tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post5181807466856869643..comments2023-05-26T10:40:40.380-04:00Comments on The Right Track: Court decision diminishes meaning of marriageJulie Szydlowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10773686248879273676noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-42265810817509681322015-08-14T11:43:42.485-04:002015-08-14T11:43:42.485-04:00http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/pat-robertso...http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/pat-robertson-levitical-laws-apply-gays-no-one-else?utm_medium=email&utm_source=botb&utm_campaign=rightwingwatch<br />Pat RobertsonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-65600172456619100172015-08-07T16:54:34.389-04:002015-08-07T16:54:34.389-04:00Mark,
I tried to address as many of your questions...Mark,<br />I tried to address as many of your questions as I could. I don’t understand the “you only answer the questions you want to” claim. Go back and re-read the posts. Do you see how you’re totally unable and unwilling to deal with Scripture and with the points that I bring up? I repeatedly ask you about 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and you don’t have a response other than the “why do you eat pork?” argument. Do you now understand the differences and the distinctions in God’s various laws that should prevent you from bringing that argument up ever again? Do you understand that there’s no way to sugarcoat homosexual activity? No one’s telling you to “get back in the closet”, as you say, but God wants you to recognize homosexual activity for what it is (sin) and turn from it. No one’s FORCING you to engage in that type of behavior (at least I HOPE they’re not). You have the ability to TURN from it regardless of whether those desires remain, or not (that’s what 2 Corinthians 6:11 says). It’s no different than God commanding heterosexuals to turn from sexual activity prior to marriage which may mean a lifetime of celibacy if they never find that marriage partner. You have to be really careful, Mark, because God not only warns people about the love of sin, He warns them that if they don’t accept His truth, He will make them believe a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). That’s pretty scary stuff and pretty dangerous ground!<br />Why is the Courser/Gamrat story “GOOD NEWS”, to you? It’s always sad, for a genuine Christian, to see ANYONE involved in sin. I suppose David sinning with Bathsheba would have also been “GOOD NEWS”. You may or may not yet be in the 2 Thessalonians crowd. Only time will tell if you’re willing to turn from what you know, deep down, is wrong. <br />Paul Doveinisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-13785059989017379512015-08-07T15:30:48.017-04:002015-08-07T15:30:48.017-04:00Paul,
I didn't say it did. However I did say I...Paul,<br />I didn't say it did. However I did say I was done with you. You only answer the questions you want to, and I will never go back in the closet no matter how hard you push. MORE GOOD NEWS Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat have been exposed. MarkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-34989782390407789692015-08-07T14:50:18.624-04:002015-08-07T14:50:18.624-04:00I have no problem ending discrimination based on s...I have no problem ending discrimination based on sexual orientation but too many people think that somehow makes the case for same-sex "marriage". It doesn't.Paul Doveinisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-34141555684249141182015-08-07T14:46:19.721-04:002015-08-07T14:46:19.721-04:00Mark,
Every time I encounter the “why do you eat p...Mark,<br />Every time I encounter the “why do you eat pork?” argument, I shake my head in disbelief. This stuff is NOT that difficult to figure out. Let me give you a brief summary.<br />There are distinctions in the Bible between ceremonial, civil, and universal (or moral) laws. Israel was a theocracy in the Old Testament and God gave certain laws that applied only to them. The dietary laws (like not eating pork, or shellfish) were prescribed only for them. God wanted to limit their intermingling with the surrounding pagan nations (it makes it difficult to socialize and go over someone’s house for dinner if you’re prohibited from eating what’s on your pagan neighbors’ plates). Secondly, there are ceremonial laws that we see in both the O.T. and N.T. as well. The animal sacrifices seen in the O.T. are no longer applicable for us today because they were intended to point FORWARD to the finished work of Christ and were fulfilled in Him. An example of a N.T. law (not seen in the O.T.) is the Lord’s Supper which looks BACK to the cross and is prescribed for Christians until He returns. Finally, a universal moral law is one that’s applicable for all people for all times (like commandments not to murder, lie, steal, worship other Gods, etc.). One easy way to differentiate between a civil/ceremonial law and a universal law is to see if God holds ALL men accountable to it or only His people.<br />The prohibition against homosexual activity is without a doubt a universal moral law that’s reiterated over and over again in both Old and New Testaments. God never approves of it and never allows for it. When you write that “gay marriage must not have even been considered”, you’re absolutely right for obvious reasons. Homosexual activity has always been viewed as sinful so why would “gay marriage” have ever been considered. <br />As far as divorce, it’s permitted under certain conditions (like unfaithfulness or spousal abandonment) but God says He nevertheless hates it even when allowed (and yes, I understand that people get divorced for the flimsiest reasons but that just means they’re ignoring the biblical teachings).<br />The teachings of 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 are STILL applicable today for ALL people, Mark. You cannot ignore it or get around it.<br />Paul Doveinisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-62236634431459473642015-08-07T10:37:04.614-04:002015-08-07T10:37:04.614-04:00 MORE GOOD NEWS PAUL,
Dear Mark,
I wante... MORE GOOD NEWS PAUL,<br /><br />Dear Mark,<br /><br />I wanted to send you a quick note now that it’s been a little over two months since we celebrated the historic Supreme Court decision on marriage equality. Now it is time to take the next steps to make sure all Americans are protected from discrimination under federal law.<br /><br />That’s why I have joined a group of 40 Senators to introduce the Equality Act of 2015, a historic, comprehensive bill that would ban discrimination against LGBT Americans. Our bill would ensure full federal non-discrimination equality by adding sexual orientation and gender identity to federal non-discrimination laws. The Equality Act would ban discrimination in a host of areas, including employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, and federal funding.<br /><br />I have been fighting for equal rights for all Americans for over 30 years. With this new legislation, we move one step further toward our goal of true equality for all Americans.<br /><br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br /><br />Debbie Stabenow<br />United States Senator <br /> <br /> Mark<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-51580105764325426602015-08-07T10:30:06.712-04:002015-08-07T10:30:06.712-04:00Paul,
Since you obviously take the Bible word for ...Paul,<br />Since you obviously take the Bible word for word and put as much value in both the old and new testaments, I'm sure you don't eat pork or shell fish and you have never been divorced. The Bible was strictly adhered to to prevent death and increase the Jewish population so they could defend themselves. Being homosexual certainly would not increase the population. Gay marriage must not have even been considered. Look how long it took the LGBT Community to stand up for it self and come out of the closet. It took forever. That tells you the kind of hold religion had on people. Is that where you think we should be? Back in 1940, before it was determined being gay was not a sickness. If that is the case were done talking. I'm done anyway.<br />MarkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-60848166786023716172015-08-07T07:53:59.643-04:002015-08-07T07:53:59.643-04:00Mark,
When someone opens the Bible and simply show...Mark,<br />When someone opens the Bible and simply shows you verses like 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God), why do you think that it’s a “comparison” of sins? And why do people in the LGBT community get offended by the “nor men who practice homosexuality” part? ALL of us, Mark, are sinners (ME INCLUDED). If someone struggles with sinful activity, we’re supposed to help them abandon their sins. I don’t understand your constant “bigot” labels. I guess I’d also be a “bigot” if I told a thief that stealing is wrong or an alcoholic that drunkenness is wrong (both of those are in that list). <br />Paul Doveinisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-73739599393994213582015-08-07T07:16:40.164-04:002015-08-07T07:16:40.164-04:00Paul,
I just saw it. Have not seen it in the past....Paul,<br />I just saw it. Have not seen it in the past. At first glance it seems filled with concern. But just like others like yourself, you bring out the comparison of alcoholics to homosexuals. Apples to oranges, its wrong and you know it. The Supreme. Court would not condone the drinking of an alcoholic, nor would the Michigan Competitive Workforce Coalition say come work in Michigan for one of the car co. and drink all you like. Top it off you act like you speak for all religions, all Christians and you don't. And yes your column makes you come off like a bigot...comment on your August 6, post.<br />MarkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-82833757968335012762015-08-06T21:15:09.758-04:002015-08-06T21:15:09.758-04:00Mark,
Did you read my post (August 6, 7:00 PM)? It...Mark,<br />Did you read my post (August 6, 7:00 PM)? It unfortunately went through as a reply to Julie.Paul Doveinisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-80306884289436005952015-08-06T19:56:17.735-04:002015-08-06T19:56:17.735-04:00Sorry...The fear mongers have been making things u...Sorry...The fear mongers have been making things up for years now that are simply not true. MarkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-39161783260344073742015-08-06T19:39:23.308-04:002015-08-06T19:39:23.308-04:00I am not unhappy or have I been personally affecte...I am not unhappy or have I been personally affected by what the gay community has gone through. But so many people that came before me have suffered at the hands of others, some in the name of religion. I believe unfairly. I have heard of Michigan doctors turning down a person because they were gay.<br /><br />The people sued for not providing goods and services live in a state that has laws to protect everyone from discrimination. The owners should have been aware of the law before they chose not to do the work they advertised to do. Personally I wouldn't shop where I'm not wanted most of all for a wedding. But you can't decide for me if I want a civil wedding. No one no where has or will be forced to perform a same-sex wedding. The fear mongers have been making up things for years now that are simply njudgment. Clergy have not gone to jail. Bibles are not being burned. People also won't be marrying there dogs nun to soon. For someone to say so is just the poorest judgment. I say pass allthe religious freedom laws you want but don't excluded protection from Elliott-Larsen. MarkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-22634555082743751672015-08-06T19:00:52.161-04:002015-08-06T19:00:52.161-04:00Mark,
Even though my letters may seem harsh, they’...Mark,<br />Even though my letters may seem harsh, they’re not meant to be. Because they ARE responses, and because they’re written in a more formal style, sometimes with strong assertions, I can understand that you may feel offended. The Source just published my response to your letter but it’s a response that’s meant to offer a view, for the general public, that’s different from yours.<br />I think you’d have to agree, Mark, that every one of us is born “imperfect” (spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, etc.) with our own unique burdens. However, that doesn’t mean God makes “mistakes”. It’s simply a reflection of the fact that we live in a fallen, sinful world.<br />Every person who wants to follow Jesus is told that they must first count the cost (salvation is free, but it’ll cost you your life). We have to learn to contend with every desire that’s not in harmony with what God wants for us. I’ve never experienced your burdens, Mark, but I DO know that you’re not alone. We all struggle with sins that we need to forsake but we first have to admit that God is the one who defines what sin is. I knew a person who struggled with alcoholism his entire life. It’s not easy for people to say “no” to alcohol, or drugs, or sexual desires, or a host of other things but that’s exactly what Jesus expects from every one of His followers. If we truly say that we want to follow Christ, we have to be honest and be willing to accept what that means. We have to accept that the Bible really means what it says. Same-sex attraction may be your burden in life and you may struggle with it your entire life (just like an alcoholic may struggle with his burden) but God does not want you to keep going in that same direction. Even if the desires remain, God wants you to keep trying to allow Him to lead you. That’s an example of a “daily cross” that Jesus said every one of His followers would have to bear.<br />Paul Doveinisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-56825394693963745102015-08-06T11:15:18.399-04:002015-08-06T11:15:18.399-04:00And one other quick thing, please: if the baker ma...And one other quick thing, please: if the baker making your cake didn't know what it was for, there is no culpability (assuming the baker is someone who might have objected had he known). I just have seen examples of couples making it very clearly known what the event is for, and specifically going to Christian vendors knowing they are putting them in a very difficult position, when there are loads of other vendors they could have easily chosen who'd have gladly provided. I just find it purposeful in an unkind way in those cases, that's all, and the Christian baker shouldn't lose his livelihood because of it.Julie Szydlowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10773686248879273676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-64964985893233859602015-08-06T11:09:59.182-04:002015-08-06T11:09:59.182-04:00Sorry...am having computer problems - my posts kee...Sorry...am having computer problems - my posts keep disappearing and reposting out of order:-) But please allow me to say, nobody can tell someone to deny their theology and there are places in the Bible (e.g. Ezekiel) that warn believers not to help celebrate "sin" in any way, so there are sincere believers who feel they are sinning by say, photographing a same-sex wedding. It truly doesn't mean they "hate" the people getting married. Not in the least, but it is hurtful to be accused of that, and it is even worse that we are at risk of losing our livelihoods because we choose God's teachings over certain requests. It just cannot be the private citizen or the government's place to tell that photographer that he must be hired against his will to do a job. The work I do, I do freely. If I was forced to work where I work, I would not be free. If the LGBT community truly believes in justice, it would be very good to be accepting of the fact that not everyone believes as they do. No, nobody should be denied lunch at the counter because of their sexual identity, or any reason - feeding people is not sinful no matter what one's personal lifestyle is. In fact, it would be sinful to deny someone lunch, or police protection, or whatnot because of who someone is. But to be forced to help make happen an activity celebrating actions that some are taught is sinful, does cross a line and we are asking the LGBT community to respect that. It is not out of "hate" that I could not partake in some activities - it is out of my love for God and humbling myself to Him at the risk of persecution from my fellow brothers and sisters in the world. And in that love for God, I have love for my fellow citizens, but as the Bible teaches we need to put God's law first. I am probably not expressing it very well, but the accusations of hatred and bigotry do need to stop if we are to ever begin to hope to have understanding.Julie Szydlowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10773686248879273676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-63517301931811691972015-08-06T10:53:22.081-04:002015-08-06T10:53:22.081-04:00Mr. Cichewicz, you're right, I don't under...Mr. Cichewicz, you're right, I don't understand what you have endured in life. And until you walk in my shoes, you cannot know what I have had to endure - or continue to endure - in extremely difficult and often profoundly unjust ways. We all have the Cross to bear. The difference is in how we bear it. But I assure you, there is no persecution here, not by me anyway. It is what you choose to perceive where others see it as the honest exchange of thoughts and beliefs. Disagreement is not bullying - however, calling someone names like "bigot" could be seen as such. And beliefs are not opinions, though it is true our society is moving away from God's teachings. That doesn't make God less real, but maybe those who reject Him are growing in number. As someone who believes in God’s word, it is sincerely out of concern for others that I talk about these things, especially when I fear someone may have been deceived, and also when I see anyone’s rights being taken away in the name of someone else’s rights, yes, I feel it should be discussed. We should all discuss it openly and honestly without trying to shut down debate by calling people names. If you knew me, you would know without question that I am truly sad and sorry you have been so hurt in life by anyone who has harmed you directly and I wish you the strength to overcome it where you can and give it to Jesus. Pray for your persecutors, but believe it or not, you could consider me a friend. As I said earlier, I do wish you peace and I hope only good things for you. God bless you and your loved ones.Julie Szydlowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10773686248879273676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-31255538894820885292015-08-06T10:45:30.904-04:002015-08-06T10:45:30.904-04:00I am not bearing the cross an entire community is ...I am not bearing the cross an entire community is carrying it. The community is made up of all kinds of people. Some believers and some not, just like the world. As I said we have been denied more then you know. We are just like you with the exception of our sexual identity. Like you we were given our identity at birth. Some might be able to denie who they are, I can't nor would it be fair for me to try. Your religion may not except homosexuality but my relationship with God tells me something different. <br /><br />Were not at all trying to take your rite to that religion away. But don't try to make your religion ours. I admit turning someone down when it comes to a job dosen't seem like it has anything to do with religion or the celebration of a wedding. Its a job. How would the baker even know if a cake was for a gay wedding unless they asked. Is that really any of their business. They didn't ask when I ordered my cake. MarkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-68659167403355274382015-08-06T08:08:08.874-04:002015-08-06T08:08:08.874-04:00Thank you, but honestly you truly do not understan...Thank you, but honestly you truly do not understand. People like you have been the bullies for over 50 years. The LGBT Community has been persecuted in ways you will never know. And after going through your blog and reading everything you have created, I have come to the conclusion that your intention from the start, along with that of your following has been to continue persecuting the LGBT Community. Yours is not the only religion, your opinion is no longer the opinion of the majority. There are many other concerns that plague our country and you could truly become a catalyst in there demise and avoid being consider a bigot. Mark CichewiczAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-50621280410810080342015-08-05T10:29:39.927-04:002015-08-05T10:29:39.927-04:00I wish you peace, Mark. God bless you.I wish you peace, Mark. God bless you.Julie Szydlowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10773686248879273676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-74455142015563841822015-08-04T14:24:37.872-04:002015-08-04T14:24:37.872-04:00I was not interested in his reply or yours. I onl...I was not interested in his reply or yours. I only wanted you to note my opinion printed in Sundays paper. I know I will never change your opinion. And since you will never understand what its like to be born gay, yes born gay, I can't expect you to understand the relationship I have with Jesus Christ or my husband. MarkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-77216745027306044912015-08-04T10:35:51.314-04:002015-08-04T10:35:51.314-04:00Mark - I welcome all comments on my blog whether s...Mark - I welcome all comments on my blog whether someone agrees with me or not, as long as the dialogue is respectful. Paul is welcome to post here as he pleases - as are you. Thanks and have a great day!Julie Szydlowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10773686248879273676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-25140085630254152072015-08-04T10:31:39.986-04:002015-08-04T10:31:39.986-04:00Thank you very much, Paul. I appreciate your kind ...Thank you very much, Paul. I appreciate your kind words as well and may I say I always enjoy your letters to the editor! I especially liked the one you wrote following the June 26 Supreme Court decision. It's so helpful to know people like you are out there. Thanks for all you do as well! Julie Szydlowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10773686248879273676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-1960330261660321362015-08-02T16:19:57.683-04:002015-08-02T16:19:57.683-04:00Paul,
Who's blog is this anyway. Not yours Pa...Paul, <br />Who's blog is this anyway. Not yours Paul.<br />MarkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-22980354716921929152015-08-02T14:48:24.913-04:002015-08-02T14:48:24.913-04:00Mark,
Then don’t ask me to look at your opinion if...Mark,<br />Then don’t ask me to look at your opinion if you’re not interested in meaningful dialogue. <br />PaulPaul Doveinisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345263705289926344.post-77489311865765060132015-08-02T13:51:57.291-04:002015-08-02T13:51:57.291-04:00Paul,
I don't care to see your comments.
MarkPaul,<br />I don't care to see your comments.<br />MarkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com