On Love and Judgment of Homosexuals

Faithful Democrats - On Love and Judgment of Homosexuals


This is the best way to describe how a Christian should approach homosexuality

"I believe the Gospel tells us that we should treat homosexual brothers and sisters the same way we are to treat everyone: with love and without difference. And I believe as well that were Jesus walking the earth today, he would stand against the ostracism, demonizing, and general mistreatment of homosexual brothers and sisters just as he stood against the mistreatment of marginalized people in his own day. I am convinced that if we are to follow Jesus, that is also what we must do."

I also loved this statement "we must judge them by the same Gospel standard by which everyone else is to be judged: "Is this person loving and caring toward others? Does s/he hunger and thirst for the justice of God for all people, on earth as in heaven? And do his or her actions show that?"

Although I would add that were must first judge ourselves by this same standard otherwise we may miss the board in our own eye.

The Nobel Peace Prize 2006

The Nobel Peace Prize 2006

A direct quote,"What good were all my complex theories when people were dying of starvation on the sidewalks and porches across from my lecture hall?"

This is wonderful. A man who saw a need and moved forward to assist the oppressed. I feel honored to be a fellow human being with this man.

God's Politics - Jim Wallis blog, faith blog, religion, christian, christianity, politics, values

God's Politics - Jim Wallis blog, faith blog, religion, christian, christianity, politics, values

It is amazing the way Brian thinks. I couldn't have said it any better, as a matter of fact I think I said it much worse.

Saving Love what a beautiful way to remember Steve Irwin.

As a tribute to his everlasting impression, I vow to live with saving love.

Terri Irwin is a Hero!

'I want Daddy home' | The Courier-Mail

She bravely spoke with Barbara Walters on many subjects, but the most impressive for her continued statements that her faith brought her through this.

Remember this quote whenever trouble comes your way; "I feel I was so blessed. I had the best 14 years, two beautiful children, and just a romance like I didn't think existed any more."

Police Say T.O. Tried to Kill Himself - Forbes.com

Police Say T.O. Tried to Kill Himself - Forbes.com

As a Philadelphia fan, I am saddened by this news. I know that T.O. was a wonderful athlete who caused a lot of problems here, but he is a human being. Obviously, something is troubling him and his trip to Philadelphia on October 8th can now be considered life-threatening.

I hope the fans will look past T.O. the athlete and recognize he is only human and needs our prayers and support at this time.

This could be Philadelphia's finest hour as fans if we can remember this.

We will no longer be known as the fans who booed Santa Claus and cheered Michael Irvin's injury, but we could be know as truly gracious fans.

Erase the past and embrace the man. Please do not boo T.O.

Steve Irwin

It has been an extremely emotional couple of weeks for my family. It may sound weird, but Steve Irwin has a huge early influence on my son. His passing has effected my family, as we remember who he was and what he was about.

I think it was best summed up after the memorial service my son said, " Dad, I always sort of agreed with people when they said Steve was a little bit crazy, but now I see it has he was just being real". A great lesson for us all to learn. Be Real, Be Yourself, Be passionate!

This is the poem read at the Memorial service. To me it says it all:


THE CROCODILES ARE CRYING

Endless visions fill my head – this man – as large as life

And instantly my heart mourns for his angels and his wife

Because the way I see Steve Irwin – just put everything aside

It comes back to his family – it comes back to his pride

His animals inclusive – Crikey – light the place with love!

Shine his star with everything he fought to rise above

The crazy-man of Khaki from the day he left the pouch

Living out his dream and in that classic ‘Stevo’ crouch

Exploding forth with character and redefining cheek

It’s one thing to be honoured as a champion unique

It’s one thing to have microphones and spotlight cameras shoved

It’s another to be taken in and genuinely loved

But that was where he had it right – I guess he always knew

From his fathers’ modest reptile park and then Australia Zoo

We cringed at times and shook our heads – but true to natures call

There was something very Irwin in the make up of us all

Yes the more I care to think of it – the more he had it right

If you’re going to make a difference – make it big and make it bright!

Yes - he was a lunatic! Yes - he went head first!

But he made the world feel happy with his energetic burst

A world so large and loyal that it’s hard to comprehend

I doubt we truly count the warmth until life meets an end

To count it now I say a prayer with words of inspiration

May the spotlight shine forever on his dream for conservation

…My daughter broke the news to me – my six year old in tears

It was like she’d just turned old enough to show her honest fears

I tried to make some sense of it but whilst her Dad was trying

His little girl explained it best…she said “The crocodiles are crying”

Their best mate’s up in heaven now – the crocs up there are smiling!

And as sure as flowers, poems and cards and memories are piling

As sure as we’ll continue with the trademarks of his spiel

Of all the tributes worthy – he was rough…but he was real

As sure as ‘Crikey!’ fills the sky

I think we’ll miss ya Steve…goodbye

RUPERT McCALL 2006

Anyone wishing to see a picture tribute, please click link

McCain May Alienate Some Conservatives - Forbes.com

McCain May Alienate Some Conservatives - Forbes.com


John McCain is truly a remarkable man. As this article points out. He does what is right regardless of any political consequences.

It's a shame that the rest of his party doesn't see the wisdom he is putting forth on this subject. Considering that most of them did not spend five years as a prisoner of war

First Coast News - U.S. and World News - Tennessee Developer Creates Christian-Themed Subdivisions

First Coast News - U.S. and World News - Tennessee Developer Creates Christian-Themed Subdivisions

Interesting. Not sure how others might feel about living in a development like this, but sounds intriguing.

Evangelical Author Puts Progressive Spin On Traditional Faith

Evangelical Author Puts Progressive Spin On Traditional Faith

Brian McLaren is mentioned as visionary leading a group of people to better understanding of what it means to follow Jesus.

I think the reference to Matthew Dyer could have included a statement about how he is similarly inclined, and possibly able to lead the Cedar Ridge Community to a greater understanding on a weekly basis of how this new found understanding plays out.

As for Brian, I continue to agree and follow him. During the same time period in July, he also gave a wonderfully similar sermon to 10,000 people at Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan.

Clinton Makes Up for Lost Time in Battling AIDS - New York Times

Clinton Makes Up for Lost Time in Battling AIDS - New York Times

For the cynical in nature, this will be about Clinton and guilt. For those of us who believe in redemption and the power of making a difference in this world this will be enlightening.

Perhaps President Clinton heard Rob Bell speak about the call of the oppressed and decided to make a difference. If anyone can make a difference, I believe President Clinton can.

As a fellow believer, I take the redemptive -side over the cynical.

This is what Jesus was talking about

SI.com - Writers - Life's little lessons (cont.) - Tuesday August 15, 2006 12:55PM

As I read this I couldn't help but think of Jesus telling the adults to be like children. That you couldn't enter the Kingdom of Heaven unless you were a child.

As a side note, I suggest that each volunteer coach read this before each and every season. This will put things in perspective when the ref makes a bad call and you lose a game because of it.

Every Father Should Read This

SI.com - Writers - Rick Reilly: Making Up for Lost Time - Tuesday August 15, 2006 9:32AM

You have to read this!!. Post it somewhere. Remind yourself of the joy it is to be a father each and every day!!!

And pray hard for the Lemke Family.

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Tight Security, New Rules at US Airports

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Tight Security, New Rules at US Airports


Unfortunately, this is the world we live in. If the airlines could put their resources to work to ensure bags arrive with the passengers perhaps more people will check their bags and alleviate this issue.

This minor inconvenience may save your life!!

Think Christian » Blog Archive » The Secret Message of Jesus?

Think Christian The Secret Message of Jesus?


I believe that Brian McLaren is a wonderful writer and a great discover of a better understanding of the message of Jesus.

If you have some time listen to some of his recent sermons on the subject of the secret message of Jesus.
Renew, Rebuild, and Restore Brian McLaren
The Secret Message of Jesus7/2/2006
The Secret Message of Jesus 7/30/06

He not only discusses in great detail the story of Jesus and his message, but he also insists that you must also accept the Good News of your eternal salvation.

He suggests that you should not spend your time on earth waiting to go to heaven, but instead live for the Kingdom of God on earth while you are here. Not a bad way to look at or approach each day.

I have read the book once and I am halfway through it for the second time. I highly recommend it!!

STAR POWER | A HIGHER CALLING: His message packs the house

STAR POWER | A HIGHER CALLING: His message packs the house

A wonderful article on Rob Bell and his message of

"What got Jesus angry was poverty, institutional racism and religious people who were indifferent to suffering people," Bell said. "And what got Jesus very angry were religious people going around proclaiming who was in and who was out of God's kingdom."

Rob Bell Everthing is Spiritual

I found this article regarding one of my favorite preachers very interesting. If you get a chance to see this show I advise you to go or better yet download one of his sermons. You will not be disappointed!!

To Tom Fell and John Duval, I ask that you download two of his sermons from Mars Hill and tell me then if you still believe "He didn't tell us how to go out and be disciples," His sermons are all about being disciples, you just need to hear the call of the oppressed.

Interesting Thoughts from Barack Obama

I read this article on speech by Barack Obama at Sojourners event. Several parts really touch my heart.

In light of the Kingdom of God feelings I have been having the following quote jumped out at me.

Working with African-American churches, he said, "I was able to see faith as more than just a comfort to the weary or a hedge against death, but rather as an active, palpable agent in the world."

My own questioning of some of the doctrine can be summed up by this quote:

One of the enduring mysteries of faith is that it's not easy to determine divine will. Most of us who consider ourselves religious are engaged in a constant struggle to discern God's will for us, and we're always aware of just how far we fall short of meeting that standard. Obama received one of his loudest ovations when he admitted: "The questions I had didn't magically disappear."

Gay marriage dealt setback in 2 states

It's amazing to me that politicians and others do not see the absurdity of their continued fight against gay marriage

The two recent state decisions are just another case in point.

I ask Gov. George Pataki or anyone else to answer the question posed below: From a human standpoint, and a moral standpoint. What is the difference?

"It's a sad day for New York families," said plaintiff Kathy Burke of Schenectady, who is raising an 11-year-old son with her partner, Tonja Alvis. "My family deserves the same protections as my next door neighbors."

In a country where 50% of marriages end in divorce, no one prohibits men and women from marrying and divorce for the good of families.

I hope to someday be able to say what Plaintiff Regina Cicchetti said she was "devastated" by the ruling. But the Port Jervis resident said she and her partner of 36 years, Susan Zimmer, would fight on, probably by lobbying the Legislature for a change in the law.

How many who are against the marriage of gay couples can say they have been together 36 years!!!!

Emerging Christians-Definition

I found an excellent article on emerging and what it means to be an emerging church. The definition suits me fine, and I will carry it with me for a long time

“generative friendship” as a two-word definition for the emergent movement—a place “where we can come together and talk about what it means to be Christ-followers in a postmodern, post-Holocaust, post-colonial, post-Christendom world.”

Emergent Christians place a “huge emphasis on the kingdom of God,” Myers said, and on becoming “missional.” To be missional “is to be passionate on purpose,” he said, worrying less about whether people come to church and more about how “we participate in God’s mission in the world."

The devil wants to run your church

This article reminded me of a sermon I recently listened to from the Vineyard in Cincinnati.

You may want to download it and take a listen if you want to feel the full understanding of the effect of a "Toxic Church"