Posted by splumer The solution is for people of good conscience to confront bigotry and intolerance head-on, face to face. It's easy to call someone out on the 'net, but it takes some guts to do it in person. In person, though, is where it has the most impact. So, next time someone in your workplace, school, church, etc., says something bigoted, confront them and let them know that attitudes like that are not welcome in a civilized society. Once they realize they are in the minority, they'll STFU.

I agree, but it is on both sides. When you see an atheist being a dick to someone who holds beliefs in something they don't understand then say something. I already will say something if I have a Christain friend talking shit about gay people. As many of you know, I'm pretty outspoken, good or bad. I have changed my views on certain things since being on these boards. I'm not trying to be a good example of what a Christain should be, I'm only being an example of what I am.

I wish we would either do it right or not at all. Get government out of ALL marriage. Period. Let churches perform ceremonies if they want for Gay and Lesbian couples, I don't care. It is their choice ( and I think some churches already do this ). I never understood why the Church was dead set against gays anyway, as I know some diehard Christains who are gay. They abide by their beliefs, understand the situation, and are involved in the church of their choice. But while I will defend gays to Christains I come in contact with, why won't any of you defend, or atleast not belittle, every person who has a religious belief?

Do you think simply because I believe in Jesus Christ I am a bad person Splume? Sam? Mutant? Hell, Tekky?

If anything I am a bad person on my own.

Posted by jeepdave Do you think simply because I believe in Jesus Christ I am a bad person Splume? Sam? Mutant? Hell, Tekky? If anything I am a bad person on my own.

It doesn't make you any more of a bad person than believing in another fairy tale makes someone a bad person. It's just sad that you believe it.

Posted by MutantMandias It doesn't make you any more of a bad person than believing in another fairy tale makes someone a bad person. It's just sad that you believe it.

My point.

Posted by jeepdave I wish we would either do it right or not at all. Get government out of ALL marriage. Period.

What about people who, for whatever reason, don't want to be married in a church (such as those who go to Vegas or Gatlinburg)?

I never understood why the Church was dead set against gays anyway, as I know some diehard Christains who are gay.

Lev. 18:22. They seem conveniently to ignore Lev. 19:28 though.

Do you think simply because I believe in Jesus Christ I am a bad person Splume? Sam? Mutant? Hell, Tekky? If anything I am a bad person on my own.

Of course not. Most of the Christians I know are fine people.

Posted by splumer Of course not. Most of the Christians I know are fine people.

misguided and strange, but fine nonetheless.

Posted by jeepdave I Get government out of ALL marriage. Period. Let churches perform ceremonies if they want for Gay and Lesbian couples, I don't care. It is their choice ( and I think some churches already do this ).

It's quite simple. you cant get the government out of the marriage issue because it involves MONEY! Tax benefits, Social Security Benefits, Inheritance benefits, Medical, on and on and on. Personally, after almost 20 years with my partner, I figure the government owes me about a hundred grand they have cheated me out of in taxes and legal fees. All because politicians are scared to death of losing the the right wing "Christian" vote.

Religious wars and persecution by people who begin believing themselves ordained by God have always truly been the downfall of societies and always will be and is quickly causing the downfall of our country. Your beginning seeing it now as your "moderate" views aren't "good enough" aren't "Christian" enough. The right always talks about "the slippery slope", well I hate to tell you but you have created your own and it is about an 80 degree slope right now that if left unchecked will destroy the true founding principles of our country, all in the name of God as has been done over and over and over again.

Posted by Arch-Image It's quite simple. you cant get the government out of the marriage issue because it involves MONEY! Tax benefits, Social Security Benefits, Inheritance benefits, Medical, on and on and on. Personally, after almost 20 years with my partner, I figure the government owes me about a hundred grand they have cheated me out of in taxes and legal fees. All because politicians are scared to death of losing the the right wing "Christian" vote.

Or, you could say it's all about money because legally recognizing same sex marriage would immediately reduce tax revenue by billions of dollars, and it would get worse every year.