Struggling to come to terms with something I have read in the bible.

[Shadow Wolf]

Matthew verses 27-28: "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Christ said that this sin is not defined by just a physical act; if we even allow such a thought in our mind we have sinned.

how can it not be a sin until it is acted upon.. when it says here that merely thinking it.. makes it a sin?.. is it different for homosexuals.. is it just when a man lusts after a woman.. and not another man, and vice versa?

There is a difference between looking at someone and thinking they are attractive, and looking at them like they are a piece of meat.

 

[Think4urself]

It seems to me that you've logically come to terms with your religion and that you are more moral than the teachings of your god. Why is it that believers, when addressed with these moral conundrums, can't see that religion is man-made, along with whatever god is associated with it. When you come across something that is written in your holy books and you don't agree with it, proves that you are more moral than the alleged god that inspired it. If we lived our lives by the literal word of the bible, we approve of owning other human beings, stoning adulterers, stoning those who work on the sabbath, killing the wonton child, etc. The list of ridiculous laws go on and on, and don't think that the New Testament changed all that, it wasn't until gentle Jesus, meek and mild that we hear of the eternal fires of hell, where there will be great suffering and gnashing of teeth. Jesus agrees with all the original laws of the old testament, it can actually be worse; Hebrews 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses. You have already displayed that you are a better person than that which your doctrine teaches, think for yourself and speak out against the bigotry.

 

[mimidotcom]

There is a difference between looking at someone and thinking they are attractive, and looking at them like they are a piece of meat.

i absolutely agree.. i was merely showing that the "bible" says differently than what was posted about it not being a sin of homosexuality until they take part in homosexual acts.. i myself have no issues with homosexuality.. i know and love people of both heterosexual and homosexual lifestyles. i have chosen to accept them with all their differences.. not faults. .but differences.. because that seems to be the problem with humans.. they resent that which is different and the christian bible condones this childish behavior..the bible to me is a fantastic storybook. and nothing in it should be taken in the literal sense.. it is IMO a moral handbook with a big god for added effect.. for a people that lived thousands of years ago..and are present on this earth no more. (i believe that the "chosen" jews are not the jews of present)

so.. to the OPer... IMO what was written in the bible was relevant at the time. and is relevent no more. the moral guidelines set forth in this bible were for the people it was written for and about. (and FYI.. it was written by imperfect men, translated by imperfect men, and preached to the masses by imperfect men)

:yes:

 

[mimidotcom]

It seems to me that you've logically come to terms with your religion and that you are more moral than the teachings of your god. Why is it that believers, when addressed with these moral conundrums, can't see that religion is man-made, along with whatever god is associated with it. When you come across something that is written in your holy books and you don't agree with it, proves that you are more moral than the alleged god that inspired it. If we lived our lives by the literal word of the bible, we approve of owning other human beings, stoning adulterers, stoning those who work on the sabbath, killing the wonton child, etc. The list of ridiculous laws go on and on, and don't think that the New Testament changed all that, it wasn't until gentle Jesus, meek and mild that we hear of the eternal fires of hell, where there will be great suffering and gnashing of teeth. Jesus agrees with all the original laws of the old testament, it can actually be worse; Hebrews 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses. You have already displayed that you are a better person than that which your doctrine teaches, think for yourself and speak out against the bigotry.

Think4urself...this is the only part of the post i wish to address...

Why is it that believers, when addressed with these moral conundrums, can't see that religion is man-made, along with whatever god is associated with it.

i pose the same question and can only offer this answer.. the level of delusion and indoctrination is so severe that they simply are unable to accept anything else.. i was the same way when i was "christian"... i was literally unable in my mind to see the contradictions in the bible.. convinced that god is perfect as is his word.
one of the things that most perplexes me about christianity...."how can u prove the bible.. using the bible"? how is that irrefutable proof? believing only that which was "taught you" (however you choose to interpret taught) and not questioning the validity of it is terribly small minded. relying on faith alone is perfect for the creators of this religion. for they know it can never be proven.. "by faith alone" says the bible. on top of that... if their purpose (christians) is to preach and spread the gospel of their jesus.. how is it that they damn and condemn anyone that questions their belief? not all christians do this.. there are some that are sympathetic to the dilemna we face when it comes to "believing wholeheartedly that which fails to be proven".. but many christians i have debated with..since becoming a non-believer, have said quite simply that im going to burn in hell for all eternity, judged by god as a blasphemer.. *well we all know that blasephemy is the one unpardonable sin... convenient.. believe what i believe or you will die die die. *(sarcasm abounds here)

i know this is slightly off topic..my apologies.:slap:

 

[Mr Cheese]

Jesus said, love thy neighbor as you would love yourself; and love God.

The rest is commentary.

Thus if one actually follows Jesus (not paul or billy bob), the idea of hating homosexuality is unchristian.

Its wonderful when you can solve an entire issue so quickly.

 

[MSizer]

Sorry I probably should have explained, I actually am being asked to do that by some members of my church who sat me down and gave me a "talking to" but when I defended myself by asking for proof all I was told is that I will be judged, this I dont agree with, how can I be judged by not judging others? So after church the only thing I found in the bible was Romans 1, but I feel like I may be mis-interpreting due to what I have been told.

May I suggest you tell your members to mind their own business? Tell them that God will deal with you when the time is right. In the mean time, I think they have their own problems to worry about.

Are you really going to let them stand between you and good relations with your family? How can that even be a difficult decision?

Once you've reached that stage, have a deeper look at the situation. The truth will set you free. As long as you mistake ancient folklore for truth, you'll struggle IMO. We are sentient social thinking beings, though many of us don't act this way. If you love your cousins, you owe it to them and to yourself to treat them that way.

 

[Mr Cheese]

i myself have no issues with homosexuality.. i know and love people of both heterosexual and homosexual lifestyles.:yes:

Homosexuality is actually evil

It encourages:

nipple clamps
mincing
greek salads
less handbags in the world
People to be called Susan

and lastly

homosexuality is evil as no self respecting Christian would be caught dead in leotards.

:sarcastic Now do you understand your folly?

 

[MSizer]

Read the Bible and pray .... The answer will become evident

For the sake of all our human wonder, don't go this route. Use your head. The pope has prayed for peace every year for over a thousand years, and "god" hasn't gotten around to it yet, do you really think your little quibble is more important than that?

 

[Mr Cheese]

There is a difference between looking at someone and thinking they are attractive, and looking at them like they are a piece of meat.

I often think Ultra Violet looks like a lamb chop

 

[Enlighten]

May I suggest you tell your members to mind their own business? Tell them that God will deal with you when the time is right. In the mean time, I think they have their own problems to worry about.

Are you really going to let them stand between you and good relations with your family? How can that even be a difficult decision?

Once you've reached that stage, have a deeper look at the situation. The truth will set you free. As long as you mistake ancient folklore for truth, you'll struggle IMO. We are sentient social thinking beings, though many of us don't act this way. If you love your cousins, you owe it to them and to yourself to treat them that way.

Thank you for your advice. Further into the thread (I dont expect you to read through it all as I'm sure it would be a nightmare ) I posted that I actually dealt with these members, who have come around to my way of thinking. But thanks anyway.

 

[lockyfan]

htat scripture mentioned about lusting for someone stems from what happened with Satan

he had once been an angel. He looked at the earth and humans and the power and authority that Jehovah God had over them and a lust for power grew in his heart

he then acted upon this in the garden of eden which resulted in Adam and Eve's sin

So basically what is being said is that if you look and allow the lust to grow in your heart you could very well end up like satan and acting upon it. Satans action has caused all the years of heartache and misery but thankfully this is almost at its end as we are trulyl iving in the last days of his system now.