Scriptures other than the Bible

[antiochian]

I'm just curious as to whether other religions' sacred writings contain clobber passages that are used against glbt people the way Jewish and Christian scripture verses are? What about the Koran (I'm guessing yes)? Buddhist, Hindu, other scriptures? The Book of Mormon? Mary Baker Eddy's or Ellen G. White's writings (which they declare their followers must consider of equal worth as the Bible)? I'm just curious if anyone who knows or has read these other scriptures can tell us what they say about same-sex relations.

[Zerbie]

I have often wondered if there is an 'official' Christian Science take on gay issues. I suppose that would depend if MBE ever mentioned it, and I suppose given her time period, she is likely to have not even thought of it, let alone written about it.

I have sung for numerous Christian Science churches over the years, and one quote which I have heard countless times immediately came to mind upon seeing your question: "Man is His (God's) image and likeness."

If Man is God's image and likeness, then that means his/her entire identity is a likeness of God. If a Christian Scientist were to start justifying homophobia, I would use the 'image and likeness' reference to challenge them. How can we justify denying equal protection and opportunity under our system of government to 'the image and likeness' of God? Either humankind is made in that likeness, or not.

Likewise, I've wondered occasionally about the Hindu scriptures. Again, I do not think it is mentioned. However, my impression is that the Indian culture is strongly heterocentric. If I were to run into homophobia from a Hindu, I would refer to an essential message of the Hindu scriptures which is that the Lord Himself lives in the heart of all beings. You can find that written in Bhagavad Gita, but it is not an isolated 'verse,' it permeates much of Hinduism.

[antiochian]

I actually surfed onto the Church of Christ, Scientist's website and submitted a question about homosexuality. The response was ambiguous and unsatisfactory, but I got the impression the church isn't enthusiastically embracing glbt's.

[Zerbie]

I actually surfed onto the Church of Christ, Scientist's website and submitted a question about homosexuality. The response was ambiguous and unsatisfactory, but I got the impression the church isn't enthusiastically embracing glbt's.

Totally curious as to what that response would be!
(Presumably written by an individual, not a committee??)

[scott snedeker]

I have been asking this very question on two Buddhist fora.

On one 17 out of twenty Buddhist leaders (Monks, Teachers and student with 7-35 yaers of study) Absoluetley embrace homosexuality. THe ancient Indian term is "trtiya prakti" or "Third nature" or third gender and is thought of in the same way as males females. Traditional Buddhism teaches releasing attachments to each favoring none of the three natures as far as acceptance or rejection.

Two stated all Budhhhist should be celibate.

One Quoted the Dali Lama

In 1997 The Dali Lama was translated as seeing homosexuality as not compatible with Buddhism. Hoever in later interviews he Changed his statement acknowledging that a loving caring relationship betweeen two of the same gender can be healthy and good. Most Buddhists I have chatted with do not agree with the Dali Lama. One thimg to remember is that he is only the head of one of four sects of one of three traditional paths of Buddhism. He is known because of his exile and public appearances.

Buddhism has no pope. No Diety in any but the Galupa sect of which The Dali Lama is Head. The Galupa sect also believe Prayer wheels send prayers to dieties when you spin them and they believe in direct reicarnation of High Lamas. The Galupa Sect is the most metaphysical of the divisions of Buddhism I have encountered.

The rest, Which is a vast majority of millions see practicing Buddhism as a science of the mind. By exercising the mind in a prescribed way You can cultivate compassion and awareness to a point where you are in a shining state of peace and bliss. I myself have gain great strides in my mental emotional state. I still slip into a funk If I allow bad though hygiene to dominate, But feel better when I take the time and meditate properly.

I am of course attracted to the tantric sexual pracitces in Buddhism. While many are monastic and celibate, some types of Buddhism have sexual medittions. I have very little exposure to this so far but I Know I have what it takes to be a good pupil.

Goat horns never shed unlike antlers!:lol:

[antiochian]

Interesting, Ash, thanks for sharing that! I was told that traditional Buddhism is against homosexuality, but it's good to know the Dalai Lama (at least now) does not uphold that view.

Zerbie, I erased the reply long ago, it was written by an individual, and the gist of it was that same-sex attractions could be overcome. Gee, I guess that's not terribly ambiguous, is it...

I read a couple nights ago that the Koran does contain the Sodom story, so, there's at least one clobber passage in Islamic scripture.

[tdogg]

From what I've read and heard, Christian Scientist religious is not accepting of homosexuality. I doubt if we would find any that have donated to No on 8 (or any other 'no' campaign). However, I'm not all that knowledgeable and basing this on just what I've heard/read in the media. I haven't seen their king, Tom Cruise, coming out against Prop 8 but then again, maybe the preference is for a neutral stance at this time.

[sauu4equality]

From what I've read and heard, Christian Scientist religious is not accepting of homosexuality. I doubt if we would find any that have donated to No on 8 (or any other 'no' campaign). However, I'm not all that knowledgeable and basing this on just what I've heard/read in the media. I haven't seen their king, Tom Cruise, coming out against Prop 8 but then again, maybe the preference is for a neutral stance at this time.

Hey Tdogg,

Actually Scientology (Tom Cruise's religion) is very different from Church of Christ, Scientist.

I took a brief look at Scientology on the internet and was somewhat shocked at what I found. Apparently, from a person on ask.com they view all religions other than Scientology and Buddhism as hoaxes. But they still think homosexuality is wrong...The official site makes no mention of the topic.

This is from www.religioustolerance.org on Christian Science (COC, Scientist):
"The Church of Christ, Scientist does not currently appear to treat homosexuality as a prominent concern. Their main emphasis is on spiritual growth and healing. The church appears to have made major changes in recent decades towards accepting sexual minorities as both members of the Church and as employees in the Mother Church. However, this more inclusive stance is not necessarily shared by the individual field churches. Some gays and lesbians have felt unwelcome in some local congregations because of their sexual orientation."

This also shocked me because they seem semi-accepting ... they certainly don't make a show of their disapproval if they have any.

I guess we cannot always assume even in the U.S. that a group that dislikes GLBT folks has a Christian-based motivation. We are all painfully aware that anti-GLBT sentiments are not motivated by Christ .

Anyone have an experience with a Christian Science church?