Christians Must Work to End Violence

[NathanATX]

(sent as a letter to the editor...)

The fact that a Christian convert is facing the possibility of execution soley because of his conversion in a country we "liberated" is unconscionable.

It is a terrifying situation and I believe we need to be responsible for setting up a system that would allow this to happen.

However, we would be remiss if we forget that our own faith history is filled with similar atrocities against "unbelievers."

People, regardless of religion, are incredibly good at justifying their own fears and prejudices through their religous texts.

Unfortunately, we have examples of this today with the popular Christian view towards gay people.

The western Church has a lot of fear, prejudice and hatred for gay & lesbian people.

Islam has a lot of fear, prejudice and hatred for gay & lesbian people.

Two teenage boys were just executed in Iran after they endured 14 months of torture because they were caught having sex together.

We like to see ourselves as different from the barbaric extremist Muslims who would do something so horrible, but are we that different?

The proof of our civility and compassion can only come through the way we respond to our fears and predjudices.

Christian people must take an absolute and permanent stand against violence in any form. Physical violence must stop whether it involves a matter of someone's different faith or their different sexuality. Spiritual & emotional violence must also stop.

The subjugation and demonization of gay & lesbian people must stop.

[Jennifer5]

The subjugation and demonization of gay & lesbian people must stop.

That's what we're all working on and I think we're all slowly making progress

[SolInvictus]

Agreed. If you get the chance, the book "Where the Edge Gathers" by Yvette Flunders offers a possible means of reconciliation.

[BruceChris]

Gay into Straight America (Dotti Berry, Robynne Sapp, and their pooch) came to our PFLAG recently, and gave a talk on how they were doing
outreach to straight people, Christian and otherwise. They are spending a year traveling around the country doing this. Below is part of an email that I sent to my minister, who also heads up her own national LGBT Christian
outreach organization, welcomingresources.org

And they made it very clear that even when they ran into suspicion, hostility, condemnation, judgementalism, or the entire book of Leviticus, they would only respond with love, respect, and kindness. They were like "How to win Friends and
Influence People", The Power of Positive Thinking", "A Course in Miracles", and just plain being a good Christian all rolled into one. And they were living it! They have internalized it, all I have really managed to do is read the book(s).

To me, this is Christianity at it's best.

[dr__dawggy]

Originally Posted by NathanATX

(sent as a letter to the editor...)
Physical violence must stop whether it involves a matter of someone's different faith or their different sexuality.
.

__________________
My reaction to the Equality Ride stop at Abilene Christian University...

Thanks to the equality riders who provided such painful and eloquent testimony about their personal experiences as victims of physical violence and verbal abuse based on their LGBT status.

While I doubt that many members of the Abilene Christian community would have approved of such actions before hearing this testimony, having been sensitized to the wide spread and senseless acts of violence, it is much more likely that ACU students, faculty and staff will become more proactive in speaking out against violence and in favor of treating all human beings--gay and straight alike--with the dignity that comes with being created in the image of Holy God. I know I will.

You are 100% right. Physical violence must stop. Equality riders should know that many members of the ACU family will pray for their safety as they continure on their journey. This is so despite the fact that most here still disagree with Soulforce on what the Bible teaches about homosexuality and our code of conduct will continue to prohibit sexual activity outside of marriage.

God Bless, and thanks again for a day of enlightenment and civil discussion and mutual respect.

[NathanATX]

Originally Posted by dr__dawggy

__________________
My reaction to the Equality Ride stop at Abilene Christian University...

Thanks to the equality riders who provided such painful and eloquent testimony about their personal experiences as victims of physical violence and verbal abuse based on their LGBT status.

While I doubt that many members of the Abilene Christian community would have approved of such actions before hearing this testimony, having been sensitized to the wide spread and senseless acts of violence, it is much more likely that ACU students, faculty and staff will become more proactive in speaking out against violence and in favor of treating all human beings--gay and straight alike--with the dignity that comes with being created in the image of Holy God. I know I will.

You are 100% right. Physical violence must stop. Equality riders should know that many members of the ACU family will pray for their safety as they continure on their journey. This is so despite the fact that most here still disagree with Soulforce on what the Bible teaches about homosexuality and our code of conduct will continue to prohibit sexual activity outside of marriage.

God Bless, and thanks again for a day of enlightenment and civil discussion and mutual respect.

Thanks for your comments.

Physical violence is an important issue. Emotional and spiritual violence are important as well, and are some of the primary reasons for the Equality Ride taking place.

[dr__dawggy]

Originally Posted by NathanATX

Thanks for your comments.

Physical violence is an important issue. Emotional and spiritual violence are important as well, and are some of the primary reasons for the Equality Ride taking place.

________


Of course. I suspect that your definition of what constitutes emotional and, particularly spiritual violece might differ, but within the paramaters of my previous post I would absolutely agree.