Posted by giveawayboy on May 28, 2002 at 03:16:33:
In Reply to: Hesitant. But sincere. posted by Bob - the Alien on May 27, 2002 at 23:02:16:
: I am hesitant to even post within this thread because I am afraid that people will not take me seriously due to the identity issues, or or that my difference of opinions with most people on this board will make me not welcome.
: However, this issue is one that seems to me to be of critical importance, so I feel that I should speak. I hope it is taken in the positive, sincere sentiment with which it is intended.
: The first thing that should be understood is that in some ways, I truly am alien to this board, not matter what context you use when reading my posts -- I am not a Catholic. I am not even Christian. I do, however live by ideals shared by Christianty. I beleive in unconditional love for all living creatures, specifically.
: On the topic of homosexuality, it is not even an issue for me. If you are human, you deserve unconditional love no matter what your sexual orintation, or even actions are. We do not even have to agree with each other on what is right or wrong. This is a personal issue that everyone should resolve on their own, and live their own life according to their own beleifs and decisions. Who are we to even begin to tell other people what is right or wrong? Who are we to say that we are more infallible than the next? Who are we to even say that we are interpreting the Bible correctly? On all issues, I feel that we need to come to a place where we can make our own ethical decisions. When we finally do leave this earth, we will find out what was right or wrong. And I tell you this -- even if we are wrong, even if everything we did in our entire life is sinful, I believe that we will still be forgiven if we acted in an honest attempt to live an ethical life. This life is intended to be a learning experience. We are not perfect. Not all lessons can be learned until after death when a more broad vision and understanding of the truth is available to us. And this is why we are allowed to make mistakes and still be forgiven.
: On a specific note to this thread, I think that based on what Bill has stated, he has a great take on the matter. He has done exactly what I am talking about -- He evaluated his own feelings. He thought about them in contrast to his beliefs and ideals, and he has made a decision on how to live his life that matches his beliefs. He continues to live in a way that supports his own belief system, and when he dies, he will have no regrets about the way he lived his life.
: Bill, I respect your life and the way you live it. Keep living to your ideals.
: However, keep in mind the reverse of this sentiment. Bill has made his choice, and I respect him for living it. Other people have made choices that are different, and even quite sinful and wrong in the eyes of some here. I also respect those people. The point is to love all people even if you do not agree with their choices. Also to respect them and their thoughts, for there is no guarantee that you know better than they.
: Live your own life, love everyone else's.
: That is the heart of my belief system.
: With Love,
: Bob
Wow! Bob! Thanks for your views on what to me is a very important topic. Thanks for being real with us here. I have all kinds of good feelings after having read your post, but I won't respond to it point by point. I think it stands well on its own. Now, can you show me how to progress to the rest of the message board? thanks.
Bill