****************************************************************************We now live in an era in which we are not allowed to voice our opinions if they may be found to be negative or judgmental about any given behavior being exhibited openly in society.
So far child abuse, bestiality and incest are still frowned upon.
So the Church, so far, is not required to bless a marriage between a man and a donkey.
The words PORK and BACON are rapidly becoming anathema in public because they offend the sensibilities of Muslims.
Funny thing, the Jews don't eat pork yet they have never presumed to tell the rest of us that we can't eat it.
Buddhists are mostly vegetarian yet they have not presumed to tell the rest of us that we cannot eat meat.
When I was a young girl teenagers who broke the law were regarded as Hooligans and were dealt with summarily! No allowances were made for their color or their socioeconomic status or their pathetic home-life.
A baby born out of wedlock carried the stigma of being a fatherless child born to a foolish if not immoral female.
The government did not pay for our loose morals, stupidity, addictions and laziness.
Children were expected to behave in public and be respectful to their elders.
It was not okay to use vulgar, derogatory language in public.
I believe in the separation of Church and State guaranteed by our Constitution. If the State legalizes a variety of unions then those unions are binding as law. That doesn't mean that every citizen agrees or approves.
Our freedom of Speech, also guaranteed under our Constitution, gives us the right to speak our disapproval and/or concern out-loud in the public arena... or does it?
We are fast losing the right to show our disapproval of any behavior being manifest in public by anyone.
Displaying the American Flag has been contested and banned in increasing numbers because it offends some persons.
WAIT!!! This is America, isn't it? And our flag is and has been a symbol of our Country has it not?
It is okay to burn the flag, urinate and defecate on it but it is not okay to let it wave from your balcony in a condominium?
Violence is okay when perpetrated by some groups in our society but other groups may not even open their mouths to utter the slightest sign of disapproval of behavior by other groups or individuals?
Matthew 5:43-48 Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect
Perhaps "bybee" could enlighten us as to what separates him/her from the "pagans" mentioned in Matthew?
Last edited: