From: doug@eng.umd.edu (Douglas N. Cohen)
Subject: Re: The Christian MA
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 92 15:13:34 GMT
Organization: University of Maryland, College Park, College of Engineering
Summary: 	-=-=-< an opinion >-=-=-
Followup-To: 	i did it, so you can send it to me, if you want to
Keywords: 	-=-=-< take it easy >-=-=-

In article <1992Aug13.123548.14182@srg.srg.af.mil> dpipes@spica.srg (Dave Pipes x4552) writes:

>Stephen,
>     It is currently believed that homosexuality is genetic in origin.  Ask
>yourself why God made them this way.

	there are a certain set of assumptions here....*smiles*

>
>     The bible tells us to love our neighbor.  It also tells us to hate those
>who are different.  Which is right?

	i would have to ask you to be far more specific as to which bible
you are making reference.  "THE" bible, (the original chumash - or five
books of moses - the core of what *most* people refer to as the bible) was
never menat to be more than a unifying factor for a people who had been in
slavery for (~) 40 generations or so.  it was meant to be a synopsis of 
history, geneology, laws, rules, and basic science, *NOT* the *word of god*.
	*ANY* scripture or "bible" or work, regardless of who wrote it, but
*most* especially if it is a *work of god*, that tells *anyone* to *HATE*
*ANYONE* automatically looses any credibility with me, and any rational or
fanatical person who believes in the goodnees of nature.

>
>     You can overcome your cultural biases against those of other races,
>political beliefs, even abberant behaviors - but not this?
>
>     Why do you value the parts of the book which talk about hatred more than
>those which talk about compassion?


	stephen has contributed much to this group.  he has a fine set of
moral and family values (overall), some of which i agree with, and some 
(such as the strange post) i do not.  it doesn't change the fact that
those who are rude and abusive in their criticisms are just about as 
intolerant as stephen seems to have been in his post.
	it is fine to dissagree with him, and even mention that his post
on this particular subject may not belong in this group.  however, negative
and berrating criticism, with no constructive value (sorry todd, but this
means people like you) really are not called for on this group.  we (those
of us who have been around for a while and feel like this is a worthwhile
group and care for it and it's direction) take pride in the fact that even
justified "flames" have a constructive and instructive basis and manner.
	please, let's try to remember this when disagreeing with someone's
post, or position, or belief.  there are plenty of ways to make a point,
effectively and accurately without dropping our standards.

>
>     Most MA's will teach us to overcome our fears.  I suggest that this is
>a good place to start.
>
>		David Pipes

	another opinion, worth what you paid for it!
	and, as always, i am/at:

	     doug:  <doug@eng.umd.edu> : <doug@lpf.umd.edu>

	-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-< a ghost in the machine >-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

	"presidential elections are planned distractions
	 to divert attention from the actions behind the scenes....
	 like a game of chess when the house is a mess, or
	 a petty money squabble when your marriage is in trouble,
	 or a football game when there's rioting in the street!

	 it's just another movie.....  another song and dance.....
	 another poor sucker who never had a chance!
	 it's just another captain goin' down with his ship.....
	 it's just another jerk, taking pride in his work!

				       greetings from timbuck three!