Bashing the basher just breeds more hate in the world and leads to more isolation. Instead, why don’t more people ask the basher why they’re filled with so much hate? What is so bad about two people sharing love an affection for one another?

The excuses are crap… and no, not all people live in a central box that defines them all. But still we continue to behave that way.. If one man shaves all the hair off his head and looks sexy then the rest of the sheep have to blindly do the same..

If one judges another for their religion, or livestyle and they are a popular figure, then the rest tend to do the same as well. Have they forgotten to ask why? Have they forgotten that each and every one of us on this crazy planet is totally unique?

I’m a gay men who’s also a Pagan Witch married to another gay men who’s an Old Catholic ArchBishop for 14 years and it doesn’t matter what you call your spiritual higher power so long as you Love yourself, Love your neighbor, and Love your creator.. Simple as that.

Should I bash you because you may lack some of the emotional turmoil that gay people experience? Hell No.. Instead I would be more happy to share things with you, help with chores, watch the kids if needed and be a big brother figure not some pissy complaining bitch with her panties in a wad when things don’t go their way.

I refuse to demand a carbon copy of myself and equate that to friends.. I have enough of my own flaws and there’s no need to around others who are the same.. Where’s the prosperous growth in that?

But sadly, in all groups, there is *always* an ALPHA to the group.. Even in the animal kingdom the same holds true.. Those in the same group become focused on control.. and focused on competing to be the best at all times instead of focusing on compassion for each other.

Human rights will never end.. and there will always be conflict. Ask 10 people for their opionion on something and you’ll get 20 answers. But remember this.. “birds of a feather flock together” and “misery loves company” the more miserable you are the more miserable people you attract. And let’s use the shyness excuse not to ask the neighbor next door if he can help you rake your leaves in exchange for a nice home cooked meal.. Let’s lock ourselves in out homes in fear of being taken advantage of, or hurt by another. The more we close our doors and isolate ourself the less we have to fear..

Ohh year.. but once we totally isolate ourselves, then we begin to bitch about how lonely we are.. Wahhhhh…. Booo Hooo Hoo.. Waaaaahhhh And who do we blame for all this? OURSELVES!!

As for me,, I’m a big boy who likes people.. I don’t necessarily like everyone I know.. but I don’t waste precious time judging them either.. I don’t care what apendage you have between your legs and I will always be respectful and willing to learn in the process and I will always try to do the thigns that interest me but neve cause harm agains another.

Sometimes I wish there were more around here like that.. but isntead, there always has to be a contrast of good vs. bad and without one, the other will also cease to exist. So I just do my best to remind myself of this knowing that in time things will take their natural course because they can never be absolutely good.. or absolutely bad forever.

Thanks again for that great comment…. I’m sure others will chime in with narrow minded complaints but I truly appreciate what you’ve said here.

You actually said this: “One thing seems clear: neither of you are willing or able to engage in a dialogue about these issues without resorting to rancor, suspicion and outlandish accusations.”

You have used 4 occasions (replies) to say the same thing – nothing. You are unable to answer any questions or defend your love of Religion. Nobody in the comments did anything but attempt reasonable conversation.

You also said: “It’s unfortunate, really, because we might have opened this thread up to a serious discussion about the influence of religion and faith on homosexuality.”

The “influence” of religion and faith? Influence? Religion has “defined” homosexuality. It has branded homosexuals as sinner, deviants and defective.

You can keep ignoring the obvious in what appears to be an attempt to keep your “Dallas Dignity” bunch BLIND to the truth.

Religion caused the pain and suffering of gay people and you are one of the “enablers” today.

With all of that said, I would like to say that I saw that billboard driving to and from work last week and although I don’t agree with how that message was put out there, I do not believe that it will benefit anyone or any cause for there to be any kind of gathering or protest. Gatesville is a small, quiet law a biding town and we don’t need any more negative attention than we have already had with that sign. The opinion of one does not speak for us all.

One slight correction regarding atheism – atheists don’t claim to disprove a negative because you can’t. Being an atheist just means after reviewing the evidence, there is nothing to support the claim. That’s why faith gets brought into the conversation.

Nobody believes in Zeus, the Easter Bunny, or that a giant teapot created the universe, but we don’t waste our time trying to disprove their existence. It’s the same with atheism. It’s the same with science. If after enough studies have shown something not to be effective, we just move on. We don’t keep after it. Republicans try this with abstinence only curriculum etc., but it just makes them look silly.

I think Kerrie makes very valid points. The difference between myself and Kerrie is that I am not an Atheist. After being “taught” about homosexuality when I was very young and being “made into” a Christian – I was a believer. When I grew older (and educated) I explored religion – or religions (34,000 at last count) and concluded ALL of them were STORIES. If held as an “ideal,” (wouldn’t it be great if …) they don’t do harm. If held as “truth,” they destroy people – especially gays and lesbians. Plus, how does one pick the “winner?” Lotto has better odds.

I concluded that I couldn’t actually “disprove” the existence of a higher being (or God) so, I settled on “I don’t know, neither do you, and that’s okay.” If I actually thought someone “did” know – I’d be pissed. But, none of us “know.”

I live in a world of possibility and I grant that almost anything is possible. I do not use these beliefs to harm anyone. I also understand – from a historical perspective and an honest understanding of religion, that it is ONLY religion that has defined gays/homosexuals. It has been brutal, hateful and very damaging – and IT’S JUST A STORY.

I remain disappointed that you put religion before the rights of your gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. When you support any religion that continues to make “homosexual wrong” you contribute to our suffering and continued discrimination. Of course, you are free to believe whatever “story” you choose, but why choose a story that condemns us?

Religion has branded Homosexuality and caused ALL our pain. It’s time to end THAT wrong.

Let’s see… you said I know very little about the world’s religion and history, and then you said I wasn’t serious enough to discuss this issue. You sir, are insulting. I can’t believe it…a religious man saying a woman is too ignorant to speak. I’ve never heard of such a thing. Oh wait, the bible is your guide. Now I get it. Sacred texts love their misogyny.

I don’t think I wrote enough for you to make such a judgment. And I’m pretty you’re your god wouldn’t want you to do all that judging (Matthew 7 verse 1). From what you wrote, I don’t think you know much about atheists (atheists are allowed to judge). I’ve never met an atheist who didn’t have a love of knowledge. I’ve also never met an atheist who couldn’t become a believer if proper evidence was provided. It’s the theists who say that nothing could change their minds. If one of the gods came down and put on a good show, I bet I would believe. The problem is gods prefer to talk to one person and typically alone – like on a mountaintop. My problem is I’m not a mountain climber.

I never said that religion is the sole reason for heterosexism, but it is a large part. Some people just think homosexuality is icky.

The bible will be rewritten to allow for an acceptance of homosexuality in the future. I just wish the all knowing all loving god could have been a bit more forward thinking in regards to homosexuality, slavery, violence, child abuse, equality and women’s issues. There is no context, past or future that should allow for slavery or all the violence in the bible.

At the very least, theists should be open to the fact that we look at the passages about slavery, women and the creation of the universe very differently than we did 150 years ago. Our views on these issues have changed because our morals have changed and science has flourished. The passages about homosexuality will soon become just more passages that people are taking out of context – and that will be a better day for all of us.

The burden of proof regarding the existence of gods is on you, Jon. However, since this is off topic and I’ve heard all the “no evidence” arguments before, we should move on.

“The leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas refuses to acknowledge recent church moves that he calls a “green light” to the blessing of same-sex marriage, reports The Dallas Morning News.”

Episcopalians are really “welcoming” of gays, huh?

Homosexuality is still WRONG for Episcopalians – even if the star of “For the Bible Tells Me So” Bishop Gene Robinson wants gays to think otherwise. It can’t be Gay-friendly” if you’re still “wrong.”