So, it only took 13 months to post again...

So, let's try this again...I shall attempt to keep up with this blog since--sadly--xanga is dying. A friend tagged me in a facebook note yesterday that was discussing the legalization of gay marriage and Prop 8 in Cali. I rarely discuss my opinions of touchy topics like this, but I decided to go out on a limb yesterday. This was my response...I'm interested in people's comments or feelings regarding what I said and what they believe.

"Personally (and that's all I can speak from...my personal experience/relationship with God)...I believe in God, I believe he inspired the writing of the Bible, and I believe that when the Bible says homosexuality is a sin it means it (it also says things like lying is a sin...and that God doesn't look at one sin as greater/worse than the rest...he loves us all the same, therefore I'm in the same boat with everyone else).

HOWEVER, I don't think it's my right to impose my values on others, especially in terms of government (not that I don't want so share my faith with someone who asks me, but its never a right of mine). The point of the US even being founded was freedom from religious persecution. I'd say this is a form of religious persecution. Legalizing same-sex unions isn't increasing the number of same-sex couples, it's just giving them the benefit of tax breaks and freedom to live life as they choose. I may not agree with their personal choice, but I'm ok with that--everyone disagrees with everyone at some point. It doesn't make me better than them, and it doesn't give me the right to force my beliefs on them either.

From a biblical point of view, Jesus tells everyone that the greatest two commandments are to love God and to love others. What is love? Patient, kind, doesn't envy, doesn't boast, it's not rude, it keeps no record of wrongs, always protects, always trusts, always hopes. Is the church--what is supposed to be the hands and feet of God--showing love to everyone? The church can't affect anyone in a positive, meaningful way without establishing some sort of relationship with them..and the basis of any relationship is love. This real, self-sacrificing love. Why does the church seek to alienate further a group of people who, for the most part, have experienced some intense rejection (since most people who come out find that reaction from someone) and who might need a safe, loving place the most of anyone?"