Voddie Baucham
Voddie Baucham is a preacher at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas. On Saturday, he addressed the opening session of the 2011 National Religious Broadcasters, an annual gathering of Christian broadcasters that’s taking place in Nashville. According to The Christian Post, Baucham urged them “to not buy into the ‘gay is the new black’ propaganda, but instead to remain committed to defending biblical marriage on the airwaves.” Baucham lamented that some broadcasters have become reluctant to bash gays on the air:
“The reason is the homosexuals have effectively co-opted blackness…to where now, we actually believe gay is the new black and we actually believe homosexual marriage is a civil rights issue,” he explained.
“I’m insulted that people equate not just a sinful behavior but a behavior that’s a special category of sin called abomination with the level of melanin in my skin,” he said.
On a more positive note, the Rev. Cindi Love will appear Tuesday at the National Religious Broadcasters. Love, a former Dallas resident who now serves as executive director of Soulforce, reportedly is the first gay or lesbian leader invited to NRB. According to a press release, Love will participate in a Public Policy Debate on the church’s response to the gay rights movement. The panel will be moderated by socially conservative radio host Janet Parshall, and Love will square off with Joe Dallas, “former homosexual” and “ex-gay rights activist” and co-author of The Complete Christian Guide to Understanding Homosexuality.
“I’m grateful that the NRBC has offered me the opportunity to debate a prominent opponent of LGBT rights before an audience of Christian broadcasters,” Love said. “Christian media has played a major role in spreading and heightening anti-gay sentiment in the U.S. and around the world. The most recent horrific example has been in Uganda, where the use of media as a tool by American evangelicals to spread misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric about LGBT people and support anti-gay legislation has created a climate of hatred, violence and fear for the country’s LGBT population. By participating in this debate, I intend to confront the rhetoric that has cost lives around the world, and attempt to open up an honest dialogue that has been absent for far too long.”
Dear Voddie, stick your bible up your ass and burn it, you absurd bigot. I hate you.
Wow, how “loving” of you…the irony
Voddie, Thank you for standing for Biblical Truth!
FlexSF – real nice!! Can’t argue on the merits of the debate, so you just attack the person.
Wow… so he’s a bigot because he simply disagrees with you. You guys talk about bullies, but it seems that those who promote the gay agenda are the biggest bullies of them all. This man is entitled to his opinion just as you are.
Interesting Flex, that’s exactly how I used to feel when my sin was pointed out to ME.
I love how Mr. Baucham brings God’s Word to people in a way that is understandable, practical, down-to-earth, but never with a soft touch! He preaches a truthful, insightful, awesome Word! His quote above is right on the money!
As long as I don’t speak out against them, and go with the flow, I’m good….but if I disagree, then I’m automatically a bigot? Hypocrite. You call Mr. Baucham out for being a bigot, but yet, look at the bigotry you have posted!? What? People can’t agree now without being dubbed a bully and a bigot? Let’s call a spade, a spade here and stop playing games.
You say you hate him, but yet I thought you were suppose to be about tolerance, FlexSF? Are you a hypocrite?
Thank you, Dr. Baucham for standing for what is right. God’s Word it truth, there is no grey are, it is very black and white. (pardon the expression). Keep on glorifying God, because He is for you, who can stand against you!!
Way to Go, Voddie! Keep preaching the gospel and the truth of God’s word no matter the cost!
You really have to love the response – from the “tolerant” ones on the Left: “We tolerate all views except for those who disagree with us.” Bigot? Really? The man simply states what is in the Bible. God defined partners in Genesis and Jesus defined marriage in the Gospels. Paul commented on homosexuality as well. Endless references in Scripture. He repeats the Bible and the response is he is a bigot? The opposing viewpoint responds in a hateful tone but yet Voddie is the bigot? Wow. Amazing what the discourse has become.
Demand tolerance and display intolerance, Denounce hate and display HATE! Nice job FlexSF…..Not that everyone doesn’t already know that is how the Homosexual agenda operates. I too remember feeling angry when confronted about the truths of my sin, but I realized that the truth of Jesus sets us free.
Nice job, Voddie! I stand with you in keeping with biblical truth. Let us continue to pray for those who need the grace of God. – Soli Deo Gloria!!
no matter how many times you hear diffrent -homesexuality is sin -and only JESUS can save you from sin ,i know alot of those reading this post deep down feel ,thier sin is ugly and wished to be cleansed and changed -turn to JESUS and hios word
he can make all creatures anew
Guys, he is a christian that believes in the bible. He is not a bigot. Slinging hateful words will not help you. God bless.
Had the priveledge to be in attendance to hear Dr. Baucham speak God’s Word. Our Father and Creator wrote the Living Word, not Dr. Baucham. If his preaching offends, look it up for yourself in the Bible and see what GOD has to say on the matter!!!
Thank you Voddie for preaching God’s truth
FLEX SF- interesting comment… only a gay person could/would think of such a comment like that… your just must be so use to people stickin things up your bottom.
good work voddie!!!
If you can’t make an argument then just call the man names. Thank you Dr. Bauchman for standing on what the word of God says.
It is safe to say that by calling someone a bigot you reveal the source of your own bigotry. You can’t attack the messenger just because the message isn’t what you want to hear. The attack alone makes you the bigot of the week.
Once again, we see the irrational lashing out at anyone who doesn’t agree with you. Instead of a discussion on the issue itself, a reasoned look at what God has said on the issue, etc. we just call someone a “bigot” and equate any opposition to “bashing.” Which of course makes this post “Christian-bashing” but of course, that’s ok, right? Thanks to Dr. Baucham for continuing to stand for the truth.
I can’t believe you folks are judging me — and even calling me a bigot — for calling Baucham a bigot. As Christians, shouldn’t you just forgive me?
Go Dr. Baucham!!!! Preach the truth!
Excellent thoughts Dr. Baucham!
Mr. Wright. I wasn’t aware that forgiveness was only a Christian concept? I don’t believe anyone is judging you though. You have made it clear that you believe Dr. Baucham is a bigot. I think the opposing side has made it clear that it’s not about bigotry or hate. The problem with your side of the argument is that it’s all ad hom. Indeed there are many hateful people in this world who hate homosexuals. Dr. Baucham is not one of them though and neither am I. I am against lying as well. Does this mean I hate liars? Of course not! I’m one myself!!
“Forgiveness, in the uncomplicated sense of “I won’t hold what you did against you,” doesn’t address the root cause of what led to the rift that call for forgiveness. Without addressing this root cause, forgiveness becomes irresponsible, condoning what should not be condoned.” William Dembski
Our God isn’t a fluffy “let’s all get along nicely” kind of God. He is Creator God. Sovereign over all the universe. You just don’t understand this yet.
If you’re refering to Matthew chapter 7 in regard to Judgment. Please take this passage in context. It does not tell me that I cannot judge, it tells me how to judge. Removing the plank out of my eye first…
What I find interesting in this article is that the title states “BIGOT”, but then never actually follows up and states why they think Dr. Baucham is a bigot. I guess I’m supposed to do mental gymnastics with them to figure this one out; personally I don’t see any bigotry in the quote from Dr. Baucham’s speach. This article serves to confirms what I love about Dr. Baucham – he doesn’t play the politically correct game that’s become popular with so many of our religious leaders, but instead tells it like it is.
It is refreshing to see a man of God stand up for the truth of God’s Word, against a bunch of bullies and sissies. It is rare to see such a man now a days that is strong like this. Those who don’t like God’s word can take it up with God. After all, it is God’s Word that brings offense to these sissies or bullies.
Christians it is time to drop the fortress mentality. We are the mainstream. God’s TRUTH will prevail. Do not let these people discourage us from telling the truth about this disgusting lifestyle. I am so disappointed, but not surprised at the NRB making this invitation. Haven’t listened to so-called Christian radio for a long time, as they have been co-opted just as much of our culture has. Speak out, speak up. “At the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW…that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Phil 2:10 paraphrased.
Amen, Dr. Baucham!
Also, I noticed in the article that they are referred to as “Voddie Baucham” and “Rev. Cindi Love.”
In 5 minutes worth of google search I’ve found that plain “Voddie” holds a doctorate and has done post graduate work at Oxford.. His emphasis is cultural apologetics. So its safe to say he has had training in Christian Theology.
“Rev. Cindi Love.” also has a doctorate. But in educational administration. Which I think you would agree, doesn’t offer the same theological education that “Voddie” has. She has no doubt been an impressive entrepreneur. But who do you think is more qualified to speak on church matters?
Dr. Baucham speaks truthfully from his racial orientation. Dallas Voice are the only bigots here.
Preach it Brother Voddie! The color of your skin is God-given….your lifestyle choices are not. It isn’t wrong to say that the Bible condemns homosexuality. Thank you for standing up for what is true!
This whole accept me b/c I’m gay has really got on my nerves. I don’t get it why people who are gay feel the need to push their agenda on heterosexual people. Ok your gay we get it. You don’t deserve some special attention, priviledges or rights. You are a man who “loves”(ewww) another man. SO! Perhaps you’re a woman who “loves” (ewww again) a woman. SO AGAIN! I happen to love Hagan Daz Strawberry Ice cream. I think it’s one of the finest things made in life. I’m not looking for a strawberry ice cream day, parade or calling all schools to serve it to children every friday in school. We believe what the bible says about homosexuality & the fact that nature itself proves nothing good can come from it. Stop making excuses for being vile & digusting. Live your life but do know the “wages of sin is death”. Nobody is going to get by! Liars, idolators, thieves & the whole list that falls under sin. You got a problem with it. Take it up with the Lord.
Apparently for folks like the author “tolerance” means “agreeing with me”. Thanks Voddie for standing up for what you believe.
Mr. Wright you are being judged by the same measure of judgment you have measured out. Why are you surprised?
You know, you people are funny. The man is a Christian minister, who is charged with preaching the clear, consistent teaching of the bible. SO WHAT DO YOU EXPECT HIM TO SAY?
You all kill me, as if you’re surprised that a minister would preach against abortion. By definition, that’s what he’s SUPPOSED TO DO.
Don’t you GET THAT???
You people need to get a life.
Amen Dr. Baucham for speaking TRUTH!!!!!!!
It doesn’t matter how many comments you folks leave, he’s still a bigot. Thanks for the traffic, though.
Why do you call him a bigot?
@John Wright – A person is not a ‘bigot’ simply because YOU say so. Who are YOU to ‘declare’ people ‘bigots’?
Amazing that you don’t recognize your arrogance.
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.
Funny you never explained WHY he was a bigot or what defines a bigot for you? In all honesty I really want to know.
Thank you Dr. Voddie for speaking the truth from the Word of God! Continue to stand strong in the Lord & for righteousness!
I was there I hope to meet Dr. Baucham. He thinks well and tells the truth. Some simply don’t “tolerate” that well. I look forward to the debate tomorrow.
John,
How is he a bigot? I won’t contest that you’re wrong, I just want your reasoning.
The bible was written by human beings. It reflects the ideas of its human authors. So, if human authors (and those who believe their words) denounce other people for being themselves, this amounts to being bigoted.
infulleffect that explanation DOES NOTHING to explain why Baucham is a bigot. There are many people who believe what human authors say…
So in essence you believe he is a bigot because he is denouncing homosexuality as a sin correct?
So if I denounce someone for being himself, I’m a bigot? How does this apply to alcoholics?
who determines what is a sin? Why would you denounce an alcoholic?
God through his word determines sin.
Way to stand up for what the bible says, God determines sin and the world is already Judged!
In other words, we have no right to declare what is right and wrong? That seems to be what you’re implying, but some things just have to be obviously wrong. For instance, torturing babies for fun has to be obviously wrong.
So with that in mind, would I be wrong in condemning someone for doing something obviously wrong even if such a person is just “being himself”?
How is Voodie a bigot? The it’s not funny but you people who can’t stand to hear the truth and go out of your way to MAKE people believe and think as you do are hell bound hypocrites. You falsely accuse people of being exactly what you are. With all your whining over someone who has the nerve to stand up for what he believes it’s amazing you have time to do anything worthwhile but I guess you don’t do anything worthwhile because you support sin and waste time trying to get those who hate sin to co sign in your debauchery. I’d be wasting my time telling you to repent seeing as you shake our fist at God with no remorse.
Thanks Bro Baucham! Its nice to hear men of courage speaking the truth, even when men can’t or won’t bear it. Remember truth has no agenda, all other political discourse has a selfish purpose. Truth is just truth.
In the torturing baby example, it is ‘wrong’ because you have a victim i.e. someone who has been acted upon/harmed without consent. When men have consensual sex with other men, there is no victim.
Ah, so then you admit it’s okay to judge people when a victim is involved. So right there you have defined at least one thing as a sin. Does that make you a bigot?
But what about when an act is self-hurtful, such as in the case of an alcoholic? Shall we simply say, “The alcoholic is being himself” or should we seek to help him and prevent him from self-harm? Would that make us a bigot?
@John…do you have any contact information for Mr. Baucham? I’m not gonna waste my time arguing with these trolls
I’m confused. I thought we had a right to freedom of speech and freedom of religion in this country. But, based on the stance from this article, if you disagree with the views of The Voice, you’re a bigot. That’s very tolerant of you. Voddie has something that too few people have now a days. Standards and religious conviction. If that makes him a bigot, then I’m fine with being right there with him. It’s a sin, not a choice. You’re not born gay, and no matter how many times you say it or hear it, that fact won’t change.
That does not EVER mean it is OK to gay bash, but verbal disagreement does not equate to gay bashing. When violence occurs it should be immediately condemned by all sides. Christian and not Christian. Gay and not gay. Both sides of this debate have the right to peacefully coexist. But when you resort to name calling and don’t actually address his legitimate arguments, you are the one who appears intellectually weak. I hope Ms. Love’s debate holds up better than this “news” article.
my argument did not address the issue of judging; I focused on determining a criteria for what be considered ‘wrong.’ Nor did I refer to anything as a ‘sin’ as that is a conceptual framework that I do not acknowledge.
Where is the harm in the case of gay sex?
You’re dancing around the question. If I say that being an alcoholic and doing so without regret is wrong, am I being a bigot?
Oh Please InFullEffect! When another man is riding another man’s behind there is a victim. What do you call it when they get AIDS? Or when one of them can’t hold a bowel movement? Sound like victim too me.
So let me get this straight . . . if I as a Christian judge homosexuals according to the Word of God, I am a bigot. But if I’m a homosexual and I judge Christians because they don’t agree with me, I’m NOT a bigot? Regardless of where one stands on this issue, the reasoning put forth by “Infulleffect” is specious at best.
Has anyone noticed that those who scream loudest about others being bigoted are often the most bigoted?
“The Premier Media Source for LGBT Texas”….really? This is quality journalism? If you want to be taken seriously I suggest you remove the teen magazine element from your “premier media source” and try undertaking more serious articles. The person of interest in this piece doesn’t amuse me, the childish and shallow writing does. Stop doing a disservice to your readers and give them something educated and well written to read.
The Bible is sufficient on this matter…
What is the deal with all the fuckin religious freaks constantly spewing their bilge on this site?
Don’t they know Manhunt is the pick up site? This religious hatred is slooooowly gonna fade away, as church attendance is dropping. These delusional freaks can then go back to spouting off on street corners.
@Montemalone: You know, Voltaire said the same thing about Christianity in his day too. That it would effectively cease to exist and become nothing more than a handful of superstitions. 100 years later the Geneva Bible society owned his house. Christianity, and it’s standards have been around for millennia. Last time I check, God was the only eternal thing around. So good luck with that sentiment, but I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you. Oh, and it’s not hatred. Not one of us has called you mean names, or said we hate you. At least, I know I haven’t, and I never would, because I don’t hate you. I think you are lost and/or misguided, but I certainly do not hate you. Hate is for stupid and ignorant people who cannot handle someone disagreeing with them. You come one here and call us f—ing religious freaks spewing bile. Most, if not all of the above comments on here are simply people stating a difference of opinion from your own. Who is the one actually spewing bile now? We are simply expressing our freedom of speech and our freedom of religion. It’s all about tolerance right? You know what else Voltaire said? He said, “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” That’s real tolerance, and I for one, wish we had a lot more of it from the ‘so-called’ tolerant and ‘open-minded’ circles.
I’d rather be “lost” than delusional.
You people that thump on your bibles while pointing fingers at other people, all the while selectively interpreting and choosing what’s in the book, are crazy.
@Montemalone: These ‘temper tantrums’ you’re having on here are very silly and child-like, and you really need to stop it. As a supposedly highly-evolved and enlightened mammal who is superior to us backward Christian folk out here, you should be able to address the issues and defend your position accordingly instead of name-calling, whining, and crying.
And at to that HYPOCRITICAL, for you come here criticizing an entire group of people for supposedly “pointing fingers at other people”, yet you fail to note how the writer of this article DAILY does that very thing. He’s here labeling a man “bigot of the day”, without having the decency of intelligently explaining HOW that is so. He just “points his finger” at people, calls them bigots, but you sissies say nothing. And when you’re called on it, you once again “point your finger” at us and call us “crazy”. See how foolish you sound?
Grow up.
@Montemalone—You and your ilk make me wonder whether there may me some truth to Darwinism. You and your kind seem to be just a bunch of molecules bouncing around, with no moral compass at all. Of course the TRUTH is we are all made in the image of a righteous and loving God. But sin has made us more like a Darwinian creature. There is hope though. Repentance and drawing near to the God who loves you and desires a relationship that is pure and righteous. He has asked you. It is your choice. No one is condemning you. You condemn yourself. Each of you remains on my prayer list by name.
Don’t you nutjobs have some babies to save or funerals to protest? Why are you spending so much time over here with us cocksucking fudgepackers? Are you waiting for me to convert you? I know there’s gotta be a burning bush or a talking snake that needs your attention. Why don’t you go pray for me? Isn’t that the answer to everything? Close your eyes and pray to baby jeebus to make it all better? BOO!
Those who enjoy sinning against the God who gives them every breath that they take will soon see the folly of their deeds–either in this life or in the next. I am praying for the former, rather than the latter.
Let Montemalone be guys. I’ve come to realize some people are reserved for the hell fire. Let them heat up hell like chimney logs. Matthew 7:13-14 13.(
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.) The keyword in the text is MANY be at the wide gate, broad way & we need to come to terms with it.
It’s obvious this guy is a reprobate so his mind is totally bad. He is depraved & lacks all spiritual as well as moral character.
it is what it is… aren’t we all depraved on our own?
The only difference between me and monte is that my depravity is redeemed. Homosexuality is indeed a sin, I’ll call a spade a spade. But we miss the point if see them in any light other than unredeemed. On my own I am the worst of sinners.
And the, “I’ll pray for you!” line… at what point does that become patronizing?
See Christianity through his eyes.. how many of you would want to be a part? The unredeemed can’t see past the Christians to get to the belief system we profess.
my two cents
@Author J I can’t argue with that one too much. I just felt all the going back & forth with the guy was futile. I don’t let what I see in the world of christendom effect my relationship with the Most High. I don’t care if it’s my mother, my brethren, my wife, my children, the pastor or even myself who willingly sins, slips or falls. None of that stuff takes anything away from holiness or what is right as well as the standard in the word of God. I’m not making excuses for myself or anyone else. At the end of the day it will mean a hill of beans on the day of reckoning. The Lord with recompense all of us the works done in our life irregardless of circumstances or surrounding influences. No sinner is going to get by. Homosexual, liar, thief, idolators, haters of God & whatever else the word deems sin.
I had to look up and make sure i was on the gay web site for news and info but reading all these gay hateing comments i got to say one thing. if you dont like what your reading to come here to read go back to what ever rock you climbed out of. we dont care what you have to say and isnt there enough news sites out there that you dont have to get all upset about what you read so i have one message if you dont like what you are reading or how it is presented you can just simply go to HELL Gay rights are here to stay so suck on that lol
@ Preston. You make a great point, but you are missing the big picture. The issue isn’t gay rights, or even this ‘news’ websites right to publish. The issue was with this site’s labeling a man a bigot because he puts forth an opinion that they don’t agree with. He’s not a bigot and he doesn’t hate gays. But no one on this site bothered to look into that. THey just noted that he had a dissenting opinion and labeled him a bigot. That’s what we didn’t like. It’s a double standard. While you are telling us we shouldn’t judge, you put forth an article judging someone.
The reality is, it is impossible to NOT judge. We all do it. Everyday. You do, I do, it’s how we make decisions. Our judgements are guided by our world views. Nothing Voddie said was actually offensive, or involved name calling. He just stated his view of things. So, this publication should take your advice. If you don’t like it, then don’t listen/read it. What is the purpose of even having a ‘bigot of the week’ other than do do exactly what y’all are accusing us of doing all the time.
Joel, Richard, Charles, “It is what it Is,” Amy, Amy, Preston, Mark Calvin, NYTN, Adolph, Joshua, J & Tay, in their own words, join Voddie in the Rogue’s Gallery as Bigots of the Day: hateful, lying, defaming, insecure, nutty, shrill, self righteous “religious” fanatics. No wonder President Kennedy called this place “Nut Country” before he came here and got his head blown off by one (maybe more) in Dealey Plaza.
I actually come here to read gay news but instead, I get lectured from religious extremists or the American Taliban. That’s what you people are. Extremists who want to impose their beliefs on everyone else.
That’s why I actually investigated the religious nonsense that I grew up listening to and determined that I am a proud Atheist. I don’t believe in the bullshit that Christianity offers. Jesus Christ, Noah, blah, blah, blah.
This pastor IS a bigot. He wants to tell people how to live their lives and he does so in a very hateful way. Do all of you Bible thumpers actually follow the Bible? Or are you going to come up with some excuse as to why you don’t have to follow it? Since you were saved or some other bullshit?
Statistics do show that less people are going to church and the number of atheists are rising. Go to the PEW CENTER and you will find it.
Last but not least, you will NEVER change the sexual orientation of someone. Some of those that claim they are “ex-gay” never were to begin with. Bisexual at the most. So quit trying to do so.
@ Thomas J. Coleman You once again refuse to engage in actually debating the issues, but simply resort to name calling. I think this entire pages proves our point. You have no other option but to attack on a personal level. I mean really. All those things you said we are is completely baseless, you don’t know any of us personally, you are solely basing your name calling on the fact that you don’t like what we have to say.
@ Chance I’m sorry, but aren’t you doing the exact same thing by telling us we’re bigoted and should not believe the way we do? Double standard much? Aren’t you telling me how to live my life? Hmmm…
Thomas,
All I did was ask a simple question; how is he being a bigot? From there I looked at similar examples of how we often disagree with how people live their lives, yet we don’t consider such disagreements bigotry.
So how does that make me a liar, hateful, insecurity, nutty, or shrill? In fact, most of the name calling has been coming purely from the homosexuals on this topic; so how are we “religious fanatics” the ones who are being shrill or hateful?
Chance,
Comparing even the most extreme Christians to the Taliban is a stretch. I would encourage you to look into the abuses the Taliban committed before making such an asinine comment.
Regardless, no one is trying to force a way of life onto you. If you want to have sex with a member of your gender, then so be it. But if people disagree with that choice, though they won’t take away your freedom to practice that choice, you need to substantiate how they are bigots rather than juts declaring it de facto.
And though we cannot change someone’s orientation, who’s to say a person somehow can’t choose to not act on their orientation?
Why can’t we have an intellectual conversation on this issue? Why must it be all about insultes and one-liners?
Joel: I agree that name-calling and insults won’t solve anything. But you need to understand that people in my community have reached their limit with “Christians” using their personal religious beliefs as the basis for denying civil rights and equality to LGBT people. Here’s the truth: I was born gay; it wasn’t something I chose. Voddie Baucham was not born Baptist. He chose that. His rights as a Baptist are legally protected in this country, even though he chose that. My rights should be protected, too. And no one should be able to use their religious beliefs to deny those rights to me. No, sexual orientation is not the same as race. But both are innate characteristics determined by genetics. Religion is not genetic. Even if my orientation were a choice, it should be treated equally with Voddie Baucham’s choice to be Baptist. But what it all comes down to is it is bigotry to insist that anyone who does not agree with or follow your religion does not deserve equal treatment under the law, just as it was bigotry for whites to use their religious beliefs — the words of the same Bible Voddie Baucham quotes — to justify the enslavement of African-Americans and other non-whites.
And in a side note, I would encourage you to “look into” the abuses, the crimes against humanity, committed throughout history in the name of Christianity.
Tammye,
I understand what you’re saying, but what I’m saying is that “bigotry” is a very strong, loaded, and misapplied word in this case.
For instance, you say you were born this way and I will not contest that. I honestly believe you were; but being born with an orientation doesn’t mean you have to act on that orientation. There’s enough evidence to prove that some men are born with a biological orientation to multiple partners (they link this to men who are generally more intelligent, explaining why many of them have affairs or can never settle down). But their orientation towards multiple partners doesn’t mean they should seek out multiple partners.
So when it comes to the issue of homosexuality, I’m not arguing at all for marriage rights or anything of the sort. If the government were to protect the sanctity of marriage, then they’re too late, that ship has sailed. What I am talking about, however, is homosexuality as a moral (not legal) issue. And that is where Voddie Baucham was having an issue. The issue was the attempt to take what is a choice when it comes to the action (though you may not choose your orientation, you do choose to act on that orientation) and compare it to a state of being, such as a race, and then attempting to equivocate the two. He’s right that their attempt to do so is wrong, but I fail to see how that makes him (or me) a bigot.
To be a bigot is to devalue someone as a human being because of who they are, not necessarily how they act (though that can occur too…such as those who lash out against religious people). By saying that an action is a sin (or immoral), you’re not being a bigot even if you’re wrong. You become a bigot when you lash out against the people, call them names, mock them, and won’t even consider their point of view or rethink your own position. Now, who’s to say that Baucham hasn’t looked into the issue to see whether or not he’s misinterpreting the Bible?
The fact is, by throwing the term “bigot” around, you’re attempting to silence any opposition, shut off any discussion, or subvert any challenge to the idea that homosexual behavior is morally justifiable; by shutting down your opposition without letting them engage you on an intellectual level, you’re actually being a bigot (that is the definition of the word after all).
As for what’s been done in the name of Christianity, my question is quite simple; “and?” I’d encourage you to “look into” the abuses, the crimes against humanity, committed throughout history in the name of Islam, humanism, materialism, nationalism, atheism, Marxism, and the list goes on. Ideologies don’t make people kill each other or abuse each other, that’s just how we are as humans.
Alright, xtian assholes. I’m sick of my inbox being filled with your ridiculous shit. Now get your hatemongering, delusional, condescending fat asses back to the mobile home and watch Pat Robertson, I hear he’s got some great deals on African Blood Diamonds and Gold. Your empty headed rationalizations for discrimination and contempt for anyone capable of independent thought thoroughly disgusts me. In my opinion, the Romans had it right.
I think Tammye summed up a huge part of how I feel.
As for the name calling, there are many similarities between the Taliban and the extremely religious. Many Christians support giving gay people the death penalty for being gay. Some are even lawmakers. Many people try to commit murders in the name of God, especially when it comes to abortion. An example is George Tiller. And extreme Christians would create a theocracy if they could.
You tell me I’m not supposed to act on my orientation of being gay? What if I told you that you should try not to act on your orientation. That you can’t have sex with a female because it is against MY beliefs. How does that make you feel?
Christians generally quote 2-3 verses in the Bible condemning homosexuality but what about those verses that condemn having sex while a woman is on her period, men keeping hair around their ears/face, etc?Are those okay to just shove aside? No.
It is not okay to use a book that hasn’t been proven true to justify hate, prejudice, or bigotry. When it effects another person’s being, things should be based on facts, not a book of stories written thousands of years ago.
Joel, I believe you are making some incorrect distinctions. I am a lesbian. That is my sexual orientation. It is part of my genetic makeup. Because that is my orientation, I love women. Actually, I love one woman. We are married, even though it is not legally recognized. We are in a monogamous, committed, loving relationship. We have two children. We both work. We pay our bills; we pay our taxes. We teach our children to be “good” people, to treat others fairly and not to judge based on things like religion or skin color or ethnicity or financial status. We treat our family and friends with love and affection. We are honest. We have a very definite moral code, and we live by that moral code. The fact that it is not the same as your moral code doesn’t make it better or worse.
To be blunt, the idea that I am born gay but should not behave in a gay manner is, well, ridiculous. That’s like saying you were born heterosexual but you shouldn’t behave in a heterosexual manner. I “act” according to the natural, God-given orientation I was born with.
The problem here is your idea of “moral” and your insistence that your religion is the only one that is moral, and that your idea of what is or isn’t moral has to apply to everyone. That is the definition of bigotry.
Actually, here is the definition of bigotry, direct from Websters: “stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one’s own.” Synonyms are “narrow-mindedness, bias, discrimination.”
I don’t want to silence anyone (look at my other post on this blog defending the Supreme Court decision in favor of Westboro Baptist Church). You are entitled to your religion and even to your bigotry. Both are constitutionally protected. And so is my right to call you — or anyone else — out on that bigotry.
What you, and other commenters here defending Mr. Baucham, apparently fail to understand is that this is an LGBT — lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender — website. It is intended to inform and entertain the LGBT community. Your religion and your bigotry are not going to be well-received here.
Silencing or trying to silence another person’s voice is not bigotry. That is censorship. I think the fact that you and others of the same opinion are allowed to post here and your comments are not removed or edited is ample evidence that we are not censoring you.
But I still believe that your insistence that your “morality” is the only acceptable code of ethics and behavior is bigotry. And if you are welcome to it. I am not arguing that you can’t believe that way. My point is that no one should be allowed to force their own personal religious beliefs on others through the use of civil or criminal law.
You are not trying to engage on an intellectual level. You are trying to engage on a religious level, where you insist that your religion is the only one that is correct or allowed. That kind of insistence is, by definition, bigotry. We are, in essence, trying to argue apples against oranges. I am talking about civil law, civil government. You are talking about your religion. Civil law should not ever interfere with your ability to practice your religion and believe as you wish (as long, of course, as that religion causes no harm to others). But neither should your religion be allowed to control civil government.
There is nothing immoral in my behavior, plain and simple. The fact that I am a lesbian and in a relationship with a woman I love is not immoral — not according to my religious beliefs or the religious beliefs of many, many other people, including Christian leaders and scholars.
Also, I disagree with you on the question of whether ideologies make people kill each other, at least to some degree. You are certainly right that all ideologies can and and have been used to coerce people into horrible atrocities. People commit those atrocities because they BELIEVE in those ideologies.
@Tammy
No one is born gay. We are all born in sin and you may have been more tempted to be attracted to the same sex but then you chose to act on those feelings. Being gay is not a matter of genetics it’s a matter of sin; as is fornication, adultery, and ever other sexual sin. Christians aren’t denying civil rights and equality to LGBT. You have a right to do whatever you want BUT marriage is a biblical concept that’s between a man and a woman. I believe that the bible is the infallable word of God and therefore I must denounce sin not just homosexuality but ALL sin.
Shatoyia: Regardless of your religious beliefs, I WAS born gay. The only choice I made was to live an honest life and be true to my genetic nature. That is science instead of religion. And you are right that CHRISTIANS are not trying to deny civil rights to LGBT people; but SOME Christians are. And when you look at historical fact, you will find that marriage started out as a civil arrangement, often a monetary arrangement where a man would basically buy a woman to be his wife. When LGBT people say we want legally recognized marriages, we are not talking about your religious ceremonies. We are talking about CIVIL MARRIAGE, which comes with specific civil benefits and responsibilities. There is a difference. Read your Bible again, and you will clearly see that “biblical marriage” is nothing like the modern day construct known as marriage. “Traditional” marriage was a monetary arrangement or one made out of need and convenience. I doubt very seriously you would want to be in a truly “traditional” or truly “biblical” marriage, because if you were, you would be the property of your husband to do with as he saw fit; you would, in essence, be your husband’s slave.
I’m so tired of all you folks blowing up my email. In the words spoken by RODNEY KING 20 years ago, “CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?”
The writer of this article STARTED this MESS, by calling a man a “bigot of the day” without explaining WHY? And he was called out on his HYPOCRISY, as the gay community complains ad nauseum about being JUDGED and LABELED and he is here doing the SAME THING.
Everything that can possibly be said on this issue has been said. And whining, crying, and attacking people for their beliefs isn’t going to change anything.
The most PRODUCTIVE thing to do is for JOHN WRIGHT to BACK UP what he claims about people with FACTS. It’s very simple.
Good day.
Values Clarification, good is evil, evil is good. Repeat after me ten times. Sex perversion is normal, sex is normal,…etc.
@Tammye
You must’ve missed Jesus’ commands in scripture of what marriage is to look like. Just because women (in the old testament) were given away in marriage for some monetary or material gain doesn’t make that the biblical model for marriage: that was a (fallen) cultural model of marriage. You should go read in Ephesians 6: 22-33. This is where Christ says wives are to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord and husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for Her. Christ even says that husbands are to love their own wives as their own bodies; He who loves his own wife loves himself. So if you study those verses and also Colossians 3: 18- 4:1, Titus 2:5, and 1 Peter 3:1. Christ knew the history (culturally) of what marriage looked like then but He outlines in those scriptures what a biblical, God-honoring marriage looks like. It looks nothing like what you described and I wholeheartedly DO want and have a biblical marriage. The truth is that you were’t born gay just as no one is born a fornicater or adulterer or a prostitute or a child molester….we chose sin because we are sinners but you are blind to your sin and therefore have convinced yourself that you were born that way. Why take the stance that you were born that way? Becuase it takes the responsibility of your sin off of you and on your Creater, God… But God is holy and has no part in sin and homosexuality is an abomination to God because it’s not His design for relationships; it’s exchanging the truth of God for a lie. Our race is sacred just as our sexuality and we cannot do with it what we want. God made you the color you are and the sex you are for His own glory. Marriage, biblically and historically, has always been between a man and a woman. Last, just because the bible mentions men having more than one wife or husbands who treated their wives as slaves doesn’t mean that those are the biblical models for marriage. Jesus’s words in the verses above define what marriage is and what it is to look like.
Can someone that is of the gay persuasion. Please tell me why you guys get an excuse “I was born this way” but everybody else has to except a person is vile, cruel & vicious for their acts. If you get an excuse for being born a way. I guess it justifies rapist, serial killers, sexual predators & whatever else for what they do. INobody gets a pass for the things they do in life. You have a choice in the matter & own up to it. Stop expecting some special rights, acknowledgement for your lifestyle. You don’t have to be muslim, christian, catholic or Lord knows what else. However do know the lifestyle you live defies even nature itself.
I was born with a predisposition to sin. I want to lie, cheat, steal, fornicate, consume mass quantities of alchohol and drive home… the list goes on. That is my nature. If we justify any one of those on “natural” grounds. We must justify them all.
We can’t condemn them because they infringe on others’ rights. It is in my nature to infringe on others’ rights. My nature says “survive, win!” You must excuse me. That is the natural conclusion to the matter. No matter what I do in the name of instinct. Its all about self gratification. Let’s forget Christianity. Lets be consistent in what we think. Iron sharpens iron. Let’s dialogue. I want to be educated if I’m wrong.
You guys love your straw man arguments. Look, it’s easy. Don’t like gay, then don’t commit the acts. Being gay is not rape, it is not murder, it is not all these crimes you are trying to liken it to. To deny others their RIGHT to life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness is wrong. Your religious affiliation does not merit control over the lives of those who do not hold those same views.
Don’t get me wrong, you are certainly entitled to your opinions and faith-based beliefs on it. What you are not entitled to is to push your faith-based opinion onto others. Funny that you’re quick to judge when your Bible also tells you not to…yet you conveniently ignore that part.
@Preston, we climbed from under the true Rock and as for you being the guard dog for who is able to speak on this ridiculous news article,, get real. We are expressing our view in a non Church environment (separation, right) just as you are expressing your hate for our words we are expressing our disdain for false accusation with no evidence or proof which not surprisingly you aren’t angry about. Perhaps you should stop following the masses and get a mind of your own and address the real issue here. I guess not when taking a stand for something false is the recipe of the day.
@ D
It isn’t a straw man argument it’s the logical next step to a “I was born this way” defense. If a person believes that they are born with a certain disposition towards the same sex then another person could very well make the argument that they are born with a disposition to be attracted to children, being a murderer, a prostitute, fornicator, incest, beastiality, etc in THEIR eyes it isn’t unnatural or sinful because they were “born” that way. I can’t speak for everyone but I am judging righteously ( which the bible calls Christians to do) and I am going along with the argument logically while giving a biblical perspective on this issue.
Would you fucking morons just go back to strangling chickens and dancing with snakes? Your babbling in tongues is not impressing anybody over here. You’re really just proving the point. Idiot bible beaters hate with a vengeance and make it their life’s work to shove their fairy tales in everyone’s face.
It’s already been proven scientifically that susceptibility to believing in sky fairies is a genetic mutation in the brain, so I’ll admit you have little choice but to babble on, just go do it in your little tax-free clubhouse, and shut the fuck up over here.
@Montemalone, talk about hate, the only one close to hating is your filthy mouth that spews murder with every sentence. Like all you want to forcefully quiet anyone who doesn’t agree with your sinful behavior and nature and prove with every sentence just how true the Bible is. You all hate good and despise righteousness yet want to make others believe otherwise. Hypocrites. It would be laughable if something were truly funny. All you can do is try to force us to be silent while you rant, complain and whine to have your way.
If you believe in the Bible, beginning to end, don’t fight…call on The Lord……………………………………………
If you DON’T believe in the Bible, beginning to end, don’t fight….close your eyes & turn around.
Interestingly, the Supreme Court ruled this week in an 8-1 decision that religious bigots have the right to spew their hatred even if their intolerant words harm other people. Also interesting is the debate here on whether homosexuality is a choice when the one clear choice is religion.
Despite having been sent here by a preacher who’s obviously not used to criticism, we welcome your choice to come here and comment. We hope you’ll read more of the articles on DallasVoice.com, the largest news source for the LGBT community in the southwest. We love the extra web traffic and the debate.
Also, we just want you to know that we understand that the more virulent the anti-gay attacks, the more likely you are to be repressing your own homosexuality. Not in every case, but in lots and lots of cases. Your church is in Spring, near Houston and there is a Gay and Lesbian Community Center at 1900 Kane Street in Houston. Also, Montrose Counseling Center in Houston can help if you need someone to talk to and they can be reached at 713.529.0037. Please use these resources.
Mr. Taffet,
It’s very obvious that you are upset with Mr. Baucham, and maybe Christians in general. I wasn’t sent here by Mr. Baucham nor do I attend his church but we do share the same faith in God and both hold the bible as the infallable Word of God. What you hate isn’t Voddie or Christians but you hate truth….The truth of God that exposes our sin and depravity. What we (Christians) hate isn’t LGBT but we hate sin and how it separates people from seeing and savoring the Lord Jesus Christ. I don’t just hate homosexuality as a sin but all sin including my own. So in all honesty It’s not about LGBT people it’s about preaching the gospel and calling men, women, and children to repentance. A gospel in which we MUST expose all sin.
I would say that if there is anyone who is repressing their own homosexuality let them look to God through Christ Jesus because He is the only one who can bring them to saving faith and free them from being enslaved to their sin.
God’s grace to you Sir!
Not upset at all. Just welcoming you to our site, inviting you to read other posts and offering some resources to you or other community members dealing with your coming out issues.
Wow, really to think you can continue in a lifestyle of sin and call yourself a Christian, is delusional at best. Scripture says that if you continue in a repeated lifestyle of sin, you’re of the devil! Its like a dog, returning to his own vomit. Christ said, he who loves me keeps my commandments. In order for Christ to me your savior, he must be your Lord. You surrender every area of your life to Him, not I surrender some, but I surrender all! I understand these folks are under strong delusion, as I myself had a sex change before being saved, and I am in the process of getting back to who God created me to be, but to just remain and maintain is not acceptable, at the very least it would rob God of His honor and Glory, but a Christian experiences a renewing of the mind, and the things you once love you now hate, and the things you once hated you now love. These poor folks are not truly saved, but probably false converts, and for others in Christianity to say it’s all right and ok, shows they have the mind of the world and not of Christ! To roughly quote Voddie Baucham “it amazes me that the God who poured out His wrath on his own son, would somehow let you slide or give you a pass, not for a minute!” These folks both that have these issues and those that don’t, but encourage a lifestyle of sin, need to figure out which they love more, the sin, or the God they profess to follow, you can’t have it both ways!
The question is posed “can’t we decide what is right and wrong” and one (common) answer has been seen “it’s only wrong if there’s a victim”. That oversimplification seems to make sense on the surface. But it fails to recognize a fundamental truth: It’s wrong to disobey that which is in authority over you, or more simply put, it’s wrong to disobey the law. And this of course is where the real debate comes in. We can argue all day about “victims” (does a person have to be injured, or just insulted, or just in disagreement to be a “victim”) and our “rights” (are rights “inalienable” and belonging to all, no matter what law says, or are rights “bestowed” by government). But it ultimately comes down to authority. The real question is who has authority over me? And since it’s obvious there are many who are claiming such authority, we must also ak who is the ultimate authority that trumps all others when there is a disagreement? There are many laws. Some are written, some unwritten – personal, familial, community, city, state, national, international. And they are often in disagreement and contradiction with one another. In codified law there is the concept of “preemption” – that is that one group of laws preempts or nullifies a second set of laws if that second set of laws is in contradiction with the first. There is one law that preempts all others, and that is the Law of God. The Law of God was codified, debated, tested, expounded, applied and enforced in the Word of God, which is the Bible. Laws created by people and governments are recognized in the Bible, and we are commanded to obey them. But when they are in contradiction to the Law of God, we are commanded to obey God. The Law of God preempts all other laws. And God and His Law have ultimate authority. Some may want to try to change the definition of “right” and “wrong”. But God’s definition of right and wrong, as codified in the Law of God preempts that. If we break the laws of our governments here, we must stand trial, and pay the penalty. The same is required of us concerning the Law of God. We will be judged by the Law when we face the judge, the Holy God. If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that we will not be able to defend ourselves in that judgement against the truth of this one fact – we all have come up short; we all have disobeyed the Law of God; we are all guilty. Before you make a law that legalizes an activity, behavior, or attitude, resting in the comfort that now, legally, you can engage in it without fear of reprisal, consider this: the Law of God preempts that and nothing has changed, and the guilt of offense has not been removed. In fact, God has given us a stern warning not to try to “legalize” what He has declared illegal – Woe to them that calls evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.
Scrpture teaches that certain foolsh questions should be avoided – 2 Tim. 2:23, Titus 3:9. I understand that the context of those verses may have been related to false teachings regarding the Law, but I think that they have application to other issues that are not better discussed. Some things are to be shut out. Any sound Christian knows that this is not an issue. Homosexuality is clearly a sin – an abomination. Those with contrary doctrine an and with a form of godliness who deny the power thereof are not to marked and avoided and turned away from (Rom. 16:17, 2 Thes. 3:6, 3 Tim. 3:5), not given an audiennce before an audience with many Chrsitians. Such debates seem to be of human wisdom, not God’s. They open a door to the enemy. Yes, many may see right through the false arguements; but Christians are to rely on God’s Word as their Lamp for the feet and Light to the path, and not lean on their own understanding. In my flesh, I like debating; but unless necessary, we are not to have such debates or give an audience to the enemy. It’s one thing to debate if the enemy is putting forth their arguments publicly, and you are responding publicly to refute them, or to debate evangelistically as Paul is seen doing in Acts when bringing the gospel to new territory, but another to bring the enemy into the public arena of an already established Chrsitian church or organization. it’s like giving them equal time on the pulpit. Eve got in trouble even getting into that conversation with the serpent. Let’s heed what God says about avoiding foolish arguments and certain people.
I wholeheartedly agree with you Jim Myers. You have said it all. and I admire Voddie, not as a bigot at all, but a man of God who is prepared t tell the truth. this is not a civil rights matter.
This devilish attack which is spiritual wickedness is just one more device of the devil. The world system will soon support marriage of men with men, women with women, and transgender marriage what ever that turns into. Just as in the days of Noah. Mens thoughts were evil continiously.
Dr Voddie Baucham is demostrating what it means to be faithful to the holy word of God! Preach the word Voddie!!!!!!
Morning,
4 Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter;
5 and they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them.”
Genesis 19:4-5 (NASB)
22 ‘You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.
Leviticus 18:22 (NASB)
13 ‘If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.
Leviticus 20:13 (NASB)
26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,
Romans 1:26 (NASB)
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NASB)
7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.
Jude 1:7 (NASB)
Amen, I too I admire Voddie,he is not as a bigot at all, but a man of God who is prepared t tell the truth.
Incredible…Just incredible how some people are blinded by Satan into believing that their “lifestyle” is a natural order of things. Read the scripture. The Bible says that no effeminate man will inherit the Kingdom of God, let alone one who is active in the gay lifestyle. The Lord has plainly stated that it is AN ABOMINATION for mankind to lie with mankind as with womankind, and vice versa. Thank God for men of God like Voddie Baucham that do not compromise with The Scripture, to please men! St. Paul said that men pleasers are not of Christ. The righteousness of Our Lord is delicious, and his law is a delight. Homosexuality is a spirit from hell whose sole purpose is to firmly plant souls deep into hell, simple as that. No, it is not natural, I said it!! And to call this man of God a bigot concerning what The Lord considers an ABOMINATION is the same as calling The Lord our God one also! Blasphemous. Please be careful. “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”
I love Voddie and I am thankful for his steadfast service to the Lord.
He speaks truth from God’s Word.
Whether you choose to believe it or not, does not change its truth, its effectiveness or its power.
Don’t let pride or preconceived thoughts given to you by man, keep you from opening your heart to the Lord. He is good and loves you, that’s a fact. 🙂
Have a great day.
The real bigot here is the person who wrote this column, John Wright. It is obvious he hates blacks and hates Christians from his ignorant post. So sad.
But That’s Not Fair:
At the root of depression is bitterness, and at the root of bitterness is unresolved anger. Unresolved anger finds it’s root in unmet expectations. Basically it boils down to feeling that somehow you have been cheated in life. I should have had perfect parents, or better health or more money, or, or, or… . Therefore, the place to attack your depression is in assessing and correcting your expectations in life.
Some expectations are fine and very reasonable. Others are not. They are unreasonable. If I expect that I should get to be the most handsome, richest, and most talented person in the world, I have unreasonable expectations. If I expect that God will not lie to me, that’s reasonable. So the question becomes, What unmet expectations in my life have given rise to anger, bitterness, and depression, and how do I resolve these issues?
I would respectfully suggest that having a right view of your standing in the world is a good place to start. You see, I, you, and everybody else in the world, being sinners, have earned, are entitled to, and deserve for our deeds and thoughts, to go to hell. However, today when I woke up, I wasn’t in hell. I’m off to the start of a great day. I didn’t get what was fair. I got infinitely better than fair, and thank you, no, I don’t want to settle for fair in my life, I’ll take the this isn’t fair life, which is so incredibly better than fair.
You have to decide for yourself if you want to be treated fairly, and go to hell, or accept the gift of forgiveness and grace from Almighty God, and get better than fair, and maybe only have someone shoot you, or steal your lunch at work, or insult you, or not pay you what you think you are worth, or break up your family, or take the last piece of pie which was supposed to be for you, or falsely accuse you of a crime, or rightly accuse you of a crime, etc, etc, etc. Any of these things is vastly superior to what is truly fair in life.
If any one of those things were to happen to me today, I would be happy to know I wasn’t treated fairly, but immeasurably better than fair. If my family was killed, and I lost all of my possessions like Job, I’m still way ahead. I never want to be treated fairly. I’m glad I have forgiveness, and a life of opportunity. I can sit around and complain about not having a certain degree of wealth and stature, I can be bitter my team hasn’t ever won the big game, or I can be thankful for the blessing of life, and not having to pay for my own sin by going to hell. Jesus Christ is Almighty God who took on flesh and died on the cross to pay MY debt for MY sin. That wasn’t fair. I only had to ask God for forgiveness to be forever spared from fair, which would have been eternal damnation in hell. Thank God He doesn’t give me what is fair.