Is there an LGBT person alive who hasn't suffered some kind of emotional and/or physical abuse because of religious people who use the Bible to justify anti-gay bigotry? Have you ever wondered what you should say in response to these attacks?
The fact is, there is a clear, powerful response to such attacks. Check out this quick, to the point, and spot on response from Dan Savage. It really says it all, don't you think?
Once you've seen it, tell us what you think? Will this help you better respond to anti-gay people in your life who use the Bible to justify their views? Did you feel more empowered just watching the video? Leave your comments!
This is the best summary Ive heard of how ridiculous religious bias really is ... very empowering!
Posted by: Tim | 04/13/2011 at 11:24 AM
Love the part about eating lobster, slavery, etc., why doesnt anyone ever point out this hypocrisy to religious bigots? if you feel justified going after gays, then speak out to justify slavery and persecute those who eat shellfish, too! how ridiculous would THAT sound on Fox?
Posted by: Cubby | 04/13/2011 at 11:42 AM
The Bible cannot be picked apart. It must be read fully to understand everything in context. Every rule and restriction is meant for health and safety reasons, whether it be physical, mental or spiritual.
I am a woman and agree with the Bible that the man is the head of the household. It is a heavy burden. He must answer to God for how his family turned out. I do not want that responsibility, for sure.
God loves you and wants you to be healthy. Gay sex is anything but healthy. What He commands is for our own good.
Posted by: Jenny | 04/13/2011 at 06:13 PM
well Jenny for those of us who live in modern life, we dont think certain types of cloth, shellfish or justfied slavery (this is part of a health and safety reason??) are part of a healthy lifestyle... have a nice day...
Posted by: Cubby | 04/13/2011 at 07:49 PM
Cubby ~
I live a very modern lifestyle, for clarification. I'm not typing on a rock. :)
Dan Savage, who I believe should know this, talks about shellfish and claims to not understand the health reasons for the ban. Today doctors tell pregnant women not to eat shellfish because it contains a high amount of mercury which can hurt the baby.
Slavery back then was a trade - labor for goods. If you needed something that you could not pay for (or stole or damaged someone's property), then you worked it off. Same as how we joke about washing dishes at a restaurant when the bill is high. It is not the same as slavery from more recent times when people were captured then sold. The person himself was in control of the terms.
I cannot recall the reason for certain cloths but I can take a good guess that it led to rashes or some other skin irritation.
It is even details how far away from encampments the 'bathrooms' (for lack of a better word) should be dug. Again, a health reason. Although if someone were to open the book and turn right to that page they would probably have a good laugh and wonder why God would include something so bizarre.
A car cannot run on water. There are right and wrong ways to do things. People need instructions like anything else. And who better to write them than the One who created us.
Thanks for asking and being courteous (not really what I am used to),
Jenny
Posted by: Jenny | 04/13/2011 at 08:31 PM
well Jenny Im sure those who were slaves in Biblical days were there to help others lead a healthier lifestyle! and Im also sure those women who were to be stoned for committing adultery would also be glad to know your interpretation .. anyway clearly u missed the whole point of the video, as its used to specifically attack millions of Americans .. if you support that, well, not much we share in common in terms of values... by the way, why would wearing certain cloth be considered an 'abomination' when all it did was lead to rashes?? to take every word in the Bible literally is just absurd ... maybe you should trade your virgin daughters to your neighbor for his flock of sheep, while youre at it!
do you still believe people should be stoned to death for say, adultery? i could go on and on, Id rather let this 60 second video be the voice of reason... thank you
Posted by: Cubby | 04/14/2011 at 12:19 AM
by the way, just not lest ye be judged is the most ignored verse in the Bible, especially by bigots! dont you like that verse, word for word? im sure you can justify spinning that into your belief system, too, but clearly, youre judging gay people here, which the Bible says is a sin ...
Posted by: Cubby | 04/14/2011 at 12:23 AM
Cubby ~ lol! Okay, so I thought you were being courteous! :) My bad. The gay community is the most hostile one out there, in my experience. And that says a lot.
No where in the Bible does it say that wearing certain types of clothing is an abomination. God says that women should not dress as men - another place that points out that women should not try to be as men (gay). Glad you pointed that out.
And right, it is not always speaking literally. Again, your clothing example is perfect. It's not about the clothing in that verse but what women are trying to do by wearing mens clothing is what it is about. You are spot on.
I think adultery is much too much accepted in today's society. It sickens me how much is portrayed on tv, giving our youth the idea that it is commonplace. Like, what's the big deal? They should show how badly it affects the families involved, tears people's hearts out. But, today, everything is about sex. What's love?
Please, go on and on. I welcome the opportunity to engage with you.
Posted by: Jenny | 04/14/2011 at 05:12 PM
Cubby ~
The Bible also says "Proverbs 9:8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you."
If you were working on a project, then someone came up and pointed out a flaw in your design, would you be mad at him or thank him for catching it before you went too far? It is up to you to do with God's truth what you will.
Years ago, my cousin and I used to hang out. He purchased a car from my first husband and it ended up being a lemon. I found out that my hub knew what was all wrong with it and sold it to Kenny anyway without telling him a thing. I was crushed. Shortly afterwards, Kenny started telling me that my hub was not good for me, and that I should get away from him. (he used to abuse me, but I didn't know Kenny knew that) I thought this was a case of being vengeful and wanting to get back at my hub, so I got mad at Kenny. It was the end of our close relationship.
Point is, Kenny really did care and all other details of life had nothing to do with it. I shouldn't have been so hardened towards Kenny and still regret it (25 years later). He really, truly was looking out for me out of love, even though I turned all my anger towards him.
I want you to know God's love. I am not condemning you. God reaches out to you in all sorts of ways, and will keep trying to get you to love Him back. He wants nothing more in the world than that. You are that special to Him.
I am a sinner. Only thing is, most of the ways I sin are hidden from public view. I don't broadcast them because I would have to deal with scorn like you do. I do not know how you cope. So I understand the anger. But not everyone out there are haters. You have to try and sift through them. I genuinely only want to help.
As for the first paragraph in my last post, I do try not to stereotype the entire gay community as being very hostile. It is probably only the ones I come in contact with. The lesser hostile ones must not engage, I suppose. It leads me to wonder though, as a group that feels looked down upon, why then do you so easily look down upon Christians? We are now the most hated group out there, and it's fully accepted (even encouraged) to hate us. No one stands up for us Christians. We are of the most lowly. So coming up from that position on the list, why would you give to us what you have been dealing with? For lack of understanding, I chalk it up to simple human nature. Unless you could explain it in a different way.
Posted by: Jenny | 04/14/2011 at 05:38 PM
Jenny u insult gays who read this site and u say u are glad to 'engage' with me? if u didnt sit on your high horse feeling superior to everyone and using the Bible to bash others, when lord only knows what YOURE doing with your life, well, maybe others would be kind and generous to YOU... Im sick to death of Christians telling me Im a low life, when they would be damn lucky to know me ..Im a good person, period.. now go 'engage' someone else
Posted by: Cubby | 04/14/2011 at 11:15 PM
Cubby ~
I don't know how I insult anyone. Maybe you are reading something into what I have written. We all need saving. Saying that, knowing that like I do, isn't an insult. Because I am apart of 'all'.
After reading the Bible and getting to know Him, I feel the lowliest of all, realizing that I am one of those that He loves and died a torturous death to save me. If that doesn't humble a person, I can't imagine what would.
I would never tell you nor any other person on this earth that they were a low life. You are just as worthy as I am to be saved and enjoy God's heaven. He created you in the same way He created me and everyone else. And every single one of us has done something to separate ourselves from Him. Bar none.
Most people ARE good people, Cub. But even the best among us need to be saved. That's how God requires it. Not me but Him.
I don't think it was by accident we stumbled upon each other. I have had you on my mind since yesterday. I do truly hope you find someone that will be able to reach you with God's love.
If you no longer wish to correspond, then this will be it. I will be praying for you, though. I hope you feel it.
With a sincere love,
Jenny
Posted by: Jenny | 04/14/2011 at 11:35 PM
if you could understand how arrogant and condescending you sound in the post jenny, my goodness its breathtaking! im doing just great with myself, i just pointed out that people like you use the Bible to bash other human beings, I dont need anything from you, id say you should take a long hard look at yourself, and pray for that person in the mirror... good luck...i have God's unconditional love already, gay or not, that is the whole point of my posts! this is not rocket science ... thanks Dan, great work, but clearly your intelligence is lost on some, oh well!
Posted by: Cubby | 04/15/2011 at 02:23 PM
Cubby ~
I have been in the exact place that you are right now. It is so uncomfortable, not knowing the future yet hoping things will be all right, grabbing onto anything that kind of makes sense.
Dan is very wrong, and here's why - if you were to walk into an operating room and tell the surgeon which scalpel to use because some guy down the hall told you the one he had in his hand was incorrect, you may believe with all your heart that you just gave the surgeon 'what for', but he'd look at you and know you were misinformed. The points Dan brought up are easily corrected by anyone who has studied the Bible. Those that repeat what Dan has said may falsely feel empowered, but nothing more. His errors are easily visible. He has not read the Bible, and it is obvious to anyone who has.
Would you think that the surgeon was arrogant if he then, after your 'recommendation', continued to use his scalpel of choice? You may go around and tell people how condescending he was because he tried to explain to you why he choose the one he did. But it doesn't make him wrong. It is all perspective.
Like I said earlier, I have been in the same place as you. I thought it was good enough to know Him on my terms. And the closer I was getting to the truth, the harder I fought. It was my sister-in-law who kept putting my feet to the fire and I hated her for it. I had nothing but contempt for her and thought of her as arrogant. So in my heart I am giving you such a big bear hug! I know the pain! And then all at once, there was a moment of surrender. I felt so weak from the 'battle' yet there was an ultimate washing of relief. And eventually, clarity. And peace. Peace is the best of all.
Jesus said that we are to be fishers of men. That is why I am trying to reach across the chasm to you. Not down to you, but across. I was not given up on and you deserve the same. People say that we should mind our own business and hey, that would be so easy to do. But we would be disobeying Christ if we did that. It is not to feel 'high and mighty' like one might think (how could we, being called such names). It is only doing as we are commanded. Period. For me, I feel a prompt and know then that it is my obligation to proceed. I know that sounds strange, I know. But it just is that way. It's how the Holy Spirit works. And it's awesome!
I know you don't need anything from me, Cubby. It is not from me that salvation comes. I would never try to miscommunicate that! And yes, you do have God's love. Absolutely. Which is why He wants you so badly to come to Him. Every time a lost soul returns to Him, all the angels in heaven rejoice! That is in the Bible - Luke 15:10. What an honor, huh? :) (And we are lost at birth so we all need to get back to Him)
It certainly is not rocket science. It sounds as though it is so easy yet it is the most difficult thing most people will ever go through. Then afterwards, you will wonder - why did I fight so hard? But God knows all of this. And He understands passion. He said that He would rather us be either hot or cold (towards Him) than lukewarm. He cannot stand those that couldn't care less one way or the other. So you are on the right track! :D
Don't take my word for any of this. Just read the Bible. My favorite version is the New International Version (NIV). I have found it the easiest to understand. I recommend reading the book of John first.
I am your biggest fan right now, Cubby! Praying that God showers blessings on you, and that you recognize them as coming from Him!!
Jenny
Posted by: Jenny | 04/15/2011 at 05:15 PM
yes God gave many blessings and one of them is being uniquely me, which is also gay, born that way, says it all, ive known it since i was 4 ...very happy with who I am.. take care
Posted by: Cubby | 04/15/2011 at 07:50 PM
Cubby ~
You, my friend, are unique as a single snowflake! There is no other like you! And God knows your every thought, feeling, fiber of your being. The Psalmist David had said to Him, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." God made you and He loves you - His unique masterpiece. His Cubby. :)
Being very happy is good, but there is a joy incomparable to anything else when you know God personally. Paul said 'What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ" Philippians 3:8 It really is like that.
Have a good night, Cub. You remain heavy on my heart and in my thoughts.
Jenny
Posted by: Jenny | 04/15/2011 at 10:38 PM
Jenny, of course God loves me exactly as I am, thats why I wish you would quit judging me! Im unconditionally loved, too bad you Bible thumpers have to fight the truth, and its very insulting to say Im heavin on your heart, when Im just as worthy as you are! again, look yourself in the mirror and you might be surprised by what you see... thanks and cheers..
Posted by: Cubby | 04/19/2011 at 04:43 PM
Hi Cubby!
I was so glad to see you write back again. Today is Good Friday and I wish you a blessed Easter weekend! :)
You keep saying that I am judging you but I don't think we're looking at our lives in the same way. You admit you are gay; there is no guess work for me there. I have broken some of the commandments - no one needs to judge whether or not that has happened. I admit it. There is no one, except for Jesus, that has walked the earth and can claim perfection. We are all equal. Equal sinners and equally in need of salvation. I judge no one.
If you mean that I am a Bible thumper because I have read it, taken classes to study certain aspects and try to live my life as directed, then I am guilty as charged. Are you not studied in anything? Are you mocked because you know more of a subject than others? If you are, then shame on them. I do not feel pride, but strongly encourage others to read the Bible as well. And I would spend as much time as needed with anyone who wants to learn. I want others to know Him. I want you to know Him.
And yes, you have been heavy on my heart. That's lingo for saying that I am thinking about you very often and feel prompted to pray for you. I do the same with my dear friends and family when they are going through something difficult. If I didn't love them or care, I wouldn't feel for them or even have them enter my thoughts.
Sorry for the confusion.
Posted by: Jenny | 04/22/2011 at 05:03 PM
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Posted by: King | 07/05/2012 at 07:29 AM
Seriously Alison, being able to cheer my kids on in any of their events is one of my abulsote favorite things to do as a mom! We have so many sayings around this house people would probably think we have some sort of a secret language lol!
Posted by: Ersa | 07/05/2012 at 10:57 AM
I love looking at the box day pircetus and seeing all those good books we read so long ago. "My Father's Dragon" (in the second picture) was a favorite here!
Posted by: Isabell | 07/06/2012 at 12:20 PM
In all fairness, junk food reimnas very, if not the tastiest. However, in order to live a healthier, hence happier life, those who are overweight, or suffer obesity surely will encounter serious health issues if haven't already, and the trade-off they obviously must make in order to stay alive is they'll have to sacrifice a little because we all know alive is way jollier than dead, right? Right.So the people who need it say it's not that' tasty? Beggars can't be choosers: simple
Posted by: Shelly | 07/06/2012 at 02:13 PM
Nu kan jag inte sluta te4nka pe5 hur jag ska kunna vinna ne4sta vecka ockse5 vad se4gs om upple4gget Vem e4r mest lik en enbent anka med sme5, sme5 ff6tter? eller Vem e4r koonrtets Kajsa Anka, fast med jeans? Och se5 kan du anve4nda samma foto en ge5ng till?
Posted by: Sagar | 07/06/2012 at 06:21 PM
These are stunning pirtecus, well done Brischetto Photography! I love the location, it looks so beautiful and romantic! Congratulations to Deanne and Warren on their special day and Jenny ..you look stunning my dear!!! Hugs M xxx
Posted by: Antonio | 07/08/2012 at 04:06 AM