Family of God: RE: [Church_of_Christ] Re: Questions on Marriage

Shawn wrote:

It's nice to see someone who finally gets it!

Brian's Response:

Shawn,

I object to the language you use here, particularly the phrase "gets it." The use of this phrase implies that you have some level of understanding that someone else isnt' getting. The way you use it implies that you have the correct understanding and the person failing to "get it" is somehow less knowledgeable or has a less complete understanding than you do. It is a statement lacking in humility.

To be fair, I have seen a number of people use phrases similar to this.

I don't like it when Ray calls an argument "codswallop" or responds to a post with a statement such as "this argument is bad, it doesn't even deserve a response."
I also don't like it when Beth says "It saddens me when a Christian..."

These are the ones that jump to my mind, but I am sure these are not the only offense. What all of these phrases have in common is that the writer just can't believe or accept that someone holds a contrary position. I believe that most everyone that takes time to write a post on this board is a genuine seeker working to come to the best understanding of the Bible that he or she can. It is more than apparent over the few weeks I've been involved that there are many things on which we don't all hold the same opinion. It has also become apparent that each person has their particular issues about which they are most passionate and these are the areas that people tend to most often use such language in their posts.

In reality, I guess that this is really directed at everyone who posts here, myself included. But I am prompted to respond directly to you because you are a moderator with the ability to control others' ability to post.

Thank you,
Brian B.

To: Church_of_Christ@yahoogroups.com
From: csoak@insightbb.com
Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 10:49:12 -0400
Subject: RE: [Church_of_Christ] Re: Questions on Marriage

Greetings Harold,

It's nice to see someone who finally gets it!

What we as a group (Christendom), do not seem to grasp are the unintended consequences of

imposing Christian mores upon others through the creation of laws that deny their rights and privileges.

Especially when we continue to enjoy them and feel proudly that we have succeeded in

denying others. It would only be a matter of time until another group gained enough support to do the same

thing to us or another group.

I find this practice reminiscent of Hitler's/Nazi Party's initial subtle tactics directed to

the Jews and homosexuals. A great deal of history and conversation has occurred regarding the Jews the

consequences of the creation and enforcement of the newly created laws that essentially categorized human

beings as no longer being human beings. Yet, seldom is heard a peep about the same consequences faced by the

homosexuals or those who were accused of being homosexuals.

What saddens me most is how we as believers behave so unloving and spew hate-filled rhetoric to people who

need the love of the Messiah as much as anyone else. Yet, by doing so, we inflame them to respond in defense

of themselves with as much or more force and behaving as unloving and spewing hate-filled rhetoric in return.

The Messiah accepted and loved every person where they were. He did not organize wholesale assaults on any groups

or individuals. He accepted them and loved them, one-on-one and allowed them the privilege of introspection and to

make their own decisions. The Messiah spoke harshly to those who knew better. He never spoke harshly to those who

did not.

Many of these efforts are promoted under the mis-association with the phrase, "Hate the sin, love the sinner," yet this is

not a biblical phrase or concept. It was and is a misattribution to the Bible when it was a statement made by Ghandi

on a bad day, and who regretted ever making the comment.

My approach to this issue or any issue is to follow the Messiah's directive: to love one another as I love myself. Since I would not

deny myself these rights and privileges, I cannot express love to others and at the same time deny them the rights and privileges that

I enjoy as a citizen of this country. I will accept all people as children of YHWH and love them as I love myself, and in doing so, express my

love for YHWH.

Shalom,

Shawn

Harold wrote responding to Ray:

ISTM Ray, it is the epitome of egotism to declare ( you wrote ):
>.....if you claim to be a Christian and do not agree with this,
> then I need to present you with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
> Gay rights is secondary to your salvation.

This country's legal system is not and never was based upon
the LOM.

Our Legislators mandate is to be representative of the will of the people
NOT to be re-stating religious LAW; other wise we would have an American
version of the Sharia Laws as enforced by the Taliban.

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