Masculine, Feminine, or ???

Regarding your comments on masculine vs. feminine roles at withchrist.org/gender.htm, I have to disagree. The Bible, quite logically, expresses viewpoints typical of a nomadic or agrarian people. I do not believe that our duty as Christians requires us to live as nomads in the desert nor should we treat women as women were treated in biblical times. One has to separate that which is pertinent only to biblical times from that which is pertinent to all generations.

We have seen women persecuted over the centuries by men in many ways. Today we see women, by virtue of their many strengths, realizing their considerable capabilities: as mothers, as professionals, in all roles. Several recent studies have said that women may gradually displace men as managers in the workplace due to their increased abilities to solicit input, build teams, and other "people skills" that are inborn. In the 20th Century, the first real dialogue is taking place between genders. The alternative point of view has to do with suppressing them, convincing them they will "be happier" if they stay at home and have babies, that it's their "natural" role, etc. The problem is simply that modern life has more options and more complications. We're unlikely to ever become again like we were in the 2nd Century BC, or like we were in 1940.

The challenge is to find out how men and women will handle the problems of today and tomorrow as individuals and couples; it isn't to find a way to revert to a model that forces us into roles that are no longer meaningful. Men no longer have to be physically strong, nor do they have to hunt and gather. Women no longer need to stay at home. Together, they very definitely do need to resolve issues on child rearing, etc. It is not for men to show women their place, it is for women to find their place. Let me recommend a book by Bishop J.S. Spong titled, Why Christianity Must Change or Die.

Unsigned

Sadly, it must be said that the only difference between Bill Clinton and the more winsome George Bush is the degree of hypocrisy regarding their so-called Christianity. Bill Clinton was a reprobate Southern Baptist while his wife's roots and views are from the ultra-liberal United Methodist realm. The Clintons associated with ultra-liberal and postmodernist clerics, were as George Bush has established links with neo-evangelical Christians. Both have been the boon for the homosexual agenda. The following article will open your eyes.

The Bush Administration’s Republican Homosexual Agenda: The First 100 Days
By Robert Knight, Peter LaBarbera and Ken Ervin.

Dan S, 2 June 2001

Dear Dan,

I am a born again believer, and I serve with an International women's ministry called Aglow.

God has now placed two men in my life, at different times, who are living the gay lifestyle. Both believed that because I am a Christian, I would not accept them for who they are. I explained to then the love of Jesus, and that I am not called to be a judge, but rather to be an example of Christ's love for all of us.

My friend, Tim, point blank asked me last night how I felt about homosexuality. It led to a discussion where he expressed to me the desire to understand why the Bible clearly states that being gay is wrong, when he truly feels as if he has been this way as far back as 5 years old. I want to understand this, too. I am at a point in my walk with Christ where I am craving knowledge and His truth about these sensitive issues. I don't believe that God hates gay people, but the sin in their lives. I believe God doesn't accept that sin in the same way that He doesn't accept the sin in my life.

I am on a quest for answers. Not only for my friend, but for myself. If God is going to continue to put these people in my path, I want to be able to help them with the right scriptures and answers. Thank you for your attention to this email.

In His Service,
[signed]

_______________________

Dear Seeker:

Welcome to withChrist.org! Within a period of 40 years, relativism and postmodernism have become the ruling philosophies of our culture and confusion now abounds within the Church as well. More and more, Christians are demanding mature and unwavering voices. As we enter our tenth year on the Internet, we rejoice in the numerous ways we have been able to help numbers of growing believers. We hope you'll find here what meets your spiritual need and will become a regular visitor.

Thanks for writing and voicing your questions and concerns. Given the intensity (political and otherwise) surrounding the sin of homosexuality, the issue can be difficult to deal with. Homosexuality is complex in that it represents the sexual manifestation of a reprobate (depraved) mind—Romans 1:24-31. Within the past several decades, reprobate thinking has spread both outside as well as inside the Christian community. This is due to the proliferation of the larger philosophical and cultural phenomena of postmodernism. For an introduction to postmodernism, see http://withChrist.org/PM.htm and the excellent book, THE DEATH OF TRUTH.

The homosexual is under a unique phase of God’s wrath as described in Romans 1:18-32. Consequently, they live in varying degrees of inner psychological torment—angst. They falsely believe that this emotional angst is caused by society’s lack of acceptance and approval of their lifestyle. Consequently, the gay agenda engages in sophisticated, multi-front propaganda designed to extort society’s approval. This is what is behind their drive for so-called “gay marriage”. When unsuccessful, they call for legal action (punishment) against critics—particularly Christians and Jews—who’s Scriptures accurately define homosexual behavior as perversion. For some homosexuals, the need for approval is so great that they rationalize putting so-called “homophobics” to death to bring about so-called justice and psychological relief.

As a Christian, you might try to explain to your friends that you make a distinction between acceptance (tolerance) and approval. However, to their twisted minds they may not accept your differentiation. Attempt to explain to them that while you can grant them tolerance, your Christian view prohibits extending any approval of their immoral lifestyle. Of course, the typical homo counter argument is that their sexual bent is something they’re born with, not a choice, and thus not immoral. However, this argument is false for a number of reasons.

Your friend Tim states that, “he feels as if he has been this way as far back as 5 years old”. What Tim has done is to misunderstand both his inner feelings and thoughts. He doesn’t understand the Bible’s teaching regarding what it means to be a sinner. All sinners (including both you and I) are born with animating life from the First Adam. This life is by nature sinful and can be the source of a host of wicked and perverted thoughts. Have you ever mentally contemplated murder? Did that make you a murderer? No, it didn't. Did you ever mentally contemplate sexual activity outside of marriage? Did that make you a fornicator or adulterer? No, it didn't. Likewise, for homosexual thoughts to enter one’s mind does not mean that the individual is homosexual—despite what other homosexuals want you to believe. This is the gross mistake that is being made by hundreds of otherwise normal individuals today.

Here are two articles (albeit technical) to help you understand what’s going on.

“This is the Way God Made Me” – A Scientific Examination of Homosexuality
and the [so-called] “Gay Gene”, Brad Harrub, Ph.D. and Bert Thompson, Ph.D. and Dave Miller, Ph.D.

HOMOSEX and the Christian, The Making and Breaking of Homosexuality.

By the time you finish all of this, you should be adequately equipped to deal with these issues in the future.

Please write again, when you feel the need.

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