tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post4521002308384637907..comments2023-10-14T08:43:43.986-05:00Comments on Hear God Speak-Bible Commentary: Melissa Etherridge and Rick Warren: Buddies??Joe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-28724963268975856492009-01-07T21:16:00.000-06:002009-01-07T21:16:00.000-06:00You're welcome. I do have to admit that my assump...You're welcome. <BR/><BR/>I do have to admit that my assumption that he did not mention that it was not his opinion that gay marriage is immoral but rather that the bible says homosexuality is a sin is based on a fairly poor opinion I have of him based on things of his I've read and stuff I've heard him say. So, in all fairness, he may have said just what I suggested.Joe Blackmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-48133137561443831552009-01-07T21:10:00.000-06:002009-01-07T21:10:00.000-06:00Well remember too that this is her side of the sto...Well remember too that this is her side of the story. I loved the part where she suggested getting involved in his church's ministries. Would it happen? Maybe not. But it made her think. Anyway, thanks for the post. I enjoyed the article.<BR/><BR/>HeidiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-18650346530955689702009-01-07T20:36:00.000-06:002009-01-07T20:36:00.000-06:00HeidiI would agree with you in general. If I met ...Heidi<BR/><BR/>I would agree with you in general. If I met a person who was gay tomorrow and had an opportunity to talk to them I would not necessarily bring up what the bible says about it initially. I think making the point of saying that I'm a Christian would be in order. At that point, they would probably know where I stood. I could show them the same kindness and respect I'd show anyone. Perhaps over the course of a developing friendship I would have chances to share the gospel with them. I agree that sin, like all sins, is an affront to God. I also agree that some Christians are not only cool toward homosexuals but are downright unkind.<BR/><BR/>However, in this specific instance, she was extending an olive branch on behalf of the gay community in the hopes of affecting Rick Warren's opinion of gay people. She seemed to want to help him see that "We're not all bad. You just don't know us". Because of that, he should have shared that his stance was not a matter of opinion but rather it was a conviction based on the clear teaching of God's word. <BR/><BR/>I was not clear that I felt like his reaction was inappropriate because of the specific circumstance. I didn't mean that's how you should start off any relationship with a homosexual.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the comment.Joe Blackmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609279285784683781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544357985732366608.post-30105997995883278562009-01-07T16:25:00.000-06:002009-01-07T16:25:00.000-06:00I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with yo...I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you. If he had said what you suggested she would have been completely offended. Instead he opened a door to communication. He extended friendship to someone most Christians will judge and shun. If she can see him as non-threatening and non-judgmental he may very well be able to lovingly condemn her lifestyle after that trust is built up.<BR/><BR/>God isn't too happy with sexual sins of any kind -- pornography, homosexuality, molestation, rape, lust, and so on. He doesn't weigh one as worse than another. They are all bad to Him. <BR/><BR/>Sometimes in order to evangelize you must start with a relationship. Most of the time that relationship won't stand a chance if you come across as judgmental, self-righteous, and condemning.<BR/><BR/>Show love. To all. He died for her just as much as He died for you and me. Plant a seed. Watch it grow.<BR/><BR/>Heidi ReedAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com