In response to the recent posting on the Lynnwood anti-gay hoopla by my pastor:
Whoah there folks...
I agree in large part with the viewpoint(s) expressed here. I agree that there certainly are hate groups out there that claim to be Christian. On the other hand, I have major problems with the direction of the discussion in the post and comments. In breaking with over-emphasis on traditional stigmas, we must be very careful not to flip-flop to an opposing band-wagon. In distancing ourselves from "right-wing Christian" viewpoints that we object to, we must remember not to unquestioningly accept criticism of them.
Are you listening to what the most vocal anti-anti-gay activists saying? I'm not sure I can actually agree with them.
First, they seem to want us to give the "hate" label to anyone believing that certain homosexual behaviors are sinful. That is a very dangerous path to travel, and I fear that "progressive" Christians are traveling it. Should the public belief that a particular behavior is sinful be labeled as hateful? I don't think so, but I'm guessing that they do.
Secondly, have you thought through the implications of the "hate" label? If declaring certain behaviors as sinful gets the official "hate" label, will that speech still be protected under the constitution? Some "Right-wing" Christians fear that the gay rights movement will push to suppress this "intolerant" speech, and use that alarmist fear to support their own "defense against gay rights." While this fear is probably over-blown, there is a real danger there.
Finally, have you checked whether you hate speakers of anti-gay "hate"? I've certainly caught myself doing so...
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