Mexico's anti-homophobia campaign offers lessons to world (Feature)
Health News
By Sumita Thapar Aug 6, 2008, 3:02 GMT
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Talkback
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Im glad to see that both homophobia and the spread of aids are being attacked simultaneously by government level agencies... both are to me criminal activities threatening the cultural and religious values of charity, decency, and concern for each others' wellbeing.
Keep up the good work. Mexico shouldnt have had to be a world leader in this matter, and this combined approach shouldnt have had to be world news, had religions lived up in action to their professed values of concern for all fellow human beings.
Richard E. Sherwin
How does this fall at the door step of religion. Most major religions consider homosexuality a sin, It is thier job to show compassion for the sinner, not tolerance of the sin. It is the homosexual act that is an abomination not the individuals commiting them. I am a Christian, and I don't believe that a homosexuals sins are any greater than my own. That said, it is not the responsibility of religion to change it's doctrine so we can feel better about our transgressions.
i am a christian and i believe that homosexuality is wrong i dont believe there are diff levels of sin. for example in 1 corinthians 6:9 it lists many sins including homosexuality at the same level. we as christians are taught to hate the sin not the person. I hate the sin of homosexuality i do not hate the person. I applaude mexico for their attempt to show that we as a society should not condemn the homesexual community . although they should include that according to many religions including christianity believe homosexuality is a sin, they should not promote it. We as christians, and Americans should not approve of their lifestyle choice, but accept the person and not show fear in the form of hatred towards homosexuals.
As a gay man (approaching 50 years of age) my greatest sense of unease has always comes about when I must interact with heterosexuals who are 'Christian.'
As Saavedra said: 'Homophobia comes from ignorance and prejudices that come from religious beliefs.' In my entire life I have never met a 'religious Christian' who treated me with respect upon learning I am homosexual. The turn-about in attitudes toward me after thinking I am heterosexual to learning I am not is quite startling. I have however met many heterosexuals who are not Christian who have greeted me warmly, with respect and very much needed emotional support.
Using the bible, 'God's Word,' as an excuse to limit rights and freedoms for homosexuals, lesbians and transgendered people is just wrong. Were it not such a sad and dire situation it would almost be laughable. I find it interesting that with all the 'stone throwing' from religious groups that we never hear about how David and Jonathon 'had a love greater than that between a man and a woman.' With all the hate mongering the prejudiced reading of the bible brings about, it is sad that the following message is lost in the shuffle; Two Men Can Love Each Other More Than A Man And A Woman! It's right there, in the bible, in black and white. In a world filled with war, poverty, hunger and crime, this message should be broadcast loud and wide from every pulpit, it is strongly and urgently needed.
There are many messages in the bible about 'What One Should Not Do.' It is interesting how homosexuality is so singled out and provides the 'encouragement' for hate crimes. Search 'homosexual hate crimes' to learn more if you don't think this is much of a problem. Learn about this and ask yourself, 'What is the source of so much hate?'
I walk out my door each morning to go about my daily life realizing that I could meet someone who decides that the best way dealing with having met me is to kill me. I don't live in fear, but I would be an idiot to not acknowledge this and be mindful of it when I am out and about. I doubt many heterosexuals must think this way about their daily lives.
It might surprise many to learn the Catholic Church performed homosexual marriages early in its history. It might also be an interesting lesson to learn the truth about why that came to a halt and the resulting changes stopping it has wrought. Do your own research!
My greatest and dearest enduring support comes from our Creator. I know from several enlightening experiences in my life that there truly is a higher power, a Creator who made this incredible and awesome universe and is accessible to us each in our daily lives - yes, even homosexuals. I place no limits on the Creator's ability to love every living thing created. We each should strive to open ourselves to giving and receiving the abundance our Creator provides us. That door is never fully open as long as a person has it in their heart that another is less than their self for any reason.
...meanwhile, they have crushing poverty, in what is actually a rich nation, out-of-control drug gang activity, corruption up to their necks, but we're sure glad they like gays and lesbians.
Timothy,
I'm very intersted in reading the scriptures you mentioned, but you forgot to sight the chapter and verse, and as you know it's a big Book. If you would, please site your source.
Without having read the passage you quoted let me say this, two biblical men loving each other does not suggest that they were having a carnal relationship and certainly does not imply that God approves of homosexuality or any other sexual sin.
You also remarked on the corruption of the Catholic Church, and I asure you that no one would be surprised, as you suggested, by thier corruption.
The list of do's and don'ts you mentioned is in Leviticus, the third book of the Bible. It is important to note when reading it that this book consists of Laws pertaining to Levitical priests, or sons of Aaron. It is a list of rules you can use to help govern your relationship with God. Every loving relationship has rules, certain things you do and certain things you don't. When we break God's rules, it doesn't anger God, like he's some sort of control freak, instead it hurts God, because of what breaking the rule says about your love for him.
These laws set the fondation for Jesus' ultimate sacrafice. If we didn't have the Old Testament Law and the stories of how the Jews struggled so much with trying to stay Holy, then we would not be able to comprehend the significance of being set free.
Homosexuals aren't sinning any greater than anyone else, what sets them apart is thier apparent desire to remain in sin, and then accuse Christians of being exclusionary. All Christians are sinners, repentance is the difference.
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