by Sandy » Thu Nov 09, 2017 7:24 pm
We've debated and discussed the sinfulness of homosexuality and transgendered people here to death, without making much of a difference. I believe the Biblical record contains support for the belief that homosexual behavior is sinful, and that following through on some sort of transgendered transition is as well. I believe that taking the posture that these things are not sinful behavior denies those individuals a legitimate change to experience spiritual conviction and repentance, and receive the gospel of Jesus. But the self-righteous judgmentalism that most of these people have experienced at the hands of the church is also just as detrimental to their spiritual health and their chances at repentance.
But we don't live in a country that restricts people's rights based on their religious beliefs. We love the selfish interpretation of religious freedom when it suits us, and when we can use it to justify bad behavior in the name of religion, but the fact that people who hold no religious belief, or who adhere to another world religion or belief have the same rights as Christians, and are entitled to the same religious freedom irritates us, somehow. Lesbians, gays, transgendered are people, and they are American citizens. Their religious beliefs, or sexual orientation should not restrict their rights, and if they manage to get elected to office, well, people have the right to vote for them.