I came across this interesting article about the whole Miss California thing that happened at the Miss USA pageant this past weekend. If you've been living under a rock, then here's a quick recap.
Celebrity blogger/sleazebag Perez Hilton was one of the judges at this years Miss USA Beauty Pageant. During the question period, Perez asked Miss California Carrie Prejean about same-sex marriage, to which she responded that she believed marriage should be between a man and a woman. It was a bullshit cheap-shot question that may have been the reason she didn't win.
From Y!'s gossip site, OMG:
'During the show, Perez asked Carrie, "Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?'
'Well I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. Um, we live in a land that you can choose same sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and in, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman,' Carrie said to a mix of boos and applause. 'No offense to anybody out there. But that's how I was raised and that's how I think that it should be between a man and a woman.'
In response to those remarks, Miss California 2003, Nicole Lamarche, minister at Cotuit Federated Church in Cotuit, Mass. had something to say that I find kind of interesting.
“As a pastor and a former Miss California, I am often asked to interpret what the Word of God has to say on a particular subject,” Rev. Lamarche says. “I am quite confident that God prefers that we human beings stick to speaking for ourselves. And yet there are occasions when God’s Word is used as a weapon, and I feel compelled to speak.
“In the past few days, much has been made of the words of Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean. She stated that marriage is between a man and a woman. I write not in response to her opinion, but rather about her comments that followed: that the Bible condones her words. She said, “It's not about being politically correct, it's about being biblically correct.” While this sentiment is shared by many who seek to condemn gay people and gay marriage, citing pieces of the Bible to further one’s own prejudice fails to meet the Bible on its own terms.
“Most people seeking to condemn gay people point to the Book of Leviticus, where we read that men lying with men is an abomination. However, we rarely hear of other verses found in the book of Leviticus that are equally challenging. For example, Leviticus also tells us that eating shrimp and lobster is an abomination. And that a person should not wear material woven of two kinds of material—an impossible mandate for a pageant contestant!
“In Paul’s letter to the community in Corinth we read, ‘For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church….’ And yet these words have not prevented Christian denominations from ordaining women, such as myself. Sadly, the Bible has been used to further prejudice throughout history. We have used it to permit ourselves to enslave people; to conquer and kill; and to denigrate the earth.
“The truth is that it is difficult to know for sure the intentions of the biblical authors, but we do know something about God. Those of us who know God through Jesus of Nazareth know that he went to great lengths to express God’s love to people who were labeled as outcasts. He spent time with children, prostitutes, and lepers, all of whom were labeled as outside of the grasp of the Holy. As we continue to seek God’s vision for us as a nation grounded in a love for justice, I pray that we might move closer to the cause of grace.”
Now what she is saying could easily picked apart theologically, but it is the message that I found I liked.
What do you think?
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
It makes me sad when I read garbage like the following...
This was your life
How can anyone come to know the love of Christ when they are first told to cower in fear of Christ? There is little wonder people despise sidewalk evangelists who hand out tracts. Why have I never seen a tract that touts the love of Christ? I will say there is no other way to everlasting life than through Jesus, but I will not condemn you for choosing any other path.
How can someone learn about the love of the church if they come to Christ through reading this kind of hatred?
Are Roman Catholics Christians?
I don't think all the rites and rituals are required, but to say someone isn't Christian for following them? Christianity is about accepting Christ as your Lord and Saviour, and the last time I checked, Catholics believe Jesus to be the Son of God. Catholics use rites and rituals like the 7 sacraments because they feel it brings them closer to God and believe that they are REQUIRED in order to achieve salvation. They still believe in Christ, and while the sacraments aren't a requirement for salvation, there is nothing wrong with using them to bring yourself into closer communion with God. Saying that doing so is wrong is like saying that singing worship songs in a contemporary service to bring yourself into closer communion with God is wrong.
Is evolution vs. creation really that big of a deal? Big Daddy?I don't understand why it matters whether we evolved from a single cell organism or we just appeared as we look today. We were made in the likeness of Him right? Maybe he looks like a single cell organism, and we evolved from that into what we are today? Who knows how long those original "7 days" really were.
Oh, and for some reason these nut jobs also think that all bibles, with the exception of the King James Version, are of the devil and that we who read and follow them are being deceived and will be cast into the fiery lakes of hell. Just so you know. ;) It says so here...The Attack.
So if you are sitting somewhere and want to take yourself on a rollercoaster ride of emotions through disbelief, sadness, anger and ending up throwing your hands in the air and asking why God made Christians like these, then please go ahead and surf on over to Chick's Tracts, for all the evangelical bullshit you can handle.
This was your life
How can anyone come to know the love of Christ when they are first told to cower in fear of Christ? There is little wonder people despise sidewalk evangelists who hand out tracts. Why have I never seen a tract that touts the love of Christ? I will say there is no other way to everlasting life than through Jesus, but I will not condemn you for choosing any other path.
How can someone learn about the love of the church if they come to Christ through reading this kind of hatred?
Are Roman Catholics Christians?
I don't think all the rites and rituals are required, but to say someone isn't Christian for following them? Christianity is about accepting Christ as your Lord and Saviour, and the last time I checked, Catholics believe Jesus to be the Son of God. Catholics use rites and rituals like the 7 sacraments because they feel it brings them closer to God and believe that they are REQUIRED in order to achieve salvation. They still believe in Christ, and while the sacraments aren't a requirement for salvation, there is nothing wrong with using them to bring yourself into closer communion with God. Saying that doing so is wrong is like saying that singing worship songs in a contemporary service to bring yourself into closer communion with God is wrong.
Is evolution vs. creation really that big of a deal? Big Daddy?I don't understand why it matters whether we evolved from a single cell organism or we just appeared as we look today. We were made in the likeness of Him right? Maybe he looks like a single cell organism, and we evolved from that into what we are today? Who knows how long those original "7 days" really were.
Oh, and for some reason these nut jobs also think that all bibles, with the exception of the King James Version, are of the devil and that we who read and follow them are being deceived and will be cast into the fiery lakes of hell. Just so you know. ;) It says so here...The Attack.
So if you are sitting somewhere and want to take yourself on a rollercoaster ride of emotions through disbelief, sadness, anger and ending up throwing your hands in the air and asking why God made Christians like these, then please go ahead and surf on over to Chick's Tracts, for all the evangelical bullshit you can handle.
Rev Katherine Hancock Ragsdale, the new Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts recently gave a sermon saying that abortions are a blessing. She lays out four examples, and ends each with the statement, "the abortion is a blessing."
She started off with an example that many would find they agree with. Maybe not that it is a blessing, but that it is semi-acceptable.
"When a woman finds herself pregnant due to violence and chooses an abortion, it is the violence that is the tragedy; the abortion is a blessing."
Her next example will find fewer supporters, yet it is still something that many would find to be an acceptable option, though maybe not a blessing.
"When a woman finds that the fetus she is carrying has anomalies incompatible with life, that it will not live and that she requires an abortion – often a late-term abortion – to protect her life, her health, or her fertility, it is the shattering of her hopes and dreams for that pregnancy that is the tragedy; the abortion is a blessing."
There are far fewer supporters for her last two examples, with many saying that abortions should not be allowed as a "get out of jail free" card to those who make poor decisions. Though it is still a woman's right to make that choice for herself and we cannot judge the experiences that lead to the decisions she is making, nor can we judge the decision itself.
"When a woman wants a child but can’t afford one because she hasn’t the education necessary for a sustainable job, or access to health care, or day care, or adequate food, it is the abysmal priorities of our nation, the lack of social supports, the absence of justice that are the tragedies; the abortion is a blessing."
"And when a woman becomes pregnant within a loving, supportive, respectful relationship; has every option open to her; decides she does not wish to bear a child; and has access to a safe, affordable abortion – there is not a tragedy in sight -- only blessing. The ability to enjoy God’s good gift of sexuality without compromising one’s education, life’s work, or ability to put to use God’s gifts and call is simply blessing."
The bible does not specifically address the issue of abortion, and I don't think any amount of Christian dogma or doctrine can make up for what the bible says or doesn't say.
Jeremiah 1:5 is often quoted as a verse that shows God's view on abortion, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you," along with Psalm 139:13-16, another verse that talks about God's role in our creation in the womb. But that is just talking about the role of God in creation, not in the placement of the soul in the body at that moment. God has his hand in the creation of everything. He knows everything before He creates it.
Exodus 21:22-25 is another verse that is used to show how God punishes those that cause (perform) abortions,
"If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth . . ."
While I don't think this verse has anything to do with abortion, both sides of the debate have used it to either defend, or condemn the act.
The pro-abortion side says that it clearly states that if the fetus dies, then a beating is due, but if the woman dies, then it shall be a life for a life, thus showing that the fetus isn’t a “life”.
The anti-abortion side likes to say that certain words have been mistranslated and that if you read it in the original Hebrew there would be no way you could use it for a pro-abortion argument.
Whether we interpret the verses as pro, or anti-abortion, it doesn’t matter. We can all twist scripture to say whatever we want through all sorts of arguments, but that isn’t going to help any.
Abortions are going to happen. Whether we label them as right or wrong, they are still going to take place. This is not the time to condemn; this is the time to show love. The Christian stance on abortion is one of the major issues that is showcased to the world when describing the ignorance and out-datedness of Christianity. Now I’m not saying we need to change our beliefs to be more popular, but I think we are making the wrong thing the center of attention.
When people think of Christianity and abortions, they think of those selfish assholes that stand outside picketing abortion clinics. What a travesty this is! Christians shouldn’t be known for their arrogance, their ignorance and their hatefulness. This is the perfect opportunity to reach out, to show people that we are caring, loving people that aren’t going to judge you for the decisions you make. We should have support groups, counselling services, and an open, accepting invitation to all women that make the decision to have an abortion. We should be known for our love and support, not our hatred and judgement.
Christianity is about love. Picketing abortion clinics is not love. Judging people for the decisions they make is not love.
Now I'm not arguing statistics here. I know that the majority of abortions are for the reason of convenience. And I’m not going to say that abortions are a “blessing.” Abortions will always be a contentious issue, and I just think that gives us all the more opportunity to change this image people have of Christians. Lose the picket signs and hateful slogans and pickup an attitude of love and forgiveness. It doesn’t matter what you believe, whether you are pro-choice or pro-life, what matters is how you love those that are making the decision.
She started off with an example that many would find they agree with. Maybe not that it is a blessing, but that it is semi-acceptable.
"When a woman finds herself pregnant due to violence and chooses an abortion, it is the violence that is the tragedy; the abortion is a blessing."
Her next example will find fewer supporters, yet it is still something that many would find to be an acceptable option, though maybe not a blessing.
"When a woman finds that the fetus she is carrying has anomalies incompatible with life, that it will not live and that she requires an abortion – often a late-term abortion – to protect her life, her health, or her fertility, it is the shattering of her hopes and dreams for that pregnancy that is the tragedy; the abortion is a blessing."
There are far fewer supporters for her last two examples, with many saying that abortions should not be allowed as a "get out of jail free" card to those who make poor decisions. Though it is still a woman's right to make that choice for herself and we cannot judge the experiences that lead to the decisions she is making, nor can we judge the decision itself.
"When a woman wants a child but can’t afford one because she hasn’t the education necessary for a sustainable job, or access to health care, or day care, or adequate food, it is the abysmal priorities of our nation, the lack of social supports, the absence of justice that are the tragedies; the abortion is a blessing."
"And when a woman becomes pregnant within a loving, supportive, respectful relationship; has every option open to her; decides she does not wish to bear a child; and has access to a safe, affordable abortion – there is not a tragedy in sight -- only blessing. The ability to enjoy God’s good gift of sexuality without compromising one’s education, life’s work, or ability to put to use God’s gifts and call is simply blessing."
The bible does not specifically address the issue of abortion, and I don't think any amount of Christian dogma or doctrine can make up for what the bible says or doesn't say.
Jeremiah 1:5 is often quoted as a verse that shows God's view on abortion, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you," along with Psalm 139:13-16, another verse that talks about God's role in our creation in the womb. But that is just talking about the role of God in creation, not in the placement of the soul in the body at that moment. God has his hand in the creation of everything. He knows everything before He creates it.
Exodus 21:22-25 is another verse that is used to show how God punishes those that cause (perform) abortions,
"If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth . . ."
While I don't think this verse has anything to do with abortion, both sides of the debate have used it to either defend, or condemn the act.
The pro-abortion side says that it clearly states that if the fetus dies, then a beating is due, but if the woman dies, then it shall be a life for a life, thus showing that the fetus isn’t a “life”.
The anti-abortion side likes to say that certain words have been mistranslated and that if you read it in the original Hebrew there would be no way you could use it for a pro-abortion argument.
Whether we interpret the verses as pro, or anti-abortion, it doesn’t matter. We can all twist scripture to say whatever we want through all sorts of arguments, but that isn’t going to help any.
Abortions are going to happen. Whether we label them as right or wrong, they are still going to take place. This is not the time to condemn; this is the time to show love. The Christian stance on abortion is one of the major issues that is showcased to the world when describing the ignorance and out-datedness of Christianity. Now I’m not saying we need to change our beliefs to be more popular, but I think we are making the wrong thing the center of attention.
When people think of Christianity and abortions, they think of those selfish assholes that stand outside picketing abortion clinics. What a travesty this is! Christians shouldn’t be known for their arrogance, their ignorance and their hatefulness. This is the perfect opportunity to reach out, to show people that we are caring, loving people that aren’t going to judge you for the decisions you make. We should have support groups, counselling services, and an open, accepting invitation to all women that make the decision to have an abortion. We should be known for our love and support, not our hatred and judgement.
Christianity is about love. Picketing abortion clinics is not love. Judging people for the decisions they make is not love.
Now I'm not arguing statistics here. I know that the majority of abortions are for the reason of convenience. And I’m not going to say that abortions are a “blessing.” Abortions will always be a contentious issue, and I just think that gives us all the more opportunity to change this image people have of Christians. Lose the picket signs and hateful slogans and pickup an attitude of love and forgiveness. It doesn’t matter what you believe, whether you are pro-choice or pro-life, what matters is how you love those that are making the decision.
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