homosexuals going hell ? religion is a joke

My opponent is living in an unfortunate situation. Arguably, the subject matter his arguments so far speak more about civil rights than theology or religion. The problem he is addressing has more to do an unhealthy mix of religious government and extremism. Indeed, for him, the "joke" is one of hypocrisy, intolerant, and murder. WHICH RELIGION TO FOLLOW? In terms of what religion to follow, I can only encourage him to always search for the truth of every matter. Which ever religion or system of faith he finds that support truth and the consistent search for it would be an excellent place to start. However, he must be open to the fact that truth may not always be comfortable, nor will it always accomodate one's preferences. For me, authentic Christianity has served me well for 20 years. ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS FOR BEING GAY I don't think that one can ask for forgiveness for a state that one finds himself in. Sometimes, in humans, doorways are opened that are virtually impossible to close. We can only ask for grace to be extended to us and try go grow closer to Him and His truth. This will also mean taking to to soul search and ultimately make a choice as to the life that one will live. Get away from people who will push you down, and surround yourself with people who will love you through whatever situation you find yourself in. That may not be easy. In cases where it is impossible, you will need to prepare for a life of tribulation and suffering for your convictions. So, I think that if you are gay, yet believe Islam to be true, you must wrestle with your faith to find your god's way to righteousness. Otherwise, you are faced with a difficult dilemma. REWARDED WITH VIRGINS Well, I certainly don't subscribe to the fact that men will receive virgins in heaven. But, your religion also states: "And there shall wait on them [the Muslim men] young boys of their own, as fair as virgin pearls." (Quran 52:24) "They shall be attended by boys graced with eternal youth, who will seem like scattered pearls to the beholders." (Quran 76:19) So, it won't be all that bad for yuo, I guess. :) BAD GENES I actually do not believe, as many do, that homosexuality is a genetic issue. I believe that it is a psychological one. Not that it is a type of psychosis, but that it is the result of opening one's awareness to something that becomes an obsession. Like people who can't be faithful to their spouses because of their heterosexual impulses, I feel that something opened you up to this and created a fascination with you that you cannot shake. It's almost like an addiction. That's my own belief, but I admittedly do not have many facts to back that up. So, I would say that you have a huge dilemma - you are following a religion that condemns your sexual persuasion, and is being interpretted by people who are willing to murder for their interpretation. I feel horrible for you, and find myself wanting to do something to help, but unable to. NOW, ON TO OUR DEBATE The context of this conversation is not one of a debate. Therefore, because my opponent has been unable to proove that homosexuals will go to heaven according to his religion, and has not been able to prove that religion is a joke, the debate need not go any further. That being said, I extend my sympathies to my opponent and wish him well on his journey to truth. Stay safe.