ability to walk in the shoes of another.

          We both recognise that it is not our job to make judgements. How boring would the world be if we were all the same? If I believed that there was a G, I'd thank him for producing individuals, not parrots, conformists and hypocryts.

          1. profile image0
            Motown2Chitownposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks, Holly.

            It takes us all to make the world go round.

            big_smile

            1. Hollie Thomas profile image60
              Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Indeed! smile

              1. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
                schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Indeed

          2. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
            Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            In your statement "I'd thank him for producing individuals, not parrots, conformists and hypocryts". We are all individuals who are on a personal journey through this life. I would much rather believe in something to help me get through the evil of this world, then to become of this world and find out this world was nothing compared to what would be my fate for not believing. I could never understand why it is so hard for people who are intelligent not to recognise that we all need something to believe in!

            1. profile image0
              Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              I would also much rather believe in something to help me get through the evil of this world, but just because I'd rather believe in something doesn't make that something real. I'd rather be 6'2", but I'm not even though I'd rather.

              We don't all need to believe as you had stated, you can't speak for all of humanity. I know many people who can't understand anyone thinking other than the way they do. I know a grown man who is afraid of being alone at night and thinks everyone is the same. I personally don't need to believe in God to get me though this life, sorry if that's hard for you to understand, but it's a reality.

              1. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
                Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                okay then I see your point. Thank you for respectfully clearing this up.
                  I would like to see everyone be happy and have all the things it is written. There are so many people I think would be so cool to be friends with and hang out.  I will work on it! ok? smile

      12. profile image0
        janikonposted 11 years ago
      13. profile image0
        Beth37posted 11 years ago

        This is how I see it.
        God so loved THE WORLD, that He gave His only son. Jn 3:16
        While we were still yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rm 5 :8

        God loves sinners. I am a sinner. If God can love me, He can love anyone, and not b/c I say so, but b/c the Bible is full of verses that say He loves all of mankind.

        Is homosexuality a sin in God's eyes? Yes. He is God, He gets to decide things like that. However, the Bible says over and over that God loves sinners (which is all of us) and He wants to save us from our sin. It is imperative that we receive salvation, it doesn't matter if all our sin issues are resolved. He works those out, we are all works in progress.

        So, He loves, He forgives, we are all alike, we do not need to judge, but we need to be like our God, who does what? Loves and forgives. We *will all be judged one day, that is why it is imperative that we receive the covering of His blood... which covers our sins. No man is perfect, no man can see the Father, but by the son.

        I have many friends and a few relatives that are gay. I love them all, and they love me.
        I like this pic very much. It's the Westboro church that's spreading that msg. of hate around... and a lone kid who pops in the pic just long enough to share a msg. I hope you can see it.

        http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= … mp;theater

        1. keirnanholland profile image60
          keirnanhollandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I was given the same sort of junk when I was born into the church, it sounds all well and good, but whether you believe it or not is the question.. Most people say they do, but it is just a sort of peer pressure.. There are places where it says "if two of you agree on something, there I am" or something of the sort. I follow the bible and God, but not so close as to sound like a robot that just regurgitates scripture.. Mainly because it just confuses me, and confuses those around me. I know it says that people won't understand this stuff, you kind of have to know stuff like why jesus is the lamb that died.. It's a jewish symbol that the killing of a lamb was the sacrifice necessary for the forgiveness of sins, and so Jesus was the last sacrifice, blameless but he took on the burden of all our sin like a lamb. Did you know lambs have limited eyesight they have to follow the butt of the lamb in front of them, and they don't really know where they are going, sort of like lemmings, but not self destructive like lemmings. But we are all like lambs, we by ourselves go nowhere but get lost, but together we go wherever our shepard leads.. See I just made up all this stuff from what pieces I knew of what I've been told about lambs, and such, the part about us getting nowhere by ourselves, that came from a combination of thought, and I just threw that together.. And it's more inspiring, I think than sticking rigidly to the bible and just regurgitating scripture without really completely understanding what it is.. Like did you know that when it says it is easier for the camel to enter the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter heaven, that's referencing the idea that there is a wall in jerusalem that camels have to kneel down to enter.. So for a rich person to enter heaven is to be humbled.. You know why the apostles were terrified out on the lake when Jesus walked to them on the water? It's because it was perceived in the Jewish culture that the lake is the entrance to hell, and so Jesus had to sort of break the apostles of their cultural superstition to make them realize that things were not as they seemed, and that to have faith is to overcome their fear of hell.. Hell is something to fear, but Jesus isn't going to just let you slip into it by accident.

          1. profile image0
            Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Haha, did I look like the dumb blond of Christians? lol.. that's ok, Im not easily offended. Ive actually studied the Bible at length. I wouldn't call me a scholar, but I didn't do the Readers Digest study version either. smile
            Yes, I had heard that about the camel and the wall... Ive heard some pastors say its true while others say that was not the translation. One pastor in particular used to say whenever you can take the Bible literally, do it.
            I had not heard the one about the lake being the entrance to Hell thing. Would have been a tough one for a bunch of fisherman to overcome eh? But I don't argue with you, there's a ton of stuff I don't know... or don't know yet, maybe Ive got time to learn.
            Yes, I really enjoyed your inspirational msg. laced with truths, it was actually quite inspiring as you said.
            I still believe every word I wrote and meant it as well. It's all about love my friend. And I believe, it's all about God. He began it, He's gonna end it. I wanna please Him, I think He's worth pleasing and as a matter of fact, He's pretty much the only one worth pleasing, cause when you please Him, you're gonna end up doing right by others anyway, so I see living for Him as win/win.

        2. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
          schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Well spoken, Beth, that little kid is a Sweetheart!
          yes babes tend to really know the truth- listen to them! smile wink have a great week

          1. profile image0
            Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks schoolgirl, you as well.

            1. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
              schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              smile

      14. tdatag profile image58
        tdatagposted 11 years ago

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        <a href="http://www.vakantiehuisdordogne.be">vakantiehuis dordogne</a>

      15. Jo_Goldsmith11 profile image61
        Jo_Goldsmith11posted 11 years ago

        You know I am so tired of Ran talking his crap. And everyone else in here. This isn't a legitamate questions! I can tell by the people who post here how they are supposidly "all that" yet do u see how they look? Ugly! I guess, if I couldn't find some one who was of the different gender to want to do me cuz I am nasty looking Melissa. and cant show my face like Ran. And for your information Ran, you are a Piece of what you referred me as. Where do you get off? oh, yea that's right! Let's talk about the baby molesting abomination of the Catholic church and those "nuns" who are gay and a bunch of baby rapers! Yea, let's hang on hat on how great the Priest and nuns are!

        1. MelissaBarrett profile image57
          MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          LMAO... I'm actually pretty cute.  Got dimples and everything smile

          I've apparently got plenty of people to sleep around with too. So I'm good.  Thanks for your concern though.

          1. profile image0
            Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I like your answer. lol

          2. profile image0
            Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            You look cute to me. She just had a little shift of emotions.

      16. tngolfplayer profile image74
        tngolfplayerposted 11 years ago

        It is not for anybody to judge or call something a sin.  Unless I am badly mistaken nobody who posted here is a god(a few goddess perhaps) so nobody can say with undeniable proof(not faith, proof) what is a sin.

        When it comes to personal beliefs and decisions, the only person responsible for your "soul" is you.  Marriage, sexual orientation and such are civil matters, and as such in this country, should be free from religious beliefs and restrictions.  Somebody being gay in no way affects my life in the least.  I don't wake up wondering if them sneaky gays are finally going to get equal rights, or take pleasure in some religious belief that I am spiritually superior.  All are created equal, and should be treated as such.

      17. Reality Bytes profile image74
        Reality Bytesposted 11 years ago

        I do not have gay friends.

        However I have some friends that may be gay?

        1. profile image0
          Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Are you asking? lol

          1. Reality Bytes profile image74
            Reality Bytesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            LOL

            No, I do not ask.  I had a friend of seven years tell me a few months ago that he was gay.  He thought I already knew and was shocked that I did not.  I have friends, placing them in a group is ridiculous. 

            He is not my "gay friend", he is my friend.

            1. profile image0
              Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

              If he were always happy would it be alright to call him your gay friend?

              1. Reality Bytes profile image74
                Reality Bytesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                He could act gay?  Absolutely, but that would be fleeting.

                https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTMnUx2_fzMaIstAguuk8Tn-6XlxOeJJobR5rgV9g-U4ADwbKEbOw

                1. profile image0
                  Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  I think Beyonce has that same outfit.

            2. profile image0
              Motown2Chitownposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              You made my point in one sentence.  Took me several more than that.  wink

        2. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
          schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          lol

      18. Disappearinghead profile image60
        Disappearingheadposted 11 years ago

        To the anti-gay lobby, what is it that upsets you?

        If it's a case of perceived morality, how do their lives affect yours? You carry on with your happy marriages and 2.4 children.

        If it is a case of perceived sin, look at your own judgemental and bigoted attitudes. Let God be everyone's judge. Consider that Jesus never spoke about the subject and God never once stated that the reason Sodom was destroyed was due to homosexuality.Ezekiel 16:49

        If the "go forth and multiply" is not fulfilled, go and complain to the heterosexual couples who choose not to have children.

        If it is anal sex that's the problem, go and shout at the heterosexual married couples who enjoy bum sex.

        If it is gay couples in loving relationships, go and consider how the Church condones divorced and remarried couples.

        The whys and wherefores of homosexuality in the bible is not clear cut. It is fogged by translation, the original meanings, and 21st century cultural assumptions of history.

        The sky will not fall down if gay couples get married.

      19. waynet profile image70
        waynetposted 11 years ago

        I just love my friends....even if they are gay or straight...I won't put a label on them!

        1. profile image0
          Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Good point. People are ppl and ppl need to be shown love.

          1. A Troubled Man profile image59
            A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            No, people don't need to be shown love, that is what causes all the conflict in the first place. Show respect, instead, and that will be perfectly acceptable.

        2. schoolgirlforreal profile image78
          schoolgirlforrealposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          smile

      20. Fastian profile image63
        Fastianposted 11 years ago

        Lot(Lut) was a prophet whose nation was punished due to this sin. It's written in Islams Holy Book Quran. Don't know about Bible. But it's sin. Someone who believes in religion must not severe ties with such a person only to bring him on the right path.

        1. profile image52
          Robertr04posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I agree. But you can only go so far. If they don't agree, you move on.

        2. profile image0
          Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          The God you worship in punished a whole nation because of the sin of one man? Am I reading that correctly? Do you think an entire school of children should be punished because of something the principal did?

          1. profile image52
            Robertr04posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I might be wrong for commenting here, but I agreed with Fastian so I feel as if you are talking to me also. What one man's sin and what children are you referring to. I could be mistaken, but I believe he was referring to Sodom. He punished that nation for the sins of the people collectively according to the bible. What children in what school?

            1. JMcFarland profile image69
              JMcFarlandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              except the "sin of Sodom" was not that everyone was gay.  Sorry.  Even the bible admits that their sin was inhospitality

              1. MelissaBarrett profile image57
                MelissaBarrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I adore the "everyone is gay" story.  Did God really need to destroy the town in that case?  Wouldn't the "problem" kind of sorted itself out eventually?

                1. profile image0
                  Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  LOL. It'd only take one generation.

                  1. profile image52
                    Robertr04posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    I have admitted to being slow Rad. Sometimes it takes a little longer for me to understand analogies. S&G were not destroyed for homosexuality alone. That was the main purpose, but not the only one. There were woman and young men so there was always the possibilty they may have lasted more than another generation. Until I started reading HP I had never listened to an atheist. From what I've observed, many seem to be ex-Catholic, of oppressive Christian parents, oppressive Christian teachings, have a beef with "god", or gay. Where do you fit in?

                    1. profile image52
                      Robertr04posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      Actually, I should have said the reasons for their becoming atheist.

                    2. profile image0
                      Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      Please direct me to the information you have as to why S&G were destroyed because all I can find is that they had sinned and were wicked and there was an outcry.

                      Atheist come in all shapes and sizes just as Christians do. You have most likely talked to many atheists, but they don't typically bring it up in casual conversation. You are mistaken to think we are angry with God, there is typically no anger because you can't be angry with someone who doesn't exist. Imagine being angry with the tooth fairy?

                      1. profile image52
                        Robertr04posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        I mentioned why in Ezek.16:50. I asked you why did they become atheist. Until Hp I have had no contact with the naysayers. I'm 64, it's been awhile since the tooth fairy. Matter of fact we never talked, he/she always came when I was asleep smile But on the serious side, I'm not going to argue with you or anyone else about what's mine ( my beliefs, thoughts, car, wife, house, etc.), just like I would be foolish to argue with you about what is yours ( Thoughts, opinion, etc.). That way there will be no conflict and 2 noble people can remain out of the dark ages smile I believe I explained to you earlier, you don't believe what I do, so why would/should I discuss my spiritual beliefs with you? I'm almost sure we could find other things of interest to talk about, if not...

                    3. JMcFarland profile image69
                      JMcFarlandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      You are incorrect in your assumption about Sodom and Gomorrah.  They were not destroyed mainly because of homosexuality.  According to Ezekiel, I believe, they were destroyed because they were inhospitable.  Ezekiel 16:49

                      1. Jerami profile image58
                        Jeramiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        I think you are right.

                      2. profile image52
                        Robertr04posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        It seems those who attempt to explain away the biblical condemnations of S&G claim their sin was inhospitality. The men of S&G were certainly being inhospitable. There may only be one or two things more inhospitable than homosexual gang rape. But to say the Father completely destroyed 2 cities and all their inhabitants for being inhospitable clearly misses the point. While S&G were guilty of many sins, was the reason He nuked them. Ezek.16:49,50- the Hebrew word translated "detestable" refers to something that is morally disgusting in His eyesight and is the exact same word used in Lev.18:22 that refers to homosexuality as an "abomination". Jude7 expresses the same thoughts. So, again, while homosexuality was not the only sin in which S&G indulged, it does appear to be the primary reason for the destructions of the cities. At the same time, it is not biblical to say that homosexuality was the exclusive reason why He destroyed S&G. The cities were definitely not exclusive in terms of the sins in which they indulged. Every time homosexual behavior is mentioned, it is condemned. The Book is not homophobic (excessively hostile toward homosexuality), but it clearly treats heterosexuality as normative (1cor.7; ephes.5; 1peter3, etc.). Attempts to reinterpret the Books teachings on the subject raise an even more crucial question: What Scripture can be presented that supports, legitimizes homosexuality? Risking the danger of accusations of speaking for the Most High, S&G merely serve as a powerful example of how He feels about sin in general, and in this instance, homosexuality specifically.

                2. JMcFarland profile image69
                  JMcFarlandposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  additionally, if everyone was, in fact, gay - why would lot offering his two virgin daughters have any weight whatsoever?  If they were, in fact, gay - then what would the two virgins have done?  given them makeup and clothing advice?  Please.  What often goes unnoticed is that this story is repeated later on in genesis.

                  1. profile image0
                    Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    What that story shows is the complete lack of respect the writers had for women.

            2. profile image0
              Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Sorry, you don't/can't understand the analogy.

          2. Jerami profile image58
            Jeramiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            If there had been only ONE sinless person in the town, the town would have been spared

            1. profile image0
              Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Are you talking about Lot and his family who God saved?

              One sinless man? Can you find one today anywhere? Are you sinless? Can you through the first stone?
              The most disturbing part of that story is what Lot does to protect the new men in the village, he offers is two virgin daughters up instead of himself. This is the moral man that God saved from the village. What a troubling story is set an moral example.

      21. Jerami profile image58
        Jeramiposted 11 years ago

        Robertr04 wrote ...Until I started reading HP I had never listened to an atheist. From what I've observed, many seem to be ex-Catholic, of oppressive Christian parents, oppressive Christian teachings, have a beef with "god", or gay. Where do you fit in?
        ==== 
        Robert  ... until I came to HP I too hadn't had any conversations with atheist.
        I think that most Atheist have an arguement with religion more so than with God. They can not agree with religions perseption of such an entity.  They can not have a problem with a God that they do not believe in.
           It is the way in which God is presented to them that they can not accept.
        Just my opinion.   
            I do not believe in many perseptions of God. Doesn't mean that I don't believe in God.

        1. profile image0
          Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Sorry, It has nothing to do with how God was presented. What do you think, if you just present God in a different way then we'll suddenly believe? From my perspective there is simply no evidence for any God and plenty of evidence for a Godless universe.

          1. profile image52
            Robertr04posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            My intentions would never be to present my Father in another way, defend Him, or try and prove He exists. Nowhere in Scripture can you find Him asking or commanding to be defended. On the contrary, He tells me, "If you hold your peace and let Me fight your battles, I guarantee you the victory". He defends me. He does not ask me to prove Him to the unbelieving. He says everything in its season. He will give proof. IMHO, there is no doubt He will. Time will tell.

            1. profile image0
              Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Sorry, your two post are completely contradictory to each other.
              Guarantee victory? What happens when two nobble Christians go into battle? Do we determine which one was correct, by who kills who? Right back to the middle ages we go folks!

              "He will give proof" Really, no one ever dies an atheist?

              1. profile image52
                Robertr04posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I don't know what happens when two noble christians go into battle. I would assume like in most battles, someone wins, someone loses, or it could end in a draw. Give me an example. The differences they may have should be resolved without violence amongst themselves. That would allow everyone to remain in this "civilized era". My friend, many die atheist and believers. And it will always be that way. Yah, nor death is partial.

                1. profile image0
                  Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Sure avoid the question. Make blanket statements and avoid any questions regarding your statements.

          2. Jerami profile image58
            Jeramiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I'm not saying that at all.  A different presentation will change nothing as to your beliefs. As far as what you are kicking against is however ... the presentation. Without our presentation, you have nothing to argue against.

            1. profile image0
              Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              By presentation, do you mean how God is presented?

              1. Jerami profile image58
                Jeramiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Sorry I can't spend more time on line & that it takes so long to reply sometimes.
                Yes, The way god is presented and their/our perseption as to who/what god is what I'm talking about.

                  I have no doubt that there is a higher power, and I do believe that he/it does ocasionally interact in the actavities here on this level, but I think that I would be in error to think that I can adequately describe who, what, where and why God is.
                The description depicted in the Christian bible is grosely incomplete.
                I don't think that we are suposed to understand more than what we do.

      22. Jerami profile image58
        Jeramiposted 11 years ago

        Rad Man wrote:
        I don't need to, but if you have no problem with homosexuality, but your God does the you've got a conundrum. Either you or your God is wrong and unethical. Which one?
        =========================================

        Every Christian knows that one sin is no greater than any other ......    but we tend to over look that FACT.  I think to recognize or not to recognize Christ as our saviour can be seen as a sin ...  no greater than any other "sin"
           I think that when we die we return to where we came from. If we came from no place, no place is where we go.  If we came from someplace, Then we go someplace.
        Or something like that.

        1. profile image0
          Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          What does that have to do with my question?

          1. Jerami profile image58
            Jeramiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            It was directed at the post you were responding to ( And yes, according to Scripture there is no doubt He hates homosexuality.)  AND   to your post.  "And"  being a key word.

            If we call homosexuality worse than whatever sin we are guilty of is hypicritical.

            1. profile image0
              Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

              Are you saying all sins are the same? Murder is the same as using the lords name in vain?

              1. Jerami profile image58
                Jeramiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Well ...  how many kinds of disobedience are there.   
                Which is worse, your son uses your car without permission  OR your teenage daughter sneaks out her window at 2 AM.   OR your other son sreals a dollar out of the cookie jar.

                   Which of these three examples are the worse form of disobedience.

                1. profile image0
                  Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Well, you didn't answer my question. In your eyes is murder that same as using the lords name in vain?

                  1. Jerami profile image58
                    Jeramiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                    I did answer it.  The point is ...   where do we draw that line  and who gets to deside.
                    Are you talking about murdering a bank teller, a drug dealer, or are you talking about murdering a murderer? 
                      Are you talking about using the lords name in vain after your car breaks down on some dark deserted dirt road, or after a loved one is murdered or just doing it for the fun of it every waking minute of your life.
                    And does any of this matter?    Who desides where to draw the line.  This is why one disobedient act is no more disobedient than another ...   at least it isn't for me to deside.

                    1. profile image0
                      Rad Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      I'll have to take it that to you murder is on par with taking the lords name in vain. Our laws see that differently thank goodness because I'd hate for someone to spend the rest of his life in jail because he uttered a few words in a particular order.

                      1. Jerami profile image58
                        Jeramiposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        If you are refering to the secular order only ...  then the question was pure sillyness.

                           I had presumed that you were speaking of a religious concept only.   In which case one crime (sin) is no greater than another.

       
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