Elton John's religion ban

Louis LafreniereNov 13th, 2006 - 13:14:59

While I don't think religion should be 'banned' (nor could it be), as Sir Elton suggests, I do hope that non-believers begin fighting back against the current wave of God-fascism. A good place to start is showing Richard Dawkins' excellent Channel 4 documentary 'Root of All Evil?' to one's more sanctimo... er, 'pious' friends.

Sir Elton's narrow focus is problematic, too. He claims that 'religion has always tried to turn hate towards gay people.' I would amend that. When I read the Bible in college it became obvious to me that religion wants us to hate the entire human race.

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ChristianNov 13th, 2006 - 13:58:06

The problem is with the flase viewpoint (both religious and non-religious people) that the Bible says to hate anyone. It clearly says that the act of homosexuality is a sin against God (Romans 1:18-32, focus on v26-27), but that God loves people and wants them to turn from sin (John 3:16). Jesus ate with a group of people who were looked at as second-class citizens in his day, and was criticised (Matthew 9:9-12). He came to save sinners, not righteous people.

The problem is we, as humans, don't want to be told what is right and what is wrong. We want to decide for ourselves (Genesis 1:1-24, focus on v2-6). This desire is the root cause of all the problems in our lives and in the world. If you think the bible is too restrictive, you are missing something, because a Bible way of life is more fulfilling than anything else in this world.

There is hope. We are all sinners, but God will forgive our sins if we place our trust in Jesus (John 3:16) to cover our sins so we won't be destroyed forever (Revelation 20:11-15).

References:
- http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%201:18-32;&version=50; - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%203:16;&version=50;
- http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=1&chapter=3&version=31
- http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%209:9-12;&version=50; - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation%2020:11-15;&version= 50;

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chrisNov 13th, 2006 - 14:28:41

The previous writer has it exactly right: the problem is that we don't want to be told what to do, even when the one telling us what to do is doing so for our own well-being.

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ottoNov 13th, 2006 - 15:25:25

Everytime I turn around, some religious group is spreading hatred about gay people. Organised religions' main function throughout history is to oppose change (remember religious leaders killed Galileo). Sir Elton is spot-on. When the world is in such a chaotic state right now, religious leaders are doing nothing about it. Instead they make themselves look righteous by bullying a minority. That's real heroic.

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ChristianNov 13th, 2006 - 17:41:53

Otto, you are correct in seeing that there are those in organized religion who are hateful and spreading a hateful message, however, the people in those groups spreading that message are wrong, according to what the Bible says. From what I posted, the Bible says God hates sin, regardless of the label of it (homosexuality being one of many sins), and He wants all of use to trust Him and turn away from our sin.

Those church leaders (in 'organized religion' or not) who spread false doctrine will be dealt with by God individually (2 Peter 2:1-22, focus on v1-2), and that is why it is so important for church leaders to be humble in their walk with God before they abuse their leadership.

Unfortunately for Elton, he has decided to make a blanket statement about people of faith as well as flaunting his sin. God still love him, but hates what he is doing. There is a penalty for sin if we don't humble ourselves and trust in God, and sexual sin is especially pointed out (Revelation 21:8).

Reference
- http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021:8;&version=50;

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BluNov 13th, 2006 - 17:53:39

I truly believe this to be a rediculous use of argument. In Elton's statement, he really showed the same level of ignorance that he claims religion to show him. To be straight to the point, not all religion speaks against homosexuality. His blanket statement, as Christian stated, was just as flagrant and ignorant as the hatred he attempts to reveal. Seriously, find something else to complain about, cuz nobody is loved by everyone. Just because you have a certain sexual preference, doesnt mean the rest of us have to like it. You wanted freedom, deal with the reprecussions and attitudes that come along with that decision.

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ConfusedNov 14th, 2006 - 02:03:01

Can somebody please give me the name of church that hates or teaches people to hate gay people? What church has affected Elton John from not doing what he wants to do? Please somebody help me on this. If I don’t care for some of Elton John’s lyrics I don’t think it’s necessary to ban Elton John. Many fascists and communist have tried to ban religion. Sorry Elton it doesn’t work dude.

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