hmmm... where do i start?

Q: Does your house have a railing around the Roof???
A: nope, does yours?

---

Q: is that not what the homophobics do adapt things to make them selves right???
A: we are not homophobics.

nobody is afraid of confused girly-men, who want to make out with one another. If we were really homo phobic we would change the law for you guys out of fear - but we ain't afraid of you. lol.

---

I stand with my brothers and sisters that are different and discriminated against just because they are different. Do you know how many times I hear comments behind my back because I don't fit societies ideal of a man. It does not bother me as an individual but why must any human be treated with less respect just because they don't match societies ideal. Those of us that are different harm no one. Those of us that are different that commit crimes should be punished like anyone else.

*we don't make fun of the scotts in their kilts! wonder why?
If you dress like a man in public you won't get stared at or made fun of.


---

Get it right I am not gay I am heterosexual a transgender heterosexual. I am married to a wonderful and very supportive woman have kids and a grandchild.

*let the gays fight their own battles, you are already married with kids, right?
if that is you dressed like a lady, may I ask why?
what do you see a man or a women in the pic?? Do you think I would put a photo up of me??? Do you think I am so brave and sure of my self????

*do all transgendered men dress like that?
Take a bit of time out from you gay bashing and look up gender dysphoria
also go to http://ifge.org/ Also look up Tri Ess
---

we love you, Really do you love me enough to invite me to your church and sit next to me and defend my right to be me. or to meet your family?? no you love what you want me to be. I tell you know it will never happen. God loves you, I know the Creator love us all and I am Created as I am by the Creator. Jesus loves you.
and we all wish you would stop.

you don't have to, we we still love you and let you do
as you wish - you have free will, but why try to change
the laws to suit your purpose? [/QUOTE]
Because the laws deny us free will.
[/QUOTE]more importantly, what's in it for you since you are already happily married?
[/QUOTE]
Not a thing but knowing I stand for equality and human dignity with those that are outcast by our society.

what do you see a man or a women in the pic?? Do you think I would put a photo up of me??? Do you think I am so brave and sure of my self????

*why not be brave and sure of yourself and waht you stand for?

--

Really do you love me enough to invite me to your church and sit next to me and defend my right to be me. or to meet your family?? no you love what you want me to be. I tell you know it will never happen. I know the Creator love us all and I am Created as I am by the Creator.

*you want me to go against the whole church to defend your right to be you?
If you are a woman and dress like a women, and act like a women, you will be accepted. But if you are clearly a man - acting like something else ...

I will sit next to any man acting like a man dressed like a man. same for any woman. Can I come to the rainbow alliance wearing a shirt that says I don't support Same Sex Marriage or Gay Sex Acts?

I would only be exercising free will, but that would no be the place to do it right? Then should I say, that the rainbow alliance is opressing my free will?
even if I dress like that and just sit quietly for the whole session, would you sit by me and defend my right to wear my shirt? would you introduce me to your friends and family dressed that way?

you don't have to, we we still love you and let you do
as you wish - you have free will, but why try to change
the laws to suit your purpose?
Because the laws deny us free will.

*free will is not always acceptable, exercise your freewill to rape or kill,
and see what happens.(read what I said above)

[/QUOTE]more importantly, what's in it for you since you are already happily married?
[/QUOTE]
Not a thing but knowing I stand for equality and human dignity with those that are outcast by our society.
[/QUOTE]

*nothing is wrong with society, people just don't follow the rules and laws, and the law takes forever to punish them, if they do so at all.

*you want me to go against the whole church to defend your right to be you?
If you are a woman and dress like a women, and act like a women, you will be accepted. But if you are clearly a man - acting like something else ...

I will sit next to any man acting like a man dressed like a man. same for any woman. Can I come to the rainbow alliance wearing a shirt that says I don't support Same Sex Marriage or Gay Sex Acts?
You are welcome to come to the next alliance meeting with your t-shirt. I will sit next to you I will defend your right to believe as you do. Email me vickytgrab@hotmail.com for time and directions. There are 2 rules you must promise to keep.
1 you will not talk about whom you see there or the location or what is said there.
2 While there you will treat everyone with human dignity and respect. You may speak your mind as long as you follow this rule.
our cricle of love excludes no one.
I would only be exercising free will, but that would no be the place to do it right? Then should I say, that the rainbow alliance is opressing my free will?
even if I dress like that and just sit quietly for the whole session, would you sit by me and defend my right to wear my shirt? would you introduce me to your friends and family dressed that way?YES not a problem. No matter how wrong I feel you are it is your beliefe and I will stand for you to have that right. Even in my home. What I will not stand for is inhuman and human degrading comments or actions.

*free will is not always acceptable, exercise your freewill to rape or kill,
and see what happens.(read what I said above)

more importantly, what's in it for you since you are already happily married?
[/QUOTE]
Not a thing but knowing I stand for equality and human dignity with those that are outcast by our society.
[/QUOTE]

*nothing is wrong with society, people just don't follow the rules and laws, and the law takes forever to punish them, if they do so at all.
[/QUOTE]

You are welcome to come to the next alliance meeting with your t-shirt. I will sit next to you I will defend your right to believe as you do. Email me vickytgrab@hotmail.com for time and directions. There are 2 rules you must promise to keep.
1 you will not talk about whom you see there or the location or what is said there.
2 While there you will treat everyone with human dignity and respect. You may speak your mind as long as you follow this rule.
our cricle of love excludes no one.
YES not a problem. No matter how wrong I feel you are it is your beliefe and I will stand for you to have that right. Even in my home. What I will not stand for is inhuman and human degrading comments or actions.
more importantly, what's in it for you since you are already happily married?

Not a thing but knowing I stand for equality and human dignity with those that are outcast by our society.
[/QUOTE]

*nothing is wrong with society, people just don't follow the rules and laws, and the law takes forever to punish them, if they do so at all.
[/QUOTE]
[/QUOTE]


bsmbahams I have check my email and you have not contacted me may I ask why?????

bsmbahams I have check my email and you have not contacted me may I ask why?????


Just saw the tread today actually.

However, I won't be attending any of those meetings anytime soon, maybe in the future.

I would rather go to church, which I also avoid.

Point is equality for all is not biblical unless, the equality is subject to the rules of the bible. Christians aim to follow God's word first and laws of the land second.

All sin is forgiveable, but equality for all should also be subjected to God's will for mankind. When man's will supercedes God's will sin enters.

Genesis 4
6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Cain did not do evil by presenting a sacrifice of fruits Genesis 4:3, but his envy and anger at his brother built up until he killed Able.

Again, I beleive this is Jesus speaking ...

John 8
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

---

If the rainbow alliance submits to equality subject to God's will, then I will give it a try, but same sex marriage is a 'lust of the flesh', 'sin lying at the door'.

there is nothing wrong with being a gay christian, but gay marriage is not acceptable, as christian marriage is for one man and one woman. And a gay christian is supposed to work at changing his lifestyle, and the Holy Spirit will keep pointing it out to him/her in his mind as a problem. A gay christian should never feel within himself that God does not have a problem with him continuing until death practicing homosexuality.

Before I was married I was saved and turned back into the world, and had many sexual partners. But I have since gotten married and have been faithful for one full year, our first anniversay is in a few days. I have rededicated myself to God and I am now working at changing my lifestyle to conform, so that people can see my faith BY my works, and thus draw people to Christ, about 5 years ago when I was deep in christianity I went door to door, not Jehovah Witnesses, with my Baptist church, and was also baptized.

I watched a show about leading people to the lord by praying for them. I was instructed to take an index card/piece of paper and write down the names of persons I would like to become saved and pray for them daily and anytime I came across the index card in my wallet to say a quick prayer.

I honestly believed in the power of prayer then and now, and within 2 months, actually less, 8 of the nine persons got saved. I didn't even have to witness to them.

I plan to do this again, but not just for unsaved but for saved persons that need help to keep on the straight path.

Just saw the tread today actually.

However, I won't be attending any of those meetings anytime soon, maybe in the future.

I would rather go to church, which I also avoid.

Point is equality for all is not biblical unless, the equality is subject to the rules of the bible. Christians aim to follow God's word first and laws of the land second.

All sin is forgiveable, but equality for all should also be subjected to God's will for mankind. When man's will supercedes God's will sin enters.

Genesis 4
6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Cain did not do evil by presenting a sacrifice of fruits Genesis 4:3, but his envy and anger at his brother built up until he killed Able.

Again, I beleive this is Jesus speaking ...

John 8
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

---
If the rainbow alliance submits to equality subject to God's will, then I will give it a try, but same sex marriage is a 'lust of the flesh', 'sin lying at the door'.
The Rainbow Alliance is not about any religion or faith its about humanity equality under the law of the land dignity. There is no way law should be used to force people to live as Christians. If this is the case that the Christians here who don't stand up against this for of oppression then they are just as bad as the ones doing the oppression. Oh and they are just as bad as the Taliban. How would you like to live under the Taliban???

there is nothing wrong with being a gay christian, but gay marriage is not acceptable, as christian marriage is for one man and one woman. And a gay christian is supposed to work at changing his lifestyle, and the Holy Spirit will keep pointing it out to him/her in his mind as a problem. A gay christian should never feel within himself that God does not have a problem with him continuing until death practicing homosexuality.

Before I was married I was saved and turned back into the world, and had many sexual partners. But I have since gotten married and have been faithful for one full year, our first anniversay is in a few days. I have rededicated myself to God and I am now working at changing my lifestyle to conform, so that people can see my faith BY my works, and thus draw people to Christ, about 5 years ago when I was deep in christianity I went door to door, not Jehovah Witnesses, with my Baptist church, and was also baptized.

I watched a show about leading people to the lord by praying for them. I was instructed to take an index card/piece of paper and write down the names of persons I would like to become saved and pray for them daily and anytime I came across the index card in my wallet to say a quick prayer.

I honestly believed in the power of prayer then and now, and within 2 months, actually less, 8 of the nine persons got saved. I didn't even have to witness to them.

I plan to do this again, but not just for unsaved but for saved persons that need help to keep on the straight path.

I think that is a bit extreme Vicky....the Taliban was a very dangerous and lethal authority figure.

I don't think the laws force Bahamians to live as Christians, and the fact that not all Bahamians are Christians proves that.

I do not agree with the marriage of homosexuals as I have stated before...however, I will submit this plan/idea:
Government could allow for homosexuals to agree to an affadevit allowing a person, who claims to be someone's partner, full rights to their belongings and full rights to visit them in the hospital.
These seem to be the only main arguments for homosexuals, and I sincerely have no problem with that. They are not withheld from employment because of their sexual preference, they are not hunted down and killed, as one would make believe (when I say one..I don't mean you Vicky).

Now, I also think that Bahamians could change the way they react to homosexuals....some find it offensive but a lot of people find each other offensive ...not only homosexuals...some people find boys who wear their pants hanging off their butts offensive....but they don't chase them away....so why chase away a gay cruise? hmmm...

Anyway, I'm not contradicting what I believe mind you...just reinforcing it rather :-)....we should treat each other fairly.....

But I must admit, I don't understand why some homosexuals act so feminine(males).....or masculine(females)...I think this flamboyance is what people are agitated about.....I mean, if gays walk around holding hands ...I don't think much people would have a problem with it....but just as I would hate seeing heterosexuals kissing in public and groping each other...I would dislike seeing that with homosexuals.....
It's mainly how most act in public why most Bahamians get upset....some can be seen kissing....and being so flamboyant,,....and that is when they feel that homosexuals are forcing their lifestyle onto others.....

Do you understand me Vicky?......read my suggestions for the government and tell me that it cannot work....I think it can....if the homosexual lifestyle....and that of heterosexuals as well...can just be kept in the privacy of their homes......

Cool?....cool..... :walk:

RANT: This whole saved/unsaved issue is one that really burns me up. To me, it only proves that humans will NEVER be satisfied with anything, unless EVERYONE conforms to their life/lifestyle.

I got this opinion from a flight I had from Washington to Miami. A gentleman from Freeport was on the flight sitting next to me, and we hit a rough patch of turbulence. I was a little younger then, and naturally I got jumpy. He noticed my nervousness and asked me if I was alright. That was nice of him, and I responded that I was scared. He then asked me if I was saved. I was raised an Anglican Christian, and that's the belief that I will hold onto for the rest of my life. I mentioned to him that I am Anglican, and that we don't practice the "born again" ceremonies, as that is generally what a Christening is perceived to be when one is a baby. He then proceeded to put me on a guilt trip (of not going to Heaven unless I'm saved, yadda yadda yadda) for apparently being "insufficiently" Christian! At least, that's the interpretation I got from the experience.

Would you say that he is accurate? That unless I am of a particular demonination of Christianity, that I will not be able to enter the 'pearly-white gates'? I found that to be utterly confusing and frustrating. Reading the novel "Rapture" further compounded my frustration, as it seemed to indicate that anyone that was not "saved" or "born again" would only be "lukewarm" (what the hell is that???) and would never get to Heaven.

Here's a scenario (just for argument's sake): I go to Church regularly (and am devoted to my faith), I am actively involved in the Community, help out wherever I can, but have not been "saved"? Does this mean then, that all of my good work and devotion to my faith throughout my life is null & void? I pose this question to anyone, because that seems pretty ludicrous to me.

You'll have to excuse me for being cynical on this issue, but it really does bother me that everyone goes on about homosexuality, but yet, if that same person were all-of-a-sudden become heterosexual (by some strange occurance), there would be a whole new set of criticism waiting for them.

Part of living in this world is diversity - in every aspect. You may not agree with all of it, but I think it's pertinent that you at least try to understand it. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!

George

P.S. Sorry to single you out here, bsm, but after you mentioned it, it just brought back all the times people have brought up the saved/unsaved thing-to-do with me, and it was the proverbial straw the broke the camel's back. No offense intended.RANT OVER!

Thank you.


I think that is a bit extreme Vicky....the Taliban was a very dangerous and lethal authority figure.
I is not extreme Christians have murdered before. But that’s not what I am trying to get bsmbahamas to understand. The Taliban had their faith in the view of their faith they were right in what they did. They were right to get rid of all other religions that all may follow the faith they felt was right. Christians were not allowed to even speak of their religion. Please remember I did say in their view of their faith. Now just as we would not want someone else’s faith used as law we should not impose our faith as law. Whatever law should be made should be equal to all humans.
I don't think the laws force Bahamians to live as Christians, and the fact that not all Bahamians are Christians proves that.

I do not agree with the marriage of homosexuals as I have stated before...however, I will submit this plan/idea:
Government could allow for homosexuals to agree to an affadevit allowing a person, who claims to be someone's partner, full rights to their belongings and full rights to visit them in the hospital. As I have said before if people want to keep marriage in the church between man and woman I am fine with that. But some legal accommodation must be made so people of the same sex can have some sort of legal union. Call it what ever you want. nd I sincerely have no problem with that. when most people take the time to think about it they don't either They are not withheld from employment because of their sexual preference, We know of many that are harassed on the job and even fired they are not hunted down and killed, as one would make believe (when I say one..I don't mean you Vicky).

Now, I also think that Bahamians could change the way they react to homosexuals....some find it offensive but a lot of people find each other offensive ...not only homosexuals...some people find boys who wear their pants hanging off their butts offensive....but they don't chase them away....so why chase away a gay cruise? hmmm... money for the preacher inciting the chasing. That’s right I was at one of the protests and they had a collection with usher's and collection plates. The preachers are perverting the intent of the Bible and using people ignorance to create fear to put money in the collection plates. They worked on pedophilia linking homosexuality to sex beasts that prey on young children. Did not hear them say one word about the ones that get under age girls pregnant. They are wrong they are wrong. They throw stones made of words. They don’t take the spec out of their eye.

Anyway, I'm not contradicting what I believe mind you...just reinforcing it rather :-)....we should treat each other fairly.....

But I must admit, I don't understand why some homosexuals act so feminine(males).....or masculine(females)... It is very easy when you see it though my eyes, its simply expression of their gender identity. I think this flamboyance is what people are agitated about..... Its simple, its fear of what they don’t understand. I mean, if gays walk around holding hands ...I don't think much people would have a problem with it....but just as I would hate seeing heterosexuals kissing in public and groping each other...I would dislike seeing that with homosexuals..... . Do you see what you’ve said here? You have made it equal I am fine with that. Even though I do like to give my wife a kiss and a hug sometimes when we are out. But if I have to give that up for equality so be it.
It's mainly how most act in public why most Bahamians get upset....some can be seen kissing....and being so flamboyant,,....and that is when they feel that homosexuals are forcing their lifestyle onto others..... If they are trying to force you to watch them have sex that is wrong. That is what the home and bedroom is for. But if it’s the tone of voice or gesturing or posturing that is gender identity they may be able to hide it a bit but its as much apart of who they are as the color of their eyes.

Do you understand me Vicky?......read my suggestions for the government and tell me that it cannot work....I think it can....if the homosexual lifestyle....and that of heterosexuals as well...can just be kept in the privacy of their homes......
As long as it’s equal it works for me.
Cool?....cool..... :walk:

RANT: This whole saved/unsaved issue is one that really burns me up. To me, it only proves that humans will NEVER be satisfied with anything, unless EVERYONE conforms to their life/lifestyle.

I got this opinion from a flight I had from Washington to Miami. A gentleman from Freeport was on the flight sitting next to me, and we hit a rough patch of turbulence. I was a little younger then, and naturally I got jumpy. He noticed my nervousness and asked me if I was alright. That was nice of him, and I responded that I was scared. He then asked me if I was saved. I was raised an Anglican Christian, and that's the belief that I will hold onto for the rest of my life. I mentioned to him that I am Anglican, and that we don't practice the "born again" ceremonies, as that is generally what a Christening is perceived to be when one is a baby. He then proceeded to put me on a guilt trip (of not going to Heaven unless I'm saved, yadda yadda yadda) for apparently being "insufficiently" Christian! At least, that's the interpretation I got from the experience.

Would you say that he is accurate? That unless I am of a particular demonination of Christianity, that I will not be able to enter the 'pearly-white gates'? I found that to be utterly confusing and frustrating. Reading the novel "Rapture" further compounded my frustration, as it seemed to indicate that anyone that was not "saved" or "born again" would only be "lukewarm" (what the hell is that???) and would never get to Heaven.

Here's a scenario (just for argument's sake): I go to Church regularly (and am devoted to my faith), I am actively involved in the Community, help out wherever I can, but have not been "saved"? Does this mean then, that all of my good work and devotion to my faith throughout my life is null & void? I pose this question to anyone, because that seems pretty ludicrous to me.

You'll have to excuse me for being cynical on this issue, but it really does bother me that everyone goes on about homosexuality, but yet, if that same person were all-of-a-sudden become heterosexual (by some strange occurance), there would be a whole new set of criticism waiting for them.

Part of living in this world is diversity - in every aspect. You may not agree with all of it, but I think it's pertinent that you at least try to understand it. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!

George

P.S. Sorry to single you out here, bsm, but after you mentioned it, it just brought back all the times people have brought up the saved/unsaved thing-to-do with me, and it was the proverbial straw the broke the camel's back. No offense intended.RANT OVER!


Let me take a shot at this one.
Being saved is between you and the Creator. Many will disagree with this you might also. Religion (not just Christianity) is how you relate/understand the Creator. Its what is in your heart not how many times you are dunked drenched or dripped with water. That is only a symbol of what is in your heart. That is where the Creator will look and I don't feel the Creator condemns if you have question.

RANT: This whole saved/unsaved issue is one that really burns me up. To me, it only proves that humans will NEVER be satisfied with anything, unless EVERYONE conforms to their life/lifestyle.

I got this opinion from a flight I had from Washington to Miami. A gentleman from Freeport was on the flight sitting next to me, and we hit a rough patch of turbulence. I was a little younger then, and naturally I got jumpy. He noticed my nervousness and asked me if I was alright. That was nice of him, and I responded that I was scared. He then asked me if I was saved. I was raised an Anglican Christian, and that's the belief that I will hold onto for the rest of my life. I mentioned to him that I am Anglican, and that we don't practice the "born again" ceremonies, as that is generally what a Christening is perceived to be when one is a baby. He then proceeded to put me on a guilt trip (of not going to Heaven unless I'm saved, yadda yadda yadda) for apparently being "insufficiently" Christian! At least, that's the interpretation I got from the experience.

Would you say that he is accurate? That unless I am of a particular demonination of Christianity, that I will not be able to enter the 'pearly-white gates'? I found that to be utterly confusing and frustrating. Reading the novel "Rapture" further compounded my frustration, as it seemed to indicate that anyone that was not "saved" or "born again" would only be "lukewarm" (what the hell is that???) and would never get to Heaven.

Here's a scenario (just for argument's sake): I go to Church regularly (and am devoted to my faith), I am actively involved in the Community, help out wherever I can, but have not been "saved"? Does this mean then, that all of my good work and devotion to my faith throughout my life is null & void? I pose this question to anyone, because that seems pretty ludicrous to me.

You'll have to excuse me for being cynical on this issue, but it really does bother me that everyone goes on about homosexuality, but yet, if that same person were all-of-a-sudden become heterosexual (by some strange occurance), there would be a whole new set of criticism waiting for them.

Part of living in this world is diversity - in every aspect. You may not agree with all of it, but I think it's pertinent that you at least try to understand it. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!

George

P.S. Sorry to single you out here, bsm, but after you mentioned it, it just brought back all the times people have brought up the saved/unsaved thing-to-do with me, and it was the proverbial straw the broke the camel's back. No offense intended.RANT OVER!

I have a question about the Born Again Experience too!

It is only mentioned three times in the Bible - Jesus said it only once, to one man, on a roof top, in the middle of the night. If it was that important why did he not say it more often and to large crowds? Or was he just talking to Nicodemus? Like the time he was talking to a young man and told him to go and sell all he had a follow him (Jesus.) That statement was directed to that young man only - to answer that man's condition. There is no where in the Bible that demands of all the followers to sell all they have.

There some who suggest that the Born Again Experience is new to the faith. It gained popularity in the mid to late 1800's. Some go as far as to say, not until the 1920's. There are fads in religions where one thing is stressed over another but they soon change and another doctrine comes to the fore!

Transexual popstar in Israel

http://www.carlaantonelli.com/fotos_de_dana.htm

I was raised an Anglican Christian, and that's the belief that I will hold onto for the rest of my life.

*rather than holding on to your belief you should seek to disproove your beliefs. The fact that there are many religions should infer that one MAY not be dominant. Christianity is not confined to a denomination.

I mentioned to him that I am Anglican, and that we don't practice the "born again" ceremonies, as that is generally what a Christening is perceived to be when one is a baby.

*a christening is not the same as being saved, no one can save you, salvation comes by faith and grace. Your pastor can't save you.

He then proceeded to put me on a guilt trip (of not going to Heaven unless I'm saved, yadda yadda yadda) for apparently being "insufficiently" Christian! At least, that's the interpretation I got from the experience.

*some people mean well when they witness to another, but many focus on the wrong aspects - they often focus on hell, or heaven and not on salvation and how to be saved.

Would you say that he is accurate? That unless I am of a particular demonination of Christianity, that I will not be able to enter the 'pearly-white gates'? I found that to be utterly confusing and frustrating. Reading the novel "Rapture" further compounded my frustration, as it seemed to indicate that anyone that was not "saved" or "born again" would only be "lukewarm" (what the hell is that???) and would never get to Heaven.

Denominations exist because they stress a particular aspect of christianity, example Baptists stress baptism. Christianity is independent of any denomination. You don't need to be a part of any specific denomination to be saved, otherwise there would also have to be one denomination NOT many. If it were up to denomination you would have to join the 'right one' or all of them.

Here's a scenario (just for argument's sake): I go to Church regularly (and am devoted to my faith), I am actively involved in the Community, help out wherever I can, but have not been "saved"? Does this mean then, that all of my good work and devotion to my faith throughout my life is null & void? I pose this question to anyone, because that seems pretty ludicrous to me.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

You'll have to excuse me for being cynical on this issue, but it really does bother me that everyone goes on about homosexuality, but yet, if that same person were all-of-a-sudden become heterosexual (by some strange occurance), there would be a whole new set of criticism waiting for them.

*not sure what you mean, there is only one set of rules that christians are supposed to follow.

Part of living in this world is diversity - in every aspect. You may not agree with all of it, but I think it's pertinent that you at least try to understand it. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!

George

*in this world yes, because man has fallen and they do what they want, but it was not this way in the beginning and won't be in the end. Christians are supposed to preach the gospel and lead souls to the Lord, not condemn them, they are already condemned.

John 3
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

P.S. Sorry to single you out here, bsm, but after you mentioned it, it just brought back all the times people have brought up the saved/unsaved thing-to-do with me, and it was the proverbial straw the broke the camel's back. No offense intended.RANT OVER!

*no offense taken, hope I answered your questions.
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Let me take a shot at this one.
Being saved is between you and the Creator. Many will disagree with this you might also. Religion (not just Christianity) is how you relate/understand the Creator. Its what is in your heart not how many times you are dunked drenched or dripped with water. That is only a symbol of what is in your heart. That is where the Creator will look and I don't feel the Creator condemns if you have question.


You can't rely on what you feel the creator will do if you have question:

John 3
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Proverbs 3
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Romans 1
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened

Why should I question or disprove my beliefs? They are good enough for me to follow, and that's that. By the same token, I don't question anyone else's beliefs, nor impose mine on them, as I think that's unfair to them - not to mention rather insulting.

My anecdote wasn't to be interpreted as bragging rights. I'm not saying someone should do good deeds only to get to Heaven. What I meant was that a person who lives a fulfilling life should not be denied entry to Heaven simply because he/she wasn't born again. By not being "saved" or "born again", it does not mean that someone has rejected the Word of God.

Let me clarify my cyncism: Homosexuality may not be the only issue - my point is that people are never satisfied, and that frustrates me; particularly when the dissatisfaction is of others' lives. There are so many people that will bash a gay person (for example) but if that same gay person were to "play it straight" (for lack of a better phrase) to please everyone else and to put an end to the bashing, those same bashers would find something new to bash them about - ie their denomination, their skin colour...anything that differentiates that person from them. In my experience, those bashers were the people that run around telling me that I should be saved, because being an Anglican apparently doesn't cut it; I have to be an Evangelist or Baptist or a member of the Singing Bishop's church in order to gain approval. As far as I'm concerned, I missed the memo which stated that I needed rescuing.

I'm done.