I've read most of the thread, but not all of it. Something came to mind during the reading:
homosexuality IS a particularly heinous sin, and rightfully should be singled out. It distorts the entire person; it is not simply a sinful act. Homosexuality involves a relationship which is at the heart of the life the person leads. It is not a one-time act which the person can separate himself from. A person can steal, or can murder, or can commit adultery, etc. But a person cannot 'homosexual.' A person BECOMES a homosexual, and that is radically different than simply commiting a sin. That is distorting and perverting the entire person God created him (or her) to be.
Unless one is in the Mafia or similar, murderers do not recruit other murderers. Thieves do not recruit other thieves. Even though sin, like misery, loves company, the general rule is not one of recruitment.
Homosexuality is different. Recruitment is necessary because they cannot reproduce themselves naturally. So they strive for adoption and foster parenting "rights", and the "right" to work with children. And we, as a society, are giving them those 'rights', which gives them, as well, an entire pool of potentials from which to recruit.
Thus homosexuality is not only a sin against God, but involves a sin against self and others as well. It is a multiple sin and a life-destroying one. This life here and now; not "just" eternal life.
Any pastor who is willing to tolerate (let alone support) homosexual members of a Christian congregation is also supporting total rebellion against God and the destruction of some of the precious people He created.
homosexuality IS a particularly heinous sin, and rightfully should be singled out. It distorts the entire person; it is not simply a sinful act. Homosexuality involves a relationship which is at the heart of the life the person leads. It is not a one-time act which the person can separate himself from. A person can steal, or can murder, or can commit adultery, etc. But a person cannot 'homosexual.' A person BECOMES a homosexual, and that is radically different than simply commiting a sin. That is distorting and perverting the entire person God created him (or her) to be.
Unless one is in the Mafia or similar, murderers do not recruit other murderers. Thieves do not recruit other thieves. Even though sin, like misery, loves company, the general rule is not one of recruitment.
Homosexuality is different. Recruitment is necessary because they cannot reproduce themselves naturally. So they strive for adoption and foster parenting "rights", and the "right" to work with children. And we, as a society, are giving them those 'rights', which gives them, as well, an entire pool of potentials from which to recruit.
Thus homosexuality is not only a sin against God, but involves a sin against self and others as well. It is a multiple sin and a life-destroying one. This life here and now; not "just" eternal life.
Any pastor who is willing to tolerate (let alone support) homosexual members of a Christian congregation is also supporting total rebellion against God and the destruction of some of the precious people He created.