DiscussMormonism.com

Here, I'll just "go there".

Nowhere in scripture do I see a representation of a same sex loving couple. If anyone can point one out to me, I'd be happy to know where it is.

When I read scripture, I try to do so (in part) through the lens of the culture that it represents. The only admonitions I see about homosexual behavior (notice I said "behavior) are references to Pagansim and Pagan temple sexual rituals, fertility rites, that sort of thing. Pagan symbolism, idol worship, which the Bible warns against.

Did SS loving relationships exist in those times? Was it prevalent? Why isn't it written about?

The Greco Roman cultural practices regarding social conditioning. The gymnasium...what am I supposed to think about that? Those were (by and large) heterosexual married men engaged with boys.

No clue what I'm supposed to think about that. They weren't same sex loving relationships. So far as I can tell, they served some other purpose.

The Bible teaches me not to judge others. I think the only person I'm qualified to judge is myself and my own behavior.

The Bible teaches me that all sin is sin.

The Bible teaches me that no one comes to Christ but that the Father draw them.

So essentially, what I gather from all of the above, is that I don't see any portion of scripture that addresses same sex loving couples. If same sex relationships are indeed sin in the eyes of God, then it's no different than any other type of sin, including the sins that I myself commit. It's not my job to judge and draw, that belongs to God and no one else.

My one and only "job" with regard to others is to love people in the best ways that I know how.

Congratulations, you're in the church of Jersey now.

:-)

Jersey Girl wrote:Here, I'll just "go there".

Nowhere in scripture....

So is that the benchmark, if it's in scripture its good to go?

I have a question wrote:

Jersey Girl wrote:
People scrabble around with things all the time. It's our nature. We made decisions based on a variety of influences.

I make mine based on cues I see in scripture.

My issue isn't with people, my issue is with organisations that profess to have the clarity behind which members can align, they don't. Uchtdorf is a prime example. He is explaining what Grace means in Mormonism, but really he is just giving his opinion which is worth nothing more than anyone else's.

Organised Religion is a harmful oxymoron.

I think it's up to the individual to study it out in their own mind, IHAQ. Speaking only for myself, when people start to require uniform conformity, I tend to do just the opposite of what they're wanting me to do.

Churches would be wonderful were it not for the fallible human beings inside them.

:-)

I have a question wrote:

Jersey Girl wrote:Here, I'll just "go there".

Nowhere in scripture....

So is that the benchmark, if it's in scripture its good to go?

IHAQ, I am the sum total of all of my life experiences. My approach to scripture is based on years of study, consideration, self reflection and how I see it for myself. Probably some personal biases in the mix as well.

I'm not an organization. I'm an individual. I try to be as self honest as I possibly can.

Yes, pretty much if it's addressed in scripture, that's the benchmark. There are things though, that I see in light of contemporary knowledge. People possessed by demons---that speaks of mental illness to me.

Are you going to ask me about unclean Old Testament women on their period now? I got a feeling that's where you're going.

Have at me if you want.

:-)

Jersey Girl wrote:Yes, pretty much if it's addressed in scripture, that's the benchmark. There are things though, that I see in light of contemporary knowledge. People possessed by demons---that speaks of mental illness to me.

Are you going to ask me about unclean Old Testament women on their period now? I got a feeling that's where you're going. [color=#FF0000]eeeeoooooowwwww[/color]

Have at me if you want.

:-)

You're making my point.
It's all about personal interpretations, people make God in their own image.

I have a question wrote:

Jersey Girl wrote:Yes, pretty much if it's addressed in scripture, that's the benchmark. There are things though, that I see in light of contemporary knowledge. People possessed by demons---that speaks of mental illness to me.

Are you going to ask me about unclean Old Testament women on their period now? I got a feeling that's where you're going. [color=#FF0000]eeeeoooooowwwww[/color]

Have at me if you want.

:-)

You're making my point.
It's all about personal interpretations, people make God in their own image.

I think that's possible.

I think that so long as someone is isn't breaking the law, they are free to form whatever image of God they have developed.

That's another church of Jersey topic.

;-)

Jersey Girl wrote:I think that so long as someone is isn't breaking the law, they are free to form whatever image of God they have developed.

That's another church of Jersey topic.

;-)

But if mans laws are a determining factor then we really are making a God in our own image.

P.S. I've heard Newark is more picturesque....

I have a question wrote:

Jersey Girl wrote:I think that so long as someone is isn't breaking the law, they are free to form whatever image of God they have developed.

That's another church of Jersey topic.

;-)

But if mans laws are a determining factor then we really are making a God in our own image.

P.S. I've heard Newark is more picturesque....

Newark is a giant crap hole and don't let anyone tell you different.

I don't get what you mean....if man's laws are a determining factor, how are we really making a God in our own image.

Listen, you go ahead and reply, but honest and truly, I need to make a phone call to an actual Jersey Girl. I'll be back when I am done.

p.s. Yes, there are more like me. ;-)

Jersey Girl wrote:Are you going to ask me about unclean Old Testament women on their period now? I got a feeling that's where you're going.

Dang, I kind of assumed Jersey Girl would have been [deleted] by now ... go figure.

Jersey Girl, I've had a bit of an epiphany of late. Being an uneducated guy who always went spur of the moment, only a second or two to check the gut feelings and then fully committing (or back off) was a strength/weakness which seemed to always work out.

This forum will love this one .. I was thinking about faith and you know what, I don't have faith, I have something better ... deeply held feelings, like the moon pulling at the sea type of hidden but powerful feelings. Scriptures, doctrines, creeds ... who needs em:

Listen to your Heart

RockSlider wrote:

Jersey Girl wrote:Are you going to ask me about unclean Old Testament women on their period now? I got a feeling that's where you're going.

Dang, I kind of assumed Jersey Girl would have been [deleted] by now ... go figure.

Hang the hell on, Rock.

Do you think that [deleted] is up for grabs as a sub topic or comment on this board? Because I'm telling you right now, that it's not. Knock that crap off.