Quote:
Originally posted by notfarnow
Jim, that's an even-keeled perspective a lot of us forget about. I think most Christians are tolerant, accepting people... they just don't get as much airtime.
My next door neighbor is clean livin' Baptist. No booze, no swearing... but very tolerant and an all around fantastic guy. I used to hide beer bottles etc when he came over, he saw me doing it once and laughed. He has pretty "hardline" views on homosexuality, marriage and many other things, but he is able to discuss them without foaming at the mouth. He's actually made me a lot more tolerant of his perspective.
|
I grew up in a hardline home. I lost friends growing up because I did not know any better and my dad was feeding my beliefs and intolerance that I reflected to the neighborhood kids as I was growing up.
One of my friends mother was a lesbian and had a live in girlfriend. My dad went nuts when he learned this and then the problems started. I was pretty much labled a religious nut case when I was in my teens.
As I got older I realized that tolerance was a better policy and regret the friendships I lost when I was younger.
I still have strong moral beliefs and will share them with you if you ask and really want to know about whatI believe, but the are MY beliefs and I cannot expect everyone to believe the same thing.
Is being Gay wrong? Yeah, it is in my church. Do I hate gays? No as a matter of fact I could not care less who you decide to have relations with, its none of my business, if you happen to be gay and we are friends so be it. Its your choice.
Most Christians want everyone to respect them for their beliefs but dont want to give anyone any respect for their beliefes because their beliefs are a sin.
The golden rule seems to have been thrown out the window.
If we model our lives after Christs we are supposed to be tolerant and forgiving. Christ was friends with a prostitute and was friendly to many unsavory people.
I have instilled the golden rule in my son. Even when he jokes about gays like most 13 y/o boys do and most of us guys do I make sure he understands its not right to pick on people for being different.
Oh my god!! I think I might be a liberal christian!!