Perhaps he realizes that the Bible, just like every other book ever written was written by men and women and NOT some fax from God. Perhaps he realizes that that verse was germane only in the time frame it was written, which, btw, is LONG before your version of God, as in Jesus. Perhaps he...
I can quote scripture too Fear. Love thy neighbor as thyself. And that is just one. You can claim that that verse is still germane today but its not. What of the gays in Christ's time? And please point out in the Bible where Jesus spoke about homosexuality. I do NOT mean Paul, I mean Jesus...
First of all, I am very sorry for the loss of your mother. I am lucky enough to still have mine and I cherish each day Frank. Please accept my deepest sympathies. As for your lover, I hope the two of you live a long love filled life. What I had with my partner was joy. Nothing short of...
That may be the case and it seems doubtful to me that he has the sway to overturn 2000 years of bigotry, however, at least he is making an effort to recognize that gays are humans too. Whether or not they can marry within the RCC or even be an accepted member seems, IMO, to be a separate issue.
True enough but keep in mind that Islam is still in its collective infancy compared with Christianity. As you note, from about 500 to as little ago as 100 years, Christians were as violent, if not more, than Muslims are today. So do we excuse what the Christians did in the name of their God...
I have been similarly celibate since the death of my partner. Mostly in honor of her memory as she was my soul mate and no one would be ever able to take her place. Frank, you are not damned my friend. God, IMO, cares for us all.
And yet the ten commandments were written by men and are very much mutable. They can and have changed with the moral tone of society over time. Murder, stealing and so on will likely never change, or I hope not, but having other Gods, or other of the rest are no longer in effect for those who...
How was being in a totally committed relationship with my late partner, wherein neither of us strayed on the other, or IOW, committed adultery, committing same? That is a rather far reached stretch that doesn't make the connection. Adultery is defined as stepping out and having an affair with...
Seriously? This is just crazy talk. But do keep in mind that some countries in Europe do have bathrooms that are utilized by both men and women, with the obvious stalls to separate independent usage. And having dormitories where both men and women reside has been around for some time now...
Pope Benedict was a Nazi in his youth and you will never convince me that his 'retirement' was just about being tired. The Church was in disarray because of his overt conservatism and he drove many young away, which the Church could not afford.
I see. Then I would assume all heterosexuals would be celibate as well, no? Sexuality is a natural part of our human physicality. Like it or not, we are all sexual creatures. Being gay is how some people are born. Did you choose to be heterosexual or was it a natural choice, like...
Ouch Penguin. I apologize if what I posted has offended you. It was merely an interesting article IMO. You are correct that he does follow the whole Bible but you also know my loathing for Paulian dogma and IMO, being more accepting of women and their role in the Church runs contrary to what...
Perhaps I was mistaken but I had thought that he meant that that would include transsexuals in the grouping of LGBT as he made the statement. I could be very wrong however Shadow but I do agree he seems to be much more accepting and he has been addressing the church's pedophilia rather well as...
I can see your point Demon and its a valid one. He may very well be trying to enact damage control, as you put it. OTOH, his views on women were rather forward thinking. I agree that mouthing platitudes about gays being accepted, while ultimately not being is hypocritical at best. However...
Perhaps they will be praying for you to understand that "what they are" is no different than you. They are just as human as you are and btw, I was born Bisexual friend. And IMO, God made me this way.
You are completely incorrect about Mohammed. He was not a warlord at all. He was perhaps, if we are to believe the tales, a pedophile, but mostly he sat in judgment of others. Comparing the Bible to the Koran, one can find just as many violent laden verses in the Bible as in the Koran. It...
to some degree, yes, this still occurs. However, that said, there is a very large resurgence of interest in reconnecting with the Native American's roots. Most of the language of many tribes has been lost but even that is being researched to bring it back to the tribes. Here in Maine, my...
I can understand your reticence with this pope but I still think he is a refreshing change and IMO, people can and do change, even views that can be as volatile as this. I am not a Christian so I don't adhere to the dogma of the Bible however, that being said, as the pope, don't you think, in...