DISQUS

Great post. I love the fast-food metaphor--fits perfectly.

I had the tv on while I was editing conference pictures this weekend and an episode of Gossip Girl came on. In mere seconds the juvenile banter and smutty, sophomoric drama were too much to bear even as background noise.

<abbr>Mikes last blog post..A New Day Part 3 on ... http://mikeensley.vox.com</abbr>

I think people don't understand the Christian perspective on Christ (in a lot of ways), but pertaining to Jews I really don't think our aim is to 'convert.' After all, the way I understand it, Christ is for the Jews--before non-Jews even (Romans Chapter 1). The New Testament talks about Him being the fulfillment of all that God promised in His thousands-years courtship of the nation of Israel.

Anyways, that's just how I look at it.

For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. (Eph. 2:14)

It's definitely tough (when has it not been?). My worldview (faith in Scripture) doesn't allow me to support or honor gay marriages. But on the other hand, I know other people don't have that kind of faith in Scripture. Of course, the whole point of the law is to enforce morals upon those who would not otherwise practice them, isn't it?

I don't personally see why gay couples shouldn't be able to share a bank account, insurance policy, or make medical decisions for each other if they so choose. As I understand, though, in many states they already have access to those things.

Perhaps what is fueling the war over marriage is that sense of "something missing" that was partially responsible for why some of us have chosen to struggle away from homosexuality. From the blogs I've read, there seems to be an attitude among some gays that the inability to achieve full marriage recognition is responsible for a good deal of unhappiness.

One blogger literally said that the law gives heterosexuals an "easy road to happiness" that is denied to gays. There are many things wrong with that statement, but one thing I've learned about chronic unhappiness and discontent--its source is often internal, no matter how much it's projected.

But it's frustrating to constantly be labeled with "hate" and to have people interpret this as "my" way. There's no benefit to me personally if I do not support gay marriage, or if I do. Truth doesn't hinge on either one.

Stephen, I watched the video of the lesbian student protestors--that's really sad. It seems to me, though, that they're working against their own viewpoint. If someone is truly secure in the rightness and truth of what they believe, they would only shout if that was all they could do to be heard.

These girls' behavior is not that of truth-tellers, but of oppressors. And goodness knows, it isn't as though a gay-affirming viewpoint would have no outlet to be heard--especially on a university campus.

It would not have been strange if the frog was alive, though. They have proven to hold bravely still even when my curious Golden Retriever is exploring them during a walk.

Randy, thanks again for the FABULOUS yacht shindig. My favorite moment was when Karl Rove and you did karaoke to Sheryl Crow. To die for!

Cool deal! Once again you have proven yourself the Grand Poo-Bah Blogger.

<abbr>Mikes last blog post..Summer Movie Review Pt. 1 on ... http://mikeensley.vox.com</abbr>

That's mah baby!!! :-D

<abbr>Mikes last blog post..Growing Intolerance of the Gospel in the UK? on ... http://mikeensley.vox.com</abbr>

Most importantly I want to pray that Mr. Kennedy gets saved (if he isn't already). The news said he may have less than a year to live.

<abbr>Mikes last blog post..Obamafeld on ... http://mikeensley.vox.com</abbr>

While "quit it" might be a funny choice of words, it's true; they need to stop silencing people who aren't PC.

I also think Fishback's arguments are weak and he was grasping at straws at the end. I mean, in the middle of the debate he pretty much says, "Just because science hasn't proven our point doesn't mean we can't say that it has."

He rounds it out by trying to devalue your experience with the fact that he can't get any taller. I don't think you were the one being childish, Randy.

Mikes last blog post..QotD: Say Cheese

Good points, Steve. I think there are a lot of mature and reasonable gays and lesbians who don't mind coexisting with people of differing beliefs--but similar values on tolerance and love.

There are others, of course. For instance, the response to this story about the outrage over Clinton and Obama visiting a Christian college that bans homosexual behavior. As commentor "AJ" said of another commentor:

"...But then you have the hate mongers like Chris who think that both cultures should co-exist. What a bunch of crap."

Also, several months back I blogged about a hit piece Pink News did on Gloria Gaynor, calling her a homophobe simply for desiring to "bring the love of Christ" to gays. She refused to even say homosexuality was sinful--but they assumed she believed it, so they labeled her.

Exactly. I felt the photographer was being punished for their beliefs--the couple was not being compensated because they suffered no loss or injury.

I definitely don't mean to criticize the photographer here. For what she did, she seems to have done it the right way. As for the "decision" I referred to, I meant whether or not to to gay weddings at all in the first place. I could understand a Christian going either way.

Phil,

ever consider that other people's inner lives aren't what you imagine they must be?

Maybe you will.

George, thanks! Good parallels!

Jonathan, while you seem eager to chalk this up to the "animosity" of hateful conservatives, it's not really my Christianity that was roused by this story--just my common sense.

This is a great article. The abortionist's response lays bare the foundation of her movement's beliefs--that family doesn't matter, truth is determined by public opinion and the courts, and above all, a stalwart denial of the ugly truth of abortion. Where in the world is the freedom they are after?

Well, looks like McCain took it. I have to say that I'm disappointed! But Romney is my number two.