COFFEE & BISCUITS

While my religious beliefs lean toward Christianity, one reason why I cannot be and can never be wholeheartedly committed to Christianity is their attitude toward homosexuality.  A Christian friend believes that homosexuality can be controlled, as a person can control crying.  This claim is representative of the devout Christians, i.e. Sarah Palin. 

Of course I completely reject this claim, for its selfish righteousness.  The single reason why I cannot accept this attitude toward homosexuals is that it denies them the basic freedom of human beings to pursue their happiness.  And love and our relationship with others are what define our lives; they are what we’ll evaluate ourselves upon at the end of our life, even as our memories fade and our bodies wither–we’ll remember love.

As for the religious beliefs that condonment and even the simple acknowledgement of homosexuality (if they belief it can be “controlled”, it means they deny the inheritabiliyt of this trait) is immoral, lately I recall that the only societies which claim to have NO gay people are the totalitarian societies.

In a recent interview with larry King, Iranian president was asked whether there are homosexuality in Iran.  The president staunchly denied its existence.   (Well, because those gay people are persecuted if they are identified to be gay!)  In Nazi Germany, gay people are executed.

As whether homosexuality is inherent, it exists as early as in ancient China (where references to homosexuality tendency are rampant in ancient literature).

Lastly, here is Maple’s well written letter on homosexuality:

I understand that everyone’s values can be different.  In fact, I embrace differences.  What a boring and stagnant state of a world would we live in if everyone thinks the same and values the same!  (Oh my, it’s 1984 all over again).

But what I value is choice– Choice under the condition that you do not violate another’s life, liberty, and the pursue of happiness.  I value free thinking.  I don’t believe in following one guideline.  Every aspects of things has its own value (very Greek philosophical-ish).  I like Christianity’s value in unconditional love. I think that’s an important value.  I think if there is God (and I don’t know.  I hope there is.), he’ll cherish the love celebrated by all genders, and will not consider homosexuality an immoral act, at all!

Having “control” over your love and your sincere true feeling is a HORRIBLE THOUGHT!  When I am sad, I will cry.  I won’t stop crying because another person tells me crying is wrong!  That is very Nazis!  The world should have learned its lesson on suppression.  Europe did (which is why they are quite ahead of the game when it comes to acceptance of homosexuality.)  America is not becoming less moral by day. American are being more open-minded and civilized, if anything.  I have great friends who are gays and les, and I love them dearly to my heart.  I love them as who they are.  I have no intention of changing them (why would anyone even consider that?).

My bottom line is this:  I think faith is beautiful, and I respect it tremendously (which is why I consider myself spiritual).  But if the cost of religion is to divide the world, to hinder the advancement of civilizations, to provoke wars, to suppress women’s rights, and to class others as minorities, all of which can be studied through history, I will cast a doubt.  Is the cost worthwhile?