I'm gonna sound crazy, but bear with me...

• Phunkie wrote on 2013-06-20 06:25
  My boyfriend's Christian (as in, the religion) and going into my relationship with him, I was certain I was going to become more familiar with the matter of Christianity and maybe even partake in it sometimes. That's his life, pretty much, and I really enjoyed that he had such a wonderful thing to look forward to.
  
  BUT DAMN, YO.
  
  This believing in God stuff really brings so much more hope that I'd ever imagine. Being with him has turned me from an atheist-agnostic to a believer. Although I still hold a lot of my beliefs about science and morality as central, believing in a loving God sorta extends it.
  
  Who knows? Maybe we're here for a reason?
  
  While I may not directly follow everything in the Bible, I've really become educated on some of the issues in the Bible, such as homosexuality (since it's one that I would personally have to deal with on the regular), and I've learned so much about Christianity in itself. For example, the homosexuality condemned in the Bible is completely different to the context it's referred in today. Context is everything when reading these books written a long time ago, whether inspired by God or not.
  
  To end this, I dunno, I just wanna tell you today that I feel loved. I feel blessed. All my life, from before I decided to change my ideas on God till now, I've been surrounded by such wonderful people and I've just made sure to keep spreading that joy.
  
  I dunno what you're going through today, but know that you're loved. And that there's a purpose for you here in this life. :) You can interpret that as both religious or secular. WHO CARES?! Just do good, strive for more, strive for better in life. Don't give up!!
  
  Love ya'll.
• Evaris wrote on 2013-06-20 07:16
  And another sheep falls into the trap of the wolf... Don't get me wrong, there are some truths in the bible, Jesus was one of the most agreeable beings there are aside the support for his father and all, but the modern teachings of Christianity leave out a lot of the true mythology behind it, let alone the truths that you won't be taught in a public christian group. Including the common misconception that the god of Abraham is singular, which was simply from a choice made by human priests that the people of Israel should not worship any god but Yaweh, worshiped by the Babylonians by the name of El. Then you get into the back history and.. yeah can't say I like him, Jesus is cool in my book though for the most part. Now if only Christians would actually follow his teachings instead of just trying to find excuses to find parts of the bible that support their claims, while ignoring the second of Jesus' highest laws; "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself"
  
  Yeah so with all the calls for people to be put down for one reason or another and all the hatred out there by supposed "Christians", combined with my being raised Christian and never feeling an ounce of love or other feeling stemming from church or faith despite how strongly I held on to the teachings. (I was the turn-the-other-cheek kid growing up. Bullies had a hayday with it, they'd beat me up, I'd do nothing to fight back whatsoever.) But then I had a religious experience with a different deity and have since had my life turn around considerably, as well as feeling things stemming from my spiritual beliefs... there's a lot of turn around.
  
  Oh don't take this a wrong way, I'm glad you've found happiness and hope in this... just don't walk into blind faith. Even with an agnostic background you can fall into blind faith in the bible by only knowing the half-truths presented. I just would like to suggest if you want to pull more from spiritualist beliefs that you don't just skim the surface with what's comfortable. I apologize for the rant and all that like, especially if I misinterpreted what I read, whether from fault of yours, mine, or sheer bad luck.
• Phunkie wrote on 2013-06-20 07:25

  Quote from Evaris;1109552:

  And another sheep falls into the trap of the wolf... Don't get me wrong, there are some truths in the bible, Jesus was one of the most agreeable beings there are aside the support for his father and all, but the modern teachings of Christianity leave out a lot of the true mythology behind it, let alone the truths that you won't be taught in a public christian group. Including the common misconception that the god of Abraham is singular, which was simply from a choice made by human priests that the people of Israel should not worship any god but Yaweh, worshiped by the Babylonians by the name of El. Then you get into the back history and.. yeah can't say I like him, Jesus is cool in my book though for the most part. Now if only Christians would actually follow his teachings instead of just trying to find excuses to find parts of the bible that support their claims, while ignoring the second of Jesus' highest laws; "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself"
  
  Yeah so with all the calls for people to be put down for one reason or another and all the hatred out there by supposed "Christians", combined with my being raised Christian and never feeling an ounce of love or other feeling stemming from church or faith despite how strongly I held on to the teachings. (I was the turn-the-other-cheek kid growing up. Bullies had a hayday with it, they'd beat me up, I'd do nothing to fight back whatsoever.) But then I had a religious experience with a different deity and have since had my life turn around considerably, as well as feeling things stemming from my spiritual beliefs... there's a lot of turn around.
  
  Oh don't take this a wrong way, I'm glad you've found happiness and hope in this... just don't walk into blind faith. Even with an agnostic background you can fall into blind faith in the bible by only knowing the half-truths presented. I just would like to suggest if you want to pull more from spiritualist beliefs that you don't just skim the surface with what's comfortable. I apologize for the rant and all that like, especially if I misinterpreted what I read, whether from fault of yours, mine, or sheer bad luck.

  
  
  I read all of what you wrote and I agree. But I focus more on the concept of love. Never been a really angry or spiteful person, so believing in a loving God only aids me and doesn't hinder me. I don't like to put down people, I accept them as they are and just encourage them to be better themselves. :)
  
  No needs for apologies! Thank you! I don't call myself anything really, Christian, religious, believer. I just like the teachings of Jesus, so I guess I'd say I'm a follower of Jesus. Too many labels start complicating the whole ordeal. And you're right, a lot of Christians don't reflect Jesus at all. It's people like that who give a bad name to religion period.
  
  I'm sorry you went through that. People and churches in general are too fussy these days about teachings and traditions. I don't follow those things.
• Chiyuri wrote on 2013-06-20 10:45

  Quote from Phunkie;1109555:

  I read all of what you wrote and I agree. But I focus more on the concept of love. Never been a really angry or spiteful person, so believing in a loving God only aids me and doesn't hinder me. I don't like to put down people, I accept them as they are and just encourage them to be better themselves. :)
  
  No needs for apologies! Thank you! I don't call myself anything really, Christian, religious, believer. I just like the teachings of Jesus, so I guess I'd say I'm a follower of Jesus. Too many labels start complicating the whole ordeal. And you're right, a lot of Christians don't reflect Jesus at all. It's people like that who give a bad name to religion period.
  
  I'm sorry you went through that. People and churches in general are too fussy these days about teachings and traditions. I don't follow those things.

  
  
  Yea.. Jesus is not a central figure in Christianity only, some other religions also have him.
• Episkey wrote on 2013-06-20 11:37
  This is very interesting to hear, I'm glad that you've gained some insight - via your time spent with your boyfriend.
  
  I guess this is what "All things work for the glory of God" means. That reality just keeps on hitting me in the face recently, Haha.~
  
  Anyway. The term Christian means "little Christ" (used as an insult in the past), but now refers to believers in Jesus Christ. If you want to follow Christ, then you need to know make sure what he said during his time here on Earth. I would personally recommend reading one of the four gospels, which are any of the first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John). Mark is short and action-packed, containing many of Jesus's teachings in a condensed form. Someone like yourself will really enjoy reading that book, I believe.
  
  Jesus himself is mentioned a lot in other belief systems, but what does he say about himself? You need to find that out, so you might as well read his own words.
  
  So, good luck in your little quest. I'm more than happy to offer my assistance, so if you have any questions/concerns about the Bible itself or Christianity in general ... feel free to send me a PM. I'm not advertising myself as an expert by any means, but I think my knowledge can be of some benefit - if not at the very least instigate some thought.
  
  Take care - I'm very joyous that you feel such blessings, but make sure to accept God's love yourself!~
  
  

  Quote from Evaris;1109552:

  And another sheep falls into the trap of the wolf... Don't get me wrong, there are some truths in the bible, Jesus was one of the most agreeable beings there are aside the support for his father and all, but the modern teachings of Christianity leave out a lot of the true mythology behind it, let alone the truths that you won't be taught in a public christian group. Including the common misconception that the god of Abraham is singular, which was simply from a choice made by human priests that the people of Israel should not worship any god but Yaweh, worshiped by the Babylonians by the name of El.

  
  
  The singularity of God is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, including specific sections that record Abraham and his faith.
  
  It's saddening that you are calling such claims "true" mythology, when the Torah and Tanakh (most of Old Testament) are the religious books of the Jews. As in, if you want to know what the Jewish people thought of their God - then look no further than their own holy texts.
  
  The Babylonian El is not Yahweh, they are completely different in their structure. When the name "El" is used in the Bible - it is simply a noun meaning "god" (lower-case).
  
  I would make the appeal that the type of Christians you describe are a minority, but rather the world and those Christian's behavior tends to be very ... vocal about their existence. I'm sorry that you've never felt the love that Christianity talks about - but it is most certainly there.
  
  You just need to experience the love of Jesus for yourself, by your own will and not by the will of others.~
• Phunkie wrote on 2013-06-20 12:17

  Quote from Episkey;1109626:

  This is very interesting to hear, I'm glad that you've gained some insight - via your time spent with your boyfriend.
  
  I guess this is what "All things work for the glory of God" means. That reality just keeps on hitting me in the face recently, Haha.~
  
  Anyway. The term Christian means "little Christ" (used as an insult in the past), but now refers to believers in Jesus Christ. If you want to follow Christ, then you need to know make sure what he said during his time here on Earth. I would personally recommend reading one of the four gospels, which are any of the first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John). Mark is short and action-packed, containing many of Jesus's teachings in a condensed form. Someone like yourself will really enjoy reading that book, I believe.
  
  Jesus himself is mentioned a lot in other belief systems, but what does he say about himself? You need to find that out, so you might as well read his own words.
  
  So, good luck in your little quest. I'm more than happy to offer my assistance, so if you have any questions/concerns about the Bible itself or Christianity in general ... feel free to send me a PM. I'm not advertising myself as an expert by any means, but I think my knowledge can be of some benefit - if not at the very least instigate some thought.
  
  Take care - I'm very joyous that you feel such blessings, but make sure to accept God's love yourself!~
  
  
  
  The singularity of God is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, including specific sections that record Abraham and his faith.
  
  It's saddening that you are calling such claims "true" mythology, when the Torah and Tanakh (most of Old Testament) are the religious books of the Jews. As in, if you want to know what the Jewish people thought of their God - then look no further than their own holy texts.
  
  The Babylonian El is not Yahweh, they are completely different in their structure. When the name "El" is used in the Bible - it is simply a noun meaning "god" (lower-case).
  
  I would make the appeal that the type of Christians you describe are a minority, but rather the world and those Christian's behavior tends to be very ... vocal about their existence. I'm sorry that you've never felt the love that Christianity talks about - but it is most certainly there.
  
  You just need to experience the love of Jesus for yourself, by your own will and not by the will of others.~

  
  
  Remember this thread and this post you made in response to me?
  
  http://mabination.com/threads/61784-Dating-someone?p=959900&viewfull=1#post959900
  
  

  Quote from Phunkie;959922:

  No doubt. I went to this religious thing he invited me to the other day and they sang and had an amazing band and they preached.
  
  Granted, I'm not at all religious and I doubt that I will ever see myself constantly praying to God or Jesus, but I love learning about people's lives and beliefs. And plus, I wanna get to know him, so that means getting to know that side of his life. He really appreciated it.
  
  Now I gotta introduce him to my crazy partying and drinking lifestyle... jk. :what:

  
  
  

  Quote from Episkey;959925:

  I see. Well, I hope you get to learn more about Christianity through him - then.
  And of course, I hope he learns more about you as well.
  
  
  [S]Just don't corrupt him with your "crazy partying and drinking lifestyle."[/S] :lol:

  
  
  
  Haha, I love you. :)
  
  I have a lot of questions every day and I try to ask Andrew and just Google stuff online. It seems to me sometimes that a lot of Christians have so many different interpretations of the Bible, so that can get very confusing quick. Some folks are strict, some are a bit lenient with their interpretations.
  
  And I like that quote: "All things work for the glory of God."
  
  We've been going to this church called Hillsong, apart from his regular attending at his local church, but I love Hillsong a lot. They focus on the love that God has for us, which I think is a fantastic way to reel curious or questioning folk in to God. Andrew's local church, like most other local churches, I would assume are a bit more traditional and stricter.
  
  Took me a little bit to transition from ARGHHRHRHRHGH I HATE RELIGION, IT'S STUPID to actually start listening and doing some own reading for myself. I still conflict with some of it still, like the flooding of the whole world in Noah's times (I can't bring myself to believe that, haha), but the Gospels are a great part of the Bible. So are Paul's epistles.
• Episkey wrote on 2013-06-20 12:54

  Quote from Phunkie;1109659:

  Remember this thread and this post you made in response to me?
  
  http://mabination.com/threads/61784-Dating-someone?p=959900&viewfull=1#post959900

  
  
  Yep! Of course I did.~
  
  I actually thought of my initial response to you when I saw this thread.
  
  I can't believe it's been around 8 months since then, but I'm glad you seem to be happy with how everything has been working out. Just remember that you alone can accept God's love - it's not dependant on other people. Even if your current relationship doesn't work out in the end ...
  
  But charity is trusting, believes, and hopes - so I'll do as such as well XD
  
  

  Quote from Phunkie;1109659:

  I have a lot of questions every day and I try to ask Andrew and just Google stuff online. It seems to me sometimes that a lot of Christians have so many different interpretations of the Bible, so that can get very confusing quick. Some folks are strict, some are a bit lenient with their interpretations.

  
  
  Interpretations can get a bit dangerous, since humans tend to superimpose their own beliefs over what God has to say. Even I do it sometimes, which is why I have to be careful when reading the Bible. Ultimately, God wants the reader to learn about some spiritual truth that has importance in their life and as well as getting to know him better.
  
  And of course, there's the importance of choosing your sources. But you know that.
  
  

  Quote from Phunkie;1109659:

  And I like that quote: "All things work for the glory of God."

  
  
  Thank you - I just wrote the words that popped into my head. I looked it up after I wrote it, it's from Romans 8:28.
  
  

  Quote from Phunkie;1109659:

  We've been going to this church called Hillsong, apart from his regular attending at his local church, but I love Hillsong a lot. They focus on the love that God has for us, which I think is a fantastic way to reel curious or questioning folk in to God. Andrew's local church, like most other local churches, I would assume are a bit more traditional and stricter.
  
  Took me a little bit to transition from ARGHHRHRHRHGH I HATE RELIGION, IT'S STUPID to actually start listening and doing some own reading for myself. I still conflict with some of it still, like the flooding of the whole world in Noah's times (I can't bring myself to believe that, haha), but the Gospels are a great part of the Bible. So are Paul's epistles.

  
  
  It's important that above all things that an accurate description of God is presented. One of a loving forgiving God, rich in goodness and mercy. But one that also abhors sin and wants people to be restored and righteous.
  
  So long as their teachings are biblical, the type of church doesn't really matter - at that point it's just picking a "flavor". It's all ice cream.
  
  [S]Did I just really liken choosing a church as choosing a flavor of ice cream? Really?[/S]
  
  Anyway - The ark did take 100 years for it to be built and despite Noah's efforts, no one short of his immediate family joined him on the Ark.
  100 years is a long time, the thought of which is simply ... odd to me.
  
  
  

  Quote from Phunkie;1109659:

  Haha, I love you. :)

  
  
  W-w-w-what!? Um ... thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to say that to me.
  
  :llama_blush:
• Valkyrio wrote on 2013-06-20 13:33

  Quote from Evaris;1109552:

  And another sheep falls into the trap of the wolf... Don't get me wrong, there are some truths in the bible, Jesus was one of the most agreeable beings there are aside the support for his father and all, but the modern teachings of Christianity leave out a lot of the true mythology behind it, let alone the truths that you won't be taught in a public christian group. Including the common misconception that the god of Abraham is singular, which was simply from a choice made by human priests that the people of Israel should not worship any god but Yaweh, worshiped by the Babylonians by the name of El. Then you get into the back history and.. yeah can't say I like him, Jesus is cool in my book though for the most part. Now if only Christians would actually follow his teachings instead of just trying to find excuses to find parts of the bible that support their claims, while ignoring the second of Jesus' highest laws; "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself"
  
  Yeah so with all the calls for people to be put down for one reason or another and all the hatred out there by supposed "Christians", combined with my being raised Christian and never feeling an ounce of love or other feeling stemming from church or faith despite how strongly I held on to the teachings. (I was the turn-the-other-cheek kid growing up. Bullies had a hayday with it, they'd beat me up, I'd do nothing to fight back whatsoever.) But then I had a religious experience with a different deity and have since had my life turn around considerably, as well as feeling things stemming from my spiritual beliefs... there's a lot of turn around.
  
  Oh don't take this a wrong way, I'm glad you've found happiness and hope in this... just don't walk into blind faith. Even with an agnostic background you can fall into blind faith in the bible by only knowing the half-truths presented. I just would like to suggest if you want to pull more from spiritualist beliefs that you don't just skim the surface with what's comfortable. I apologize for the rant and all that like, especially if I misinterpreted what I read, whether from fault of yours, mine, or sheer bad luck.

  
  
  You're squabbling over the details. The judeo-christian religions are ultimately ways of life for a society - so that people can try to live with each other and be happy with one another. Who cares if the Jesus myth was ripped off straight from Egyptian mythology? Or the fact that the flood story is in no way original? So long as someone holds themselves to the true tenets of Christianity (love yourself, love your neighbor) then the details don't matter.
• Evaris wrote on 2013-06-20 17:36

  Quote from Valkyrio;1109674:

  You're squabbling over the details. The judeo-christian religions are ultimately ways of life for a society - so that people can try to live with each other and be happy with one another. Who cares if the Jesus myth was ripped off straight from Egyptian mythology? Or the fact that the flood story is in no way original? So long as someone holds themselves to the true tenets of Christianity (love yourself, love your neighbor) then the details don't matter.

  
  
  I'd argue that details matter to those who intend to say that they are truly "Christians." I have a heavy dislike for blind faith. I'm the kind of person who seeks to know gods, not merely believe in them.
  
  

  Quote from Episkey;1109626:

  The singularity of God is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, including specific sections that record Abraham and his faith.
  
  It's saddening that you are calling such claims "true" mythology, when the Torah and Tanakh (most of Old Testament) are the religious books of the Jews. As in, if you want to know what the Jewish people thought of their God - then look no further than their own holy texts.
  

  
  Their holy texts by order of the high priests had all references to other deities removed, pay attention to archaeological discoveries and you would know this.
  
  

  Quote from Episkey;1109626:

  
  The Babylonian El is not Yahweh, they are completely different in their structure. When the name "El" is used in the Bible - it is simply a noun meaning "god" (lower-case).
  

  
  El appeared to the Babylonians in a similar manner to how Yaweh did to the Israelites, and both names mean the same thing; "I am." One would think that might say something.
  

  Quote from Episkey;1109626:

  
  I would make the appeal that the type of Christians you describe are a minority, but rather the world and those Christian's behavior tends to be very ... vocal about their existence. I'm sorry that you've never felt the love that Christianity talks about - but it is most certainly there.
  

  
  I would like to hope that it is a minority, however there are so many bigots out there, as well as those who are close minded, cast words of hatred for other peoples and religions... you get the point.
  

  Quote from Episkey;1109626:

  
  You just need to experience the love of Jesus for yourself, by your own will and not by the will of others.~

  
  I tried to with all my heart and soul for nearly the entirety of the first two decades of my life, and never did. Then another deity speaks to me, shows me sign after sign, fills my heart with love and guides me to where both mine, and the lives of those around me, have all become better as a result. She shows me many things and has never lead me astray.
• Valkyrio wrote on 2013-06-20 19:11

  Quote from Evaris;1109767:

  I'd argue that details matter to those who intend to say that they are truly "Christians." I have a heavy dislike for blind faith. I'm the kind of person who seeks to know gods, not merely believe in them.

  
  
  If you do this, no matter what the religion, you will be disappointed. Every religion has, for the lack of a better phrase, stupid shit that it tries to hide in its dark murky past. There is no one true god or religion without faults. And anyways, the details aren't what matters - unless you're trying to become a nun or a priest or an ascetic of that faith. If you just want to be happier, then you don't have to scrutinize all the small things.
  
  Christianity has a lot of details and bad things in its past - but you don't have to examine it under a microscope to benefit from some of Christianity's teachings.
  
  What Deity is this that you keep talking about, btw?
• Evaris wrote on 2013-06-20 19:15

  Quote from Valkyrio;1109787:

  
  What Deity is this that you keep talking about, btw?

  
  
  O-Inari-sama.
• Hanna wrote on 2013-06-20 23:07
  Episkey is the best person to talk about this with but welcome to the faith, brother
  many people are hostile when it comes christianity but hopefully you can work past that
  i was once atheist-agnostic as well
  i have many gay christian friends :)
• Kenny? wrote on 2013-06-21 04:20

  Quote from Phunkie;1109539:

  
  While I may not directly follow everything in the Bible, I've really become educated on some of the issues in the Bible, such as homosexuality (since it's one that I would personally have to deal with on the regular), and I've learned so much about Christianity in itself. For example, the homosexuality condemned in the Bible is completely different to the context it's referred in today. Context is everything when reading these books written a long time ago, whether inspired by God or not.

  
  
  I feel like the way Christianity and homosexuality are taken in the present time period is influenced way too much by extreme non-believers. It's good that you became educated in this area, seeing as it does affect your life- at least you didn't jump to conclusions about how your boyfriend would view the relationship from a religious standpoint.
  
  Too often, people automatically assume that all Christians are homophobic, raging, spiteful people who will condemn the homosexual, when that is not the case at all. We're associated way too often with extreme churches like Westboro Baptist and whatnot, it makes no sense. The idea of homosexuality in the Bible is looked down upon yes, but the people are not. Like you said, context is everything. I believe that what God meant is that we should love others regardless of their sexual orientation. Yeah, the idea isn't popular in the religion, but that doesn't make the people unpopular. Don't approve of the idea, but do love the people, I'm sure that's what God wants us to do- extend His amazing love.
  
  

  Quote from Evaris;1109552:

  
  Yeah so with all the calls for people to be put down for one reason or another and all the hatred out there by supposed "Christians", combined with my being raised Christian and never feeling an ounce of love or other feeling stemming from church or faith despite how strongly I held on to the teachings. (I was the turn-the-other-cheek kid growing up. Bullies had a hayday with it, they'd beat me up, I'd do nothing to fight back whatsoever.) But then I had a religious experience with a different deity and have since had my life turn around considerably, as well as feeling things stemming from my spiritual beliefs... there's a lot of turn around.
  

  
  
  Feeling like there is hatred stemming from Christians and neglect from the church doesn't necessarily mean the religion itself is a silly belief. Many people can call themselves Christians, just like I can walk outside and tell everybody that I am a Buddhist if I wanted to. You do have your own belief system now- I respect that, but I'd like to say that the Church has a lot of divisions, and that is a fact we cannot avoid. Some Churches come off as a lot more loving than another, and the community and congregation affect that. I'm not saying that it's the religion's fault that we are so divided and different, but just that people aren't always what you'd expect them to be.
  
  The world paints this picture that all Christians are loving, flawless, perfect people who could never do anything bad, but we're still humans. We fall into the bait of temptations and we sin, but that doesn't mean we're intentional hypocrites. I'm sure everyone has said one thing and done another at one point in their life. We shouldn't live like this, but I think it's important that we (or I), as Christians try to better ourselves and be more Christ-like. I can't guarantee anything. I am just as much of a hypocrite as the next person over, but the people in the Church vary a lot. For example, Episkey is a very willing individual when it comes to discussing religion. Others might push their onto you forcibly and belittle you if you are not the same as them. I don't know if it's just me, but people like Episkey come off as nice and tolerating. The religion is not the reason people can be devoid of what you'd expect them to have. It can just be the large demographic present in the Church.
• Phunkie wrote on 2013-06-21 08:06

  Quote from Kenny?;1110051:

  I feel like the way Christianity and homosexuality are taken in the present time period is influenced way too much by extreme non-believers. It's good that you became educated in this area, seeing as it does affect your life- at least you didn't jump to conclusions about how your boyfriend would view the relationship from a religious standpoint.
  
  Too often, people automatically assume that all Christians are homophobic, raging, spiteful people who will condemn the homosexual, when that is not the case at all. We're associated way too often with extreme churches like Westboro Baptist and whatnot, it makes no sense. The idea of homosexuality in the Bible is looked down upon yes, but the people are not. Like you said, context is everything. I believe that what God meant is that we should love others regardless of their sexual orientation. Yeah, the idea isn't popular in the religion, but that doesn't make the people unpopular. Don't approve of the idea, but do love the people, I'm sure that's what God wants us to do- extend His amazing love.

  
  
  I don't want to start a huge discussion on this, do you disprove of homosexuality? If so, why? That's kinda what I got from the bolded letters. xD Correct me if I'm wrong.
  
  I've done extensive research on it and the homosexuality referred to in the Bible =/= same-sex, committed, loving relationships that exist today. Huge difference to condemn the latter based on the former.
  
  Our views on slavery and the role of women have evolved over time, despite the verses in the Bible which explicitly regulate slavery and describe how a woman should act. To not do the same with homosexuality, when studies have proved that a same-sex orientation is not a disorder and just as normal as opposite-sex orientations, is actually inconsistent.
• Murasaki wrote on 2013-06-21 14:37
  I, unfortunately, can't get into this whole religion thing. It's like trying to get me to believe in Santa when I've already discovered it was just my parents all along.
  
  I have nothing against the people of faith so long as they don't try to get me to believe. It's for some, not for others.
  
  This inability to believe coupled with the fact that I will take something whole and not ignore the bad points means that religion is a pretty bad match for me in the first place.
  
  In short...I really don't care what people do or don't believe in, as long as they're treating each-other with respect.