Quote:
Originally posted by Kapsig1
I don't (sorry DeltAlum) see a young man "hiding behind his religion," instead I see a young man who is stepping up, unashamed of his convicted faith. His faith, based on a book he believes to be the inspired word of his Creator and God, Who "abhors" sex between men.
|
Who's talking about sex between men? We're talking about homosexuality - being attracted to men. If we're using your definition, then UNFSigmaChi is not, strictly speaking, heterosexual, b/c he's waiting for marriage, and of course if homosexuality is sex between men, then heterosexuality is sex between a man and a woman.
Also - be careful with usage. We share a common (root) religion, and I seriously doubt that any in my church hierarchy would make any comments similar to 'our God abhors homosexuality.' That seems a bit . . . strong.
Quote:
Originally posted by Kapsig1
I suggest that the Christian standard on how we are to interact with homosexuals is beyond most of our capabilities: "Neither condemn not condone." Now that is WELL beyond the reasoning of what most of our undergraduates are being taught in their so called "liberal education" institutions.
|
How is not passing judgement on someone (ie "condemn or condone") outside of the reasoning powers of a common person? Honestly, this is the stance that is supposed to be taken on most, if not all, people - judgement is reserved for your Supreme Being of Choice. And . . . isn't denying a bid the same thing as condemning? Food for thought, if your stated standard is indeed what we should be using.
Quote:
Originally posted by Kapsig1
Whether a chapter is willing to accept a gay member as a candidate for membership is ultimately the chapter's choice. Whether it's right or wrong will not be defined in these pages.
|
True - if only for the subjective nature of "right" and "wrong" with application to this topic. However - everyone's views on the topic are germane for this very reason. Including UNFSigmaChi's.
Quote:
Originally posted by Kapsig1
At least UNF SigmaChi is THINKING about the principles taught in his ritual! I applaud him for that.
|
You and I have knowledge only of our own ritual, but I think the points people are raising in this realm are more likely that a basis in Christian ideals does not necessarily result in an exclusion of gays. Kudos for finding the meaning in this ceremony, and personalizing it - people are merely questioning him as to how he came to this conclusion, all the while attempting to keep from asking questions about esoteric information (which really keeps the discussion from going anywhere, but that's OK).
I don't think the white cross of Constantine implicitly requires this hard-line reading of the Bible; it's up to you to decide how you run your chapter, and interpret your ritual. No one can do these things for you - good points, Brad, and really from everybody all the way around.
This is one of the better discussions we've had here in a while.