It's Not About Hatred

jimt 1 year ago

Yeah Jenny, you don't "hate" them, you just want to deny them the benefits of full citizenship based on YOUR religious beliefs.

How can you say it's not about hate when you want an entire segment of the population to be treated as less than citizens? It doesn't make sense to say you love the homosexual, but you want them to have less rights than the heterosexual. If you love someone, then you want them to live their life to the fullest, with all of the rights and privileges that are accorded every other citizen of these United States. If you think homosexuality is wrong, then for goodness sake - don't be homosexual! But leave judging others out of my constitution!!

Mythreekids 1 year ago

As much as I believe the Bible is true for my spiritual health, and my non support of homosexuality, I do not believe that God intended that I attempt to 'force' everyone to my way of thinking. Morality cannot be legislated. Like most people, I have homosexuals in my family. While I don't approve personnally of the lifestyle, I love them dearly, remembering that others don't need 'my' approval for their life choices. Believing in God and the Bible is a choice. It cannot be forced on anyone. In that vein, it cannot be legislated. I do believe marriage is between male and female. The key word being "Believe". It is not my job to make anyone else believe it or live by it. Reading some of the rhetoric that has taken place regarding this amendment, it is no wonder the church is losing attendees. I wouldn't want to 'worship' with people whose hearts are so cold, they cannot love those who are different or choose to believe differently. Love is a powerful tool, when applied honestly. It isn't my assignment as a Christian to judge others. It is my assignment to love, even those who would despitefully use me.

JD 1 year ago

Here is an example of hate speech based on the Amendment from a "Pastor" in Fayetteville. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/01/north-carolina-pastor-sea_n_1468618.html?ref=mostpopular

moonchild7 1 year ago

Of course you hate them Jennifer. And I did mention in a previous post that marriage is not solely about the sexual relationship that might be "going on" within the marriage since there are marriages(both gay and heterosexual) that do not involve any sexual intercourse. Physical and Emotional disabilities make some couples unable to have sex but that does NOT lessen their LOVE and COMMITMENT to one another. Grow up.

skylinefirepest 1 year ago

What obvious vitriol from the known liberal lefties! Give us a break guys and girls...there is no excuse for calling a new writer a liar without any further evidence than her letter!

MikeNC 1 year ago

Hi Jennifer...Thanks for speaking your mind. You can also see how many of these fine folks HATE you for voicing your opinion while they call you a hater. Imagine that. Thanks for your message. Vote your conscience for what you believe is right....Mike

JD 1 year ago

I dont hate Mikey Boy I am disappointed that people want to govern based on their belief in SkyGods. Hate comes from the indifference of you and yours. "Pastors" Harris and Creech remind me of what Gandhi said, "Love the sinner and hate the sin." Gandhi did express approval of such sentiments in his An Autobiography (1927): "Hate the sin and not the sinner" is a precept which, though easy enough to understand, is rarely practiced, and that is why the poison of hatred spreads in the world.

Or my favorite:

"I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

The_AnonymusProfit 1 year ago

Hello Jennifer, I am sorry for the current responses to your letter. I think you speak from the heart when you wrote what you wrote. The bible does condemn the act of homosexuality. The bible also says that we should love.

Having said that, katimae makes a good point. As I have stated before...We are a nation based on the laws of the bible, this does not mean however that we are a nation that follows the theological aspect of the bible. The laws in the Torah as a wonderful example for any country to follow when attempting to create a codex for their populous. While the punishments of the Torah may be superceded, the basic examples of how to legislate theft, assault, rape can be worded to create a wonderful code of law. An example would be not only our federal constitution but our state constitutions as well.

When a pastor says this is a christian country he is speaking to the understanding that the majority of people in this country who have theological views follow the christian belief. This however is not a means to deny another segment of our populous who thinks differently the rights that we as Americans cherish. The separation of church and state clause states explicitly that the government can create no laws respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the exercise there of. This means that while the government can not make laws that give them power over the church such as president Obama's attempt to require religious institutions to provide birth control to its employees, it also means that the church can not legislate to have its views turned into law.

We live in a secular country, we have many religions, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Wiccan, just to name a few. Each religion believing in many different things. Understanding this, we cant not use our belief system to deny another citizen any rights that we may have. Denying homosexuals the right to marry is the same as denying black people the right to vote.

Two passage from the bible I was contemplating earlier that may help you to understand and rethink your position on this matter. 1 Peter 2:13 "Submit yourself to every ordinance of man . . . to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors."

Matthew 22:21 "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's.

The_AnonymusProfit 1 year ago

What these two passages shed light on is that we are to follow the laws that man set down to govern themselves. We are not to break this except in dire circumstance, this is to be understood for example when the Jewish ministers began to ask roman courts to torture and murder Christians for spreading the Gospel, or for example when Nero turned on the Christian population and began an extermination.

Another of my favorite passages from the bible is from Matthew 10.

11 Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.

This passage tells us to spread the Gospel far and wide, it also tells us however that if a house is not to accept the word then we should move on.

Again all this is to say that we do not have the right as Christians, nor do we have a legal basis, to nullify the rights of a segment of our population based on our theological views.

I hope that you will read this and consider before placing your vote on the 8th

nothingspecial 1 year ago

Good try, Jennifer. There is going to be continued hatred thrown at Christians about this topic because the issue is a well established one for believing Christians - one that is not understood and never will be by others, except perhaps Jews and Muslims.

People, humans, are naturally inclined to want to do what they want to do and naturally will resist anyone who does not agree with that.

That is a big reason Jesus said, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law — a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household." Matt 10: 34-36

To Christian readers, interesting related radio address on Dr. Dobson's Family Talk today at this hyperlink, that will be continued tomorrow at 0730 on FM 88.7: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/family-talk/listen/a-nation-abandoned-by-god-i-274865.html

Hembloche 1 year ago

MikeNC - You must be the most sensitive man in the world. Don't see any hate in those posts, just responses to her letter. But of course, if you don't agree with the posters it must be hate. Right?

reformgov1 1 year ago

jimt, you are absolutely correct. I have the freedom to think something is wrong and NOT want to support it. You have the same freedom to agree with something and give them all you money if you wish. Welcome to America! Don't hate the person, hate the sin! She is clear that she doesn't hate person, it's their sin she hates and we'll support our belief by voting FOR the amendment. What a wonderful country that allows us to do that.

katimae 1 year ago

Didn't see any hate-just disagreement. I don't hate Jennifer for her opinion- I just think she's wrong.

ScooterMama 1 year ago

Just arrived in Moore County this week and this is one hot area, politically speaking that is.
Having lived literally on both sides of this issue, the best thing I can tell you is to: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR as yourself!

Sounds too simple I guess, but it has been proven to work 100 % of the time! I hope I'm going to have neighbors from all walks of life here, otherwise it could be a very boring and unloving place to be.

moonchild7 1 year ago

Jennifer, what is the "Homosexual lifestyle?" What is a Homosexual? What would be the difference between a gay marriage and heterosexual marriage other than the sex of the partners? You do not have to accept or even be nice to Homosexuals but this is AMERICA and ALL AMERICANS are entitled to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Two Human Beings who are in LOVE with one another and want to committ themselves to each other is harming no one except those who supposedly see sin, sickness and perversion. There are way too many HETEROSEXUAL PERVERTS, SICKOS and MANIACS to mention to say they they deserve all of the RIGHTS of marriage simply because they are heterosexual. Vote yes on Tuesday Jennifer, you have all of the rights as an American to do so. We'll see what we shall see.

lakeview 1 year ago

MC7- Tolerance works both ways...unless you're a liberal, right Lunar??

katimae 1 year ago

Lakeview- I have more than tolerance for Christians. Most of the time I have respect for the commitment they have made with their lives and I admire those who live in the way of Christ and I also envy their sureness and faith. But I don't go around telling them how to worship - and I don't want them making laws that exclude portions of the population of my state. I attend church and I strive to grow more in love everyday. But when people call themselves Christians and then speak with such anger and SELF righteousness it makes me angry. Why should I have to tolerate hatred? It doesn't belong in Christianity and it doesn't belong in my state constitution.

pinewoodnc 1 year ago

Jennifer, do not be distressed by the remarks on this blog. Many comment on freedom of speech and peoples' rights to opinions and beliefs as long as they are THEIR opinions and beliefs. If not, they go into ATTACK mode. It is easy to sit behind a computer and write in ways that they would never have the courage to say face to face. You have a right to your opinion and that SHOULD be respected! Also, get ready ScooterMama.

jimt 1 year ago

Reformgov: "I have the freedom to think something is wrong and NOT want to support it. You have the same freedom to agree with something and give them all you money if you wish. Welcome to America!"

Oh Goody, o.k. I will now stop supporting government subsidies for oil companies, I think the new Joint Fighter is unnecessary for the forseeable future, so I'll stop supporting that too. I think government subsidies for Ethanol are both economically unjustified and morally wrong (food is food, not gasoline), so I'll stop paying for that.

Just one more thing...you're a moron.

JD 1 year ago

As a conservative I am VOTING NO. Because I believe government should stay out of people's personal lives. Why are corporations people but gay people are treated less than by the most pious of our society. It is just wrong.

Would corporate mergers become outlawed because if people can't join why should corporate bank accounts?

JD 1 year ago

Bible thumpers are ok with this bit of wisdom too I imagine.

Ezekiel 20:25-26 I also gave them over to statutes that were not good and laws they could not live by; I let them become defiled through their gifts—the sacrifice of every firstborn—that I might fill them with horror so they would know that I am the LORD.

So God just told you that there are some evil bible laws. Apply that to your intolerance towards homosexuals and ask your self WWJD? He would not espouse the HATE that Creech and Harris have been doing lately. You can read Creech's op-ed on this site, but take a stroll to youtube and see what a "good christian" is saying on the subject. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKDWdf... Because this pastor from Fayetteville thinks it is ok to beat your children if they are gay. THAT'S RIGHT a "christian" supporting CHILD ABUSE. Argue against that Bedpan.

JD 1 year ago

North Carolina Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment 1 Reportedly Written To Protect 'Caucasian Race'

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/02/north-carolina-gay-marriage-amendment-1_n_1470956.html?ref=mostpopular

This makes me so sad that a Senator's wife would say such a thing. So it is not hate, but fear.

Bentpan 1 year ago

JD as usual you've grabbed hold of something to support your position without actually reading it, It states clearly in the title "reportedly" anotherwords its madeup crap, and that doesn't even delve into the fact that it makes absolutely no sense, how does a Pro marriage amendment have any effect on the progeny of caucasians, thats just stupid. however I can see why you might believe it.

Bentpan 1 year ago

BTW I just knew at some point the liberal left would drag out the Racecard, talk about your one trick pony!

clarabelle 1 year ago

"Bentpan - BTW I just knew at some point the liberal left would drag out the Racecard, talk about your one trick pony!"

seems like the pot just called that damn kettle black!

Bentpan 1 year ago

clarabelle 2 hours, 52 minutes ago "Bentpan - BTW I just knew at some point the liberal left would drag out the Racecard, talk about your one trick pony!"

seems like the pot just called that damn kettle black!.......................................

What are you talking about?

JD 1 year ago

What are you talking about Bedpan? My article is relevant and its based on a comment made by a Senator's wife. Try harder forum troll.

I am a registered Republican. Just because I do not have neo con or religious doctrine as my guiding ethos does not make me less interested in government staying out of the personal lives of citizens. True conservatives would vote No.

getreal 1 year ago

I think what most of the people who are against the amendment are trying to say is that we all have the right to worship whatever God we choose, whatever religion we want to follow, you can disagree with those who are different from you. But the whole issue boils down to, "Is it right to base an amendment on a religious belief?" There are so many different religions, different Gods and different beliefs, how can you possibly deny equal rights to a segment of the population based on one book, one bible, one segment of the population's beliefs? The fact that this state actually put this before the voters is unbelievable. What ever happened to the separation of church and state? It was put in effect to stop this kind of discrimination. It would be interesting to talk to a member of Al Qaeda and listen to their views of Americans and how they feel their beliefs are threatened by us, then compare their responses to the rhetoric of the Christians in these threads who feel their religion is threatened by gay marriage. Are they same? Maybe not in the extremes one group will go to, but very similar in some ways they express the intolerance for that which differs from what they believe their "God" wants them to follow. Think about it, hate and lack of tolerance is wrong no matter what group forces it upon another group. I am not gay, I am not Christian but I have many friends who are both and they all get along and support each other. This amendment was put before us to take our minds off of more important and pressing issues facing us at this time. Don't fight over the bones while the politicians make off with the catch! I always thought Jesus's followers were taught love and compassion, I don't see that here from some of you. Religion can be a good thing if it improves people's lives, it is a terrible thing when it is the basis for hate and bigotry. I would think he would be saddened by the use of his name and the twist of his words to cause pain and rejection to those who are different.

GJohn 1 year ago

To all you self-righteous Christians who are patting yourselves on the back because you're "following the Bible" by voting for Amendment One, remember that you are also "casting the first stone". Let's see, what did Jesus actually say about that? "Let he who is without sin..." To me homosexuality is not a sin or a "lifestyle choice"; your sexuality is what you were born with. Everyone who is straight - think about the day you chose to be straight...you didn't, did you? You just always were...it wasn't a decision. It's the same for gay people...IT'S NOT A DECISION, IT'S JUST HOW PEOPLE ARE BORN! How could a loving God make someone something that is in exact opposition to His will? I don't believe my loving God does that. If you want to think it's still a sin, go ahead, but remember that voting for Amendment One not only hurts a whole segment of the population, but it will hurt people, especially children, who have no voice in all of this. Do you want me to vote for something that will hurt your children and grandchildren in the future? Voting for this amendment is based in hate. VOTE NO!

GJohn 1 year ago

What a black eye of bigotry and hatred for North Carolina.

T_Rat 1 year ago

"Live and let live," is one a few phrases that embody the American philosophy of personal freedom where each can enjoy a life of their own making as long as their own actions don't intrude on the freedoms of others.

It is an undisputed fact that marriage and it's corollary, family, confer social benefits in society beyond the family's front door. Without little, if any further preparation, that one word, "marriage" determines who can visit in schools, hospitals and prisons, the cost of health care coverage for the family, who can contribute to decisions about each other's health (and death), guarantee (or enforce) moral and financial commitments of one family member to another, and so on.

On May 8th, a majority in North Carolina will decide whether a minority in the state may have access to the same social benefits related to marriage that the majority themselves enjoy. It does nothing to preserve or expand the benefits already enjoyed by the majority.

Supporters say that Marriage needs to be protected, yet I have as yet to hear about a single break up of a heterosexual engagement or marriage caused by the ability of a gay couple to marry. As such it is a blatant attempt of the majority to discriminate against a minority and, as such, it is antagonistic to the spirit of what is America.

The only thing I find more disturbing than the number of supporters for this bill is the fact that it is even up for a vote. Society will always be populated by those who can only view the world from their own narrow perspective, who want to inject their own narrow interpretation on every one around them, but I would think leaders chosen to lead a society should not suffer the same intellectual myopia.

Think Rationally, Act Thoughtfully.

getreal 1 year ago

To GJohn, 3 hours, 5 minutes ago, You said it! Embarrassing for all of us who live here. It reflects the rejection of amendment 10 "Equal rights for all under the law" and shows the biased and ridiculous abuse of power in our state's legal system. A sad display for NC to the rest of the country. It makes a really great place to live look very bad.

getreal 1 year ago

T_Rat, Well written and so true. Thank you for an intelligent, thought provoking post.

MisterG 1 year ago

"Hi Jennifer...Thanks for speaking your mind. You can also see how many of these fine folks HATE you for voicing your opinion while they call you a hater."

If I hated here, I would spend less time replying to her and more time trying to deny her the rights of other Americans. Good to see your Christian Persecution Complex is going full-charge though.

JimHeim 1 year ago

The_AnonymusProfit - Which laws in the Bible was this nation based on? The one that said that a woman who was not a virgin at her wedding must be dragged to her father's home and stoned to death? The part that requires a woman to marry her rapist? The part that requires parents to take their disobedient children to the town square to be stoned to death?

Maybe you mean the part where a child is to be executed for cursing his parents. Or perhaps the part about being put to death for failing to observe the Sabbath.

It sure looks like your Bible is missing a some chapters if you think our system is based on it.

It's Not About Hatred

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