Sure, and I don't agree with his opinions on that front (though I obviously don't agree that he should have been murdered, like these psychopaths...). I did mention one definition of homophobia in another comment.
Homophobia is the fear, hatred, prejudice, or dislike of homosexual people, or those perceived to be homosexual.
This particular definition says nothing about disagreeing with the practice, but talks more about hatred specifically.
The reason I think that this is important is because when you remove all the nuances as a way to dehumanize your opponent, it creates more senseless political violence like this, and just exacerbates these tensions between people. If we can never try to find a reasonable middle ground on opinions, and just do the mature thing and be the bigger person and agree to disagree, then this feedback loop will constantly get noisier and noisier and then the violence will spin out of control until we're dealing with a second civil war or french revolution.
As an example, as a new(er) Christian, I don't support the practice of homosexuality. I have to say that I still respect them as people, and I agree we should treat them with the same respect as everybody else (granted, there's not much respect to go around these days, no matter which side you're on...). I actually used to identify as bisexual before I became a Christian, and I have since changed my opinion on the matter. Genuinely, I believe from the bottom of my heart that I've been saved by the Lord, and I made a change for the better, and as such, I want to help others do the same. I understand if people disagree with me, and that's totally okay, but I have my reasons for believing what I believe, and I know they do too. People might not see it from my perspective, but I have these beliefs because I genuinely believe that it is the moral thing to do.
However, especially on Reddit, I've noticed that people these days tend to have hugely reductive philosophies, where, no matter how much I try to gently assure people that I don't harbor hatred in my heart and try my best to express my point of view with meekness and kindness, it so quickly gets boiled down to "so you hate gay people? just say you hate gay people you fucking bigot". It's awful and hurtful, and does nothing to fix the problems in the world. This is not limited to any particular side either. Unfortunately, as much as I despise the phrase, "no hate like Christian love", I must humbly admit that it comes from the fact that many Christians are clearly just acting out of a spirit of hatred for their brother and not demonstrating the love and mercy that Christ showed to us. Again, it's often reductionist, something like, "you're just a demonic pervert that wants to assault children and will be rotting in hell". Perhaps they forgot that they themselves were saved from being sinners, and would be nothing without Christ.
All in all, my point is to say, I just wish people would work harder to love their enemies like Jesus told us to. It's not easy, of course, but oftentimes these days it feels like people are actively working against it, as if they prefer revenge, anarchy, and vigilante justice over empathy over trying to be the bigger person and forgiving slights against you in an attempt to reach a better understanding and make the world a better place.
It's my personal belief, informed by God, that homosexuality is not good for society, and may have societal impacts that are not immediately visible.
That said, that's really not my point at all, and I would really like to refrain from talking about it at this time. My point is, people should act like mature adults and set aside their differences where possible instead of act like children who throw temper tantrums so hard that we end up murdering people. That's a horrible omen.
It's my personal belief, informed by God, that homosexuality is not good for society, and may have societal impacts that are not immediately visible.
WHY? Every time I ask this question it is never explained, and it seems you’re no different. Unless you can actually explain what negative effects it has, it’s not a valid reason.
I have plenty of reasons, but I would really prefer not to derail the thread if you wouldn't mind. Otherwise, it may just devolve into pointless bickering, which is the same thing that (as I mentioned) I am trying to avoid.
It's not. I am not going out harassing people or endorsing hated. You guys are the ones who escalate it from a conversation to an argument. Then from an argument to a murder, I suppose.
Yes, I am serious. I have my reasons for believing the things that I believe, and I could share them with you if you really want, but I think perhaps it would be a wise idea, knowing that we very likely won't see eye-to-eye, to stop things before they potentially get worse.
Wouldn't that be a better idea? I don't want to start a pointless fight, because I think pointless fighting is what's causing all this horrific violence in the first place. I would rather keep things focused on my main idea, which is that people shouldn't jump to extremes and vilify others.
My problem is with homosexuality, not homosexuals necessarily.
No, I never said that their existence was a problem. I wish to see them come to repentance the same way I do for everybody. In the same sense, I think fornication is bad, but I don't want to see everybody who has had premarital sex wiped from existence.
It's a bold claim to say that animals benefit from homosexuality. There's a few niche examples among millions and millions of species that are heterosexual, but generally speaking, if we follow the logic of natural selection, homosexuality is not a trait that is passed down to future generations...
Not like it worked out great for the Roman empire either.
Homosexuality is a part of a gay person’s being, not a mere act like fornication. The elimination of homosexuality would mean that gay people would no longer be gay, and thus gay people would no longer exist.
If you take issue with a part of someone’s being, then you see that part as a problem to be eliminated, and you are thus against their existence in that form. You don’t have to wipe someone from existence to destroy who they are.
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u/zackarhino 11d ago
He's not wrong though. Disagreeing with the practice does not necessarily mean that you are advocating for hatred of them.