From: smithw@col.hp.com (Walter Smith)
Newsgroups: alt.rush-limbaugh,alt.fan.rush-limbaugh,alt.politics.clinton,alt.politics.bush,alt.politics.homosexuality
Subject: Re: Sexuality
Date: 30 Dec 1992 23:44:10 GMT
Organization: Colorado Springs IT Center
NNTP-Posting-Host: fajita19.cs.itc.hp.com

elf@halcyon.com (Elf Sternberg) writes:
> 
>    Why not?  I, a reasonably confirmed polyamorous person, find the
> monogamous standpoint completely understandable and reasonable. 

I get the feeling my asking him why implied that I disagreed; I *agree* 
that monogamy is the preferred way to go, although I sure wouldn't 
want to see legislation on it.  And any states that do have laws 
on that (there are some, right?) should update their books...anyways, 
I was just trying to get a feel for his views/whys, not questioning 
if they were 'valid'.  Sorry if it came across that way. 

>    But we're not.  You're missing part of the point, Walter, and that's
> that gays and lesbians are very internationally oriented... read
> soc.motss some day and you'll see how much we talk about laws in other
> countries as well.  And whether or not Christianity conflicts with
> other religions is very much at the heart of the matter; if it were as
> monolithic as Christians like to pretend, we could examine it on merit.
> But it isn't... it's just another beleif system, older than some, a
> *lot* younger than others, with as many merits and flaws as the others.

Hmm...I was only handling it on a US standpoint...my apologies; it was 
my narrower view that made me feel the comment was an exaggeration. 

> >Unfortunately, from what I've read in USENET, this is not the case for
> >gay folks in general.  I've seen articles saying that if a friend can
> >only 'tolerate' your homosexuality, and not accept it as ok, then you
> >shouldn't be their friend.  I really think this is too bad.
> 
>    "You're a really swell pal, Elf.  Too bad you're going to Hell."
> I've had a few Christian friends who, when pressed real hard, would
> admit that, honestly, they did indeed feel that way.  

Not all Christians feel that way; a lot think *everyone* does things 
that are not 'ok'; and none are better/worse than others.  I don't think 
homosexuals are automatically going to hell.  What I do note is that 
Christians who *do* think that way can still be friends with someone 
who is gay, even if they disagree; while it seems most gays, at least 
those represented here (I have know way of knowing how representative
the populace here is..) can't bring themselves to reciprocate.  
The level of intolerance seems greater from those who can't amiably 
agree to disagree, and not let it interfere with the rest of the 
friendship.  

>    These people are still my friends, but I occassionaly feel like I
> should look over my shoulder and make sure that I'm not being
> inculcated with a belief system and mind set I surely don't want.

That makes sense.  I'm glad to see that you can be friends with them 
still.  And I dont blame you in the least for looking over your
shoulder once in a while...:-)  

Walter

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