This topic is quite interesting, and I have been reading it for several days.
It's very interesting what people have to say on the topic of not just homosexuality, but oppressed groups in general. After spending some time in Catholic School (intense Bible study), I have realized that the Bible is one of the most conflicting books of all time. People tend to support/utilize Bible scriptures when they have personal gain (i.e. to prove a point). It seems odd that the very same people will forget the scriptures when they want to have premarital sex, have children out of wedlock, cheat, steal, lie, abuse, forget to thank God for his blessings, and just plain forget that God creates EVERYONE and claims to love EVERYONE!
The Bible has never been and never will be a shield for personal use. It's obvious when a person is hiding behind the Word...to both GOD and the people he created. I don't recall God telling me it was okay to adhere to some things he said and tiptoe around others. I always felt that it’s all or nothing with Religion. There might be some parts you wonder about but if you have faith you have FULL FAITH, not just faith in the things you want to believe in and blind sight the things you don’t.
As far as the oppression issue: I find that there is always some group that is being picked on. Shoot, look at American history! Native Americans, Chinese people (the ones that worked on the railroads), Blacks (slaves and their descendents), Jews (at one time considered the WORST kind of immigrant), women (from Eve on up 'till now), Muslims/Arabs (Damn Sadam), and Japanese people (WWII), have all been oppressed and/or under serious scrutiny. Right now Gays are fighting for more rights so right now everyone is talking/criticizing the homosexuals. In 10 years it might be a whole new group.
**Please keep in mind that the Bible was used to argue points about slavery, the Native American issue, and women wanting the right to vote.
Peace ya'll!
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