Boys Wearing Skirts to School? What's Going On?

lordshepard »

Sat Nov 21, 2009 4:57 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

As for this article, this author is making mountains out of mole-hills. As are anyone freaking out about this issue. Is it so hard to just hold these boys to the same dress standards as the girls when wearing girls clothes? (i.e. no stomach showing, skirt just above knee, etc.). And if this argument ends with school uniforms across the nation I will be the first one to applaud the move.

Parents spend untold millions on new school clothes every year. Students of all ages are encouraged to be vain and judge each other on the clothes they wear. Social/financial status is determined by clothing. Teens dressing to appeal to the opposite sex create classrooms filled with distracted teenagers and frustrated teachers. We have needed school uniforms for a very long time.

Boys Wearing Skirts to School? What's Going On?

lordshepard »

Sat Nov 21, 2009 4:57 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

Believer, I understand the question you are asking and I hope you do not mind me butting in to offer my opinion in the matter. While there are some in the homosexual community who will tease – or even believe – people who express non-traditional gender behaviors are closeted or ‘in denial’, I think most homosexuals embrace a gender-fluid ideology that welcomes non-traditional behaviors that challenge gender norms in society. From what I have seen, such individuals are hailed as examples that gender behavioral ‘norms’ are based on societal norms and not biological ones.

Do I think an adult person can be ‘convinced’ that they must be gay? Considering there are people out there who have been convinced to kill themselves to meet the ‘spirit aliens’ coming in the approaching comet I am forced to say that yes, I am sure that it happens from time to time.

However I do not believe that would be a norm or even a lasting change. Being gay is a reality that permeates every moment of every day in a deep and profound way. Being gay has nothing at all to do with a sex act. I am gay in the same real and soul-permeating way that Obama is black or Lieberman is Jewish. We are a different people. In that sense, no one who is not gay would ever lead a continued gay lifestyle, especially when they are introduced to the hate and overall discrimination that comes with being gay.

Christians Urged to Boycott Gap Inc. Over 'Christmas' Censor

lordshepard »

Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:15 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 1

I almost wish we were as powerful as Gibbons seems to think we are. This country could use a good gay man in the oval office!

Gay Marriage Supporters Threaten to Strip Churches of Tax Exemption

lordshepard »

Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:06 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 1

I have a question. I know that churches are not allowed to endorse a candidate from the pulpit. I also know that churches may endorse or condemn legislative issues.

I think the grey area here is this: are churches allowed to collect second offerings during services and personally be involved in campaigning on behalf of a legislative issue? Has this happened before and does our law address such an issue?

Reformed Church in America Is Imploding, Professor Says

lordshepard »

Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:18 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Salvage. I understand your hostility. If one never studied the Bible along with Christian history and judged Christ on nothing but His followers and what they teach, Christianity becomes a hateful, murderous, exclusive and prejudice club whose religious texts are contradictory fables. Taken one by one and/or out of context (both scriptural and historical context) the Bible seems to contradict itself and preach of a vengeful and murderous god.

I realize that many of the Christians who post here are going to disagree with me and call me a heathen (I am gay, after all) however I believe them blinded by their own desire to be ‘special’ and exclusive, following a historically evil empire whose interpretations and rituals ruled the Dark Ages. The message was corrupted and ‘God sent them a great delusion so that they would believe the lie’. Why? Because once again we would take His message sent by His Son and turn again to our own vomit of corruption and turn a message of love and deliverance and mercy into one of fear and hellfire. Sure enough, that is what we did.

I have read the Bible from cover to cover, in order like a book, three times (KJV). I have done some reading on ancient Jewish culture and how Biblical cities and names related to one another in a historical context. What I believe the Bible says is that Christ brought a message of love and peace as the perfection of human nature in accordance with God. We were told to let God be judge of our souls (therefore telling someone they are ‘going to hell’ or otherwise to be rejected of God is strictly forbidden) and to show unending mercy to everyone around us. Gandhi is a perfect example of leading a Christ-like life and I have no doubt whatsoever that Gandhi resides in Heaven with all who follow God’s command:

“For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.” Romans 2:14,15

Meaning to love thy neighbor as thyself. Kind-hearted and gentile souls are dear to God’s heart regardless of what they believe and always have been. He created all of us and ‘God so loved the world’ not just a few of the people in it. (John 3:16)

I find it interesting that atheists deny the very existence of Christ and the Jews acknowledge He existed and was ‘just a crazy man’. I did not know that, I assumed (in my own ignorance of Judaism) that the Jews denied He ever existed. Thank you for sharing that.

Christians Urged to Boycott Gap Inc. Over 'Christmas' Censor

lordshepard »

Fri Nov 13, 2009 3:03 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 1

TGF

Such a warm welcome. I almost believed you for a second.

So a purely secular company who wishes to attract as many customers as possible should only advertise to the majority? Learn that in economics class did you?

I am fully aware that the feminist movement and the gay movement often work together since both groups are oppressed by gender stereotypes. I am also fully aware that the religious right has chosen to call this agreement of mutual interests the “Radical Feminist/Homosexual Agenda”.

This coalition is no different than the like-minded Christian denominations coalition that has been forming against progressive theology and combining their resources to fight gay rights and a woman’s right to choose abortion. Catholics and Mormons? Each think the other is going to hell and yet they will stand side by side to declare being gay a sin against God as if they worship the same one. Yet teach in their respective churches that the other serves a false God.

And you call feminists and homosexuals working together from time to time ‘radical’.

Good to see you Gibbons. Have you checked your blood pressure lately?

Reformed Church in America Is Imploding, Professor Says

lordshepard »

Fri Nov 13, 2009 2:23 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Salvage. Well, that was quite the exchange. Your first post on this board was an attack, let’s be honest. However, I disagree with the response you were given and I also disagree with some of the viewpoints he expressed.

I have two questions: Are you atheist? You said you were raised as a Jew, was it orthodox or liberal or somewhere in-between?

The conversation below exploded into a chaotic attack back and forth. Instead of trying to glean your questions from it I instead offer to answer any question you have if you wish to ask it again.

Christians Urged to Boycott Gap Inc. Over 'Christmas' Censor

lordshepard »

Fri Nov 13, 2009 2:07 am Agree: 4   Disagree: 0

‘Tis the season to be jolly, eh? As a Christian, I am concerned that the holiday has become too materialistic and focused on things such as spending money on toys, decorations, elaborate parties and what-not instead of it being about remembering the birth of Christ, strengthening family relationships and giving to those in need…….within my personal Christian family and the Christian masses as a whole.

I do not, however, have a problem with the secular capitalistic world deciding to increase their desire for profits and customers into the various other holidays and consumer interests during the month of December. Such is capitalism, the free market seeking more and more money than the year before.

This debate is NOT about leftist Christian-haters taking Christ out of Christmas. It is about fortune 500 companies wanting to promote sales for Kwanza, Hanukkah, the Wiccan Winter Solstice, atheists and other seculars who promote Santa and what-not. Yes the lefties are on a year-long campaign to take religion out of government which does include issues during Christmas but Gap is not being influenced by political correctness or this hypothetical RFHA movement.

They are motivated by dollar signs, pure and simple. And since all of our dollars have ‘In God We Trust’ on them still, it means all things bought with American currency is done in God’s name…wait a minute…is that really such a good idea considering what all is bought with American money? Like drugs, porn, child prostitutes, etc? That thought just hit me.

I digress, point being that getting angry and boycotting a capitalistic business because it chooses to market its goods and services to a wider demographic is silly. It is a Christian’s job to make sure Christ remains the focal point of Christmas in their homes, churches and congregations. Put up a cross or a big flashing ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Halleluiah, The King Is Born’ sign in your yard and go see what’s on sale at Gap.

Presbytery Approves Ordination of Lesbian

lordshepard »

Fri Nov 13, 2009 1:41 am Agree: 7   Disagree: 2

Hmmm. You know I will have to say that what this woman said about scripture gives me pause. What does she mean by that? I realize that Christ died to free us from the curse of the law and warned us not to get legalistic again, but scripture is STILL the Holy Word of God. We cannot just decide we 'know enough' and stop reading and absorbing scripture to follow our idea of who Christ was. Christ teaches us to seek, which begins in the Word of God. The Word teaches us, as a living tutor in Spirit and Truth, about the God we serve, our Christian History, Christ and the End of Days.

We must never stop studying the Word. We must never stop seeking God both inside of it and in the physical world around us. His beauty can be seen in the stars, His touch is seen in a flower, His Word is His communication to us, His children. I know we no longer sell our daughters as slaves, we now eat shellfish and pigs and we do not stone people to death for adultery, but that does not mean that scripture has lost its authority.

D.C. Committee Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill

lordshepard »

Fri Nov 13, 2009 1:23 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 3

Hello guys. Still no self-proclaimed 'real Christians' offering opinion on this story. Just us gay Christians and friends.

Have you noticed how the commentary from the 'religous right' side of things on these pages has dropped off the last few months? Think we drove them away for the most part? I wonder how CP will feel if these boards end up being mostly gay Christians and thier supporters?

It would serve them right, in my opinion. I read 3 different Christian news sources and CP's coverage of gay issues out-number these other Christians news sources nearly 10 - 1! There will be days, weeks even, before the other two sites will run a gay story sometimes. CP is lucky to go ONE DAY without running one.

I think someone on the CP staff must be a closet-hater or something to be so consumed with gay issues.

Be strong my queer brothers and sisters as we continue our struggle for the right to live and worship as we choose. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

For those who are Christians, remember God created you as you are and He loves you.

For those who are not Christian...same thing.

Falling Fertility Makes for Happy Economists?

lordshepard »

Fri Nov 13, 2009 1:09 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

I have always wondered about this issue. The Bible does command us to be fruitful and multiply and populate the earth. Now we find ourselves in the position that the world is nearly overpopulated and already starving due to improper food distribution internationally.

So my question is this: We were fruitfull and we populated the earth...now what? It was a goal set out by God to man that has been FNISHED. The earth is officially populated. There is nothing unbiblical about trying to curb population increases BARRING any forced abortions, sterilizations and other such abuses. Education, birth control and family planning programs would go a long way to curbing the population growth.

I really do not see how people can claim that we are still under the command of 'populating the earth' when we have obviously accomplished that.

Life Together: The Difference Between Doing Church and Being the Church

lordshepard »

Mon Nov 09, 2009 7:22 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Amen to that! A truly Spirit-inspired piece!

Prayers Follow Fort Hood Shooting

lordshepard »

Mon Nov 09, 2009 7:05 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

What would you have us do? Round up anyone of middle-eastern appearance or just those who admit to believing in Islam? Not the best idea.

However, it may be a good idea to regualte anyone in our armed services who is a known member of the Islamic faith. Put them in unarmed and non-sensitive areas for now. It is against thier religion to kill another muslim anyway, from what I have read.

Maine Voters Repeal Gay Marriage Law

lordshepard »

Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:55 am Agree: 3   Disagree: 3

Honestly, if we were still living under the leadership of the Mother Church as we were before the United States was formed, then this insistence by the Christians in this nation that my religious and lifestyle beliefs are immoral and therefore illegal and unrecognizable by the theocratic government would be valid.


But that is not when and where we live. After the American Revolution, we opened our nation’s arms to the oppressed of this world and this country’s historical fabric is woven with the many religions and cultures and peoples that make up our society. In my blend of Christianity, and there are plenty to choose from in this nation alone, there is nothing wrong with my sexual identity and according to my spiritual beliefs, God wishes me to be married to seek a perfect and Godly union with another soul. To deny me this is to not only deny my human rights as an individual, but also my religious rights as a Christian whose denominational beliefs differ from your own. The ability to practice my religion is supposed to be protected under the American Constitution.


It is this reality that will eventually see the victory of my people over religious and social oppression.


There is all this talk on these boards about a ‘Radical Feminist/Homosexual Agenda’ that is plotting to take over the world or something, but in truth there is a frightening reality to a ‘Conservative right-wing Christian Agenda’. They have stated plainly that they wish to return to a Christian-based theocratic government where our laws are based on the Bible, at least a certain majority’s interpretation of it.


They wish to illegalize abortion, divorce, re-marriage after unbiblical divorce, all forms of porn and exotic dancing, re-criminalize homosexuality, regulate the internet/TV/radio/movies to reflect ‘Godly content’, marginalize and monitor ‘heathen’ peoples and refuse them voices in a ‘Christian Democracy’.


I am deadly serious when I tell you that THESE are the ‘pipe-dream’ goals of the people behind the fight against gay marriage. I don’t mean the voters or the average person who disagrees with homosexuality and may vote against us; I mean the deep-pocketed power players behind the actual movement putting everything they have into fighting the gays back into the closets. They have been quoted saying such things. Their websites confirm it. There is a strong and well-funded movement to put ‘real Christians’ in positions of power in America so as to attain these eventual goals.


As a homosexual it scares the hell out of me.


As a Christian it shames me.


As an American…it pisses me off!

Maine Voters Repeal Gay Marriage Law

lordshepard »

Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:54 am Agree: 3   Disagree: 0

Believer, I agree that there are many people who have left the lifestyle for God and have been leading successful lives thus far. It may be more appropriate to label such people as ‘recovering homosexuals’ because like the struggle against alcoholism you must always be on guard against ‘falling off the wagon’.


If they are truly happy, may God bless them. I hope, for the sake of their inner being, that they are being truthful when saying so. Like the man being charged with a crime, he will almost always claim innocence, because he of all people would have every reason to do so, true or not.


Let’s consider some realities: the number of homosexuals who are successful at changing their lifestyle compared to those who fail is grossly uneven. The percentage rates I have seen range from 5% to 20%, depending on the source. Even at the highest, 20%, one could assume that these individuals had a stronger inner faith and self-control than those who failed. The stories of people being instantaneously healed of the ‘sin of homosexuality’, never to have a wayward thought again, are rare and questionable. Most anyone who claims years of success will still say they struggle from time to time. It is their ‘cross to bear’ in this world.


So the evidence points more towards greater self-control than any healing or Godly intervention. Just because some people can force themselves to change does not give merit to the idea behind the promise made when it is said ‘change is possible’. Because the truth is that, using these same techniques, one can ‘change’ to be or do just about anything AND these same techniques are used for brain washing people.

Maine Voters Repeal Gay Marriage Law

lordshepard »

Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:53 am Agree: 4   Disagree: 1

I have not posted in a while; I lost the drive to keep beating my head against a wall with some people who will never have the mental maturity to understand what civil discourse and respecting each other means. People who cannot see past their hate long enough to see the Christian Brother standing before them. As a gay Christian, my conversations here have been volatile much of the time. I needed a break.


That said I would like to ask MickeyC to lay-off of Believer. If all Christians conducted themselves as he does and held his beliefs, this war over gay rights and gay marriage would be over. He is a good man, please quit harassing him. None of us get anywhere hurling accusations at each other. This is a discussion board. The operative word there is ‘discussion’. Let’s try and ‘discuss’ in an adult and civil manner, shall we?

Church Unity Remains Top Priority for WCC

lordshepard »

Mon Aug 31, 2009 6:41 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

I think it is funny that they use the term 'the assumtion of mary'. To assume something makes an AS S out of U and ME. lol

Seriously though, I firmly believe that we are not going to get a 'pop quiz' when we stand before God which is why such arguments, when they cause finger pointing and condemnation, are unfruitful and vain. There is nothing wrong with having different viewpoints on things such as who Mary was as long as no one is claiming salvation as a result. Salvation comes through the belief in Christ and the loving of all Gods creation. People included. He will judge our hearts, not our correct interpretation of all scripture.

Jam 1:26-27 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Iowa School District Plans to Revise Religious Liberty Policy

lordshepard »

Mon Aug 31, 2009 6:32 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Flagged as inappropriate. show Everybody here is flagged. HM, dreamer, DP, Johnzon, me....please people. I am starting to wonder if this person even posts here? Since nearly everyone is getting flagged maybe it is an anti-christian web surfer who delights in trying to silence the Christian voice. I would think a brother or sister would have stopped by now since they have been asked by nearly everyone on the boards to do so. hide

Pro-Life Group's New Mission: Stop Abortionist LeRoy Carhart

lordshepard »

Mon Aug 31, 2009 6:29 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

The unfortunate reality of outlawing abortion would be newborns left in trash cans (as we have had happen already from young mothers unable to afford or had no access to an abortion clinic).

What we need to do is change some cultural attitudes that force young mothers into hiding and into abortion in fear of thier family and allow all new mothers to give-up the child with no penalty. Even if an adoption is not secured. Maybe then we would see an end to this awful practice.

Pro-Life Group's New Mission: Stop Abortionist LeRoy Carhart

lordshepard »

Mon Aug 31, 2009 6:24 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

Marco polo: Though I agree that abortion is an issue that has some merit on 'right to choose' we also do not allow honor killings in this country. Where do we draw the line in human life? Conception? Viable fetus? Where? And should we determine when a person is 'worthy of living' and when a person is not?

Regardless, this man has been accused of breaking abortion laws as they stand (aborting viable fetuses) and working in unsanitary conditions AND lying to patients. This needs to be investigated.