My response to being called a bigot in case you're curious.
October 30, 2008
By Joy A. Kennelly
Bigot is such a loaded, negative word and that's why I responded so deeply to it (when I read my friend calling me such). Words have the power to heal as well as hurt. This one hurts massively.
Here's the dictionary explanation of a bigot:
–noun
a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion.
I don't think this word applies to me at all if we take it for what it means. I am not "utterly intolerant" of someone's creed, belief or opinion. I'm just not. I respect other people's opinions and welcome intelligent dialog. Doesn't mean I will agree, or change my opinion, but at least I am open to hearing it.
Homosexuality isn't a creed, belief or opinion if we take it as you explain as something people are born into. If you want to call me that, then you're contradicting yourself. There's probably another word that would fit better, but I'm not going to be the one to provide it.
Ironically enough, I've actually extensively researched homosexuality because years ago in college I was in love with a bi-sexual man and was trying to figure him out.
According to the Kinsey Sex Study (if I remember correctly) people are born straight. However, along the way they begin to lean one way or the other.
Environment, social pressure, active recruitment (verified by other gay friends so it is true) and other issues sometimes (not always, but sometimes) push people more in one sexual direction than another. I believe, and others who study this as well, believe that is why more children raised in homosexual families are gay as adults than those raised in straight families.
I have also had lengthy conversations with many dear gay friends about this issue because I sincerely have tried to understand where they're coming from. They have shared honestly and openly that there is tremendous pressure to remain in the gay community by other gays and that is one reason they stay in.
Others have told me they don't want the responsibility of a straight relationship and appreciate the sex without strings attached because men operate so differently than women. Trust me, I've had gay friends since high school and being a journalist, am very inquisitive about things I don't know about. I also love and accept them unconditionally which is why they've been so forthcoming.
Ironically enough, one of my closest friends from high school who I bumped into years later was the proud President of the Gay and Lesbian club at UCLA when he attended there. At my high school reunion, I was really surprised at how many of the guys I had attended MCHS with were gay.
I'm not coming at this whole gay issue without knowledge or personal relationships. I'm just not. I'm not a bigot. I'm not filled with hate. That's not who I am. I am probably the most accepting Christian person when it comes to gays that you'll find.
I can see where you might be surprised when I use the word allow (gays in my life to be who they are and vice versa). That was a wrong word choice. Accept might be better and help explain my position better.
I love and accept (my gay friends). (They) love and accept me.
I had to smile when (my friend) referred to animal sacrifice in the Bible because actually we believe that Jesus Christ became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and we don't have to practice animal sacrifice any more as a result. We can just confess our sins to Jesus and be free from the burden of sin by turning our lives over to him.
I know. Christians are weird. I am one. I accept this label and have lived with it all my life. I guess to a certain degree I totally understand what gays experience in discrimination because I too have lived with it, however perhaps in a lesser degree. I totally know what it's like to be outside the social norm of society and to feel like you don't fit in.
Believe me, I do.
I also believe that teaching someone something from a young age does influence their belief systems. That's why you don't see Christian beliefs being taught in public schools - it doesn't fit and it would offend too many people. That's how we feel about teaching about homosexual marriage.
It's been said that a child becomes who they will be the rest of their life by the age of 4. I believe those first four years are extremely impressionable as a result.
As a Christian, I don't want homosexuality taught in the public school system. I just don't. I believe that is up to the parent to make the decision. Not the government. Not the school system. And definitely not homosexuals.
I hope this helps explain my perspective a little better, although, trust me I'm not holding my breath. I'm really ready to "live and let live" and allow people vote their conscience come November 4.
I agree with you on one point. It's time to let "God decide this one". And with this, I bow out of any further discussions on this topic. Thank you for reading and for allowing me the freedom of expression I know and love about America.
God bless America and God bless you.
What does the Bible say about fornicating and having children out of wedlock?
Who are you to pass judgment on gays?
Posted by: No on Prop 8 | October 31, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Oooh, that's a good one!
Thanks for bringing it up oh anonymous one who is afraid to put your real name, but will attack me personally nonetheless.
Is this my sister? Grace I thought I told you you were spam to me. Get a life.
That's what always makes me laugh about commenters of blogs. People are so bold when they're anonymous, yet chicken #$%& to state their real names and actually be counted.
At least Nat has had the courtesy to be real. Thanks Nat. Sorry not publishing everything any more. Too busy to respond since you write so much.
I don't know apparently oh wise one who is voting the other side of the fence. You tell me since you're so knowledgable of the Bible.
I'm not passing judgment on gays, only on the government forcing me and others to have homosexual marriage taught in the school system without our say in this at all.
I happen to know what I did/do is morally wrong. When have you ever heard a gay person say that too? Just asking, not hating.
Thanks for the laugh. I needed it. I have never said I was perfect, only forgiven - to quote the old tired cliche.:)
Now if my pastor wasn't reading this, I might say something else to you, but since he does...
Have a nice day.
Posted by: Joy Kennelly | October 31, 2008 at 07:48 PM
Oh, did you happen to catch the article in the LA Times on Prop 8 re: the Mormon's urging their 770,000 strong church to vote yes?
Here's the link - check it out: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/10/now-the-mormon.html
And here's a comment I totally agree with that I'm quoting here:
"Good for the Mormons. Its about protecting the institution of marriage. No one is being denied any civil rights. Embodied within the California laws of "civil unions" are ALL of the "civil rights" that married couples have. The only distinction is that "married" is the traditional family anchored by a man and a woman "married" to each other. This model has sustained healthy civilizations for thousands of years. No one is being denied any "civil right" the "civil union" laws assure this. Societies fail and crumble when its citizens are not brought up and taught correct principles. The BEST environment for this is a healthy marriage between a man and a woman. This is the 'Gold Standard' for rearing children to be good citizens in society. Are there dysfunctional marriages between a man and a woman? Of course. Are there instances where gay couples do an admirable job of raising children? Of course. However, on a broad societal scale marriage between a man and a woman who bear and raise their children in a postiive environment is the VERY BEST. Again the 'Gold Standard.' The state of California and its citizens have an interest in supporting this 'Gold Standard' to the benefit of all in society. At the same time NO ONE is denied any "civil rights." "Civil unions" were created for that very wise purpose . . . to assure that gay couples have all the same civil rights. Protect Marriage vote Yes on 8. Your children (now or in the future) and society depends on it."
Posted by: Joy Kennelly | October 31, 2008 at 09:29 PM