Not really. God condemns both, as well as premarital sex. To justify one is to justify all wrongdoing. Its still considered to be wrong by most people to cheat on your spouse...where did that belief come from? The bible. Do you still have a right to have an affair if you want to? Sure you do. But that doesn't mean God has to bless you. Every person is ultimately responsible for their own actions.
Christine is correct in that Christians were persecuted in Japan for years and in Korea for many years before the Japanese took control of the country. But the reasons for the persecutions were political rather than religious. Christians were seen as purveyors of Western culture which was seen as a threat to the indigenous culture. They were seen as a subversive influence. This is still true in China today. Any church officials appointed by Rome have to be approved by the Chinese government. And Christians are still persecuted in North Korea for the same reasons. Another poster mentioned Christians imprisoned in South Korea. I think that person probably meant to say North Korea. Christianity is well accepted in South Korea. It's estimated that about 17% of South Koreans identify as Christians. But, as I think I mentioned earlier, they may combine Christian beliefs with Buddhism.
I have to confess that I often rely on my husband who is a lot older than I am and has been around quite a bit. He sometimes makes me aware of stuff that might not occur to me otherwise. From the first day we met, I was overwhelmed by how easily we could talk about so many topics. Also, in spite of his age, he's quite a stud. (I hope I can say that here.)
This was all a fun read. Normally I stay away from these conversations but I'm gonna chime in with this. I'm not a Christian, if you are into labels I guess agnostic would be the right one. But I have complete respect for everyone else's belief system, and try to show that respect when required, but in turn have had so many people not return the respect for my beliefs. I don't get how you can be a Christian, or whatever else, and then chastise someone for not believing what you believe in....
Sorry to bring this back up.....but I was correctly referring to south Korea. As of today (4/19) there are at least 607 Christian men in south Korea for refusing to enlist in compulsory military service on the grounds that doing so violates their beliefs. Christianity is somewhat accepted there, but only on the terms set forth by the government. If a Christians beliefs conflict with government policy, their beliefs are disregarded. In north Korea, not much information is available, and what is...isn't published to protect the ones operating there because of the severe opposition....much like China. Christians in Ukraine are facing the same persecution as those in south Korea. It's unfortunate that those in other countries do not have the same freedom we enjoy here to practice whatever faith they believe.
Joel and churches like his is the main reason so many have turned from church and Gods word. If you label yourself a Christian you must believe all of the bible not just the parts you like. I have always looked at him as a money pastor and this just supports my belief of that. Its sad that many will turn away from God because of teachings like this.
What'ya know, another thread about religion. I usually jump into these with both feet but I'm gradually moving to Tony's stance, which is to just stay out of it. But, I proudly wear my beliefs on my sleeve for anyone to see. I value no person any less regardless of what they believe or don't believe in. When I share the Christian God with someone it's not because I think I'm right and I'm trying to change or judge them, it's because I genuinely care about their salvation and eternity. According to the Bible, 1 John 2:4 says "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." When people use the words "I know He exists" or "I know He doesn't exist", it's not so much a literal feeling like touch, it's a sense or aura. Either the aura is there because the person believes or it's not there because the person doesn't believe. As long as you don't question what will or won't happen after you die. I've learned 2 things that don't sit well with me, 1. I am not perfect and 2. I will die. For me, personally, the Bible gives me direction on how to live better and how to have eternal life, which is convenient considering the 2 things I learned.
Okay, it's South Korea. But your comments were misleading. They are not imprisoned because they are Christians, but because they refused to serve in the military. South Korea requires all young men to serve about 21 months military service. So you have a choice, 21 months in the Army or 18 months in prison. South Korea apparently, does not have conscientious objector status. My husband tells me that when we had the draft here, you still had to serve, but conscientious objectors could serve in a non-combat status. Apparently the South Koreans, faced with the possibility of attack from the North believe that every man should be willing to take up arms in defense of his country. I think I'm inclined to agree. But once again, it's not because they are Christians. Some Buddhists who practice non-violence would find themselves in the same position.
Just found this well written article on the subject http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/why-homosexuality-is-not-like-other-sins
