that would be reasonable in a free society. But religion serves to take freedoms _away_ from a society.
third! YAY!!!… and, uh… Read Romans 1… yeah…NO!
Dan. This question is going to stir up all sorts of crazy shit. Oh wait….you know this.
sure, as long as they keep it in their pants
Nope.
Ewwww … NO
wow that’s a hard one….. i’d have to think about it. =P
HOMOSEXUALS ARE PEOPLE TOO!
yea as long as they are not in practice of homosexuality.
j
sir, last time I checked, priesthood/minister was sort of a crux in religion… as in, religion will define who is to be a spiritual leader… someone whose lifstyle directly contradicts that religion has no right no expect a place in authority…
That is crazy talk, Dan! By all means, NO! Unless they have repented from that lifestyle thru Gods work in their lives. But not if they are still active in that life style.
Will you look at ALL the close mindedness you ahve here, Dan. LOOK AT IT! IT’s STARING US RIGHT IN THE FACE! So sad…SO SO SAD! This pisses me off.
no
Why not, just as long as they are not doing anything against God’s will.
Of course. No reasonable reason not to…
ryc – yea..i see that. it’s just so sad that the majority of the people are so shallow.
No.
Seems like it’s too late now to say no, seeing as they’re already in there.
At least not at my church, I can’t speak for others.
Yes, someones sexual orientation shouldn’t affect their ability to minister to others. If we start limiting priests because they are gay then what about priests that have had affairs? Should we start making note of other sexual preferences? “Excuse me, how do you feel about bondage?” I don’t think so.
And on another note, I can’t agree more with happydivient on the close mindedness of the previous comments. How can someone claim to be a Christain and harbor such anger and nastiness to other people? I guarentee you Jesus would want everyone to spread the word of God – included those who are gay.
I hope each and everyone of the homophonbes here have a child who grows up homosexual. you’ll think differently then. carry on!
No.
Absolutely not. The Bible clearly states that it is a sin. It’s a oxi-moron.
Well Dan, they are celibate…aren’t they?? So what diff does their sexual preference matter??
Candy XO
In the priesthood, people are supposed to be celibate. That means that whether gay or straight they shouldn’t act on their sexual desires. In that case it shouldn’t matter if they are gay. According to the Catholic Catacism it is the acting on homosexual desires that is a sin, not the actually being gay part. With that in mind I think it is hypocritical that they wouldn’t allow celibate homosexuals be priests.
No, because homosexuality is against what the Church believes (and what we believe is from the Bible). If you want to lead something, you’ve got to follow through with its principles. I shouldn’t lead a band if I detest music, right?
As far as it goes for other religions, it is up to the religious group to decide depending on what they believe is morally right.
no
Okay, it’s me again.
Not every Christian denomination has priests that are celebate. I am Episcopal and are priests (men and women) marry and have families. Others do the same -Methodist, Baptist, Luthern, etc. Catholic priests cannot marry (unless married before they enter the priesthood in some cases) and are celebate.
Yes, if they can keep the vow of celibacy….like any other priest, straight or gay, the vow of celibacy is the biggie….it would not matter what their sexual orientation is if they’re not having sex would it…..To me, what matters is the level of ability to be a good role model and minister to the Parish….’til the next
No. why? because homosexuality is a sin.
we as society can accept homosexuality and some may even embrace it. we may even have friends who are homosexual
but as a church it can not accept it.
some may say we all sin…yes that is true…but we should repent if we sin. repent means to ask for forgiveness and not to do it again. but homosexuals live that lifestyle and are not repenting. therefore it’s a little different from someone who sins and someone who lives in sin.
i am pretty sure that is a sin but times are changing and i would be ok with it.
No,I do not think they should be priests or ministers. Doesn’t the bible teach that homosexuality is a sin? If a person is preaching the bible they should not have sin in their lives.
yes.
No…since the BIBLE completely forbids the homosexual lifestyle.
I personally don’t have a problem with it. However, if homosexuality is against the teachings of a particular religion then how could they put that person in a leadership/mentoring position?
It’s sad to hear people say that homoness is a sin, as if non-homos don’t commit other sins. homos love God too.
Why not?
I think Catholics are so backward.
If you are going to systematically ignore the dictates of your religion, why bother with it at all? And why become a leader of a religion you cannot accept? Makes no sense… Seems to me it would be better to start your own religion with your own rules, rather than co-opting an established religion and pretending you are a true follower. Of course, if your religion allows such things, then I won’t say much about it. But God will judge all, and he doesn’t care about opinion polls.
Of course not, because the bible tells us in Leviticus that it is wrong. It also says that eating shellfish is wrong and we all know that good believers would never ever eat shellfish.
we’re all sinners. i approve.
keep holding on to nothing, people. if that’s what you need to get you through the day, by all means, do it. but don’t forget. there are people out there who are homosexuals who need to hang on to something too, just like you!
we’re all in the boat floating about this planet. not knowing what’s going to happen to us when we die is a scary thing. concocting stories of a place to go to when we die is what makes a lot of people hang on. so stop being so mean to the homo’s.
for those who don’t think homosexuals deserve the right to be a priest, or whatver else they want to be, you ,re full of hate.hate, hate and more hate. but you know what? hate is just fear in disguise. So I forgive all of you haters for hating, because you’re really you’re just afraid. So sad.
be well, haters.
The purpose of the priesthood and pastorship is to dedictate one’s life to Christ and the church. If one is a homosexual, and living in sin, how is he dedicated to the Christian morals for which the church upholds? Most of the Church condemns (although the whole Church should condemn) homosexuality to be a sinful and perverted immoral lifestyle. So no, homosexuals should not allow to be priests or pastors if they can’t even live by the principles of the Bible.
^ i’m so pissed, i can’t even type straight. <—ha ha ha
No.
no
I also wanted to add that all of yall who think that the church hates homosexuals are all incorrect. The church hates HOMOSEXUALITY, not HOMOSEXUALS. “Hate the sin; love the sinner” A homoseexual is still allowed to receive Jesus’ grace, and therefore go to heaven. But he should also realize that his lifestyle is sinful, and not part of God’s plans for relationships, as He designed relationships to be between man and woman, not man and man, or woman and woman.
Again, I want to say no.
However, if they are not practising and have repented of their sin … a sin is a sin and we all sin …. so ….? Hmmmm – that’s a difficult one, eh?
Why not? My cousin was married to her husband by a lesbian. Made no difference in her ability to do her job…..Oh but this question IS going to stir up Xanga quite a bit….I think I’ll just keep my mouth shut and not say anything else. People here are way too close minded for me
So we can’t have homosexuals in the priesthood but we can have sexual preditors? People are silly. I say yes, let them be in if they want – its going to happen whether they tell you or not.
yes, as long as they can get married, then less people would have a problem with it
And I realized I should have kept my mouth shut – but some one had to say it.
i think a better question is why (practicing) homosexuals want to be priests or ministers….
so no, i don’t think they should. i mean, if a person has homosexual tendencies but controls them, that’s not enough — all that is is temptation, no different than someone who wants to look at porn or anything else. but practicing homosexuals should not be involved in the ministry.
Genius there had a great point…you hear all about priests and alter boys……….am I missing something? Why is homosexuality okay for priests but not everyone else? …this is why I made those decisions I made in the past.
sexual sins are different in a way than other sins. they are sins against your own body, as opposed to sins against others. dont try to turn this into a hate issue. think about it from the church’s point of view. someone wants to be a leader in your church, but is constantly breaking the rules and going against what you stand for.
think about it like a job. lets say you constantly break the rules at work, how long do you expect to stay there? and how much do you really care if you keep breaking the rules?
um…. could it be that you are being narrowminded towards our seeming narrowmindedness?
saying someone cant be a priest because they are gay because that it is a sin is stupid….everyone sins. that’s the whole point. it is why everyone needs jesus. christianity today has become a ‘let’s keep the status quo and keep it safe’ sort of religion. and it was never meant to be safe. never. people are afraid of what they dont know or dont understand. people ignore that gossiping is a sin just as much as homosexuality (according to tenets of faith people) because so many people understand what it means to struggle with gossiping, but not so much with homosexuality. so tehy shun it, declare it unclean, when no one is righteous without jesus, so why are we all haters?? we like to pretend we arent dirty, but we are. everyone is filthy. except one.
but what about women as ministers, preachers, priests etc? is this essentially the same argument (for or against) as gays as priests? people tend to pick and choose scripture to back their ideas up so it is always an interesting topic.
“Genius there had a great point…you hear all about priests and alter boys……….am I missing something? Why is homosexuality okay for priests but not everyone else? …this is why I made those decisions I made in the past. Posted 2/21/2006 at 11:20 AM by adot333″ it’s not ok. those guys went through the catholic seminary for that specific reason, to molest little boys. what about the thousands of ministers who actively help their communities, and counsel people who have been abused, molested, etc. since that’s normal and taken for granted, the media and society focus entirely on the handfull of perverts.
The Bible states that homosexuality is a sin. But we are all sinners. Just because a priest isn’t homosexual doesn’t mean that he’s not a sinner. I think that if you ask for forgiveness and mean it then you are forgiven, I also think that just because you ask for forgiveness doesn’t mean that it will taken away. I mean, if you commit a mortal sin, say you kill someone, and you ask for forgiveness and truly mean it, then you will be forgiven, but that doesn’t mean you didn’t still kill the person.
hilary
Homosexuality falls under the category of “open sexual immorality” which is unacceptable for those who profess to be believers. We are told (as believers) in the new testament to not let these people into leadership.
However, it appears that this is the extent of it. God never gives believers the right to judge those outside the church.
Even further still, the idea of a homosexual wanting to be a minister confuses me. Isn’t that life a vegan wanting to cook steaks for a living?
“saying someone cant be a priest because they are gay because that it is a sin is stupid….everyone sins. that’s the whole point. it is why everyone needs jesus. christianity today has become a ‘let’s keep the status quo and keep it safe’ sort of religion. and it was never meant to be safe. never. people are afraid of what they dont know or dont understand. people ignore that gossiping is a sin just as much as homosexuality (according to tenets of faith people) because so many people understand what it means to struggle with gossiping, but not so much with homosexuality. so tehy shun it, declare it unclean, when no one is righteous without jesus, so why are we all haters?? we like to pretend we arent dirty, but we are. everyone is filthy. except one.
but what about women as ministers, preachers, priests etc? is this essentially the same argument (for or against) as gays as priests? people tend to pick and choose scripture to back their ideas up so it is always an interesting topic.”
there’s a difference: just because we aren’t allowing them to be leaders doesnt mean we are shunning them from the church. there are many roles in the church, and homosexuals can actively participate, just not lead because it sends a contradictory message about the church.
jrod you are so messed up! They would want to for the same reason as a heterosexual! Just beacuse they’re gay doesn’t mean they’ll be staring at the congregation like they were looking at porn….
Is it enough for someone who has heterosexual tendencies to just “control them” ? That’s just temptation too, right?
i don’t think so
No.
no sin is worse than any other sin. period. All sins are equal in the eyes of god.
“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone”. -somewhere in the book of John.
All priests/ministers have their sins. Is is not then a pointless act to bar certain sins from the minestry? It seems absolutly absurd to discriminate which sins are “better” than others. There’s no problem if homosexuals become priests, as long as they do not lie or try to cover up their actions any further.
Can they even BE ordained priests? How would they manage to get past all those rules, and regulations, hmm?
I really don’t think its a good idea..
No.
Considering how many homosexual priests there are already…
No.
We are to deny the flesh, not feed it, it’s about being “holy” not hetero or homo, but holy.
We wouldn’t “ordain” a crank,crack, or heroin addict either. – Reformed perhaps, but not a full blown addict in their addiction.
His peace to you
no… atleast not with the christian religion. I don’t know have a say about any other.
I so agree with DuMont82. To believe that gays shouldn’t be priest or ministers, that is saying that they can’t serve God. Who are we to judge, last time I looked we weren’t God.
yes, why not? even though the bible doesn’t agree with their “sin” or whatever you wanna call it, wouldn’t it please god more that they want to spread his word?
what boggles my mind is how “loving” the church claims to be, yet generally, it tends to shut a lot of people out. instead of getting people to embrace christianity, discriminating others is a surefire way to turn people away from it. i suggest they practice what they preach otherwise god’s word will never be recognized.
To CoachDerelicte:
Being gay does not mean you are a bad person and so your argument with people in the chruch helping out really isn’t valid. You can still be a priest and be a good person, and you can be a gay priest and still be a good person – I’m not focusing on the perverts – yet you seem to be focusing on whether some one is gay or not. Validity by contradiction is stupid because I’ll never be able to get in your head that because person is gay doesn’t mean they are a bad person – and you will never convince me that I am wrong and you are right. So in reality – I think I’ll go back to my world of acceptance to all things and every one else can go back to there closeminded cells called christianity.
Well they arent really homosexual if they are going to be a preist. Last I checked there wasn’t any sex involved in that. As far as a preacher is concerned, it depends on the church.
Are you kiddiing?!?
NO THEY SHOULD NOT. IT DIRECTLY GOES ALONG WITH WHAT THE BIBLE STATES AS UNACCEPTABLE. I CAN’T EVEN SEE HOW THEY WOULD REALLY GET A “CALLING” FROM GOD TO PURSUE BECOMING ORDAINED IN THE FIRST PLACE. I DO NOT THINK GOD WOULD CALL SUCH A PERSON WHEN THEY CLEARLY CAN NOT OBEY HIS “RULES”. THE BIBLE IS VERY CLEAR ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY. IF GOD COULD SPEAK I’M SURE ALL HE WOULD HAVE TO SAY IS…”WHAT PART OF THOU SHALT NOT DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND?”
DON’T GET ME WRONG…I HAVE MANY HOMOSEXUAL FRIENDS & I LOVE EACH OF THEM THE SAME AS ANYONE ELSE. MY POINT IS THAT IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE CLERGY, SHOULDN’T YOU FOLLOW WHAT YOU ARE TO BE TEACHING? HYPOCRITICAL IF YOU DON’T…I THINK.
HATERS!
I think I’m going to go get ordained right now. and when I do, I’m going to run right out and have lesbian sex. Who knows..maybe I’ll even have a threesome!
HATE = FEAR
People are correct, no sin is greater than any other sin in the eyes of the Lord. But, if a person is living in a lifestyle of sin, in this case homosexuality, then no, they should not be ordained as a minister, until they have been restored through Christ. Minister’s are not perfect people by any stretch of the imagination. They struggle just as we do. But the difference in struggling and living a lifestyle of sin is TRUE repentence. If you are caught up in the lifestyle of sin, and you won’t turn away from it, that is when you are unfit to be a LEADER to people. No matter the sin, whether it be pornography, homosexuality, gambling, it doesn’t matter.
No, oxymoron right there
good one Dan
Would people be ok with a serial killer being a priest?
Granted that nobody is perfect, but there are some things that the Bible specifies that God hates. Hate is a pretty strong word, now. Jesus is forgiving but that does not mean we can continue to live in sin and it certainly doesn’t mean God condones evil lifestyle. He specifically says He hates it.
^ dull normal. minus the normal. take a joke already. sheesh!
If we are going to follow what The Bible dictates, then do we isolate mensturating women for a week as Leviticus 15:19 instructs? When we go to war, do we follow Numbers 31:17-18 and kill the men and rape the women and children? And last but not least, don’t forget to bash your child’s head in as Psalm 137:9 tells us to!
Seriously, people…. You can justify practically everything – including predjudice – if you take parts of The Bible out of context.
I think that we need to remember that it is not our position to judge others. Let that up to God.
Uh….they already are…..
No because they’re lifestyle is not abiding by the definition that Paul has given the church in one of his Epistles. (Can’t remember the exact passage right now) Therefore, if you’re ordained by God (minister) you have to abide by God.
Yes. They can advise people coming out, and if they aren’t practicing, whose buisness is it?
why should thier sexual orientation dictate what they can do? sounds like what happened to certain people of colour just b/c of the colour of thier skin. Jesus didn’t NOT talk to or be around those people who were considered to be the lowest form of society. He embraced them and showed the world that they need love just like everyone else does. That’s what I think.
No, active (continuing in sin), unrepentant homosexuals should not be ordained as priest or ministers. Romans 6:1-3 and many more.
Hi!
I’ve never commented on this site before. This is awesome. Well, about the question – homosexuality is just wrong. It is a Biblical truth. Therefore, someone in a position of authority in the church, I feel, should not be homosexual. What does this say to our children? …that it is acceptable? Then again, the Bible also says that sins are equal except for the unforgivable sin. Therefore, what about a priest that occasionally gossips? Or lusts? Or has stolen something before? Are those sins avoidable? But, alas…the priest (as a homosexual) would be conveying acceptance of this, so, no…he (in my opinion) shouldn’t be homosexual. Thanks for letting my comment. This is cool!
Um…let’s never forget also that these issues are not up to US to decide!
Thank you Eeyore! (clap, clap, clap,clap)
No.
OK… wait wait wait… So every one means to tell me that it isn’t ok to hate some one because they don’t believe homosexuality is moral, is a sin, and they shouldn’t be a priest – yet, it is ok to do the same back? And since when does every one have the right to determine whether or not homosexuality is a sin, isn’t that God’s job? I’d hate to find out that we were both wrong – and have to suffer for it later on. Just learn how to love already people.
And honestly, I don’t think God really would bash gay people – at least the God I know. God is loving and beautiful and caring – not a basher of what is right and wrong. God loves all his children – not 1/10 of the worlds population. And I really could get into the whole topic of how what is in the Bible was written in a period when the Romans were trying to subside homosexuality. Yet two thousand years later we still have homosexuality. Don’t enforce what you think is right and not allow others to do it back. Now that is a hypocrite.
God here.
I think all of you really need to relax.
Come ask me a question. I have all the answers.
Love,
God
I don’t think any of us can decide what any religion whether its Christian, Catholic, Budhist, Islamic, Hindu, Judaism, or Sikhism should do or what their beliefs should be.
Their own tenets/doctorine/Bible/Qur’n/Vedas/Bhagavad-Gita/Brahmanas/Torah/Pali canon are what guide their beliefs and practices.
You and I might disagree with the beliefs and practices of a religion but I would never ask them to change them because of my personal preference
I do believe that homosexuals are entitled to personal liberty, their own religious views, and legal rights just like everyone else.
I just do not feel comfortable asking a religion to change their positions to please me or the homosexual community or even society’s demands
As a woman I know Islam has stipulations on dress and conduct which have no appeal to me but that is a choice those women choose to make. They are not things I would ever choose to do…but that’s my choice.
We have a clear advantage in the US that other countries may not have. We allow religions to practice what they believe freely (within the confines of the law, of course) and encourage individuals liberty to practice what they believe and choose if, when, and where they want to worship.
No government mandated religion gives us all freedom…
So my opinion is…that is up to the religion not us to decide.
I think so. Priests are celebate, therefore, in my opinion, they have no sexuality (hetero or homo)… If a homosexual is a priest, it keeps they from acting on their “sinful urges”(since being gay is a sin i hear). I feel as though my answer isn’t making perfect sense.
On the other hand, Priests should be free of sin, and homosexuality is said to be a sin… But if they are celebate (and not experiencing homosexual things, or sex at all) I don’t see it as a sin. So yes still. : )
No.
NO WAY.
Frankly, I don’t understand why they would want to be…….but why not?
no
Sexual preference has nothing to do with any part of the job description of a priest or minister.
I understand that many churches have very negative views of homosexuality, which is a shame. But many others do not, and are accepting, and in those churches there should be no problem with a homosexual person being ordained as a minister.
No. I dont know much in this field but I’ve heard in the bible it says homosexuality is a sin, so no. What would it be if the leading messenger disobeys himself?
Reading some of the responses above me… I look forward to the day, 50 yrs (hopefully fewer, perhaps more) from now, when we will look back and realize how horrible we were to actually believe homosexuality to be such an abominable thing, and will realize that there is nothing wrong with these people. That they deserve our love and respect, just as we unthikingly give it to heterosexuals all around us.
Your children will one day look back and think “what were you thinking, to be so hateful?”
I have a dream….
No, homosexuality is strictly forbidden in the Bible countless times. To have a person preaching the Gospel who does not follow the Word of the Lord himself is a hypocrite, and should not be allowed to spread false testimony. So in that, DuMont82 is most definately wrong. It’s not close-mindedness. It’s our faith. Islam is not considered close-minded for not tolerating homosexuality, so why should we?
no. i’m agnostic and i’m all for gay rights, but in something like religious institutions where they believe being gay is wrong, then leave them out of it.
Homosexual or heterosexual orientation isn’t the issue, I don’t think. The issue is celibate chastity. If a homosexual priest can live a chaste and celibate lifestyle, not engaging in ANY sexual activity while he is a priest, then I don’t see why they could not be ordained. Too many homosexual people who want to be priests think that it is a way around the promise of celibacy. It ISN’T.
God Here,
Just what I thought… I shows up and go un-noticed.
Love, God
Of course. Why not? People need to stop living their life by a stupid book that is void.
Personally, I think that would be fine….. however I’m not religious… and for the most part, religions think homosexuality is a sin and you will burn in hell….so if they did let them be ordained, they would be what I already consider most of them to be, hypocrites.
What’s wrong with them? As long as they’re honest and doing their jobs religiously, why not?
eeyore, I wish more Christians thought like you did instead of being antagonistic shmucks. Then I might be willing to convert. Instead, many Christians just condemn everything as if they know EXACTLY what God does or doesn’t want.
No, because what would they be preaching? They could preach against their own lifestyle if they didn’t want to have a congergation, but if they said, well, homosexulaity is okay, but everything else is bad, who would listen? There would be too much hypocrisy for anyone to really become a fully devoted follower of Christ.
Jesus loves everyone, including homosexuals, but that doesn’t mean they should be leaders of his church. And I do think other who have commited sexual sins should also be kept of the pulpit, and if they’ve made their peace with God, they can continue their ministry on the streets, talking to people one on one where they can explain their past mistakes and hopefully make a bigger impact.
^ GOD STOPPED BY!
Everyone is so in to posting their opinions that they didn’t even notice that God himself/herself commented.
Just as well..
No, they should not.
if they cannot get their own lives in order, then have do not have the privilage of having authority over others. God has and does condemn the homosexuals, and putting them in a position of power(of any kind) is wrong
most homosexuals are very in touch with god..or at least the ones i know…..why not as long as they are still practicing the gospel…its not like they are going to try and put their ways upon others and tell you you are wrong for liking the opposite sex…like we do it seems like….its not like they are goin to hit on you or thats all they are going to talk about in their speeches….give them a break….they are still people…with the same feelings and everything..they just love differently..and dude no offense but whats up with the gay shit n e ways…do u have a prob…you ask these questions…why dont you put your own opinions on here like everyone else…not saying your site isnt awesome cause it is you make some good points…but dude put in your opinion as well
No.
What kind of an example do you set for your followers when your life is permeated with sin?
People call for equality and an end to discrimination, when what they really want is for everyone to think the way they do. And they discriminate against those who disagree with them.
So far, I’ve seen more hate towards people who don’t agree with the homosexual lifestyle than towards the homosexuals themselves.
The way I see it, discrimination isn’t just a one way street. Maybe you should think about that. Heterosexuality is a lifestyle too, why is it ok to be hateful towards them, but not towards homosexuals?
…
Define “Religion.” Many sects/ways of belief have no problems with homosexuality.
In Islam, Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Christianity, etc., then no, the believers would be uncomfortable. Everywhere else…why not?
An open, practicing homosexual is actively disobeying the Word of God, and as such should not be ministering to others. The same would go for someone who purposefully gets drunk, has a extramarital affair and is unrepentent, cheats on one’s taxes, etc. That’s not the same thing as a minister or candidate for ministry privately admitting to struggling with a same-sex attraction. Temptation is not sin, and ministers also need to be ministered to. I have to admit, however, that very few are able to properly minister to such a person, given the rampant bigotry and fear that has been allowed in the church.
no. it goes against christianity. they shouldn’t be preaching values they dont try to follow.
It’s kind of funny that the people who think homosexuals shouldn’t be in the pulpit are being called “haters and closeminded” by those who express a different opinion. Funny_guydude, I agree with you.
Please do my johari window. It would mean a lot to me if you did.
I’m conflicted on this one. I mean, the Bible makes it pretty clear that homosexuality is a sin. I also think it’s pretty clear that it’s no worse a sin than any other, and all priests and ministers are sinners in some way. But then, the point of the Christian life seems to revolve around becoming more Christlike, and a great deal of that work is repenting and breaking the bondage of sin in our lives. So I guess if you’re embracing homosexuality in your life, you’re not really very repentant of it. So I guess I would have to say no.
But then, many people don’t think homosexuality is a sin.
And, I will say, I am much more annoyed by hypocrites and liars than I am by homosexuals. Homosexuals don’t really bother me.
Whether or not homosexuals can be ordained as priests in the Catholic church is a moot point, though. Catholic priests are required to be celibate. They can’t have sex with men or women. Somehow the media skipped over that part….
The whole process of ordination of anyone rather irritates me.
^ At least I admit that I’m a hater.
^ At least I admit that I’m a hater.
I have a friend who is gay. He is a wonderful Christian at the same time. He loves the Lord with all his heart. And His dream is to become a Catholic priest one day. When i look at him, i just wish His dreams would come true one day, cos He is a great servant of God. I wish one day he would be the priest on my wedding.
He is struggling with this issue and he knows, it is sinful to engage into any homosexual act, so he refrains from anything like this.But he cant change himself,his sexual orientation, cos he is like this….I believe that some people are born to be gays, some just take up this attitude. So there are 2 different types. ( Altho many pious Christians think with their limited minds that it is a disease that can be healed in EVERY case. Well, if it is an attitude, it can be treated, cos it is a psychological thing. But only then .)My friend falls into the 1st cathegory and he cannot do a thing about it. He will always be gay.
With this, i just want to pinpoint that NOT every gay is immoral and has sinful ways. So i firmly believe that even a gay person can be an example for his fellow Christians and can be a very good priest. Like this friend of mine.
So in answer to ur question, i would let gay men to become priests, but ONLY when they testify that they lead a God-fearing life and they dont engage in homosexaul relationships.
I beleive many could argue with my point, and thats right. i dont expect everybody to agree. All I can say is that you shud get to know this friend of mine.
No, they should be burned at the freakings stake.
Absolutely, and the Democratic National Committee should nominate Ann Coulter as their candidate for 2008.
I don’t really think it’s nastiness, bitterness and such. I am a christian with many homosexual friends. I ADORE my friends, they are some of the best. I do not approve of their lifestyle, however, and neither would I approve of a priest having an affair. A professor and minister at my boyfriend’s seminary school was kicked out (their words “he is no longer to be affiliated with our name”) because they found him to be having an affair and is no longer allowed to live as a leader at the church or school. It is unbiblical to be both homosexual and an adulterer. However, I do know a homosexual pastor, but he is not does not practice homosexuality, rather he struggles against it. We’re all sinners, the difference between a Christian and one who is not is that the Christian is not a slave to his/her sin and continues to struggle against their sin.
“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.” I Corinthians 6:9-10
Should abusive adults be ordained to ministry?
Should thieves, liars, con artists be ordained to ministry?
Should charlatans who care nothing for the flock but how many precious stones they add to their heavenly crown be ordained to ministry?
Should entertainers be ordained to ministry?
And we’re worried about homosexuals. Let’s worry about the ones who are already in there abusing others in the name of God.
Oh yeah, I forgot adulterers……who are already in the pulpits in large number.
No
Well of course not, that’s ridiculous! That would imply that ANY sinner should become a priest, which of COURSE is not the case. Ministers and priests need to be absolutely free and clear of any type of sin (assuming homosexuality is a sin, which I don’t believe it to be). I mean, gosh!
I’m sure you can sense my sarcasm. My grandmothers preacher confessed to his congregation that he was addicted to porn. When I first heard this, I was appalled. I thought “why do these people trust this man to be their preacher, when he is addicted to something like porn?” But then I realized. Who the hell am I to judge? I mean seriously? He’s freaking human. He’s GOING to sin….at least he’s man enough to admit to them, instead of acting like a Catholic and pretending to be perfect, but molesting little boys on the side.
Like I said, though, I don’t believe homosexuality to even BE a sin. Sure, it says so in the Bible. But the bible also says not to eat red meat……and I’m sure that I am not the only person posting here who eats red meat every single day.
People need to quit being so damn judgemental.
Dan – next you should ask if homosexuals should be able to adopt. This should get a rise
NO
just saying your a homosexual priest i like saying: hey everyone, “i’m doing something wrong and IM NOT GOING TO EVEN TRY TO STOP DOING IT” they’re saying that to everyone
CoachDerelicte:
I dont agree that there is a difference. a sin is a break from God. period. i follow your reasoning, but i just dont agree.
i think that someone who is supposed to be the “most close” person to God, then he or she should adhere to all the teachings of the faith they profess… in the Bible, God time and again talks against homosexuality, adultery, incest and other such sins. If God hates homosexuality, then how can a person who’s very lifestyle is contrary to God be the most close person to Him?
ok.. Dan.. what the hell kinda question is that?
yeah why not? Everyone is born in sin.. Everyone sins…. Even the straight Priests… So yeah I think they should.
Sure, why not? There’s no reason for them not to be.
yes homosexuals are people too and God loves them no less than hetersexuals, but the he does say that homosexuality is a sin. now i know everyone sins, even hetersexual preachers, but it’s one thing to acknowledge your sin and know it’s wrong and try to work on it and try to get it out of your life, but someone who is gay shouldn’t be able to be ordained into the ministry especially if they think that there is nothing wrong with it.
“no. because their lifestyle is a sin.”
Everyone sins. I think I’ll do a post on homsexual Christians soon. What do you think of my latest, Dan? I would like your input.
Yes.
Why all the stuff about homosexuals all of a sudden? You’re just getting people here to yell and scream about their fear.
Can we have a non-homosexual question next like: Should a heterosexual be allowed to serve drinks in a gay bar?
No. Whether people like scripture or not, sexual perversion (which the Bible does place it as sexual perversion) is not godly. In ministry, you are called to be godly. Everyone has areas they struggle with, but to live a life where you give in to that struggle disqualifies you from serving in that position.
deviant, the only hateful talk is from YOU….heh
No.
Absolutely.
I guess the people commenting and saying “NO!” never read the Bible and saw that homosexuality is condemned in the same passage that cheating and lying and disrespecting your parents is condemned?
Tsk tsk tsk. It’s always sad when a non-Christian knows more about the Bible than all these “Christians” do.
I see no problem with it, but I have no idea why any homosexual person would WANT to be a minister. Why would you want to associate yourself with a religion that condemns you to hell just because you love another man/woman? But hey…if they want to do that, then they should be allowed to be ordained, dammit!
In the Old Testament, people were charged for the sins they committed. Each sin had a different penalty. This is what is says about homosexuality in Leviticus 20:13 “If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them”.
And in the new testament, AFTER Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross: Romans 6:12-13 “therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts”,”And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourself to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.”
God classified homosexuality as a sin, and he tells us to “stop doing wrong, and learn to do right”. Yes, all of us have sinned, so we ALL deserve death… but if we accept Jesus, that he died so that we might live, he calls us NOT to CONTINUE to live in sin! Yet we still do, and no sin is an acceptation. But some people simply aren’t fit to lead in ANY church community, whether your Catholic, Mormon, Baptist, Muslim or non denominational. My answer is no.
FBC_underground_fan is competely right. One sin isn’t greater than another. But bittersunday charges us with things that aren’t accurate. We don’t kick people out for sin. We expect leaders to live a life not committed to sin. I would not ordain a habitual liar to ministry. I would not ordain someone pursueing poor relationships with others to ministry. I would not ordain someone involved in homosexuality to ministry. Those are not things ministers are called too. We have expectations of those we elect to office. We have expectations of those that serve in jobs. Why is it so hard to believe that God has expectations of those who serve Him? Who do their work using His name?
Personally I think no.. But the thing is that when it comes to a religion that calls a person a sinner because of their sexual preference, I don’t know know why that person would want to be a leader of that faith.
It’s a two way street when it comes to hypocricy. For example if a gay man were to be a priest and yet be openly gay or even not openly gay, I would have to question whether or not he really believed the teachings of that faith. And if he doesn’t believe fully in what he’s preaching then I don’t think that he’s really in a position to lead that religion. If that makes any sense.
Someone’s sexual preference should have nothing to do with whether or not they can be a priest. It should be based on education of the Bible, etc. It’s ridiculous to say that someone who is gay could not be a priest or minister. A lot of them love God just like the rest of us. I say why the hell not?!
Haha, doesnt someone who wants to be a priest want to dedicate thier life to spreading gods message and doing its will? Does it matter if they want to have sex with someone of the same sex or not? Wouldnt all the lives they touch through guidance, selfless helping of others and whatnot far outweigh the percived affront to god by having sex with someone of the same sex?
Didnt Jesus give that new commandment, love thy neigbor as thy brother or something? If someone is so concerned not with all of the actions of a person, but going beyond what they even do in private and starts blathering on and on about the sin, the sin in one’s soul; thoughtcrime, then isnt that person less concerned with living out the message in the bible and more concerned with judgement and hatred? I see so little love in the hearts of those who pray in public in a loud tone of voice…
A gay priest is a priest nontheless. Open your minds, open your hearts. Where is the love I hear about so much? I dont see much of it in these comments…
Do you think im speaking about you? Then I probably am…
so it wouldn’t matter in the slightest if the person is presently (and openly) committing sin (of ANY kind), and it just depends on whether or not they know their scripture? i’m afraid i have to dissagree. there are plenty of people who go to church or mass, know every ounce of biblical terminolegy they could, and yet don’t believe that God is One who demands that we obey His laws and decrees. do you think it’s fit for a LEADER to be openly committing sin, and do nothing about it?
I don’t think they should. Just because I don’t support it doesn’t mean I hate them. I don’t. Sheesh. I feel bad for the poor little liberals that can’t articulate a complex thought, or control their anger “duuuuh… HATER! HATER, HATER, HATER!”. Yeah… thats not a argument of any sort
Yeah.
Good point there… Notice how in today’s society that if you don’t agree with homosexuality, you are suddenly a “HATER”? But then those people bash Christianity because of how they percieve things without taking the time to really consider the message? Which one is showing hate? Christianity isn’t about hate, but it isn’t about blindly following anyone. Believe it or not, Chritsianity doesnt’ just blindly follow some guys writting from 2000 years ago either. It’s about following the things that God has ordained for us all. Our personal objections doesn’t overrule the God that created it all.
no. it is a sin. you wouldn’t make a criminal a senator or president while they were still criminals because that runs contrary to the principals of government. so you don’t make a homosexual a priest while they are still homosexuals because that would make it run contrary to the principals of the church.
stefan
don’t all people sin?
are a priest and a homosexual priest really that different?
according to christianity are not all men and women in the eyes of god fatefully sinful to the point that he will damn then unless they accept jesus christ as their savior
cannot a homosexual accept jesus christ as his or her savior?
therefore,
why does it matter?
yes. i am a hater. but i don’t use god to disguise it.
Most certainly not! Homosexuality is condemned very strongly in the Bible, so it would be ridiculous for one to lead a church. It shows a very grave hole in the faith that the idea is put into practice, or even considered for that matter.
-Jared
my answer is no. the church is not just an organization. the job of a minister is not just a job. i think one would have to thoroughly understand the christian faith and be willing to submit to the word of God to qualify to answer this question. if one is not a practicing Christian, it is almost impossible for them to judge about something that he/she does not understand or accept.
btw, all sins are equally damning only in the context of needing salvation. but as evidenced by different levels of consequences and judgments (and honestly, real life experiences), all sins are not equal. it is a common misunderstanding of what sin is and what sin can cost you.
Heck no! I now that the Christian Reformed Church is very against that.
btw, we have ousted heterosexual pastors who committed sexual sins.
yes. i have the most liberal church. the pastor is a women, and the piano player is gay.
Ok, Dan. I have to object to the absurdity of this question. I honestly mean no offense.
*having homosexual sex right now as i type this*
of course not
I’m guessing ordained means they should be alowed? well If that’s what it means than absolutly. I think it’s horable that being gay is a sin. I know a lot of guys that are gay and they have to be the best people in th world. Just because you like somebody of the same sex does’nt/should’nt make you a bad person. It’s not like the priest is gonna go molest some guy just because he’s gay so why should anybody worry about what kind of people he likes? xox Jaylisa
No.
a priest’s sexuality is technically irrelevant, since they aren’t allowed to do anything…
No but they should be allowed to get married…this would keep alot of them from molesting little boys(and girls) and have healthy sexual relationships with an adult.
^ that is the most insane comment left by far.
ohoh_ix3_you <—has to be the smartest person commenting here today. And lookie here, she’s probably under the age of thirty. Good for you Jaylisa!
I say… let’s purge all you warring humans out!
And no only if he is practicing it regularly. Then again I would say the same thing about a pastor who is straight and sleeping around regulary. Someone who struggles with homosexuality is not different than someone struggling with pride… and I have certainly known many proud ministers/priests/pastors/whatever.
I think what really should be condemned is homosexual priests molesting little boys…. For simply struggling with a sin? No. We all struggle with something. We all give in to that struggle sometimes… it’s called being human.
I guess I don’t know if practicing homosexuals should be ministers/whatever or not. I tend to think no, but I could be wrong..Not my place to judge certainly. I do know that homosexuals are imperfect people just like you and me and should be treated that way.
why the hell not? cause they’re GAY? that’s no reason; making gays not be priests/ministers makes as little sense as not letting students wear their coats in schools (i am very pissed about the coat thing).
apparently all the straight priests have sex with the kids at their churches.
Ok, happydeviant, I’m going to give you the attention you so desparately desire, don’t lie, you love the attention.
I don’t hate gays. I may not agree with their lifestyle, but I do not hate them. I, unlike you, won’t admit that I’m a hater, because I have no “hating” to hide. You just admitted that you hate heterosexuals. Which is discrimination. But I have no leg to stand on (begin the sarcasm) because I am a white, male, middle-class, heterosexual. Not being in a minority, it is not right for me to speak out when discriminated against.
Instead of bitching to people about how they are wrong and blah blah blah, I try to promote “good-will” and thoughts of equality and such by living it.
By calling names and spreading hatred, are you any better than the people you are speaking out against?
Just something to think about…
NO!
I find it amusing that those calling people “haters” are acting very hateful themselves.
Yes some Christians are haters… they don’t know how to love homosexuals and believe in “levels” of sin.
And some of them aren’t and they realize Jesus came to love and forgive everyone.
So grow up and quit labeling people…
Not as Christian priests or ministers. Their lifestyle is an abomination
For anyeone that questions any verses dealing with these subjects lately: boring_dan
not in the Christian church it would violate the teachings of scripture.
Following the logic of some of these comments, we should also allow a muslim terrorist be our President. As long as he can recite the pledge and he says that he “believes in our country.” I mean, who are we to stop him. He’s a person too!
Makes perfect sense…
sigh…
no. They are supposed to be Christ-like and live as God intended, not as they choose.
NO
Heck yes.
do you get paid to do this?
yes
Dan, this is a great question. I think the answer isn’t as easy. We all sin and fall short of God’s standard, yes. The bible condemns actions that are viewed as less than God’s standard, yes. Homosexuality is one of those actions viewed as less than God’s standard, yes.
But…
I think the key isn’t the action as much as the heart. I’d much rather see a homosexual pastor who was striving for holiness than a heterosexual pastor who had a mistress and was addicted to porn. Both are lifestyle choices, but we like to hang onto this term “homosexual lifestyle” as if my sin of lust of women is any different of a sinful lifestyle.
For me these verses are key: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.” – I Peter 1:13-14.
Frankly the answer isn’t easy because it cannot be and should not be a blanket answer.
Deffinatly not because God burned Sodom to the ground because the homosexuals there wanted to bang the Angels (whom are masculine spritual beings). I got the felling He burned it because of that
Homosexuals should instead be stoned to death. As should all people who eat shrimp and rare steaks, people who sleep with their wife during menstruation, people who divorce, people who disrespect their parents, and people who wear the wrong combination of fabrics.
It’s Levitical Law, so it must mean that’s what God wants.
Unless the man professes to be homosexual, how would you ever know? It’s not as if you can give them a multiple-choice questionnaire in order to determine sexuality.
I don’t see a problem with it. God created everything, right? At least that’s what I was told growing up. Therefore God would have created homosexuality. And God’s supposed to love everyone, right? He even forgives murderers, or so I’ve heard. So if he loves everyone, why do people claim that God hates homosexuals? I don’t understand, and if anyone would like to correct me on this or inform me of some loophole in the Bible that negates this, please do.
Why not? It’s the same as the women question – if God calls them to ministry there is no reason why they shouldn’t be able to fulfill their vocation. I imagine there are currently more ordained homosexuals than people realize. I don’t blame them for being public with for fear of ridicule.
Yes.
No.
Jesus doesn’t require anyone to get cleaned up before they can come to Him. But their purpose in coming is for repentance and forgiveness. You can not repeant if you are activelly living in sin.
” don’t see a problem with it. God created everything, right? At least that’s what I was told growing up. Therefore God would have created homosexuality. And God’s supposed to love everyone, right?”
God doesn’t hate gays I don’t think. He loves everyone including murderers, and whatnot. That doesn’t mean he thinks its ok. That bit about him creating homosexuality makes no sense. He gave us freewill. Therefore WE have created some things including homosexuality. I don’t believe that BS about it being in some peoples genes. Almost no homosexuals have kids so how would that kind of gene get passed on? Its your desicion. So don’t blame it on some psuedo-science.
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Homosexuality is a SIN!
Two impressive answers:
Yes, someones sexual orientation shouldn’t affect their ability to minister to others. If we start limiting priests because they are gay then what about priests that have had affairs? Should we start making note of other sexual preferences? “Excuse me, how do you feel about bondage?” I don’t think so.
Frankly the answer isn’t easy because it cannot be and should not be a blanket answer.
I don’t believe this is a sin, first. But even given that, I don’t believe in the “church holier than the world, pastor/priest holier than the congregation” idea. I think that pastors are people equally struggling with sin like anyone else. Though I would want church discipline for sinful acts.
In the end, definately YES, if just that.
Dan, how about posting a question on why people use the Bible as a final authority? Don’t people realize how many contradictions there are in the Bible? Or how many laws that aren’t followed at all now? I would post on my site but, of course, your site would get a ton more responses. Possible forms for the question: Why is it important to take or not take the Bible as a final authority? or Is the Bible really infallable? or What percentage of the Bible do you really think is the infallable word of God and what percentage isn’t?
I would really be fascinated by the response. Sorry if I ever seem harsh in answering your questions. Sometimes I do get a little heated. I’m in good company though! lol Have a great night.
check out my site. Give your oppinion!
“Don’t people realize how many contradictions there are in the Bible? Or how many laws that aren’t followed at all now?”
It’s easy to claim contradictions and cry foul but never follow up on why there appear to be contradictions. I have yet to hear of these contradictions that can’t be answered. They are usually people that think in the hear and now with no understanding of how to read outside of our own perspective. In other words, different cultures. Such as Paul talking about slavery isn’t the same thing as our understanding of slavery from the 1800s. Nor is it the same as slavery in the Old Testament. You have to understand the setting in which it is written many times.
those pervs
God gave them over to there depraved minds.
A blunt and profound NO. Christianity is a ‘religion’ (I prefer to think of it as truth, but ya know…) that is based off the Bible. The Bible clearly states that homosexuality is an abomination to God. I don’t understand why people can’t get the common sense principal that if you claim to be a Christian, you need to believe and follow what the Bible says. To be a homosexual Christian (let alone priest) is blatant hypocracy.
Tough question here, it really makes you look into your self to find the true answer. I want to say yes, because it shouldn’t matter, but I can’t quite make myself back that sentiment up.
Yes
I don’t want to know the sexual preference of community leaders. It’s none of my business.
If homosexuality is a sin then it’s a sin no worse than lust or greed. Why would we highlight one sin over another? As long as the priest sees it as a sin and is trying to stop with those thoughts why not?
As I eluded to above, this is not a comment debating whether or not homosexuality is a sin according to the christian religion.
Jesus would want us to lead a sexualy pure and decent life… there fore we should not allow homosexuality in the church ministry, as someone commented earlier there life style IS a sin!
nu uh. it woul be like making an anorexic manager of a mcdonalds.
“HOMOSEXUALS ARE PEOPLE TOO!” -happydeviant you call other people close minded when you yourself are just ignorant of the situation. God does not “hate fags” I hate it when people say that. Love the sinner, but hate the sin. I am not better then anyone else because I am a sinner, but the Bible says when you are living in sin and with that life style, you should step down as a pastor. It says you should step down if you get devoriced too. God loves homosexuals but makes it clear that they shouldn’t be in charge of a church untill they change. The same gos for liars thiefs murders etc. I am guilty of many sins so is every pastor, but before you take that huge weight upon yourself you should get right with God, and try to change.
Well, duh! They take celebicy (or however it’s spelled anyway) forbidding them from getting married or having sex. So it’s not like it makes much difference. And many straight preists have wacked out and… well… molested… little boys. So on that note. La…
Let’s stop refering to homosexuality as a lifestyle.
All actions, whether sinful or not are generally in the form of a “lifestyle”. We are creatures of habit. We do the same sins, we do the same good things, etc. Homosexuality is just as much of a lifestyle or “agenda” as heterosexual sins are.
no
Simply put, yes. But, of course, all hell would break loose (whoo, go me, a pun!). There’s no reason not to. Isn’t God supposed to accept everyone? Well, in my opinion, I think so. They’re people, too, there’s nothing wrong with them.
what difference does it make if they are homosexual or not?
anyone who would lord power over others should not be put in a power position.
NO WAY
i dont see why not. gays are equals, whether you choose to believe that or not.
yes. because a person is gay shouldn’t affect if they wanna become closer w/ God or anything like that. if people didn’t let him be ordained, they would be discriminating, which is what he doesn’t want to do. so basicly, if u think its wrong ur like a hypocrite. there. the end.
p.s. homophobes need to realize that we’ve done nothing to you and we dont deserve this bullshit in return.
and i agree w/ sour_notesx3
<33
my freshman year, the new chaplain at school (first one in decades, private school, bible belt, ga)was asked to write his opinion about gay priests and bishops in i believe the episcopal church. he wrote his opinion, and a whole bunch of parents put so much pressure on the board that both he and the president of the school were forced to leave. i hate ignorance. and if the church is alright with it, everyone else should accept it.
Why shouldn’t they? Just because they are homosexual doesn’t mean they are without ethics or morals, and in the end, isn’t that what church is about?
Eva.
I have been reading many of these comments…and as a Believer in Christ I stand firm in my love for those who are homosexual. I have family and friends who are. But despite my love for those dear people in my life….I still stand by my firm NO in allowing homosexuals to be ordained as ministers. Sure everyone sins and falls…even ministers…but it is a difference when that minister chooses to live in an all out sinful life style…I believe that any minister living in sin willingly should not be in the ministry. My husband is a minister and, yes he has a sinful nature as we all do. But even if he choose to live in willful sin, I would have to say that he would have to step down until a time came that he repented and returned to God’s will for his life. Thankfully we do serve a God that is full of underserving grace and if true repentance is asked…full forgiveness is given. So if the homosexual man seeks repentance and completely turns from his sinful life…then if God has truly called him…sure…but not a man who is willfully living a lifestyle that is completely against what the Bible says is holy and righteous.
No. It’s one thing to be homosexual; that is a personal choice that people can’t really judge you for, since we’re not allowed to judge…But to have a homosexual person in a high position in the church that calls homosexuality a sin…that’s just hypocrisy.
For those who aren’t Chrisitans I can understand their answers, but for the Christians out there saying that it is okay….it just shows how that devil-satan has coropted the truth-the word of God.
PinStripedZootSuit is a wise person
NO!!!
no.
Coming from a denomination that is actively working on this issue, I can see both sides. For some, it is clearly a sin and there will be no convincing them otherwise. For others, sin is sin and let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
The problem is that the first group sees it as a foundational issue. Many people would never accept a gay minister.
For me, the issue comes down to respecting the beliefs of those who think it is a sin. If you have a gay minister, you are telling those people who believe it is a sin that they are wrong. You no longer respect their beliefs. You run the risk of schism. You have the potential to damage the church.
Is there an answer? I don’t know.
You don’t see Fat girls in the Miss America contests, the reason is, they have standards. The Christian church also has standards…
No. If a minister dosen’e even know what the bible says why whoud you even what them as a church leader. the bible is extreamy clear on that.
God Bless,
Wade
At least for a Roman Catholic priest, I would say the answer is yes so long as they agree to the same restrictions that a heterosexual priest agrees to: celebacy. All of us have compulsions and sinful urges we must control; homosexual longings would be very difficult, but a close relationship with Christ would allow you to remain celebate.
I would say that there is not a problem with a homosexual becoming a protestant minister if the person remains celebate.
heck yes they should, i am gay and i rock your socks off
As long as they renounce their sin and strive to forsake it, yes. If they refuse, absolutely not.
Right Winger
Okay…
“homosexuals are people too!”
“as long as they don’t practice homosexuality.”
So apparently gay people aren’t human.
Dan you rule!
hm….according to what they’d be preaching, they dont really seem to be right for the job of priest or w.e, but Im not against homosexuals at all
your all wrong. Gods not interested in religion, but he is a personall relationship with you and me… a minister is one to be an example. 90 persent of christians say they struggle with sexual sin. yes being gay is a sin… no a minister should not be gay! its wronge. but there is a thing called repentance, to say im sorry God in the mind and turn the action around into the right to your best extent. follow the word of God for your answer.
andrew
Priest/Minister = Representation of God. Most reprehensible sin that God stated in both Old Testament and New Testament = Homosexuality. Answer = NO.
i dont think so
I don’t think it is right according to God’s teachings to do so, so no.
[ariana]
yes!
hmmm. no. just because… god hates homosexuals… but like.. if they honestly believe in god. and they can’t help it, and they LOVE god. yea they should… but i dont’ know how people would react to it
heh. the 1st homosexual church of christ.. hmmm
<3 Catrina
Yes. The can and should. I’d encourage it.
NO!! It’s not the Godly way!
What difference does it make who is delivering the word of God? Does the message suddenly change meaning because of the person that speaks it. If that is true, then it complete invalidates anything in the Bible.
Erika
No homosexuals should not be ministers, because they would be preaching against themselves.. in the Bible it states that homosexuality is a sin, and so they can’t be homosexual and be a beleiver it’s just not right!!! SO NO WAY!!!!
Yes. I don’t think homosexuality is a bad thing at all. I do believe in God, but according to the Bible, God loves you no matter what. I believe wholeheartedly that God created me the way I am — he decided thousands of years ago that I was going to be created on (insert day here), that I was going to have brown hair, that I was going to be bisexual. God made me. I was BORN this way. And if I wanted to be a priest, I believe that God would want that for me as well.
Why not? Only allow them to preach to homosexual churches though. And keep them away from the altar boys.
This one’s a toughie……maybe if nobody knew that they were gay, then yeah.
nope
I’m not sure a persons sexual orientation matters.
Here is the issue. Christians get all freaked out about homosexuality when it is just another sin. (Romans 1; Leviticus 18:22) Yes it is a sin. But, Jeus came to forgive us of our sins if we repent and confess. So, can a practicing homosexual pe a preist? By no means. They should be repremanded not put in a high position. However, if a guy wants to be priest he must first repent and confess and ask for forgiveness and probably find an accountability partner then after removing the sin he should be considdred for priesthood.
About Jesus wanting everyone to spread the word of God. This is true, He does want that, but you don’t have to be an official priest to do that, anyone who knows God can proclaim His name to anyone.
No, are you out of your ever-livin’ mind? ()
everyone got a brokeback mountain in their mind
I am not a hater of homosexuals (hate the sin, not the sinner ) but I would say no to being a priest………just as with any other major sin in the bible………..not a good witness.
Anyone who knows the Bible knows the answer.
NO
I think the question is simply ridiculous. Why should we question and play around with what God has clearly stated as sin? ( And for those of you who think otherwise go look it up!! and remember that “All scripture is God breathed and usefull for teaching…”!!) Look at Romans 1…. God has given them up to their sinful desires.
I don’t know whether or not you’re a Christian but I wouldn’t want to play around with (as I’ve already said) what God has said is sin. I think that to question this is to question God. Isn’t God truth? ….. Isn’t God GOD? I beleive that when we start dabbling into questions like this we have to be very careful… God is God. Let’s not question what He says.
I think I should note that I wrote down a couple of huge comments and lost them (Frustration moves in at that point) and so I gave up and decided to write soemthing short and I hope not too sour… So I hope I didn’t come across as harsh. As someone said in an earlier comment I love the sinner but not the sin.
Yes…of course…..why not……
they shouldn’t be ministers. neither should drunks. 1 Timothy gives a list of ministry characteristics for the church.
as for spreading the word of God, that’s everyone’s job. a minister is one who directs the spiritual lives of the church. a person who has been delivered from homosexuality can be a minister, but one who is practicing homosexuality should not be allowed.
you know what bothers me about the issue?? the utterly masochistic actions that homosexual priests/ministers put themseves though by wanting to be clergymen of a belief structure that tells them that theyre going to hell because of their sexual orientation. to me, that is masochism in its truest form.
If god “hates” homosexuality what kind of god is he? What sort of malevolent and all powerful being could he possibly be if he gives in to something as trivial and human as hate? Why would a homosexual want to waste their life being a priest? Spending their whole life preaching a religion given over to beauracracy and ruled by personal interpretation, and worshipping a god who has all but abandoned humanity it he was ever really here to begin with. If there is a god, big deal. Make your own rules and don’t be a narrow minded bigot. Besides, if theres nothing after this you’re dead, you won’t know the difference anyway. Frankly, i’d prefer that so I dont have to deal with most of you simpletons in “heaven”.
And don’t try to tell me I’m going to hell. I was a practicing Christian until about half a year ago when I actually started to think.
“Is evolution real?” should be the next topic of this blog.
I’m not Christian but from what I understand about the Bible, I would have to say no. Homosexuality is a major sin in the Bible and that would make a homosexual priest a bad example for other Christians.
yes homosexuals are people too
BUT they are in a gave sin so…
279th! Only if they love it.
damn this pisses me off! Why does everyone think this way. I absolutely agree with DuMont82 and happydeviant. Everyone should have a right to do what they wish to do…besides someone’s sexual preference!
yes. as long as they truly believe.
Ok so I read the first few entries and then just jumped down to comment. Being a priest means no sexual contact, no marriage, no sex right. Well if a homosexual can abide by those rules the same as a straight person than why not? They, after all, are people too and god made them as he did every other human and didn’t give them a manual or sticker stating what jobs or choices they are allowed or aren’t allowed to have/make.
Good question though, some people are closed minded and of course don’t think the way I do or even close to it but if they opened their mind they would agree.
the Episcopal church held a heresy trial about 10 years ago (really, no lie – it took place in NJ – you can look it up in the New York Times archives) when the first gay priest was ordained. it was not the priest who was brought up on charges but the Bishop who ordained him. The church decided it was not heretical.
About 2 years ago, a gay priest was ordained a Bishop.
finally that group of disenfranchised people will have a voice/representative/advocate in the church and among episcopal (small e – meaning of or pertaining to bishops) circles.
there is a diversity of humanity. there should be a diversity of priests/ministers.
oh, and the Roman Catholic Church has celibate priests, but the Episcopal Church and the Orthodox Churches both allow their priests to marry. most other Christian denominations have pastors or ministers but not priests. So it is not solely the Roman church that has priests.
i think as long as they dont do it in plublic it is fine with me!
God calls us to a high and pure lifestyle according to the lifestyle which Christ gave us as an example. Not to say that we should never have sex because Christ never did, but at the same time the Bible directly says that the homosexual are going to Hell. 1 Corinthians 3:9 says directly, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders”. I think that answers that question pretty fairly, if we’re going by the religious standards. Plus, we’ve already heard about enough priests assaulting or abusing young boys who are in the Catholic church, and we don’t need any more small boys destroyed like that.
Yes….reformed ones.
well yes i think they should but thats really not anyone person’s desition and seeing as how the riligious community tends to be more against homosexuals being apart that since they think it’s wrong then i doubt that would ever happen although i think yes it should be alowed i mean they are just as knowlageble as any other peron
<33
definately controversial. i don’t agree with ‘I guarentee you Jesus would want everyone to spread the word of God – including those who are gay’ I don’t think its closed mindedness to see that individuals who are living in a gay lifestyle are going against what God sees as morally right as far as relationships go. It has probably been the case that Homosexual individuals have been priests or pastors, it just wasn’t something that was talked about, mind you this is not the majority. though perhaps some of those who were sexually abused by these individuals might have been prevented. However, i do not think that being a gay priest and whether the individual has had an affair are similar quieries to base some type of judgement upon. We all sin…and somehow i find myself wondering in this case if we are putting one sin as worse then another…but i would still have to say while we are ALL sinners, i think that those who are blatently sinning (as in going against what God sees as morally upstanding) should not be involved in a ministry that is helping to show others the way in Christianity. Obviously we have not all got a handle on how to be ‘perfect’ Christians (We never will) but there are somethings that God specifically speaks against, this is one of them…though the concept of leadership and morality isn’t directly stated. i guess we could go back to the cliched concept of ‘love the sinner, hate the sin’ but then where does that leave us?
have i really made any point? i’m not sure.
Well, yeah… everyone sins. Every pastor or priest you have ever met is a sinner. Gay people sin, just like the rest of us. They just sin in ways that most usually don’t. According to the Bible, every sin is held equal. So something that is viewed as minor (like a cuss word) is held in the same light as sins such as adultery (homosexuality). NO one is perfect, and some less than others. But in God’s eyes, we are all equal. There’s no such thing as a little sin or big sin.
The only thing you need to be a Protestant Christian is the faith that Jesusu died to forgive the human race. The rest shouldn’t matter.
One more point:
I guarentee you Jesus would want everyone to spread the word of God – included those who are gay. Posted 2/21/2006 at 10:52 AM by DuMont82
I could not agree more with the above statement.
er in my above statement, I meant to say adultery (or homosexuality). Stupid typo.
of course!
76574767567
A minister is a leader of (i take it we’re talking christianity) the christian church. A priest is supposed to reflect God’s will and the lifestyle intended for humans on earth. Homosexuality is a sin, and whil ei admit we all have sins, one would have to repent, and denounce that way of life before being considered for priesthood. I’ve read comments about preiest who have affairs and things of that nature, yes that is sinnign to, and yes its’ just as bad… no one would elect a priest into his position IF THEY KNEW HE WAS HAVING AN AFFAIR, but if they don’t that s entirely differen’t. They are practicing a sin i their lifestyle that goes directly against what the bible says. Homosexual preachers would lead their congregations astray.
no.
i dont see why people are so worried about homosexuality. theyre the same as everyone else, just have different romantic preferences. if God really discriminated against who goes to heaven or who does his work… why didnt he create everyone the same? you cant honestly believe that the only people who go to heaven are privilaged whites and jsut because someone has a different idea about life, looks a certain way, or lives in a certain place, that they aren’t loved by God just the same….
I’m not entirely sure but isn’t it against some sort of bible law?
Ha, I don’t study religion, I have no clue.
-Ash
whats it matter, it gives gay men a rite of passage, why judge someone based on who they wanna be with or love. its not right and coming from a gay man like myself when i hear people degrade gays like this it makes me sick. everyone has there opinion on this i guess.
|steven|
No.
the numbers of people that were gay and christian and highly respected in the years that jesus lived is off the chain…just because he is homosexual doesnt mean he is bad. its not a commandment..
i dont think so..
yes
a shout out to happydeviant, have you considered that maybe you’re not being as open-minded as you’re making yourself out to be…a true open-minded person would not only accept other “open-minded” peoples’ opinions but also the opinions of the “close-minded”. do you see the point i’m trying to make?
i believe that a priest should be setting an example to their congregation, the Bible sasy that we are not to engage in sexual immorality and so i think that a priest should be a good example to their congregation by not leading a homosexual lifestyle. But i think everone should know that homosexuality is no more immoral than heterosexual sex outside of marriage, so I think the true issue isn’t homosexuality but rather sexual purity.
oh and one last thing…to alonelymountian: those who practice homosexuality are NOT going to hell…you failed to mention that God forgives and that there is only one unforgivable sin and that is adding to the Bible what doesn’t belong there not homosexuality…again homosexuality is NOT an unforgiveable sin.
Alright I wouldn’t normally comment on something like this… I think it is a waste of time. There’s always going to be finger pointing and saying he’s wrong or you’re wrong… It doesn’t matter. My answer is no. It’s in the bible guys, God does not ordain homosexuality. Plain and simple, and I certainly hope that anyone that has a lick of sense can figure out that if he does not ordain homosexuality then he most certainly does not want them in an authoratative position in his house. I am by no means against homosexuality, I’d prefer it didn’t exist, but there are certain things that I hold sacred. And I know this may cause a fight but, marriage and the church. Gays, simply shouldn’t be married. It’s wrong. I can’t put it any other than it shouldn’t be done. And they shouldn’t be in positions of authority in the church. That DOES NOT mean they can’t be in the church, to answer back at the obvious close mindedness about the church, it just means that they shouldn’t be in charge. And check this people, Christians are close minded people, get used to it… that’s why we’re Christians, to put away the things of this world. A good quote, “In this world not of it…” And another thing to i_wan… You’re throwing religion in a blender and hitting frape (or however you spell it Not all religions serve to take away freedoms, in fact I think if you truly looked into christianity a little bit you’d see that there are only ten things you are told not to do. I pretty much feel I can live with that. I think the only people that are shallow here are the ones that have no grounds to attack my God or my religion. Thank you.
The answer to your question depends on the religion they would get ordained in.
If their religion prohibits (those who fit the common definition of) homosexuals from becoming ordained, then probably not … unless they want to make a statement at great personal cost but hopefully for some benefit … and some will do get ordained for such reasons, among others.
If their religion/denomination does not prohibit homosexuals from becoming ordained, then let them fulfill their desire and roll in the healthiest manner possible, just like anyone else. People of various sexual orientations have equal capacity for ethical/other comprehension/stamina.
Preferable to the term “homosexual,” and far more honest (not that everyone is capable of such honesty), is the Kinsey scale.
Yes, I think they should be able to. It is not at all stated in the bible that homosexuality itself is wrong. The bible states that sex before marriage is wrong, and there cannot be a marriage between two people of the same gender. So, as long as this priest or minister hasn’t been having any gay sex, it’s not really a sin. I, personally don’t think gay sex is any more wrong than normal sex, but then again, I’m an atheist. However, people have somehow come to the conclusion that, according to God, being a homosexual is wrong. So some misguided people in misguided churches will think that ministers and priest cannot be homosexual. But I guess that’s just the way it’s going to go…
Does it really matter? I don’t see how their sexuality relates at all. It’s like hair color… completely irrelevant in this context.
For those people who are saying no because its a sin… yeah? Well, so is eating shellfish, so should anyone who has ever eaten shrimp not be allowed to be a minister? Oh, and remember that whole divorce thing the bible is against? 50% of all marriages end in that… I wonder how many of those divorcees open their mouths to talk about how homosexuality is wrong.
People tend to pick and choose from the bible the pieces that are convinient. If you’re going to pick and choose what you think is valid… what’s the point of following it at all?
Let he who hasn’t sinned cast the first stone. When you can say you’ve never once done something wrong in your life, then go on and tell other people what they have done wrong in theirs.
Not all homosexuals are predators.
Let me think about that for a sec.NO.
its simple really, you can’t be a leader of something if you blatenly (sp) refuse to accept it.
I feel sorry for all those who disagree.
should a donkey be a music minister?
I just noticed something. Yes, God sees us all as sinners, and as such, deserving of death. BUT, he DOES in fact have standards of how to use our bodies, and one thing I can ASURE you on is God does not delight in defiling his temple (your body) in ANY way. Yes, every sin earns you the same penalty, but those, which affect your BODY, are the ones that God detests the most. God designed sex for marriage, so adultery is wrong. He designed sex to be between a man and a woman, so homosexuality is wrong, (along with all the other things… there is in fact a list of certain body defilements that are detestable to God, because you are abusing and defiling the IMAGE of God.) Any one who openly (and continuously) defiles the image of God does not deserve to become a leader in the church.
Sure, either–just so they would leave boy children alone.
I don’t think so, but it isn’t because they are homosexuals. They are people just like everyone else, we sin they sin, it is all the same. A liar, an alcoholic, a murder, a homosexual, the sins are all the same. But the homosexual chooses to live in that sin everyday (along with alcoholics, ect…), they don’t understand God, sin is something that God can not have anything to do with. He is pure and holy, and when we sin we separate ourselves from him. It isn’t the fact that they are homosexual, it is the fact that they choose to sin everyday knowing that God can not live among sin. Yet, I sin, and he lives in me. But I also don’t sin and tell God to live with it. I am not perfect, and neither is anyone else. We will ALL sin until the day we die. But I am pure and holy because Jesus blood covers my sins. Homosexuals (and alcoholics, and rapist, and child molesters, liars, ect…) choose sin over God. And anyone, no matter who they are or what they do, should not be allowed to be ordained if they would rather have sin, and a “good time” over God. Being a priest or a pastor/minister takes someone who is dedicated to God, not themselves.
it’s really strange to me that people think it is an ok way to argue to simply label those who disagree with them ‘closed-minded’ and because of that label, feel happy about completly ignoring what they say, their opinions and arguments. I suppose in ‘logical fallacy’ terms it would be a mix of a strawman argument (giving a characature of a view in order to easily knock it down instead of considering it’s more robust form) and an ad hominem argument (instead of replying to the argument or assertion, simply arguing, literaly, against the person, for example, person A: I think all triangles have three sides. person B: No they don’t, because you smell).
It’s funny as well, this is how people are taught to argue in high schools now (at least I was) I went to a high school in Northern Virginia, now I study Theology in Scotland, and I find that this doesn’t really happen anymore, I don’t know if it is because Scottish people are more logical (possible, lots of famous great philosophers came from Scottland, Duns Scotus, David Hume, and I believe Immanuel Kant’s grandfather was from here. Also Pelagius, but he wasn’t so good), or maybe just the differance between high school and university. Learning here was a big shock though, having to actually think was tough, but also refreshing, I enjoy it now. It’s so strange to look back on the way I thought in high school.
And also to see people calling whoever disagrees with them ‘closed minded’, just because that is the accepted way to ignore their view (sounds pretty closed minded to me anyway).
Comments (314)
no. because their lifestyle is a sin.
Sure. Why not? Homosexuals aren’t predators.
no!
First! woo hoo!
^ you are so not first.
that would be reasonable in a free society. But religion serves to take freedoms _away_ from a society.
third! YAY!!!… and, uh… Read Romans 1… yeah…NO!
Dan. This question is going to stir up all sorts of crazy shit. Oh wait….you know this.
sure, as long as they keep it in their pants
Nope.
Ewwww … NO
wow that’s a hard one….. i’d have to think about it. =P
HOMOSEXUALS ARE PEOPLE TOO!
yea as long as they are not in practice of homosexuality.
j
sir, last time I checked, priesthood/minister was sort of a crux in religion… as in, religion will define who is to be a spiritual leader… someone whose lifstyle directly contradicts that religion has no right no expect a place in authority…
That is crazy talk, Dan! By all means, NO! Unless they have repented from that lifestyle thru Gods work in their lives. But not if they are still active in that life style.
Will you look at ALL the close mindedness you ahve here, Dan. LOOK AT IT! IT’s STARING US RIGHT IN THE FACE! So sad…SO SO SAD! This pisses me off.
no
Why not, just as long as they are not doing anything against God’s will.
Of course. No reasonable reason not to…
ryc – yea..i see that. it’s just so sad that the majority of the people are so shallow.
No.
Seems like it’s too late now to say no, seeing as they’re already in there.
At least not at my church, I can’t speak for others.
Yes, someones sexual orientation shouldn’t affect their ability to minister to others. If we start limiting priests because they are gay then what about priests that have had affairs? Should we start making note of other sexual preferences? “Excuse me, how do you feel about bondage?” I don’t think so.
And on another note, I can’t agree more with happydivient on the close mindedness of the previous comments. How can someone claim to be a Christain and harbor such anger and nastiness to other people? I guarentee you Jesus would want everyone to spread the word of God – included those who are gay.
I hope each and everyone of the homophonbes here have a child who grows up homosexual. you’ll think differently then. carry on!
No.
Absolutely not. The Bible clearly states that it is a sin. It’s a oxi-moron.
Well Dan, they are celibate…aren’t they?? So what diff does their sexual preference matter??
Candy XO
In the priesthood, people are supposed to be celibate. That means that whether gay or straight they shouldn’t act on their sexual desires. In that case it shouldn’t matter if they are gay. According to the Catholic Catacism it is the acting on homosexual desires that is a sin, not the actually being gay part. With that in mind I think it is hypocritical that they wouldn’t allow celibate homosexuals be priests.
No, because homosexuality is against what the Church believes (and what we believe is from the Bible). If you want to lead something, you’ve got to follow through with its principles. I shouldn’t lead a band if I detest music, right?
As far as it goes for other religions, it is up to the religious group to decide depending on what they believe is morally right.
no
Okay, it’s me again.
Not every Christian denomination has priests that are celebate. I am Episcopal and are priests (men and women) marry and have families. Others do the same -Methodist, Baptist, Luthern, etc. Catholic priests cannot marry (unless married before they enter the priesthood in some cases) and are celebate.
Yes, if they can keep the vow of celibacy….like any other priest, straight or gay, the vow of celibacy is the biggie….it would not matter what their sexual orientation is if they’re not having sex would it…..To me, what matters is the level of ability to be a good role model and minister to the Parish….’til the next
No. why? because homosexuality is a sin.
we as society can accept homosexuality and some may even embrace it. we may even have friends who are homosexual
but as a church it can not accept it.
some may say we all sin…yes that is true…but we should repent if we sin. repent means to ask for forgiveness and not to do it again. but homosexuals live that lifestyle and are not repenting. therefore it’s a little different from someone who sins and someone who lives in sin.
i am pretty sure that is a sin but times are changing and i would be ok with it.
No,I do not think they should be priests or ministers. Doesn’t the bible teach that homosexuality is a sin? If a person is preaching the bible they should not have sin in their lives.
yes.
No…since the BIBLE completely forbids the homosexual lifestyle.
I personally don’t have a problem with it. However, if homosexuality is against the teachings of a particular religion then how could they put that person in a leadership/mentoring position?
It’s sad to hear people say that homoness is a sin, as if non-homos don’t commit other sins. homos love God too.
Why not?
I think Catholics are so backward.
If you are going to systematically ignore the dictates of your religion, why bother with it at all? And why become a leader of a religion you cannot accept? Makes no sense… Seems to me it would be better to start your own religion with your own rules, rather than co-opting an established religion and pretending you are a true follower. Of course, if your religion allows such things, then I won’t say much about it. But God will judge all, and he doesn’t care about opinion polls.
Of course not, because the bible tells us in Leviticus that it is wrong. It also says that eating shellfish is wrong and we all know that good believers would never ever eat shellfish.
we’re all sinners. i approve.
keep holding on to nothing, people. if that’s what you need to get you through the day, by all means, do it. but don’t forget. there are people out there who are homosexuals who need to hang on to something too, just like you!
we’re all in the boat floating about this planet. not knowing what’s going to happen to us when we die is a scary thing. concocting stories of a place to go to when we die is what makes a lot of people hang on. so stop being so mean to the homo’s.
for those who don’t think homosexuals deserve the right to be a priest, or whatver else they want to be, you ,re full of hate.hate, hate and more hate. but you know what? hate is just fear in disguise. So I forgive all of you haters for hating, because you’re really you’re just afraid. So sad.
be well, haters.
The purpose of the priesthood and pastorship is to dedictate one’s life to Christ and the church. If one is a homosexual, and living in sin, how is he dedicated to the Christian morals for which the church upholds? Most of the Church condemns (although the whole Church should condemn) homosexuality to be a sinful and perverted immoral lifestyle. So no, homosexuals should not allow to be priests or pastors if they can’t even live by the principles of the Bible.
^ i’m so pissed, i can’t even type straight. <—ha ha ha
No.
no
I also wanted to add that all of yall who think that the church hates homosexuals are all incorrect. The church hates HOMOSEXUALITY, not HOMOSEXUALS. “Hate the sin; love the sinner” A homoseexual is still allowed to receive Jesus’ grace, and therefore go to heaven. But he should also realize that his lifestyle is sinful, and not part of God’s plans for relationships, as He designed relationships to be between man and woman, not man and man, or woman and woman.
Again, I want to say no.
However, if they are not practising and have repented of their sin … a sin is a sin and we all sin …. so ….? Hmmmm – that’s a difficult one, eh?
Why not? My cousin was married to her husband by a lesbian. Made no difference in her ability to do her job…..Oh but this question IS going to stir up Xanga quite a bit….I think I’ll just keep my mouth shut and not say anything else. People here are way too close minded for me
So we can’t have homosexuals in the priesthood but we can have sexual preditors? People are silly. I say yes, let them be in if they want – its going to happen whether they tell you or not.
yes, as long as they can get married, then less people would have a problem with it
And I realized I should have kept my mouth shut – but some one had to say it.
i think a better question is why (practicing) homosexuals want to be priests or ministers….
so no, i don’t think they should. i mean, if a person has homosexual tendencies but controls them, that’s not enough — all that is is temptation, no different than someone who wants to look at porn or anything else. but practicing homosexuals should not be involved in the ministry.
Genius there had a great point…you hear all about priests and alter boys……….am I missing something? Why is homosexuality okay for priests but not everyone else? …this is why I made those decisions I made in the past.
sexual sins are different in a way than other sins. they are sins against your own body, as opposed to sins against others. dont try to turn this into a hate issue. think about it from the church’s point of view. someone wants to be a leader in your church, but is constantly breaking the rules and going against what you stand for.
think about it like a job. lets say you constantly break the rules at work, how long do you expect to stay there? and how much do you really care if you keep breaking the rules?
um…. could it be that you are being narrowminded towards our seeming narrowmindedness?
saying someone cant be a priest because they are gay because that it is a sin is stupid….everyone sins. that’s the whole point. it is why everyone needs jesus. christianity today has become a ‘let’s keep the status quo and keep it safe’ sort of religion. and it was never meant to be safe. never. people are afraid of what they dont know or dont understand. people ignore that gossiping is a sin just as much as homosexuality (according to tenets of faith people) because so many people understand what it means to struggle with gossiping, but not so much with homosexuality. so tehy shun it, declare it unclean, when no one is righteous without jesus, so why are we all haters?? we like to pretend we arent dirty, but we are. everyone is filthy. except one.
but what about women as ministers, preachers, priests etc? is this essentially the same argument (for or against) as gays as priests? people tend to pick and choose scripture to back their ideas up so it is always an interesting topic.
“Genius there had a great point…you hear all about priests and alter boys……….am I missing something? Why is homosexuality okay for priests but not everyone else? …this is why I made those decisions I made in the past.
Posted 2/21/2006 at 11:20 AM by adot333″
it’s not ok. those guys went through the catholic seminary for that specific reason, to molest little boys. what about the thousands of ministers who actively help their communities, and counsel people who have been abused, molested, etc. since that’s normal and taken for granted, the media and society focus entirely on the handfull of perverts.
The Bible states that homosexuality is a sin. But we are all sinners. Just because a priest isn’t homosexual doesn’t mean that he’s not a sinner. I think that if you ask for forgiveness and mean it then you are forgiven, I also think that just because you ask for forgiveness doesn’t mean that it will taken away. I mean, if you commit a mortal sin, say you kill someone, and you ask for forgiveness and truly mean it, then you will be forgiven, but that doesn’t mean you didn’t still kill the person.
hilary
Homosexuality falls under the category of “open sexual immorality” which is unacceptable for those who profess to be believers. We are told (as believers) in the new testament to not let these people into leadership.
However, it appears that this is the extent of it. God never gives believers the right to judge those outside the church.
Even further still, the idea of a homosexual wanting to be a minister confuses me. Isn’t that life a vegan wanting to cook steaks for a living?
“saying someone cant be a priest because they are gay because that it is a sin is stupid….everyone sins. that’s the whole point. it is why everyone needs jesus. christianity today has become a ‘let’s keep the status quo and keep it safe’ sort of religion. and it was never meant to be safe. never. people are afraid of what they dont know or dont understand. people ignore that gossiping is a sin just as much as homosexuality (according to tenets of faith people) because so many people understand what it means to struggle with gossiping, but not so much with homosexuality. so tehy shun it, declare it unclean, when no one is righteous without jesus, so why are we all haters?? we like to pretend we arent dirty, but we are. everyone is filthy. except one.
but what about women as ministers, preachers, priests etc? is this essentially the same argument (for or against) as gays as priests? people tend to pick and choose scripture to back their ideas up so it is always an interesting topic.”
there’s a difference: just because we aren’t allowing them to be leaders doesnt mean we are shunning them from the church. there are many roles in the church, and homosexuals can actively participate, just not lead because it sends a contradictory message about the church.
jrod you are so messed up! They would want to for the same reason as a heterosexual! Just beacuse they’re gay doesn’t mean they’ll be staring at the congregation like they were looking at porn….
Is it enough for someone who has heterosexual tendencies to just “control them” ? That’s just temptation too, right?
i don’t think so
No.
no sin is worse than any other sin. period. All sins are equal in the eyes of god.
“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone”. -somewhere in the book of John.
All priests/ministers have their sins. Is is not then a pointless act to bar certain sins from the minestry? It seems absolutly absurd to discriminate which sins are “better” than others. There’s no problem if homosexuals become priests, as long as they do not lie or try to cover up their actions any further.
Can they even BE ordained priests? How would they manage to get past all those rules, and regulations, hmm?
I really don’t think its a good idea..
No.
Considering how many homosexual priests there are already…
No.
We are to deny the flesh, not feed it, it’s about being “holy” not hetero or homo, but holy.
We wouldn’t “ordain” a crank,crack, or heroin addict either. – Reformed perhaps, but not a full blown addict in their addiction.
His peace to you
no… atleast not with the christian religion. I don’t know have a say about any other.
I so agree with DuMont82. To believe that gays shouldn’t be priest or ministers, that is saying that they can’t serve God. Who are we to judge, last time I looked we weren’t God.
yes, why not? even though the bible doesn’t agree with their “sin” or whatever you wanna call it, wouldn’t it please god more that they want to spread his word?
what boggles my mind is how “loving” the church claims to be, yet generally, it tends to shut a lot of people out. instead of getting people to embrace christianity, discriminating others is a surefire way to turn people away from it. i suggest they practice what they preach otherwise god’s word will never be recognized.
To CoachDerelicte:
Being gay does not mean you are a bad person and so your argument with people in the chruch helping out really isn’t valid. You can still be a priest and be a good person, and you can be a gay priest and still be a good person – I’m not focusing on the perverts – yet you seem to be focusing on whether some one is gay or not. Validity by contradiction is stupid because I’ll never be able to get in your head that because person is gay doesn’t mean they are a bad person – and you will never convince me that I am wrong and you are right. So in reality – I think I’ll go back to my world of acceptance to all things and every one else can go back to there closeminded cells called christianity.
Well they arent really homosexual if they are going to be a preist. Last I checked there wasn’t any sex involved in that. As far as a preacher is concerned, it depends on the church.
Are you kiddiing?!?
NO THEY SHOULD NOT. IT DIRECTLY GOES ALONG WITH WHAT THE BIBLE STATES AS UNACCEPTABLE. I CAN’T EVEN SEE HOW THEY WOULD REALLY GET A “CALLING” FROM GOD TO PURSUE BECOMING ORDAINED IN THE FIRST PLACE. I DO NOT THINK GOD WOULD CALL SUCH A PERSON WHEN THEY CLEARLY CAN NOT OBEY HIS “RULES”. THE BIBLE IS VERY CLEAR ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY. IF GOD COULD SPEAK I’M SURE ALL HE WOULD HAVE TO SAY IS…”WHAT PART OF THOU SHALT NOT DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND?”
DON’T GET ME WRONG…I HAVE MANY HOMOSEXUAL FRIENDS & I LOVE EACH OF THEM THE SAME AS ANYONE ELSE. MY POINT IS THAT IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE CLERGY, SHOULDN’T YOU FOLLOW WHAT YOU ARE TO BE TEACHING? HYPOCRITICAL IF YOU DON’T…I THINK.
HATERS!
I think I’m going to go get ordained right now. and when I do, I’m going to run right out and have lesbian sex. Who knows..maybe I’ll even have a threesome!
HATE = FEAR
People are correct, no sin is greater than any other sin in the eyes of the Lord. But, if a person is living in a lifestyle of sin, in this case homosexuality, then no, they should not be ordained as a minister, until they have been restored through Christ. Minister’s are not perfect people by any stretch of the imagination. They struggle just as we do. But the difference in struggling and living a lifestyle of sin is TRUE repentence. If you are caught up in the lifestyle of sin, and you won’t turn away from it, that is when you are unfit to be a LEADER to people. No matter the sin, whether it be pornography, homosexuality, gambling, it doesn’t matter.
No, oxymoron right there
good one Dan
Would people be ok with a serial killer being a priest?
Granted that nobody is perfect, but there are some things that the Bible specifies that God hates. Hate is a pretty strong word, now. Jesus is forgiving but that does not mean we can continue to live in sin and it certainly doesn’t mean God condones evil lifestyle. He specifically says He hates it.
^ dull normal. minus the normal. take a joke already. sheesh!
If we are going to follow what The Bible dictates, then do we isolate mensturating women for a week as Leviticus 15:19 instructs? When we go to war, do we follow Numbers 31:17-18 and kill the men and rape the women and children? And last but not least, don’t forget to bash your child’s head in as Psalm 137:9 tells us to!
Seriously, people…. You can justify practically everything – including predjudice – if you take parts of The Bible out of context.
I think that we need to remember that it is not our position to judge others. Let that up to God.
Uh….they already are…..
No because they’re lifestyle is not abiding by the definition that Paul has given the church in one of his Epistles. (Can’t remember the exact passage right now) Therefore, if you’re ordained by God (minister) you have to abide by God.
Yes. They can advise people coming out, and if they aren’t practicing, whose buisness is it?
why should thier sexual orientation dictate what they can do? sounds like what happened to certain people of colour just b/c of the colour of thier skin. Jesus didn’t NOT talk to or be around those people who were considered to be the lowest form of society. He embraced them and showed the world that they need love just like everyone else does. That’s what I think.
No, active (continuing in sin), unrepentant homosexuals should not be ordained as priest or ministers.
Romans 6:1-3 and many more.
Hi!
I’ve never commented on this site before. This is awesome. Well, about the question – homosexuality is just wrong. It is a Biblical truth. Therefore, someone in a position of authority in the church, I feel, should not be homosexual. What does this say to our children? …that it is acceptable? Then again, the Bible also says that sins are equal except for the unforgivable sin. Therefore, what about a priest that occasionally gossips? Or lusts? Or has stolen something before? Are those sins avoidable? But, alas…the priest (as a homosexual) would be conveying acceptance of this, so, no…he (in my opinion) shouldn’t be homosexual. Thanks for letting my comment. This is cool!
Um…let’s never forget also that these issues are not up to US to decide!
Thank you Eeyore! (clap, clap, clap,clap)
No.
OK… wait wait wait… So every one means to tell me that it isn’t ok to hate some one because they don’t believe homosexuality is moral, is a sin, and they shouldn’t be a priest – yet, it is ok to do the same back? And since when does every one have the right to determine whether or not homosexuality is a sin, isn’t that God’s job? I’d hate to find out that we were both wrong – and have to suffer for it later on. Just learn how to love already people.
And honestly, I don’t think God really would bash gay people – at least the God I know. God is loving and beautiful and caring – not a basher of what is right and wrong. God loves all his children – not 1/10 of the worlds population. And I really could get into the whole topic of how what is in the Bible was written in a period when the Romans were trying to subside homosexuality. Yet two thousand years later we still have homosexuality. Don’t enforce what you think is right and not allow others to do it back. Now that is a hypocrite.
God here.
I think all of you really need to relax.
Come ask me a question. I have all the answers.
Love,
God
I don’t think any of us can decide what any religion whether its Christian, Catholic, Budhist, Islamic, Hindu, Judaism, or Sikhism should do or what their beliefs should be.
Their own tenets/doctorine/Bible/Qur’n/Vedas/Bhagavad-Gita/Brahmanas/Torah/Pali canon are what guide their beliefs and practices.
You and I might disagree with the beliefs and practices of a religion but I would never ask them to change them because of my personal preference
I do believe that homosexuals are entitled to personal liberty, their own religious views, and legal rights just like everyone else.
I just do not feel comfortable asking a religion to change their positions to please me or the homosexual community or even society’s demands
As a woman I know Islam has stipulations on dress and conduct which have no appeal to me but that is a choice those women choose to make. They are not things I would ever choose to do…but that’s my choice.
We have a clear advantage in the US that other countries may not have. We allow religions to practice what they believe freely (within the confines of the law, of course) and encourage individuals liberty to practice what they believe and choose if, when, and where they want to worship.
No government mandated religion gives us all freedom…
So my opinion is…that is up to the religion not us to decide.
I think so. Priests are celebate, therefore, in my opinion, they have no sexuality (hetero or homo)… If a homosexual is a priest, it keeps they from acting on their “sinful urges”(since being gay is a sin i hear). I feel as though my answer isn’t making perfect sense.
On the other hand, Priests should be free of sin, and homosexuality is said to be a sin… But if they are celebate (and not experiencing homosexual things, or sex at all) I don’t see it as a sin. So yes still. : )
No.
NO WAY.
Frankly, I don’t understand why they would want to be…….but why not?
no
Sexual preference has nothing to do with any part of the job description of a priest or minister.
I understand that many churches have very negative views of homosexuality, which is a shame. But many others do not, and are accepting, and in those churches there should be no problem with a homosexual person being ordained as a minister.
No. I dont know much in this field but I’ve heard in the bible it says homosexuality is a sin, so no. What would it be if the leading messenger disobeys himself?
Reading some of the responses above me… I look forward to the day, 50 yrs (hopefully fewer, perhaps more) from now, when we will look back and realize how horrible we were to actually believe homosexuality to be such an abominable thing, and will realize that there is nothing wrong with these people. That they deserve our love and respect, just as we unthikingly give it to heterosexuals all around us.
Your children will one day look back and think “what were you thinking, to be so hateful?”
I have a dream….
No, homosexuality is strictly forbidden in the Bible countless times. To have a person preaching the Gospel who does not follow the Word of the Lord himself is a hypocrite, and should not be allowed to spread false testimony. So in that, DuMont82 is most definately wrong. It’s not close-mindedness. It’s our faith. Islam is not considered close-minded for not tolerating homosexuality, so why should we?
no. i’m agnostic and i’m all for gay rights, but in something like religious institutions where they believe being gay is wrong, then leave them out of it.
Homosexual or heterosexual orientation isn’t the issue, I don’t think. The issue is celibate chastity. If a homosexual priest can live a chaste and celibate lifestyle, not engaging in ANY sexual activity while he is a priest, then I don’t see why they could not be ordained. Too many homosexual people who want to be priests think that it is a way around the promise of celibacy. It ISN’T.
God Here,
Just what I thought… I shows up and go un-noticed.
Love, God
Of course. Why not? People need to stop living their life by a stupid book that is void.
Personally, I think that would be fine….. however I’m not religious… and for the most part, religions think homosexuality is a sin and you will burn in hell….so if they did let them be ordained, they would be what I already consider most of them to be, hypocrites.
What’s wrong with them? As long as they’re honest and doing their jobs religiously, why not?
eeyore, I wish more Christians thought like you did instead of being antagonistic shmucks. Then I might be willing to convert. Instead, many Christians just condemn everything as if they know EXACTLY what God does or doesn’t want.
No, because what would they be preaching? They could preach against their own lifestyle if they didn’t want to have a congergation, but if they said, well, homosexulaity is okay, but everything else is bad, who would listen? There would be too much hypocrisy for anyone to really become a fully devoted follower of Christ.
Jesus loves everyone, including homosexuals, but that doesn’t mean they should be leaders of his church. And I do think other who have commited sexual sins should also be kept of the pulpit, and if they’ve made their peace with God, they can continue their ministry on the streets, talking to people one on one where they can explain their past mistakes and hopefully make a bigger impact.
^ GOD STOPPED BY!
Everyone is so in to posting their opinions that they didn’t even notice that God himself/herself commented.
Just as well..
No, they should not.
if they cannot get their own lives in order, then have do not have the privilage of having authority over others. God has and does condemn the homosexuals, and putting them in a position of power(of any kind) is wrong
most homosexuals are very in touch with god..or at least the ones i know…..why not as long as they are still practicing the gospel…its not like they are going to try and put their ways upon others and tell you you are wrong for liking the opposite sex…like we do it seems like….its not like they are goin to hit on you or thats all they are going to talk about in their speeches….give them a break….they are still people…with the same feelings and everything..they just love differently..and dude no offense but whats up with the gay shit n e ways…do u have a prob…you ask these questions…why dont you put your own opinions on here like everyone else…not saying your site isnt awesome cause it is you make some good points…but dude put in your opinion as well
No.
What kind of an example do you set for your followers when your life is permeated with sin?
People call for equality and an end to discrimination, when what they really want is for everyone to think the way they do. And they discriminate against those who disagree with them.
So far, I’ve seen more hate towards people who don’t agree with the homosexual lifestyle than towards the homosexuals themselves.
The way I see it, discrimination isn’t just a one way street. Maybe you should think about that. Heterosexuality is a lifestyle too, why is it ok to be hateful towards them, but not towards homosexuals?
…
Define “Religion.” Many sects/ways of belief have no problems with homosexuality.
In Islam, Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Christianity, etc., then no, the believers would be uncomfortable. Everywhere else…why not?
An open, practicing homosexual is actively disobeying the Word of God, and as such should not be ministering to others. The same would go for someone who purposefully gets drunk, has a extramarital affair and is unrepentent, cheats on one’s taxes, etc. That’s not the same thing as a minister or candidate for ministry privately admitting to struggling with a same-sex attraction. Temptation is not sin, and ministers also need to be ministered to. I have to admit, however, that very few are able to properly minister to such a person, given the rampant bigotry and fear that has been allowed in the church.
no. it goes against christianity. they shouldn’t be preaching values they dont try to follow.
It’s kind of funny that the people who think homosexuals shouldn’t be in the pulpit are being called “haters and closeminded” by those who express a different opinion. Funny_guydude, I agree with you.
Please do my johari window. It would mean a lot to me if you did.
http://kevan.org/johari?name=Spacey1
I’m conflicted on this one. I mean, the Bible makes it pretty clear that homosexuality is a sin. I also think it’s pretty clear that it’s no worse a sin than any other, and all priests and ministers are sinners in some way. But then, the point of the Christian life seems to revolve around becoming more Christlike, and a great deal of that work is repenting and breaking the bondage of sin in our lives. So I guess if you’re embracing homosexuality in your life, you’re not really very repentant of it. So I guess I would have to say no.
But then, many people don’t think homosexuality is a sin.
And, I will say, I am much more annoyed by hypocrites and liars than I am by homosexuals. Homosexuals don’t really bother me.
Whether or not homosexuals can be ordained as priests in the Catholic church is a moot point, though. Catholic priests are required to be celibate. They can’t have sex with men or women. Somehow the media skipped over that part….
The whole process of ordination of anyone rather irritates me.
^ At least I admit that I’m a hater.
^ At least I admit that I’m a hater.
I have a friend who is gay. He is a wonderful Christian at the same time. He loves the Lord with all his heart. And His dream is to become a Catholic priest one day. When i look at him, i just wish His dreams would come true one day, cos He is a great servant of God. I wish one day he would be the priest on my wedding.
He is struggling with this issue and he knows, it is sinful to engage into any homosexual act, so he refrains from anything like this.But he cant change himself,his sexual orientation, cos he is like this….I believe that some people are born to be gays, some just take up this attitude. So there are 2 different types. ( Altho many pious Christians think with their limited minds that it is a disease that can be healed in EVERY case. Well, if it is an attitude, it can be treated, cos it is a psychological thing. But only then .)My friend falls into the 1st cathegory and he cannot do a thing about it. He will always be gay.
With this, i just want to pinpoint that NOT every gay is immoral and has sinful ways. So i firmly believe that even a gay person can be an example for his fellow Christians and can be a very good priest. Like this friend of mine.
So in answer to ur question, i would let gay men to become priests, but ONLY when they testify that they lead a God-fearing life and they dont engage in homosexaul relationships.
I beleive many could argue with my point, and thats right. i dont expect everybody to agree. All I can say is that you shud get to know this friend of mine.
No, they should be burned at the freakings stake.
Absolutely, and the Democratic National Committee should nominate Ann Coulter as their candidate for 2008.
I don’t really think it’s nastiness, bitterness and such. I am a christian with many homosexual friends. I ADORE my friends, they are some of the best. I do not approve of their lifestyle, however, and neither would I approve of a priest having an affair. A professor and minister at my boyfriend’s seminary school was kicked out (their words “he is no longer to be affiliated with our name”) because they found him to be having an affair and is no longer allowed to live as a leader at the church or school. It is unbiblical to be both homosexual and an adulterer. However, I do know a homosexual pastor, but he is not does not practice homosexuality, rather he struggles against it. We’re all sinners, the difference between a Christian and one who is not is that the Christian is not a slave to his/her sin and continues to struggle against their sin.
“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.” I Corinthians 6:9-10
Should abusive adults be ordained to ministry?
Should thieves, liars, con artists be ordained to ministry?
Should charlatans who care nothing for the flock but how many precious stones they add to their heavenly crown be ordained to ministry?
Should entertainers be ordained to ministry?
And we’re worried about homosexuals. Let’s worry about the ones who are already in there abusing others in the name of God.
Oh yeah, I forgot adulterers……who are already in the pulpits in large number.
No
Well of course not, that’s ridiculous! That would imply that ANY sinner should become a priest, which of COURSE is not the case. Ministers and priests need to be absolutely free and clear of any type of sin (assuming homosexuality is a sin, which I don’t believe it to be). I mean, gosh!
I’m sure you can sense my sarcasm. My grandmothers preacher confessed to his congregation that he was addicted to porn. When I first heard this, I was appalled. I thought “why do these people trust this man to be their preacher, when he is addicted to something like porn?” But then I realized. Who the hell am I to judge? I mean seriously? He’s freaking human. He’s GOING to sin….at least he’s man enough to admit to them, instead of acting like a Catholic and pretending to be perfect, but molesting little boys on the side.
Like I said, though, I don’t believe homosexuality to even BE a sin. Sure, it says so in the Bible. But the bible also says not to eat red meat……and I’m sure that I am not the only person posting here who eats red meat every single day.
People need to quit being so damn judgemental.
Dan – next you should ask if homosexuals should be able to adopt. This should get a rise
NO
just saying your a homosexual priest i like saying: hey everyone, “i’m doing something wrong and IM NOT GOING TO EVEN TRY TO STOP DOING IT” they’re saying that to everyone
CoachDerelicte:
I dont agree that there is a difference. a sin is a break from God. period. i follow your reasoning, but i just dont agree.
i think that someone who is supposed to be the “most close” person to God, then he or she should adhere to all the teachings of the faith they profess… in the Bible, God time and again talks against homosexuality, adultery, incest and other such sins. If God hates homosexuality, then how can a person who’s very lifestyle is contrary to God be the most close person to Him?
ok.. Dan.. what the hell kinda question is that?
yeah why not? Everyone is born in sin.. Everyone sins…. Even the straight Priests… So yeah I think they should.
^^^OooOooo MikeyMooSan I’m going to tell happydeviant u said that…. oooOoo I’m tellin!!!!
Sure, why not? There’s no reason for them not to be.
yes homosexuals are people too and God loves them no less than hetersexuals, but the he does say that homosexuality is a sin. now i know everyone sins, even hetersexual preachers, but it’s one thing to acknowledge your sin and know it’s wrong and try to work on it and try to get it out of your life, but someone who is gay shouldn’t be able to be ordained into the ministry especially if they think that there is nothing wrong with it.
“no. because their lifestyle is a sin.”
Everyone sins. I think I’ll do a post on homsexual Christians soon. What do you think of my latest, Dan? I would like your input.
Yes.
Why all the stuff about homosexuals all of a sudden? You’re just getting people here to yell and scream about their fear.
Can we have a non-homosexual question next like: Should a heterosexual be allowed to serve drinks in a gay bar?
No. Whether people like scripture or not, sexual perversion (which the Bible does place it as sexual perversion) is not godly. In ministry, you are called to be godly. Everyone has areas they struggle with, but to live a life where you give in to that struggle disqualifies you from serving in that position.
deviant, the only hateful talk is from YOU….heh
No.
Absolutely.
I guess the people commenting and saying “NO!” never read the Bible and saw that homosexuality is condemned in the same passage that cheating and lying and disrespecting your parents is condemned?
Tsk tsk tsk. It’s always sad when a non-Christian knows more about the Bible than all these “Christians” do.
I see no problem with it, but I have no idea why any homosexual person would WANT to be a minister. Why would you want to associate yourself with a religion that condemns you to hell just because you love another man/woman? But hey…if they want to do that, then they should be allowed to be ordained, dammit!
In the Old Testament, people were charged for the sins they committed. Each sin had a different penalty. This is what is says about homosexuality in Leviticus 20:13 “If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them”.
And in the new testament, AFTER Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross: Romans 6:12-13 “therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts”,”And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourself to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.”
God classified homosexuality as a sin, and he tells us to “stop doing wrong, and learn to do right”. Yes, all of us have sinned, so we ALL deserve death… but if we accept Jesus, that he died so that we might live, he calls us NOT to CONTINUE to live in sin! Yet we still do, and no sin is an acceptation. But some people simply aren’t fit to lead in ANY church community, whether your Catholic, Mormon, Baptist, Muslim or non denominational. My answer is no.
FBC_underground_fan is competely right. One sin isn’t greater than another. But bittersunday charges us with things that aren’t accurate. We don’t kick people out for sin. We expect leaders to live a life not committed to sin. I would not ordain a habitual liar to ministry. I would not ordain someone pursueing poor relationships with others to ministry. I would not ordain someone involved in homosexuality to ministry. Those are not things ministers are called too. We have expectations of those we elect to office. We have expectations of those that serve in jobs. Why is it so hard to believe that God has expectations of those who serve Him? Who do their work using His name?
Personally I think no.. But the thing is that when it comes to a religion that calls a person a sinner because of their sexual preference, I don’t know know why that person would want to be a leader of that faith.
It’s a two way street when it comes to hypocricy. For example if a gay man were to be a priest and yet be openly gay or even not openly gay, I would have to question whether or not he really believed the teachings of that faith. And if he doesn’t believe fully in what he’s preaching then I don’t think that he’s really in a position to lead that religion. If that makes any sense.
Someone’s sexual preference should have nothing to do with whether or not they can be a priest. It should be based on education of the Bible, etc. It’s ridiculous to say that someone who is gay could not be a priest or minister. A lot of them love God just like the rest of us. I say why the hell not?!
Haha, doesnt someone who wants to be a priest want to dedicate thier life to spreading gods message and doing its will? Does it matter if they want to have sex with someone of the same sex or not? Wouldnt all the lives they touch through guidance, selfless helping of others and whatnot far outweigh the percived affront to god by having sex with someone of the same sex?
Didnt Jesus give that new commandment, love thy neigbor as thy brother or something? If someone is so concerned not with all of the actions of a person, but going beyond what they even do in private and starts blathering on and on about the sin, the sin in one’s soul; thoughtcrime, then isnt that person less concerned with living out the message in the bible and more concerned with judgement and hatred? I see so little love in the hearts of those who pray in public in a loud tone of voice…
A gay priest is a priest nontheless. Open your minds, open your hearts. Where is the love I hear about so much? I dont see much of it in these comments…
Do you think im speaking about you? Then I probably am…
so it wouldn’t matter in the slightest if the person is presently (and openly) committing sin (of ANY kind), and it just depends on whether or not they know their scripture? i’m afraid i have to dissagree. there are plenty of people who go to church or mass, know every ounce of biblical terminolegy they could, and yet don’t believe that God is One who demands that we obey His laws and decrees. do you think it’s fit for a LEADER to be openly committing sin, and do nothing about it?
I don’t think they should. Just because I don’t support it doesn’t mean I hate them. I don’t. Sheesh. I feel bad for the poor little liberals that can’t articulate a complex thought, or control their anger “duuuuh… HATER! HATER, HATER, HATER!”. Yeah… thats not a argument of any sort
Yeah.
Good point there… Notice how in today’s society that if you don’t agree with homosexuality, you are suddenly a “HATER”? But then those people bash Christianity because of how they percieve things without taking the time to really consider the message? Which one is showing hate? Christianity isn’t about hate, but it isn’t about blindly following anyone. Believe it or not, Chritsianity doesnt’ just blindly follow some guys writting from 2000 years ago either. It’s about following the things that God has ordained for us all. Our personal objections doesn’t overrule the God that created it all.
no. it is a sin. you wouldn’t make a criminal a senator or president while they were still criminals because that runs contrary to the principals of government. so you don’t make a homosexual a priest while they are still homosexuals because that would make it run contrary to the principals of the church.
stefan
don’t all people sin?
are a priest and a homosexual priest really that different?
according to christianity are not all men and women in the eyes of god fatefully sinful to the point that he will damn then unless they accept jesus christ as their savior
cannot a homosexual accept jesus christ as his or her savior?
therefore,
why does it matter?
yes. i am a hater.
but i don’t use god to disguise it.
Most certainly not! Homosexuality is condemned very strongly in the Bible, so it would be ridiculous for one to lead a church. It shows a very grave hole in the faith that the idea is put into practice, or even considered for that matter.
-Jared
my answer is no. the church is not just an organization. the job of a minister is not just a job. i think one would have to thoroughly understand the christian faith and be willing to submit to the word of God to qualify to answer this question. if one is not a practicing Christian, it is almost impossible for them to judge about something that he/she does not understand or accept.
btw, all sins are equally damning only in the context of needing salvation. but as evidenced by different levels of consequences and judgments (and honestly, real life experiences), all sins are not equal. it is a common misunderstanding of what sin is and what sin can cost you.
Heck no! I now that the Christian Reformed Church is very against that.
btw, we have ousted heterosexual pastors who committed sexual sins.
yes. i have the most liberal church. the pastor is a women, and the piano player is gay.
Ok, Dan. I have to object to the absurdity of this question. I honestly mean no offense.
*having homosexual sex right now as i type this*
of course not
I’m guessing ordained means they should be alowed? well If that’s what it means than absolutly. I think it’s horable that being gay is a sin. I know a lot of guys that are gay and they have to be the best people in th world. Just because you like somebody of the same sex does’nt/should’nt make you a bad person. It’s not like the priest is gonna go molest some guy just because he’s gay so why should anybody worry about what kind of people he likes?
xox
Jaylisa
No.
a priest’s sexuality is technically irrelevant, since they aren’t allowed to do anything…
No but they should be allowed to get married…this would keep alot of them from molesting little boys(and girls) and have healthy sexual relationships with an adult.
^ that is the most insane comment left by far.
ohoh_ix3_you <—has to be the smartest person commenting here today. And lookie here, she’s probably under the age of thirty. Good for you Jaylisa!
I say… let’s purge all you warring humans out!
And no only if he is practicing it regularly. Then again I would say the same thing about a pastor who is straight and sleeping around regulary. Someone who struggles with homosexuality is not different than someone struggling with pride… and I have certainly known many proud ministers/priests/pastors/whatever.
I think what really should be condemned is homosexual priests molesting little boys…. For simply struggling with a sin? No. We all struggle with something. We all give in to that struggle sometimes… it’s called being human.
I guess I don’t know if practicing homosexuals should be ministers/whatever or not. I tend to think no, but I could be wrong..Not my place to judge certainly. I do know that homosexuals are imperfect people just like you and me and should be treated that way.
why the hell not? cause they’re GAY? that’s no reason; making gays not be priests/ministers makes as little sense as not letting students wear their coats in schools (i am very pissed about the coat thing).
apparently all the straight priests have sex with the kids at their churches.
Ok, happydeviant, I’m going to give you the attention you so desparately desire, don’t lie, you love the attention.
I don’t hate gays. I may not agree with their lifestyle, but I do not hate them. I, unlike you, won’t admit that I’m a hater, because I have no “hating” to hide. You just admitted that you hate heterosexuals. Which is discrimination. But I have no leg to stand on (begin the sarcasm) because I am a white, male, middle-class, heterosexual. Not being in a minority, it is not right for me to speak out when discriminated against.
Instead of bitching to people about how they are wrong and blah blah blah, I try to promote “good-will” and thoughts of equality and such by living it.
By calling names and spreading hatred, are you any better than the people you are speaking out against?
Just something to think about…
NO!
I find it amusing that those calling people “haters” are acting very hateful themselves.
Yes some Christians are haters… they don’t know how to love homosexuals and believe in “levels” of sin.
And some of them aren’t and they realize Jesus came to love and forgive everyone.
So grow up and quit labeling people…
Not as Christian priests or ministers. Their lifestyle is an abomination
For anyeone that questions any verses dealing with these subjects lately:
boring_dan
not in the Christian church it would violate the teachings of scripture.
Following the logic of some of these comments, we should also allow a muslim terrorist be our President. As long as he can recite the pledge and he says that he “believes in our country.” I mean, who are we to stop him. He’s a person too!
Makes perfect sense…
sigh…
no. They are supposed to be Christ-like and live as God intended, not as they choose.
NO
Heck yes.
do you get paid to do this?
yes
Dan, this is a great question. I think the answer isn’t as easy. We all sin and fall short of God’s standard, yes. The bible condemns actions that are viewed as less than God’s standard, yes. Homosexuality is one of those actions viewed as less than God’s standard, yes.
But…
I think the key isn’t the action as much as the heart. I’d much rather see a homosexual pastor who was striving for holiness than a heterosexual pastor who had a mistress and was addicted to porn. Both are lifestyle choices, but we like to hang onto this term “homosexual lifestyle” as if my sin of lust of women is any different of a sinful lifestyle.
For me these verses are key: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.”
– I Peter 1:13-14.
Frankly the answer isn’t easy because it cannot be and should not be a blanket answer.
Deffinatly not because God burned Sodom to the ground because the homosexuals there wanted to bang the Angels (whom are masculine spritual beings).
I got the felling He burned it because of that
Homosexuals should instead be stoned to death. As should all people who eat shrimp and rare steaks, people who sleep with their wife during menstruation, people who divorce, people who disrespect their parents, and people who wear the wrong combination of fabrics.
It’s Levitical Law, so it must mean that’s what God wants.
Unless the man professes to be homosexual, how would you ever know? It’s not as if you can give them a multiple-choice questionnaire in order to determine sexuality.
I don’t see a problem with it. God created everything, right? At least that’s what I was told growing up. Therefore God would have created homosexuality. And God’s supposed to love everyone, right? He even forgives murderers, or so I’ve heard. So if he loves everyone, why do people claim that God hates homosexuals? I don’t understand, and if anyone would like to correct me on this or inform me of some loophole in the Bible that negates this, please do.
Why not? It’s the same as the women question – if God calls them to ministry there is no reason why they shouldn’t be able to fulfill their vocation. I imagine there are currently more ordained homosexuals than people realize. I don’t blame them for being public with for fear of ridicule.
Yes.
No.
Jesus doesn’t require anyone to get cleaned up before they can come to Him. But their purpose in coming is for repentance and forgiveness. You can not repeant if you are activelly living in sin.
” don’t see a problem with it. God created everything, right? At least that’s what I was told growing up. Therefore God would have created homosexuality. And God’s supposed to love everyone, right?”
God doesn’t hate gays I don’t think. He loves everyone including murderers, and whatnot. That doesn’t mean he thinks its ok. That bit about him creating homosexuality makes no sense. He gave us freewill. Therefore WE have created some things including homosexuality. I don’t believe that BS about it being in some peoples genes. Almost no homosexuals have kids so how would that kind of gene get passed on? Its your desicion. So don’t blame it on some psuedo-science.
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Homosexuality is a SIN!
Two impressive answers:
Yes, someones sexual orientation shouldn’t affect their ability to minister to others. If we start limiting priests because they are gay then what about priests that have had affairs? Should we start making note of other sexual preferences? “Excuse me, how do you feel about bondage?” I don’t think so.
Frankly the answer isn’t easy because it cannot be and should not be a blanket answer.
I don’t believe this is a sin, first. But even given that, I don’t believe in the “church holier than the world, pastor/priest holier than the congregation” idea. I think that pastors are people equally struggling with sin like anyone else. Though I would want church discipline for sinful acts.
In the end, definately YES, if just that.
Dan, how about posting a question on why people use the Bible as a final authority? Don’t people realize how many contradictions there are in the Bible? Or how many laws that aren’t followed at all now? I would post on my site but, of course, your site would get a ton more responses. Possible forms for the question:
Why is it important to take or not take the Bible as a final authority?
or
Is the Bible really infallable?
or
What percentage of the Bible do you really think is the infallable word of God and what percentage isn’t?
I would really be fascinated by the response. Sorry if I ever seem harsh in answering your questions. Sometimes I do get a little heated. I’m in good company though! lol Have a great night.
check out my site. Give your oppinion!
“Don’t people realize how many contradictions there are in the Bible? Or how many laws that aren’t followed at all now?”
It’s easy to claim contradictions and cry foul but never follow up on why there appear to be contradictions. I have yet to hear of these contradictions that can’t be answered. They are usually people that think in the hear and now with no understanding of how to read outside of our own perspective. In other words, different cultures. Such as Paul talking about slavery isn’t the same thing as our understanding of slavery from the 1800s. Nor is it the same as slavery in the Old Testament. You have to understand the setting in which it is written many times.
those pervs
God gave them over to there depraved minds.
A blunt and profound NO. Christianity is a ‘religion’ (I prefer to think of it as truth, but ya know…
) that is based off the Bible. The Bible clearly states that homosexuality is an abomination to God. I don’t understand why people can’t get the common sense principal that if you claim to be a Christian, you need to believe and follow what the Bible says. To be a homosexual Christian (let alone priest) is blatant hypocracy.
Tough question here, it really makes you look into your self to find the true answer. I want to say yes, because it shouldn’t matter, but I can’t quite make myself back that sentiment up.
Yes
I don’t want to know the sexual preference of community leaders. It’s none of my business.
no
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If homosexuality is a sin then it’s a sin no worse than lust or greed. Why would we highlight one sin over another? As long as the priest sees it as a sin and is trying to stop with those thoughts why not?
As I eluded to above, this is not a comment debating whether or not homosexuality is a sin according to the christian religion.
Jesus would want us to lead a sexualy pure and decent life… there fore we should not allow homosexuality in the church ministry, as someone commented earlier there life style IS a sin!
nu uh. it woul be like making an anorexic manager of a mcdonalds.
“HOMOSEXUALS ARE PEOPLE TOO!” -happydeviant you call other people close minded when you yourself are just ignorant of the situation. God does not “hate fags” I hate it when people say that. Love the sinner, but hate the sin. I am not better then anyone else because I am a sinner, but the Bible says when you are living in sin and with that life style, you should step down as a pastor. It says you should step down if you get devoriced too. God loves homosexuals but makes it clear that they shouldn’t be in charge of a church untill they change. The same gos for liars thiefs murders etc. I am guilty of many sins so is every pastor, but before you take that huge weight upon yourself you should get right with God, and try to change.
Well, duh! They take celebicy (or however it’s spelled anyway) forbidding them from getting married or having sex. So it’s not like it makes much difference. And many straight preists have wacked out and… well… molested… little boys. So on that note. La…
Let’s stop refering to homosexuality as a lifestyle.
All actions, whether sinful or not are generally in the form of a “lifestyle”. We are creatures of habit. We do the same sins, we do the same good things, etc. Homosexuality is just as much of a lifestyle or “agenda” as heterosexual sins are.
no
Simply put, yes. But, of course, all hell would break loose (whoo, go me, a pun!). There’s no reason not to. Isn’t God supposed to accept everyone? Well, in my opinion, I think so. They’re people, too, there’s nothing wrong with them.
what difference does it make if they are homosexual or not?
anyone who would lord power over others should not be put in a power position.
NO WAY
i dont see why not. gays are equals, whether you choose to believe that or not.
yes. because a person is gay shouldn’t affect if they wanna become closer w/ God or anything like that. if people didn’t let him be ordained, they would be discriminating, which is what he doesn’t want to do. so basicly, if u think its wrong ur like a hypocrite. there. the end.
p.s. homophobes need to realize that we’ve done nothing to you and we dont deserve this bullshit in return.
and i agree w/ sour_notesx3
<33
my freshman year, the new chaplain at school (first one in decades, private school, bible belt, ga)was asked to write his opinion about gay priests and bishops in i believe the episcopal church. he wrote his opinion, and a whole bunch of parents put so much pressure on the board that both he and the president of the school were forced to leave. i hate ignorance. and if the church is alright with it, everyone else should accept it.
Why shouldn’t they? Just because they are homosexual doesn’t mean they are without ethics or morals, and in the end, isn’t that what church is about?
Eva.
I have been reading many of these comments…and as a Believer in Christ I stand firm in my love for those who are homosexual. I have family and friends who are. But despite my love for those dear people in my life….I still stand by my firm NO in allowing homosexuals to be ordained as ministers. Sure everyone sins and falls…even ministers…but it is a difference when that minister chooses to live in an all out sinful life style…I believe that any minister living in sin willingly should not be in the ministry. My husband is a minister and, yes he has a sinful nature as we all do. But even if he choose to live in willful sin, I would have to say that he would have to step down until a time came that he repented and returned to God’s will for his life. Thankfully we do serve a God that is full of underserving grace and if true repentance is asked…full forgiveness is given. So if the homosexual man seeks repentance and completely turns from his sinful life…then if God has truly called him…sure…but not a man who is willfully living a lifestyle that is completely against what the Bible says is holy and righteous.
No. It’s one thing to be homosexual; that is a personal choice that people can’t really judge you for, since we’re not allowed to judge…But to have a homosexual person in a high position in the church that calls homosexuality a sin…that’s just hypocrisy.
For those who aren’t Chrisitans I can understand their answers, but for the Christians out there saying that it is okay….it just shows how that devil-satan has coropted the truth-the word of God.
PinStripedZootSuit is a wise person
NO!!!
no.
Coming from a denomination that is actively working on this issue, I can see both sides. For some, it is clearly a sin and there will be no convincing them otherwise. For others, sin is sin and let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
The problem is that the first group sees it as a foundational issue. Many people would never accept a gay minister.
For me, the issue comes down to respecting the beliefs of those who think it is a sin. If you have a gay minister, you are telling those people who believe it is a sin that they are wrong. You no longer respect their beliefs. You run the risk of schism. You have the potential to damage the church.
Is there an answer? I don’t know.
You don’t see Fat girls in the Miss America contests, the reason is, they have standards. The Christian church also has standards…
No. If a minister dosen’e even know what the bible says why whoud you even what them as a church leader. the bible is extreamy clear on that.
God Bless,
Wade
At least for a Roman Catholic priest, I would say the answer is yes so long as they agree to the same restrictions that a heterosexual priest agrees to: celebacy. All of us have compulsions and sinful urges we must control; homosexual longings would be very difficult, but a close relationship with Christ would allow you to remain celebate.
I would say that there is not a problem with a homosexual becoming a protestant minister if the person remains celebate.
heck yes they should, i am gay and i rock your socks off
As long as they renounce their sin and strive to forsake it, yes. If they refuse, absolutely not.
Right Winger
Okay…
“homosexuals are people too!”
“as long as they don’t practice homosexuality.”
So apparently gay people aren’t human.
Dan you rule!
hm….according to what they’d be preaching, they dont really seem to be right for the job of priest or w.e, but Im not against homosexuals at all
your all wrong. Gods not interested in religion, but he is a personall relationship with you and me… a minister is one to be an example. 90 persent of christians say they struggle with sexual sin. yes being gay is a sin… no a minister should not be gay! its wronge. but there is a thing called repentance, to say im sorry God in the mind and turn the action around into the right to your best extent. follow the word of God for your answer.
andrew
Priest/Minister = Representation of God. Most reprehensible sin that God stated in both Old Testament and New Testament = Homosexuality. Answer = NO.
i dont think so
I don’t think it is right according to God’s teachings to do so, so no.
[ariana]
yes!
hmmm. no. just because… god hates homosexuals… but like.. if they honestly believe in god. and they can’t help it, and they LOVE god. yea they should… but i dont’ know how people would react to it
heh. the 1st homosexual church of christ.. hmmm
<3 Catrina
Yes. The can and should. I’d encourage it.
NO!! It’s not the Godly way!
What difference does it make who is delivering the word of God? Does the message suddenly change meaning because of the person that speaks it. If that is true, then it complete invalidates anything in the Bible.
Erika
No homosexuals should not be ministers, because they would be preaching against themselves.. in the Bible it states that homosexuality is a sin, and so they can’t be homosexual and be a beleiver it’s just not right!!! SO NO WAY!!!!
Yes. I don’t think homosexuality is a bad thing at all. I do believe in God, but according to the Bible, God loves you no matter what. I believe wholeheartedly that God created me the way I am — he decided thousands of years ago that I was going to be created on (insert day here), that I was going to have brown hair, that I was going to be bisexual. God made me. I was BORN this way. And if I wanted to be a priest, I believe that God would want that for me as well.
Why not? Only allow them to preach to homosexual churches though. And keep them away from the altar boys.
This one’s a toughie……maybe if nobody knew that they were gay, then yeah.
nope
I’m not sure a persons sexual orientation matters.
Here is the issue. Christians get all freaked out about homosexuality when it is just another sin. (Romans 1; Leviticus 18:22) Yes it is a sin. But, Jeus came to forgive us of our sins if we repent and confess. So, can a practicing homosexual pe a preist? By no means. They should be repremanded not put in a high position. However, if a guy wants to be priest he must first repent and confess and ask for forgiveness and probably find an accountability partner then after removing the sin he should be considdred for priesthood.
About Jesus wanting everyone to spread the word of God. This is true, He does want that, but you don’t have to be an official priest to do that, anyone who knows God can proclaim His name to anyone.
No, are you out of your ever-livin’ mind? (
)
everyone got a brokeback mountain in their mind
I am not a hater of homosexuals (hate the sin, not the sinner ) but I would say no to being a priest………just as with any other major sin in the bible………..not a good witness.
Anyone who knows the Bible knows the answer.
NO
I think the question is simply ridiculous. Why should we question and play around with what God has clearly stated as sin? ( And for those of you who think otherwise go look it up!! and remember that “All scripture is God breathed and usefull for teaching…”!!) Look at Romans 1…. God has given them up to their sinful desires.
I don’t know whether or not you’re a Christian but I wouldn’t want to play around with (as I’ve already said) what God has said is sin. I think that to question this is to question God. Isn’t God truth? ….. Isn’t God GOD? I beleive that when we start dabbling into questions like this we have to be very careful… God is God. Let’s not question what He says.
I think I should note that I wrote down a couple of huge comments and lost them (Frustration moves in at that point) and so I gave up and decided to write soemthing short and I hope not too sour… So I hope I didn’t come across as harsh. As someone said in an earlier comment I love the sinner but not the sin.
Yes…of course…..why not……
they shouldn’t be ministers. neither should drunks. 1 Timothy gives a list of ministry characteristics for the church.
as for spreading the word of God, that’s everyone’s job. a minister is one who directs the spiritual lives of the church. a person who has been delivered from homosexuality can be a minister, but one who is practicing homosexuality should not be allowed.
you know what bothers me about the issue?? the utterly masochistic actions that homosexual priests/ministers put themseves though by wanting to be clergymen of a belief structure that tells them that theyre going to hell because of their sexual orientation. to me, that is masochism in its truest form.
If god “hates” homosexuality what kind of god is he? What sort of malevolent and all powerful being could he possibly be if he gives in to something as trivial and human as hate? Why would a homosexual want to waste their life being a priest? Spending their whole life preaching a religion given over to beauracracy and ruled by personal interpretation, and worshipping a god who has all but abandoned humanity it he was ever really here to begin with. If there is a god, big deal. Make your own rules and don’t be a narrow minded bigot. Besides, if theres nothing after this you’re dead, you won’t know the difference anyway. Frankly, i’d prefer that so I dont have to deal with most of you simpletons in “heaven”.
And don’t try to tell me I’m going to hell. I was a practicing Christian until about half a year ago when I actually started to think.
“Is evolution real?” should be the next topic of this blog.
I’m not Christian but from what I understand about the Bible, I would have to say no. Homosexuality is a major sin in the Bible and that would make a homosexual priest a bad example for other Christians.
yes homosexuals are people too
BUT they are in a gave sin so…
279th! Only if they love it.
damn this pisses me off! Why does everyone think this way. I absolutely agree with DuMont82 and happydeviant. Everyone should have a right to do what they wish to do…besides someone’s sexual preference!
yes. as long as they truly believe.
Ok so I read the first few entries and then just jumped down to comment. Being a priest means no sexual contact, no marriage, no sex right. Well if a homosexual can abide by those rules the same as a straight person than why not? They, after all, are people too and god made them as he did every other human and didn’t give them a manual or sticker stating what jobs or choices they are allowed or aren’t allowed to have/make.
Good question though, some people are closed minded and of course don’t think the way I do or even close to it but if they opened their mind they would agree.
the Episcopal church held a heresy trial about 10 years ago (really, no lie – it took place in NJ – you can look it up in the New York Times archives) when the first gay priest was ordained. it was not the priest who was brought up on charges but the Bishop who ordained him. The church decided it was not heretical.
About 2 years ago, a gay priest was ordained a Bishop.
finally that group of disenfranchised people will have a voice/representative/advocate in the church and among episcopal (small e – meaning of or pertaining to bishops) circles.
there is a diversity of humanity. there should be a diversity of priests/ministers.
oh, and the Roman Catholic Church has celibate priests, but the Episcopal Church and the Orthodox Churches both allow their priests to marry. most other Christian denominations have pastors or ministers but not priests. So it is not solely the Roman church that has priests.
i think as long as they dont do it in plublic it is fine with me!
God calls us to a high and pure lifestyle according to the lifestyle which Christ gave us as an example. Not to say that we should never have sex because Christ never did, but at the same time the Bible directly says that the homosexual are going to Hell. 1 Corinthians 3:9 says directly, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders”. I think that answers that question pretty fairly, if we’re going by the religious standards. Plus, we’ve already heard about enough priests assaulting or abusing young boys who are in the Catholic church, and we don’t need any more small boys destroyed like that.
Yes….reformed ones.
well yes i think they should but thats really not anyone person’s desition and seeing as how the riligious community tends to be more against homosexuals being apart that since they think it’s wrong then i doubt that would ever happen although i think yes it should be alowed i mean they are just as knowlageble as any other peron
<33
definately controversial. i don’t agree with ‘I guarentee you Jesus would want everyone to spread the word of God – including those who are gay’ I don’t think its closed mindedness to see that individuals who are living in a gay lifestyle are going against what God sees as morally right as far as relationships go. It has probably been the case that Homosexual individuals have been priests or pastors, it just wasn’t something that was talked about, mind you this is not the majority. though perhaps some of those who were sexually abused by these individuals might have been prevented. However, i do not think that being a gay priest and whether the individual has had an affair are similar quieries to base some type of judgement upon. We all sin…and somehow i find myself wondering in this case if we are putting one sin as worse then another…but i would still have to say while we are ALL sinners, i think that those who are blatently sinning (as in going against what God sees as morally upstanding) should not be involved in a ministry that is helping to show others the way in Christianity. Obviously we have not all got a handle on how to be ‘perfect’ Christians (We never will) but there are somethings that God specifically speaks against, this is one of them…though the concept of leadership and morality isn’t directly stated. i guess we could go back to the cliched concept of ‘love the sinner, hate the sin’ but then where does that leave us?
have i really made any point? i’m not sure.
Well, yeah… everyone sins. Every pastor or priest you have ever met is a sinner. Gay people sin, just like the rest of us. They just sin in ways that most usually don’t.
According to the Bible, every sin is held equal. So something that is viewed as minor (like a cuss word) is held in the same light as sins such as adultery (homosexuality). NO one is perfect, and some less than others. But in God’s eyes, we are all equal. There’s no such thing as a little sin or big sin.
The only thing you need to be a Protestant Christian is the faith that Jesusu died to forgive the human race. The rest shouldn’t matter.
One more point:
I guarentee you Jesus would want everyone to spread the word of God – included those who are gay.
Posted 2/21/2006 at 10:52 AM by DuMont82
I could not agree more with the above statement.
er in my above statement, I meant to say adultery (or homosexuality). Stupid typo.
of course!
76574767567
A minister is a leader of (i take it we’re talking christianity) the christian church. A priest is supposed to reflect God’s will and the lifestyle intended for humans on earth. Homosexuality is a sin, and whil ei admit we all have sins, one would have to repent, and denounce that way of life before being considered for priesthood. I’ve read comments about preiest who have affairs and things of that nature, yes that is sinnign to, and yes its’ just as bad… no one would elect a priest into his position IF THEY KNEW HE WAS HAVING AN AFFAIR, but if they don’t that s entirely differen’t. They are practicing a sin i their lifestyle that goes directly against what the bible says. Homosexual preachers would lead their congregations astray.
no.
i dont see why people are so worried about homosexuality. theyre the same as everyone else, just have different romantic preferences. if God really discriminated against who goes to heaven or who does his work… why didnt he create everyone the same? you cant honestly believe that the only people who go to heaven are privilaged whites and jsut because someone has a different idea about life, looks a certain way, or lives in a certain place, that they aren’t loved by God just the same….
I’m not entirely sure but isn’t it against some sort of bible law?
Ha, I don’t study religion, I have no clue.
-Ash
whats it matter, it gives gay men a rite of passage, why judge someone based on who they wanna be with or love. its not right and coming from a gay man like myself when i hear people degrade gays like this it makes me sick. everyone has there opinion on this i guess.
|steven|
No.
the numbers of people that were gay and christian and highly respected in the years that jesus lived is off the chain…just because he is homosexual doesnt mean he is bad. its not a commandment..
i dont think so..
yes
a shout out to happydeviant, have you considered that maybe you’re not being as open-minded as you’re making yourself out to be…a true open-minded person would not only accept other “open-minded” peoples’ opinions but also the opinions of the “close-minded”. do you see the point i’m trying to make?
i believe that a priest should be setting an example to their congregation, the Bible sasy that we are not to engage in sexual immorality and so i think that a priest should be a good example to their congregation by not leading a homosexual lifestyle. But i think everone should know that homosexuality is no more immoral than heterosexual sex outside of marriage, so I think the true issue isn’t homosexuality but rather sexual purity.
oh and one last thing…to alonelymountian: those who practice homosexuality are NOT going to hell…you failed to mention that God forgives and that there is only one unforgivable sin and that is adding to the Bible what doesn’t belong there not homosexuality…again homosexuality is NOT an unforgiveable sin.
Alright I wouldn’t normally comment on something like this… I think it is a waste of time. There’s always going to be finger pointing and saying he’s wrong or you’re wrong… It doesn’t matter. My answer is no. It’s in the bible guys, God does not ordain homosexuality. Plain and simple, and I certainly hope that anyone that has a lick of sense can figure out that if he does not ordain homosexuality then he most certainly does not want them in an authoratative position in his house. I am by no means against homosexuality, I’d prefer it didn’t exist, but there are certain things that I hold sacred. And I know this may cause a fight but, marriage and the church. Gays, simply shouldn’t be married. It’s wrong. I can’t put it any other than it shouldn’t be done. And they shouldn’t be in positions of authority in the church. That DOES NOT mean they can’t be in the church, to answer back at the obvious close mindedness about the church, it just means that they shouldn’t be in charge. And check this people, Christians are close minded people, get used to it… that’s why we’re Christians, to put away the things of this world. A good quote, “In this world not of it…” And another thing to i_wan… You’re throwing religion in a blender and hitting frape (or however you spell it
Not all religions serve to take away freedoms, in fact I think if you truly looked into christianity a little bit you’d see that there are only ten things you are told not to do. I pretty much feel I can live with that. I think the only people that are shallow here are the ones that have no grounds to attack my God or my religion. Thank you.
The answer to your question depends on the religion they would get ordained in.
If their religion prohibits (those who fit the common definition of) homosexuals from becoming ordained, then probably not … unless they want to make a statement at great personal cost but hopefully for some benefit … and some will do get ordained for such reasons, among others.
If their religion/denomination does not prohibit homosexuals from becoming ordained, then let them fulfill their desire and roll in the healthiest manner possible, just like anyone else. People of various sexual orientations have equal capacity for ethical/other comprehension/stamina.
Preferable to the term “homosexual,” and far more honest (not that everyone is capable of such honesty), is the Kinsey scale.
http://everything2.org/index.pl?node_id=453986
Yes, I think they should be able to. It is not at all stated in the bible that homosexuality itself is wrong. The bible states that sex before marriage is wrong, and there cannot be a marriage between two people of the same gender. So, as long as this priest or minister hasn’t been having any gay sex, it’s not really a sin. I, personally don’t think gay sex is any more wrong than normal sex, but then again, I’m an atheist. However, people have somehow come to the conclusion that, according to God, being a homosexual is wrong. So some misguided people in misguided churches will think that ministers and priest cannot be homosexual. But I guess that’s just the way it’s going to go…
Does it really matter? I don’t see how their sexuality relates at all. It’s like hair color… completely irrelevant in this context.
For those people who are saying no because its a sin… yeah? Well, so is eating shellfish, so should anyone who has ever eaten shrimp not be allowed to be a minister? Oh, and remember that whole divorce thing the bible is against? 50% of all marriages end in that… I wonder how many of those divorcees open their mouths to talk about how homosexuality is wrong.
People tend to pick and choose from the bible the pieces that are convinient. If you’re going to pick and choose what you think is valid… what’s the point of following it at all?
Let he who hasn’t sinned cast the first stone. When you can say you’ve never once done something wrong in your life, then go on and tell other people what they have done wrong in theirs.
Not all homosexuals are predators.
Let me think about that for a sec.NO.
its simple really, you can’t be a leader of something if you blatenly (sp) refuse to accept it.
I feel sorry for all those who disagree.
should a donkey be a music minister?
I just noticed something. Yes, God sees us all as sinners, and as such, deserving of death. BUT, he DOES in fact have standards of how to use our bodies, and one thing I can ASURE you on is God does not delight in defiling his temple (your body) in ANY way. Yes, every sin earns you the same penalty, but those, which affect your BODY, are the ones that God detests the most. God designed sex for marriage, so adultery is wrong. He designed sex to be between a man and a woman, so homosexuality is wrong, (along with all the other things… there is in fact a list of certain body defilements that are detestable to God, because you are abusing and defiling the IMAGE of God.) Any one who openly (and continuously) defiles the image of God does not deserve to become a leader in the church.
Sure, either–just so they would leave boy children alone.
I don’t think so, but it isn’t because they are homosexuals. They are people just like everyone else, we sin they sin, it is all the same. A liar, an alcoholic, a murder, a homosexual, the sins are all the same. But the homosexual chooses to live in that sin everyday (along with alcoholics, ect…), they don’t understand God, sin is something that God can not have anything to do with. He is pure and holy, and when we sin we separate ourselves from him. It isn’t the fact that they are homosexual, it is the fact that they choose to sin everyday knowing that God can not live among sin. Yet, I sin, and he lives in me. But I also don’t sin and tell God to live with it. I am not perfect, and neither is anyone else. We will ALL sin until the day we die. But I am pure and holy because Jesus blood covers my sins. Homosexuals (and alcoholics, and rapist, and child molesters, liars, ect…) choose sin over God. And anyone, no matter who they are or what they do, should not be allowed to be ordained if they would rather have sin, and a “good time” over God. Being a priest or a pastor/minister takes someone who is dedicated to God, not themselves.
it’s really strange to me that people think it is an ok way to argue to simply label those who disagree with them ‘closed-minded’ and because of that label, feel happy about completly ignoring what they say, their opinions and arguments. I suppose in ‘logical fallacy’ terms it would be a mix of a strawman argument (giving a characature of a view in order to easily knock it down instead of considering it’s more robust form) and an ad hominem argument (instead of replying to the argument or assertion, simply arguing, literaly, against the person, for example, person A: I think all triangles have three sides. person B: No they don’t, because you smell).
It’s funny as well, this is how people are taught to argue in high schools now (at least I was) I went to a high school in Northern Virginia, now I study Theology in Scotland, and I find that this doesn’t really happen anymore, I don’t know if it is because Scottish people are more logical (possible, lots of famous great philosophers came from Scottland, Duns Scotus, David Hume, and I believe Immanuel Kant’s grandfather was from here. Also Pelagius, but he wasn’t so good), or maybe just the differance between high school and university. Learning here was a big shock though, having to actually think was tough, but also refreshing, I enjoy it now. It’s so strange to look back on the way I thought in high school.
And also to see people calling whoever disagrees with them ‘closed minded’, just because that is the accepted way to ignore their view (sounds pretty closed minded to me anyway).