In a message dated 01/14/2001 3:56:20 AM Eastern Standard Time, Siresorrow
writes:
<< my ONLY issue with this whole thread can be expressed in the following
sentence:
it is as wrong to judge a man for his spirituality as it is to judge him for
his sexuality.
>>
I would agree with this. However, if a person's leadership will be
influenced by EITHER his spirituality or his sexuality, then it is fair to
judge him by this--and by judge him I am not talking about a moral judgment,
but rather a judgment as to whether or not one would want this man or woman
as a leader.
<<clark cited bush's faith in jesus as a reason why he distrusts him
suggesting he is given to magic and myth. i reject that.
Clark is entitled to reject Bush as a leader because he feels that Bush's
religious beliefs might/will conflict with his own beliefs. Is Bush given to
magic and myth? Some would say so. Others would say not. I don't know what
the "truth" is here. I feel that this is a matter of personal belief. And
you have every right to reject Clark's assertion.
<<the reason why i suggest the book to you has to do with this man's
philosophy. he posits that prejudice against homosexuals began in the
synagogs and churches of the judeo christian tradition. at the same time, he
recognizes his own spirituality which is as intrinsic to his personality as
is his sexuality. finally, he cites the basic premise of chiristianity which
is that love transcends law and in that simple message will evolve the
resolution of all prejudice.
Saying that his spirituality is as intrinsic to his personality as is his
sexuality can be interpreted in two ways. One way is to say that they are
basic to what informs who he is. I have no problem accepting this. If he
means that his religious beliefs are inborn as was his sexuality, then I have
to disagree. If spirituality is inborn, then so would be non-belief. And
Christianity is well know for converting. Where religion and personal
philosophy is concerned, I do believe that we have choice. This is
demonstrated by what we choose to explore, what we chose to read, how willing
we are to be open to new ideas, etc.
<<but i do know i'm a spiritual man and my spirituality is as real and
piercing and meaningful as my sexuality
Absolutely.
<<it is not a belief. my spirituality is an experience. it is who i am.
and i have been told twice now on this thread that i am wrong about that.
I apologize if it sounded that I am saying that you are wrong. I don't
necessarily agree with everything that you are saying. I think that
spirituality is a belief. I don't think that makes it any less important in
defining who you are. I make the distinction because beliefs can be changed
(sometimes thru experiences, sometimes thru education, sometimes thru the
desire to change) but sexuality cannot be changed (sexual behavior can be
changed, but not sexuality). If I have offended you in any way, I deeply
apologize. We may have to agree to disagree on certain points.
I have enjoyed our dialogue. I hope that you have as well.
All the best,
Stephen
