I think this pastor makes some excellent points. I agree that Christians should be able to talk about their beliefs without being branded “intolerant.” It’s their tone and behavior that should determine how tolerant they are. We could all do with learning how to communicate more openly with one another. I really recommend reading his entire post.
It’s the morning after the Chick-fil-A drama and I’m still chewing.
I remember the day I was sitting next to an incredibly nice gay guy, enjoying a really good conversation when he dropped the ultimate conversation-killer.
“What do you do for a living?”
I hate that question. I hate that question because people can’t help but size you up when they hear the answer. I hate that question because we’re already prone to think of ourselves as human doings instead of human beings. I hate that question because of what it does to people when they find out what I do.
I’ve often tried to find ways around the question. I’ve told people I work with non-profit organizations (this is true). I’ve told people that I write (this is true). I’ve even told people that I am a spiritual guru that assists people in opening their third eye (I really…
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Finding Truth 
I read the post. I haven’t followed the Chik-Fil-A thing closely, but I think I get the basics. I’ll just speak to the general topic of homosexuality and same-sex marriage.
I think people outside the Christian community wonder why Christians feel the need to oppose things that cause no harm to anyone. They don’t come across as fighting for justice – instead they come across as fighting to create a Christian nation (and ‘god’ help us if a nation truly followed the bible’s morality – shudder!)
I think Christians should sit down and make a list of things they consider sins. Then make two columns – one for sins where someone is harming another person and another column for sins that fall outside that category. Place all those ‘sins’ in the appropriate category and then when they want to go out and fight for righteousness in the public sphere – stick to the ones where someone is harming someone else. As for the rest – they are free not to commit those themselves.
In the case of homosexuality or homosexual marriage – no one is forcing a Christian to be in a same-sex relationship or to marry someone of the same sex so they are free to not commit that ‘sin’ in their own life. Non-Christians wonder why that isn’t enough. Why the need to force someone else to follow their religion?
Looking at the U.S. from the outside, it seems there is a mission among Christians to make/keep their country a Christian nation. I don’t know how much discussion and happy-smiley agreement can go on when that seems to be their goal.
They’d do better to be seen as fighting for justice and a better life for everyone, not as trying to force everyone to follow their 2000 + year old ancient book that is full of its own immorality many times worse than two people loving each other.
(I only use the word ‘sin’ here because that is how Christians view homosexuality and I’m writing assuming that is their stance. My personal morality is based on minimizing suffering and maximizing happiness which means that homosexuality is a fantastic thing. No harm and lots of happiness!
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Two words on the reblogging of this post Nate: Out. Standing!
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Nate, you are right, it is well worth reading, and taking notice of. I especially agreed with this part:
“Is there more drama to come as our culture becomes increasingly polarized? Of course. But if God is our Father, then we have to start showing the family resemblance, being gentle and showing “perfect courtesy”.”
And Brenda, I fully agree with this too:
“I think Christians should sit down and make a list of things they consider sins. Then make two columns – one for sins where someone is harming another person and another column for sins that fall outside that category.”
Generally, the sins that harm others in clear ways are also crimes. And all citizens should be opposed to crimes. But the other sins that are not crimes need to be considered differently. (Of course christians think all sins harm us in the end, but ˆ still think the sin-crime distinction is important.)
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I’m still faking it with people at my job, so when they brought it. I just nodded and agreed
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Thanks for all the great comments, everyone! Brenda, I especially appreciate the points you brought up.
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Really enjoyed that blog, very well written. Left me wondering how his conversation with the gay guy ended up.
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