Via Suzanne at Big Blue Wave, an “equality” bill before the UK’s Parliament will remove the right of churches to restrict hiring only to those who actually practice their faith.
As the video mentions, this means a church could be forced to hire a practicing homosexual. As I mentioned the other day, I’m not interested in what people do in the privacy of their bedrooms, but I’m very interested in retaining my right to practice my faith as I see fit.
Here in the US, although we are not to this point yet, Chai Feldblum’s appointment as head of the EEOC would bring the matter into sharp relief. She is very open about the fact that this is, as she puts it, a “zero sum game.” If regular employment laws are extended to churches, then churches will be forced to either violate their convictions with regard to homosexuality or close. It would be a huge blow to religious freedom.
Some people – like our local talk show host Garland Robinette – apparently think Christians just don’t like gays. Not so, at least on the part of this Christian. But I do like the bible, and it is exceedingly clear on many matters, including sexual practices. This amounts to a government effort to censor Christian doctrine, and it needs to be stopped.
But...
But I do like the bible, and it is exceedingly clear on many matters, including sexual practices.
I have to say that some of the linguistic contortions that are gone through by activists on this question are breathtaking to behold. (For ‘fun’, do a search on arsenkoites and malakos and ‘enjoy’ the ensuing fireworks.)
Not particularly relevant, ECM, as the Bible condemns homosexuality elsewhere numerous times. As far as “liking” homosexuals goes, I don’t particularly like them and don’t see why anyone *should* like them anymore than we should like other other people who practice grievous sins. That said, when I get to know people personally I frequently tend to like them just fine even if they do bad things (including homosexuality), so I’m not sure “liking” is the correct question anyway.
While we’re on the subject of “equality” and “homosexuality”, I wish we employ the argument that Drew makes.
It is easy to see that most of society has a hard time understanding the difference between a Christian view of an sin vs the person who does the sin. We are to love everybody but not necessarily like what they do.
Drew:
Actually, it is very relevant because it is bandied about constantly by activists to buttress their position–just because you dismiss it out of hand, doesn’t mean most do. (And I assure you: most don’t.)