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[Yaboosh]

Religion is so often just an excuse to horrible to others.

This feels like it could also be a result of stupidity and a lack of critical thinking in addition to the hate.


My grandfather had his funeral at his church deep in Alabama. I don't recall the denomination but it wasn't one of the more progressive ones. He was a gay man and the church was full of folks paying their respects.

This was not the action of a man thinking rationally about how religion and policies. He was blinded by idiocy and hate.

 

[BertramCooper]

I have read the bible and I'm 100% certain that its message isn't "love all".

Since Christ is the central figure of Christianity, he really should be the primary focus of its teachings. And as far as I'm aware, the biblical Jesus makes no direct reference to homosexuality whatsoever.

 

[biggersmaller]

As a Christian, I can see that this is either a publicity stunt for the church OR they have never held a funeral for anyone suspected of living in unrepentant sin before.

Christianity does teach that homosexuality is a sin and that unrepentant homosexuals cannot enter the kingdom of God...along with fornicators, drunks, thieves, swindlers, or the greedy. So, when they cancelled the funeral for the non-tithing business owner that has been a member for 30 years, I'm sure their family was also very surprised.

 

[MikeDown]

Fun Fact: You go to church so you don't have to read the bible.

Sadly this is true, in the US "Christianity" is more of a cultural thing; attending the weekly services and not actually reading scripture. It is a culture of ignorance.

The Bible makes clear participating in homosexuality is a sin, unfortunately our culture is obsessed with the idea that it is the greatest sin; ignoring all the other sins/grievances going on in the Church and in people's own lives. Maybe the Pastor is a racist bigot homophone, or he feels that this compromises his beliefs, but either way you shouldn't back out of a funeral/memorial the day before.

 

[speculawyer]

Sadly this is true, in the US "Christianity" is more of a cultural thing; attending the weekly services and not actually reading scripture. It is a culture of ignorance.

The Bible makes clear participating in homosexuality is a sin, unfortunately our culture is obsessed with the idea that it is the greatest sin; ignoring all the other sins/grievances going on in the Church and in people's own lives. Maybe the Pastor is a racist bigot homophone, or he feels that this compromises his beliefs, but either way you shouldn't back out of a funeral/memorial the day before.

Yes, but most of that is Old Testament stuff and filled with all sorts of other nonsense like don't wear two different types of fabrics and don't plant two different crops in the same field. There is only like one vaguely anti-gay thing in the New Testament and it was not from Jesus.

Let's face it . . . people just discriminate more against gays because of the 'ick' factor. That is all it is.

 

[Koomaster]

Who would call in to have a funeral cancelled at their church seriously. If you don't like it, how about not attend the funeral services. Funeral isn't even about the dead person, it's for grieving family/friends/loved ones. Turning tons of grieving people away from your church sure makes you look good.

 

[biggersmaller]

Yes, but most of that is Old Testament stuff and filled with all sorts of other nonsense like don't wear two different types of fabrics and don't plant two different crops in the same field. There is only like one vaguely anti-gay thing in the New Testament and it was not from Jesus.

Let's face it . . . people just discriminate more against gays because of the 'ick' factor. That is all it is.

Naw:

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).

“But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted” (1 Timothy 1:8–11).

In addition, although there is no quote of Jesus' opinion on homosexuality (as there isn't on rape, beasteality, or pedophelia) - it would likely be that he would expect those struggling with any moral sin to repent. It's unlikely such a specific divergence would go undocumented.

EDIT: this is not to the credit of this Church. Canceling 24 hours in advance for such a reason is not something I would agree with.

 

[Captain Europe]

lol no





only problem with that pic is swearing is a sin and Jesus never sinned

lol yes, this kind of thing is good reason to end tax exemption.

And were you there with him 24/7?

 

[Necromanti]

Naw:

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).

Wait, so effeminate men are barred entry into heaven? Interesting. I guess that's something some conceited gay men and God can agree on.

 

[20cent]

I didn't know it was OK for other religions to be gay.

 

[Kater]

Wait, so effeminate men are barred entry into heaven? Interesting. I guess that's something some conceited gay men and God can agree on.

 

[gogosox82]

Honestly, they should've been upfront about the deceased person being gay, it is well known that most Christians are not o.k with the gay life style, it was only logical that they would flip out and cancel.

Edit: Grammar

Why does this even matter? This man had died. Let his family mourn his passing. This is nothing more than a dick move by a bunch of spiteful, hateful, ignorant group of people.

 

[Hot Coldman]

yeah this was never not gonna be Florida

sorry FL-GAF

 

[hydrophilic attack]

didn't Jesus travel with like 12 dudes?

Yup. And there's the following quote:

"There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved."

 

[waypoetic]

Since Christ is the central figure of Christianity, he really should be the primary focus of its teachings. And as far as I'm aware, the biblical Jesus makes no direct reference to homosexuality whatsoever.

No, it's not spelled out, like "homosexuality is wrong" - there are several texts that condemn it but the most telling is: "thou shall not lie with mankind as with womankind, it is abomination". That's Leviticus 18:22

 

[Seth C]

I don't agree with the actions of the church, but I'm also confused as to why they didn't just have the funeral at a funeral home like most people? I'm from the depths of eastern Kentucky, and even I haven't been to a funeral at a church since I was a boy. My grandparents, my aunt, everyone else I've buried...all at funeral homes. The only time in 20 years I've been to a funeral at a church it was for the man who was that congregation's preacher until he passed away. I honestly didn't even know most churches still did that, just like most people stopped having visitation/wake at the deceased's home.

No, it's not spelled out, like "homosexuality is wrong" - there are several texts that condemn it but the most telling is: "thou shall not lie with mankind as with womankind, it is abomination". That's Leviticus 18:22

And if you aren't descended from Abraham it's basically impossible to follow that command, as being an Israelite is a first requirement.

 

[block tower]

idk why people dont just hold their funeral services in a waffle house, seems a better place than a church.

 

[Gordon Shumway]

HOLY SHIT!

Bye, idiot..

idk why people dont just hold their funeral services in a waffle house, seems a better place than a church.

Fuck that..Church's all day!

 

[BowieZ]

Naw:

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).

“But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted” (1 Timothy 1:8–11).

In addition, although there is no quote of Jesus' opinion on homosexuality (as there isn't on rape, beasteality, or pedophelia) - it would likely be that he would expect those struggling with any moral sin to repent. It's unlikely such a specific divergence would go undocumented.

EDIT: this is not to the credit of this Church. Canceling 24 hours in advance for such a reason is not something I would agree with.

These quotes all mistranslate or misinterpret Sodomites which has nothing to do with homosexuality.

No, it's not spelled out, like "homosexuality is wrong" - there are several texts that condemn it but the most telling is: "thou shall not lie with mankind as with womankind, it is abomination". That's Leviticus 18:22

I'm pretty sure this only applies to Israelites, and the wording suggests it only applies to heterosexuals anyway.

 

[Orayn]

No, it's not spelled out, like "homosexuality is wrong" - there are several texts that condemn it but the most telling is: "thou shall not lie with mankind as with womankind, it is abomination". That's Leviticus 18:22

How do you feel about shellfish?

 

[piratepwnsninja]

Naw:

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).

“But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted” (1 Timothy 1:8–11).

In addition, although there is no quote of Jesus' opinion on homosexuality (as there isn't on rape, beasteality, or pedophelia) - it would likely be that he would expect those struggling with any moral sin to repent. It's unlikely such a specific divergence would go undocumented.

EDIT: this is not to the credit of this Church. Canceling 24 hours in advance for such a reason is not something I would agree with.

Let's see what a different translation of the Bible says!

KJV

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.


Wow! It's almost like these "translations" have become totally self-serving. "Guys, we needs to add gay people here, because we can't like them." Sanctimonious bullshit at its finest. It's the reason I have problems with people Bible quoting. People totally don't manipulate things ever, because only godly people do the translations. Part of the reason I stopped being a youth minister and now work at the Saints Row developer, Volition. Look for my memoir, "From Pulpit to Penetrator" coming soon.

 

[block tower]

Bye, idiot..

Fuck that..Church's all day!

never had churches :/

 

[biggersmaller]

These quotes all mistranslate or misinterpret Sodomites which has nothing to do with homosexuality.

Let's see what a different translation of the Bible says!

KJV

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.


Wow! It's almost like these "translations" have become totally self-serving. "Guys, we needs to add gay people here, because we can't like them." Sanctimonious bullshit at its finest. It's the reason I have problems with people Bible quoting. People totally don't manipulate things ever, because only godly people do the translations. Part of the reason I stopped being a youth minister and now work at the Saints Row developer, Volition. Look for my memoir, "From Pulpit to Penetrator" coming soon.

Look, I'm not defending this church with what I'm about to say - but the word arsenokoitēs is accurately translated to describe homosexual behavior in both of the passages. The KJV, although very old - is not the most accurate translation based on ancient manuscripts.

 

[beast786]

This is good. Please keep doing stupid things. You are making my job easier

edit: it's nice to see black church adhere to bible. I wonder what bible says about slavery. I am sure it's inline with there believes

 

[piratepwnsninja]

Look, I'm not defending this church with what I'm about to say - but the word arsenokoitēs is accurately translated to describe homosexual behavior in both of the passages. The KJV, although very old - is not the most accurate translation based on ancient manuscripts.

Ok, if you want to go there, that is a very specific term that speaks only to male-male, more so, even, to the practice of having young boys as sex slaves.

 

[Foffy]

Love your neighbor as your brother, for he matters as much as family.

Unless he's gay, apparently...):

 

[Forkball]

Who cares if homosexuality is a sin? People sin all the time. I sinned at least a dozen times today. What makes homosexuality more terrible and unforgivable than other sins? Hell, homosexuality isn't even mentioned in the ten commandments. IT'S NOT EVEN THE TOP TEN WORST THINGS YOU CAN DO JUST LET THE MAN DIE IN PEACE

 

[Mr.Wreckless]

I remember when i used to go to church i sat behind a guy who was clearly gay. The pastor routinely bashed homosexuality going as far as to say its the one thing that would guarantee you a trip to hell.

I would sit there wondering why in the world was this gay man sitting here listening to this week after week. Why go somewhere that you clearly arent wanted?

 

[Gordon Shumway]

Who cares if homosexuality is a sin? People sin all the time. I sinned at least a dozen times today. What makes homosexuality more terrible and unforgivable than other sins? Hell, homosexuality isn't even mentioned in the ten commandments. IT'S NOT EVEN THE TOP TEN WORST THINGS YOU CAN DO JUST LET THE MAN DIE IN PEACE

lol..it truly is silly.

 

[genjiZERO]

Just read about this on Al Jazeera...

What an absolutely evil thing to do to a family.

 

[Outdoor Miner]

I remember when i used to go to church i sat behind a guy who was clearly gay. The pastor routinely bashed homosexuality going as far as to say its the one thing that would guarantee you a trip to hell.

I would sit there wondering why in the world was this gay man sitting here listening to this week after week. Why go somewhere that you clearly arent wanted?

Was he Republican too?

 

[Forkball]

lol..it truly is silly.

Indeed. Actually I started googling to find out why homosexuality is such a terrible sin over so many others and found this article, which had some uh, interesting analysis.

In discussing the possible causes of homosexuality, one has to be careful to note that homosexuality is not monolithic. All homosexuals do not share the same experiences and all do not “become” homosexual by the same means. Despite the widespread myth that people are “born” with a homosexual “orientation” that is unchangeable and “natural,” the fact remains that there are about 6 basic potential causes for homosexuality. One of these causes, from a Christian theological perspective, is the sinful nature and is the ultimate cause of all sinful acts and behaviors. We’ve already covered this area so there is no need to repeat the Biblical points here. We will now look at these potential causes in this order:1- People Choosing to be"Gay," 2- Bad Relationship with Male or Female Parent, 3 -Hormonal Imbalance in the Womb, 4- Genetic Defect, and 5- Demonic Activity.

Demonic Activity

This last possible cause of homosexuality is perhaps too popular in some Christian circles. Some would argue that all homosexuality is demonic in nature, meaning that they think demon spirits are behind it. While it is entirely possible, from a Biblical point of view, that demons are indeed involved in homosexuality, it does not make sense to argue that all homosexuality is demonic based on what we know so far from the Bible and science.

The Bible tells us that all are sinners (Romans 3:23). We don’t need demons to help us sin. We can do it all by ourselves quite well. But, the Bible also tells us that satan and his demons do indeed involve themselves in our affairs in order to tempt us and provoke us to sin and disobey God. Jesus was tempted by satan himself in Matthew 4. According to Ephesians 2:1-3 we find that satan, the “prince of the power of the air,” is the “spirit” who now works in the “sons of disobedience.”

Satan influenced Peter to even try to “rebuke” Jesus for stating the fact that He would suffer and die and be raised up (Matthew 16:22). Satan himself is said to have “entered” Judas and used him to betray Jesus into the hands of the Romans (Luke 22:3, 47, 48). We even have the testimony from both Testaments that idol worship, the worship of a false god, is tantamount to demon worship (Deuteronomy 32:17; 1 Corinthians 10:20).

So these and other passages demonstrate that demons are active in the world and seek to influence us into disobedience against God’s revealed will. Therefore, since the Bible declares homosexuality against God’s will and biological design, it is no wonder that demons would also get involved with promoting homosexuality just like any other sin.

But we must be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking that homosexuality is any more demonic than any other sin. It is not. It may be different and people may be treating it as if it is something to be proud of by having parades and so forth, but this does not mean it is more demonic or any worse sin in God’s eyes than any other.

So this guy more or less states that is is equal to all other sins. Also some, but NOT ALL gays are demon possessed.

 

[Blood Diamonds]

I am a DEMON!

 

[Gordon Shumway]

I am a DEMON!

Demonic activity!!!

 

[Brawly Likes to Brawl]

does this mean I have a chance with Dante?

 

[piratepwnsninja]

I am a DEMON!

It's cool, we'll exorcise the gay away!

 

[Schattenjäger]

This is terrible but then again it's some wacky church in Florida

I could not picture a Catholic church in NYC ever do something like this

 

[Eggbok]

I'm gay but my family is christian. And I go to church sometimes, and although they have different views about being gay they don't treat me differently because of it. They still love me no matter what. I remember hearing lots of times that God loves all his children. And although I'm not really a christian myself I dont like that people use religion as an excuse to be an asshole.

 

[BowieZ]

Look, I'm not defending this church with what I'm about to say - but the word arsenokoitēs is accurately translated to describe homosexual behavior in both of the passages. The KJV, although very old - is not the most accurate translation based on ancient manuscripts.

Okay I knew that would be brought up. Sorry for being inaccurate, but yes those are the only two instances of arsenokoites, but the meaning is not clear at all. See here: http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Arsenokoites

However, essentially every other instance of "homosexuals" in the NT is a bastardisation of the sins of Sodom.

 

[Adam_Roman]

It's shit like this that makes me hate identifying as a Christian, and organized religion in general. I wonder how many of these people have actually even read the bible and tried interpreting it themselves, instead of just listening to what the next higher-ranked person tells them to interpret a single verse out of context as.

 

[Diatribe1974]

As a Christian, I understand and agree with why a church would do this. As a Libertarian, I disagree with it. Both sides war with each other from time to time and this would be something that brings the fight to the forefront again.

My heart goes out to his family that just wants to bury their son, regardless.

 

[Yaboosh]

As a Christian, I understand and agree with why a church would do this. As a Libertarian, I disagree with it. Both sides war with each other from time to time and this would be something that brings the fight to the forefront again.

My heart goes out to his family that just wants to bury their son, regardless.

Explain why a church would do this please, and why you agree with it.

 

[Diatribe1974]

Explain why a church would do this please, and why you agree with it.

Read the bible. I'm not getting a debate with you on this.

 

[metalslimer]

Read the bible. I'm not getting a debate with you on this.

I have and there is not a single place where Christ said to not bury sinners. And I'm being generous in granting the sinner part anyway. I feel bad for other christians when there are so many people like you ignoring Christ's messages.

 

[biggersmaller]

Ok, if you want to go there, that is a very specific term that speaks only to male-male, more so, even, to the practice of having young boys as sex slaves.

Purely from an academic viewpoint, I don't know how you reconcile a pro-homosexual Chritianity with the texts.

The referenced word is made up of arsēn, which means male and koitē that means bed. Referring to a bed being used in a sexual context.

 

[Siegcram]

Read the bible. I'm not getting a debate with you on this.

Because you have no argument. The church was wrong, you're wrong and hiding behind the bible is not changing that.

 

[Diatribe1974]

I have and there is not a single place where Christ said to not bury sinners. And I'm being generous in granting the sinner part anyway. I feel bad for other christians when there are so many people like you ignoring Christ's messages.

Simply rereading the op clearly states why the church did what it did. Both sides of me can agree and disagree with what was done for both sets of reasons. In the end, his mother should've known that her church would raise objections to it and simply had a private funeral and buried her son with dignity he deserved. All this has done is polarize groups of people who would now condemn him in death for the lifestyle he lead then honor his passing and the horrible disease that took him from those that loved him.

 

[Yaboosh]

Read the bible. I'm not getting a debate with you on this.

I feel bad for you if you think this was a proper thing to do. This has nothing to do with homosexuality being a sin or not. This has everything to do with a church abandoning a family in a time of mourning for petty and hateful reasons.

 

[piratepwnsninja]

Purely from an academic viewpoint, I don't know how you reconcile a pro-homosexual Chritianity with the texts.

The referenced word is made up of arsēn, which means male and koitē that means bed. Referring to a bed being used in a sexual context.

You have to look at the context of its use during that time, not an academic breakdown of what we understand the parts to mean. The fallible nature of word meaning and translations means the Bible is inherently fallible as it currently stands. Not to mention that depending on which splinter group of Christianity you belong to, the interpretation of verses is going to vary, too...which is an entirely different conversation.

Clearly we aren't going to agree on this.

 

[Pelydr]

Simply rereading the op clearly states why the church did what it did. Both sides of me can agree and disagree with what was done for both sets of reasons. In the end, his mother should've known that her church would raise objections to it and simply had a private funeral and buried her son with dignity he deserved. All this has done is polarize groups of people who would now condemn him in death for the lifestyle he lead then honor his passing and the horrible disease that took him from those that loved him.

The church is fucked up. The bible is fiction and you can't use that as an excuse.