So I call up Amazon's customer service today to complain about the recent commercial that supports gay marriage. Actually you can't call customer service, you have to email customer service and request that they call you back. But they did call me back I politely asked the woman who I could complain to about the commercial. She said that they are not accepting calls on this issue but she could write down my comments and pass them on to the corporate office. I asked for a phone number to the corporate office and she claims that there is no number for the corporate office. IT is kind of funny that Amazon is demonstrating courage when creating the commercial but are demonstrating cowardice by their refusal to even discuss the content with someone who disagrees with them. It is very intolerant of them and a perfect example of bullies trying to force their own worldview down the throats of the general public.

I feel very sorry for you.

I don't think it's a choice, I did many years ago but have changed my stance. On gay marriage, I look at it from a religious viewpoint and from that angle I'm against it. I have zero problem with civil unions and think gay couple should have the same rights as straight married people. I may be called ignorant for it, I hope not, but it's just a religious institution for me. Now, if a religion says it's ok for a gay couple to marry, I'm cool with it.

I don't think it's a choice, I did many years ago but have changed my stance. On gay marriage, I look at it from a religious viewpoint and from that angle I'm against it. I have zero problem with civil unions and think gay couple should have the same rights as straight married people. I may be called ignorant for it, I hope not, but it's just a religious institution for me. Now, if a religion says it's ok for a gay couple to marry, I'm cool with it.

 

Agreed on all points. If the Catholic church wants to forbid it in the Church I'm cool with that. I just think that it should be allowed in the form of a civil union.

Earlier today in a discussion with a friend about this thread, I commented to him "You just wait, some genius is bound to try to use the word homosexual and serial killer in the same breath to try to drive his point"... and... sure enough, in predictable fashion, some genius did just that... Wow... you really thought that one through, didn't you? ... and even thought that it sounded intelligent right before hit "reply"... Just a hunch... any intelligent discussion with you would be futile... correct???

 

Also... earlier today in one of my post, I stated, "People think that their "anti-gay" stance is "an opinion" when it's strictly their inability to comprehend something that affects millions upon millions of people worldwide".

 

Thank you... because with your contribution of thought, you've helped demonstrate that "inability to comprehend" part quite prominently.

 

Hilarious....you want tolerance, but can't give it. Can't comprehend something that you are so I am "ignorant". Can't understand Lindsey Lohan either and she would come back with the same lame reply that I am "ignorant" of all the tough times in her life, and all that she has gone through.

I don't think it's a choice' date=' I did many years ago but have changed my stance. On gay marriage, I look at it from a religious viewpoint and from that angle I'm against it. I have zero problem with civil unions and think gay couple should have the same rights as straight married people. I may be called ignorant for it, I hope not, but it's just a religious institution for me. Now, if a religion says it's ok for a gay couple to marry, I'm cool with it.[/quote']

 

I agree that there is a distinction between a religious ceremony and a civil one. I also have no problem with civil unions between same-sex couples, and agree they should have the same legal rights. In civil terms, marriage is a contract. In religious terms, the marriage ceremony is a blessing of the union. I also have no problem with a religious institution performing those ceremonies for same sex couples.

There's no doubt that gay couples deal with a lot of red tape in the example of the death of a partner, or visitation rights, or even employment benefits, that straight legally married couples do not have to deal with. That right there is just unfair, and no one can convince me otherwise. That's not an opinion either...that's just WRONG.

B-Ball-fan, I can't even begin to understand what you've had to deal with in your life, I'm sorry it's had to be so arduous. I appreciate your candidness on the subject.

 

I agree with you 100% on how wrong it is to be treated different on the things you listed here. While I see marriage as a religious institution, I feel it's contemptible that gay couples have to deal with such unfair treatment in these matters. Gay couples should not be wronged because of who they are nor should they be slighted from ensuing and enjoying the same benefits that straight couples enjoy and obtain.

I feel very sorry for you.

 

Why?

Shame it wasn't shown on a nude beach.

Earlier today in a discussion with a friend about this thread, I commented to him "You just wait, some genius is bound to try to use the word homosexual and serial killer in the same breath to try to drive his point"... and... sure enough, in predictable fashion, some genius did just that... Wow... you really thought that one through, didn't you? ... and even thought that it sounded intelligent right before hit "reply"... Just a hunch... any intelligent discussion with you would be futile... correct???

 

Also... earlier today in one of my post, I stated, "People think that their "anti-gay" stance is "an opinion" when it's strictly their inability to comprehend something that affects millions upon millions of people worldwide".

 

Thank you... because with your contribution of thought, you've helped demonstrate that "inability to comprehend" part quite prominently.

 

For someone who "Has seen the light" and is comfortable being connected to a homosexual lifestyle, you do not seem at all at ease. You seem really angry. I personally am not angry. I wanted to complain about what I though was a tasteless commercial but truth be told I have probably spent a whole ten minutes dwelling on it. Your posts are like long Psalms full of various emotions.

 

I think that is really where the debate has turned in our country. The conservatives do not seem to be nearly as angry as the liberals do whenever the issue of homosexuality is brought up and the liberals are accusing the conservatives of being close minded and hateful.

For someone who "Has seen the light" and is comfortable being connected to a homosexual lifestyle, you do not seem at all at ease. You seem really angry. I personally am not angry. I wanted to complain about what I though was a tasteless commercial but truth be told I have probably spent a whole ten minutes dwelling on it. Your posts are like long Psalms full of various emotions.

 

I think that is really where the debate has turned in our country. The conservatives do not seem to be nearly as angry as the liberals do whenever the issue of homosexuality is brought up and the liberals are accusing the conservatives of being close minded and hateful.

 

There's a lot of really good basketball being played this week, and I'll admit that I've already let this topic be a bit too much of a distraction for me to enjoy it to its full capacity. With that said, I really want to try to keep this brief, but anyone who's ever read my posts knows that that's a challenge for me, so don't be surprised if I again ramble.

 

I tend to be thorough, and perhaps a bit overly so when expressing myself. I'm not up for any awards at being diplomatic, and most definitely on blogs, users tend to split hairs to the nth degree with whatever anyone says, and tries to hold people to their words as absolute evidence of accuracy or inaccuracy, as proof, or lack there of on their stance, or their display of tolerance or intolerance. Being human, I too can be guilty of the very same thing.

 

Of course since I've blatantly "come out" so to speak in this thread, inadvertently this has somehow now made me the spokesperson for every homosexual on planet earth, and however I present myself either intelligently, cynically, childishly, maturely, obstinately, forcefully, civilly, or any of the other various ways my personality might come across, I stand the chance that many will use me as conclusive evidence for coming to their own conclusions in reference to the topic at hand. If I could suggest, please don't, because I am just one individual amongst nearly 7 billion human beings in the world, and as with every person there are umteen-thousand possible attitudes, and mine is just one of them. Like me or not, I'm just representing me.

 

Aside from me being a wordy guy in general, with me being gay, it shouldn't be too hard to see why I might have a lot to say about this topic. With having experienced a good amount of prejudice for as far back as I can remember, It also shouldn't be too hard to see why I can display frustration or cynicism when addressing the topic. That's not me making any excuses for myself, as I'd want nothing more from myself to always be lighthearted and completely mature when expressing myself. Sadly though, that's not exactly who I am, and I'll admit that it doesn't take much for me to show my hot streak and smack people up with an attitude. In general I am "at ease" with my life as it's a rarity that I bother with dissecting in such detail this topic, and I just live my life. It's when I enter into these discussions that the whole "pulling of teeth" of it all, or going back to "square one" that it is annoying, therefore it doesn't take too much for my annoyance to be expressed.

 

You've admitted to roughly ten minutes of thought about it which makes me question how you've taken it upon yourself to start a cause that you basically can be flippant about, and perhaps haven't had much reason to think it through too much in your lifetime, and/or probably barely effects you, but gosh darn it, you're gonna make your viewpoint heard. That's cool. You're free to express whatever gets under your skin with whatever understanding or misunderstanding you have with whatever the topic. There are people who'd like to see people experience more freedom and acceptance in the future. You perhaps don't.

 

I personally don't really care one way or another about that commercial. You bringing it up however does open up discussion that can go deeper to the core with me. To be perfectly honest, one thing that I'm starting to see in the world with gay acceptance is a certain pendulum swing where gayness is viewed by some as trendy or cool. I don't much care myself for that swing. I'd rather it just swing to nothingness where it's pretty much a dead issue where everyone just respects each other for who they are, and their sexuality is their own private matter. If a trend starts where some straights experiment with gayness, that trend doesn't help my cause one bit. All it will do is allow anti-gay folks say "See... all this openly gay acceptance crap has wrongly influenced people to head down paths that are not natural and right for them". In many respects I would agree. Still, I'd be the last person to tell anyone what's right or wrong for them sexually... that's their own deal. Ultimately though, I just wish that it wasn't even worth discussing.

 

Before I rant any further in very possibly a way that can be viewed as harsh, I'd like to take a minute to thank those who've expressed their understanding to me, and let them know how very much I appreciate the efforts they've taken to think and express that understanding, and that it thrills me to know that it appears that the world has come along way over the last 30 years or so. I've never in my life ever wanted any special treatment. As a human, I've always just wanted the same fairness in life that anyone might expect in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

 

Now on to my ranting which probably won't show me in a nice light, but is basically more specifically directed to "History's" last comment to me and "Khalid" you can take from it whatever you'd like, as part of it is likely directed at you as well.

 

Here goes:

 

Why should I tolerate your intolerance? I owe you nothing. What makes something that you can't comprehend "wrong" just because you can't comprehend it? Hasn't your time on this planet taught you anything? I have no respect at all for the way you present your thoughts, and I won't mince words in anyway to make it sound as if I do. Trite unsound conjecture on a topic you admittedly can't understand certainly doesn't bump your input to the forefront on any level of intellectual significance. If anything, from where I stand, it places it firmly in a pile of sophomoric rubbish.

 

If I were perfect, which I am not, I'd display better control and just ignore you like I would any 12 year old. Sadly though, I'm guessing that you are an adult, and I'll admit that after so many years of discounting all the lameness from adults I've seen and heard displayed, who should know better, I still personally find myself reacting to it, and sometimes get my feathers ruffled. That's my shortcomings. I'm not up for any awards for "Mr. Gay Nice Guy" to be an example and poster child to undeserving straight people of how wonderfully perfect in behavior I can be, just to be walked over and stepped on time and again. If you're willing to make some of the comments that you do, don't be shocked if you get called out for it. I've had to brace myself too to be called out many times in my life for whatever I've felt. Perhaps you're getting the brunt for all that I've bottled up over the years.

 

When Khalid first saw that commercial he probably originally thought that it was as straight as anything until the punch line got him all shook up, which I'm assuming was the commericial's intent to make straight people realize that they assume too much. He also probably assumed that his audience for his displeasure would be in total agreement, which there again, he assumed too much. Little by little the world will wake up, but I'm not expecting folks like you or Khalid to anytime soon, and my freedom doesn't depend upon it.

 

Nobody probably expected someone like me to jump out of the woodwork and hold people like you to your words...but... surprise surprise... here I am. I realize that this website is probably not used to that uncomfortable feeling that I'm presenting. Honestly, I enjoy this website most specifically for the non-controversial sports angle of it all, and that's what drew me to it years ago, but this thread caught my attention, and away I went.

 

Society has sounded off for years on this topic, just like yourself, with illogical, irresponsible lameness and has expected a response of cheers and laughter from the peanut gallery as if they've ever said anything the least bit intelligent.... and all the while expect a pass???... Wronggggggg... I offer no pass at all to those who've done nothing for me but make living in this world more difficult than need be.

 

It's funny now, after all of the knee-jerk disrespect with no concern of how hurtful, that some straights hold gays to act with mutual respect as a determiner first before any effort of acceptance. If anything is a laugh... that is. I whole heartedly agree with mutual respect, but if you don't get it, you shouldn't at all be surprised. You have earned, and have only yourself to thank for that funny little feeling of being put in your place. I offer no apologies, and say without hesitation that if you feel uncomfortable with the way that I am conveying my thoughts... too bad. You and your kind have never hesitated to make others feel uncomfortable. Paybacks are a... well... you know what they say. My living freely in this world the way I see fit is not contingent on your acceptance, and I won't start holding my breath.

 

I'm not representing the world, I'm representing myself. I'm not holding myself to some "oh so perfect conduct" on presenting my thoughts on the matter that you might expect from me. Perhaps I'm wrong, but again... I owe you nothing. I will however tell you straight up that you are as wrong as the day is long and there is no debate about it. That is not an opinion... that is a fact.. You are also free to stay in your wrongness .... and who am I to tell you otherwise? Whatever works for you man...

 

Again.. I realize that what I've said will win me no diplomacy awards, but that's not my aim.

 

At this point what my true aim is, is to put this topic far behind me, turn on the TV and get down to some serious basketball!!!

I will however tell you straight up that you are as wrong as the day is long and there is no debate about it. That is not an opinion... that is a fact.. You are also free to stay in your wrongness ....

 

 

You may be surprised to know that I indeed have studied and read countless pieces on this subject and have even conducted field research myself. I am around homosexuality on a regular basis. I have family members, friends, and coworkers that choose to lead that lifestyle. We've dicussed these issues before and none of them seem nearly as emotional as you do when talking about it. Some of them would agree with you and some would not. But lets try to put anger aside and simply look at a couple of questions.

 

Social Question

 

You or several others on this topic claim that they know of no one who is against same-sex marriage and that the landscape of our country is changing, however whenever same-sex marriage is placed on a ballot it is more often voted down. How can you explain that an ever-changing world continues to follow this pattern?

 

Biological Question

 

Every creature in history that is naturally sexually compatable with a mate is able to procreate with that mate. If homosexuality is natural than how come it cannot result in procreation?

 

Religious Question

 

I don't know if you mentioned religion in any of your responses but here is a pretty simple question. One cannot argue that the Bible speaks against homosexuality, it blatantly does and it is not debatable. One can however argue if the Bible is accurate. Do you agree with what I just said?

 

Athletic Question

 

If Marquette comes back to win this game, then I have a pretty good bracket. How is yours?

You may be surprised to know that I indeed have studied and read countless pieces on this subject and have even conducted field research myself. I am around homosexuality on a regular basis. I have family members, friends, and coworkers that choose to lead that lifestyle. We've dicussed these issues before and none of them seem nearly as emotional as you do when talking about it. Some of them would agree with you and some would not. But lets try to put anger aside and simply look at a couple of questions.

 

 

Biological Question

 

Every creature in history that is naturally sexually compatable with a mate is able to procreate with that mate. If homosexuality is natural than how come it cannot result in procreation?

 

Religious Question

 

I don't know if you mentioned religion in any of your responses but here is a pretty simple question. One cannot argue that the Bible speaks against homosexuality, it blatantly does and it is not debatable. One can however argue if the Bible is accurate. Do you agree with what I just said?

 

I know the question was not directed at me, but I'd like to respond to the two aforementioned questions anyway with a few questions of my own.

 

Biological Question

First, there are many documented cases where animals of many species have exhibited homosexuality. Obviously, it's not for procreation, but it still happens. Are those acts not natural even though they are, in fact, occurring in nature?

 

Second, what about masturbation? Is that natural? Just wondering, because that sexual act also doesn't result in procreation and I can assure you it is occurring in far greater rates than acts of homosexuality. Following your logic, shouldn't we be waging a war against masturbation too??

 

And finally, what about heterosexual married couples who are unable to conceive. To fit within your guidelines of acceptable sex acts, is it acceptable for them to still have sex even though procreation is impossible? Or in other words, is it unnatural for the couple to continue to have sex even though it will never result in a child?

 

Religious Question

 

I'll point out the obvious here. Yes, the Bible has a couple passing references to homosexuality. And, since you seem to be a devout Bible passage quoter, I am sure you realize there there are many other questionable passages dealing with the permissiveness of slavery, rules on how women should dress and be treated, foods we shouldn't eat, materials we can use, and on and on and on. In fact, there are far more passages regarding the misuse of money that hardly ever come up in debate. Yet, homosexuality is the comparatively rare passage that everyone likes to focus on. Why? I have no idea. Maybe you can share your thoughts on that. Or in other words, do you spend as much of your time focusing on helping people "see the light" for other sins outside homosexuality? If not, why not? Why is homosexuality any worse than eating shellfish?

 

And, to answer your original question under this topic, no I don't believe the Bible to be 100% accurate. In my opinion, the earth wasn't created in six days with God resting on the seventh. Noah didn't have an ark that housed two of each species. Jonah didn't get swallowed by a whale. You see, my thinking is that God gave us common sense to discern between parables and non-fiction. Also, God gave us the ability to love others and to treat them as we, ourselves, would want to be treated. Now whether we actually reserve judgment of other people's sins knowing that we are full of sins ourselves...well, that doesn't seem to happen nearly enough, especially when it comes to topics like the "naturalness" of homosexuality.

 

BTW, I am not trying to be flippant on this subject. I would truly like to hear your answers to my posed questions as it may help me to understand your frame of thinking on this topic.

You may be surprised to know that I indeed have studied and read countless pieces on this subject and have even conducted field research myself. I am around homosexuality on a regular basis. I have family members, friends, and coworkers that choose to lead that lifestyle. We've dicussed these issues before and none of them seem nearly as emotional as you do when talking about it. Some of them would agree with you and some would not. But lets try to put anger aside and simply look at a couple of questions.

 

Social Question

 

You or several others on this topic claim that they know of no one who is against same-sex marriage and that the landscape of our country is changing, however whenever same-sex marriage is placed on a ballot it is more often voted down. How can you explain that an ever-changing world continues to follow this pattern?

 

Biological Question

 

Every creature in history that is naturally sexually compatable with a mate is able to procreate with that mate. If homosexuality is natural than how come it cannot result in procreation?

 

Religious Question

 

I don't know if you mentioned religion in any of your responses but here is a pretty simple question. One cannot argue that the Bible speaks against homosexuality, it blatantly does and it is not debatable. One can however argue if the Bible is accurate. Do you agree with what I just said?

 

Athletic Question

 

If Marquette comes back to win this game, then I have a pretty good bracket. How is yours?

 

Wow... I seriously thought that I was done addressing this topic. Evidently, you've figured that you can keep me going, and unfortunately your assumption of that is correct. I wish that I could say otherwise... but here we go again...

 

Social question:

 

 

I know people who are not for same-sex marriage. I personally am not a huge proponent for it as I personally don't feel the need to enter into the institution of it to share my love with someone, and as long as I live I don't see myself changing my personal needs, however I believe all couples deserve the same rights to share the same legal benefits of it if they so desire. If not under marriage, at least under domestic partners rights. If given the opportunity to vote, merely for fairness and equality, I personally would be voting "yes".

 

Good understanding lawyers can help gay couples work around the law to protect themselves from unfair obstacles that can come their way, typically presented by family members that disapprove of their union, however domestic partners rights could prevent the need to work around anything, and just allow gay adult couples to conduct their legal business fairly, as they see fit, as it should be.

 

If not legally protected properly, some gay couples have experienced the horror of interfering family members who've put up walls in such cases of hospital visitation rights, medical decisions, death of a partner, or finalizing wills. Straight married couples don't typically experience these obstacles because they are protected by law and the general public would see it as crap if anyone tried to interfere with straight married couples' decisions, however because society is divided on the gay topic, some don't see the need for equality and can knee-jerkingly appear not to have a logical thought in their head, and allow for the imposition of a double standard on the matter.

 

We appear to be living in a time where the general public is more accepting than they once were, but I've no doubt that that acceptance is subject to roller coaster. That roller coastering of perception is not evidence one way or another of homosexuality being as real as it is, and the need for fairness for those who are.

 

Biological question:

 

Without hesitation, I am in total agreement that heterosexuality leading to procreation is as natural as anything. You will get no argument from me there. I've also no doubt that a vast amount of humans have a predisposition to be homosexual. I can not give you a percentage, but the number is too large to ignore and write off as a choice, or unnatural. If a man for example has absolutely no drive or attraction to a woman, but by no choice of his own feels intense attraction towards a man, biologically it's pretty difficult for him to engage in sexual activity with a woman, therefore eliminating the possibility of procreation, however he still is likely, just like most humans, to desire love and affection from the object of his attraction. Because some in society do no approve or understand, should two men attracted to one another abstain to share their love simply because it's not approved of by others?

 

Even though homosexuality does not lead to procreation, evidence of it as also being a very natural part of the human experience for many is that it is also vastly seen within the animal kingdom. You can google this and find much info on it. Here I will simply just provide one link to a National Geographic video regarding the matter.

 

 

Religious question:

 

To be perfectly honest I didn't want to delve too deeply into the religious question, as religion and the bible bring up so very many unanswerable questions about their validity, and no matter anyone's belief system, there is very little way to prove or disprove anything regarding it. I do however find the effort that '20/20HIngsight" made in addressing it full of interesting thought provoking questions that I would say fairly well parallels what I might've added, so I'll just let his representation of the question suffice. I, like many have my whole life had a passionate desire to know the ultimate truth, and do not discount the possibility of the existence of a god, but no matter what conclusions I've come to I still have, it seems, the obstacles of my human limitations to know anything with complete certainty, or much less turn around to preach that uncertainty to others.

 

I truly hope that whether you agree or not with anything that I've said, that this satisfies your questioning. I must admit that I am beyond burnt out on the topic. Whew... I beg for your mercy to not ask anymore because you just know that I'm bound to respond, and I so very much don't want to be tempted.

 

Regarding my bracket. Honestly this year I didn't fill one out for the purpose of merely just enjoying the games without suffering any disappointment as I have in years past because it is inevitable that I would get numerous games wrong.

Wow... I seriously thought that I was done addressing this topic. Evidently, you've figured that you can keep me going, and unfortunately your assumption of that is correct. I wish that I could say otherwise... but here we go again...

 

Social question:

 

 

I know people who are not for same-sex marriage. I personally am not a huge proponent for it as I personally don't feel the need to enter into the institution of it to share my love with someone, and as long as I live I don't see myself changing my personal needs, however I believe all couples deserve the same rights to share the same legal benefits of it if they so desire. If not under marriage, at least under domestic partners rights. If given the opportunity to vote, merely for fairness and equality, I personally would be voting "yes".

 

Good understanding lawyers can help gay couples work around the law to protect themselves from unfair obstacles that can come their way, typically presented by family members that disapprove of their union, however domestic partners rights could prevent the need to work around anything, and just allow gay adult couples to conduct their legal business fairly, as they see fit, as it should be.

 

If not legally protected properly, some gay couples have experienced the horror of interfering family members who've put up walls in such cases of hospital visitation rights, medical decisions, death of a partner, or finalizing wills. Straight married couples don't typically experience these obstacles because they are protected by law and the general public would see it as crap if anyone tried to interfere with straight married couples' decisions, however because society is divided on the gay topic, some don't see the need for equality and can knee-jerkingly appear not to have a logical thought in their head, and allow for the imposition of a double standard on the matter.

 

We appear to be living in a time where the general public is more accepting than they once were, but I've no doubt that that acceptance is subject to roller coaster. That roller coastering of perception is not evidence one way or another of homosexuality being as real as it is, and the need for fairness for those who are.

 

Biological question:

 

Without hesitation, I am in total agreement that heterosexuality leading to procreation is as natural as anything. You will get no argument from me there. I've also no doubt that a vast amount of humans have a predisposition to be homosexual. I can not give you a percentage, but the number is too large to ignore and write off as a choice, or unnatural. If a man for example has absolutely no drive or attraction to a woman, but by no choice of his own feels intense attraction towards a man, biologically it's pretty difficult for him to engage in sexual activity with a woman, therefore eliminating the possibility of procreation, however he still is likely, just like most humans, to desire love and affection from the object of his attraction. Because some in society do no approve or understand, should two men attracted to one another abstain to share their love simply because it's not approved of by others?

 

Even though homosexuality does not lead to procreation, evidence of it as also being a very natural part of the human experience for many is that it is also vastly seen within the animal kingdom. You can google this and find much info on it. Here I will simply just provide one link to a National Geographic video regarding the matter.

 

 

Religious question:

 

To be perfectly honest I didn't want to delve too deeply into the religious question, as religion and the bible bring up so very many unanswerable questions about their validity, and no matter anyone's belief system, there is very little way to prove or disprove anything regarding it. I do however find the effort that '20/20HIngsight" made in addressing it full of interesting thought provoking questions that I would say fairly well parallels what I might've added, so I'll just let his representation of the question suffice. I, like many have my whole life had a passionate desire to know the ultimate truth, and do not discount the possibility of the existence of a god, but no matter what conclusions I've come to I still have, it seems, the obstacles of my human limitations to know anything with complete certainty, or much less turn around to preach that uncertainty to others.

 

I truly hope that whether you agree or not with anything that I've said, that this satisfies your questioning. I must admit that I am beyond burnt out on the topic. Whew... I beg for your mercy to not ask anymore because you just know that I'm bound to respond, and I so very much don't want to be tempted.

 

Regarding my bracket. Honestly this year I didn't fill one out for the purpose of merely just enjoying the games without suffering any disappointment as I have in years past because it is inevitable that I would get numerous games wrong.

 

okay

I know the question was not directed at me, but I'd like to respond to the two aforementioned questions anyway with a few questions of my own.

 

Biological Question

First, there are many documented cases where animals of many species have exhibited homosexuality. Obviously, it's not for procreation, but it still happens. Are those acts not natural even though they are, in fact, occurring in nature?

 

Second, what about masturbation? Is that natural? Just wondering, because that sexual act also doesn't result in procreation and I can assure you it is occurring in far greater rates than acts of homosexuality. Following your logic, shouldn't we be waging a war against masturbation too??

 

And finally, what about heterosexual married couples who are unable to conceive. To fit within your guidelines of acceptable sex acts, is it acceptable for them to still have sex even though procreation is impossible? Or in other words, is it unnatural for the couple to continue to have sex even though it will never result in a child?

 

Religious Question

 

I'll point out the obvious here. Yes, the Bible has a couple passing references to homosexuality. And, since you seem to be a devout Bible passage quoter, I am sure you realize there there are many other questionable passages dealing with the permissiveness of slavery, rules on how women should dress and be treated, foods we shouldn't eat, materials we can use, and on and on and on. In fact, there are far more passages regarding the misuse of money that hardly ever come up in debate. Yet, homosexuality is the comparatively rare passage that everyone likes to focus on. Why? I have no idea. Maybe you can share your thoughts on that. Or in other words, do you spend as much of your time focusing on helping people "see the light" for other sins outside homosexuality? If not, why not? Why is homosexuality any worse than eating shellfish?

 

And, to answer your original question under this topic, no I don't believe the Bible to be 100% accurate. In my opinion, the earth wasn't created in six days with God resting on the seventh. Noah didn't have an ark that housed two of each species. Jonah didn't get swallowed by a whale. You see, my thinking is that God gave us common sense to discern between parables and non-fiction. Also, God gave us the ability to love others and to treat them as we, ourselves, would want to be treated. Now whether we actually reserve judgment of other people's sins knowing that we are full of sins ourselves...well, that doesn't seem to happen nearly enough, especially when it comes to topics like the "naturalness" of homosexuality.

.

 

I am more concise.

 

Animal Topic: Its just a response. Their actions are not comparable to humans leading a lifestyle and feeling the emotions. Its like when a dog humps your leg (ever happen to anyone but me). The dog is not in love with the leg.

 

Masturbation: I really don't want to talk about it. I'm not copping out, I just don't want to type about it.

 

Barren/Sterile Couples: I do not believe that sex is only for pro-creation. My wife of eight years just had our first child and she was on the pill for seven years. The inablity to reproduce has to do with medical issues outside of the sex act itself. My purpose in my biological question was to point out that sexual compatitibily and the possibiliy of pro-creation are parallel to each other. They exist as one.

 

Religious Question: First: Why do you call me a devoute bible passage quoter?

 

Slave/Women: The Bible says there is not distinction between them and free/male. It just says be a good slave if you are one and be a good wife.

Food: Dietary laws were changed in Acts. Eating Shellfish is not longer a sin.

Homosexuality: Several references, not just a "rare" one.

Compared to Other sins: All are equally bad but no one claims to be born a robber, liar, mugger, etc.

 

I did not want to write an entire one-act play. But I think I covered everything.