Chatney said:
I personally disapprove. I fail to see the issue here.
I'd rather not debate whether or not someone is born gay. That is not the issue on this thread. And I concede the point that one cannot control their feelings. However, I would like to point out that we can control how we act on them. Some people, for instance, are built with a natural inclination towards violence, some are genetically more likely to become alcoholics. These people are expected to control their actions despite whatever predisposition or circumstance.
To break that down even further, it is not wrong to have homosexual feelings. What is wrong, however, is to act on them. However, it is also wrong for me to approach them with judgement and reproach. That's not the way we're supposed to treat anyone, especially outside of the church. The Bible calls Christians to compassion and love, not what we've seen from televangelists like Pat Robertson.
I believe that everyone is born wrong and born a sinner. Everyone. Not just homosexuals. Nobody is born pure. Everyone sins and everyone will be judged equally in the eyes of God. This is not any form of targeted hatred. I am also a sinner and I work daily to repent.
I have gay friends. They know what I believe, they understand that I believe homosexual acts are wrong, but they accept me as I accept them. It is a relationship built on understanding and mutual respect for each others' views. I believe that they are responsible for their actions, just as I am for mine. If they ever choose to follow Christ, they'll do so willingly. They won't do it because I forced my beliefs on them, argued theology or science with them, or explained eternal damnation and hellfire. They'll do it because of compassion and love showed to them first. Christians have a terrible track record with love and compassion when it comes to homosexuals. That needs to change for everyone's sake.
Finally, I am striving to be as unargumentative as possible, but I feel it is necessary to point out that you've been not only putting words in my mouth, but you have also been making assumptions about my personal views and beliefs. You've attacked my belief system with, frankly, the same bigotry you accuse me of. I'd be happy to discuss this further with you, but I'd like to humbly ask you to turn it down a notch.
I believe that if you examined my personal beliefs, my lifestyle, and my conduct, you would not find me a bigoted, hateful, or spiteful person.