From: rj24@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu (Robert  Johnston)
Subject: Re: Sexuality
Reply-To: rj24@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu (Robert  Johnston)
Organization: Columbia University
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1992 05:45:51 GMT

In article <1htc8aINN8i7@hp-col.col.hp.com> smithw@col.hp.com (Walter Smith) writes:
>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. 
>
Walter, walter, walter. Must everything be spelled out for you? The
problem is that youimplied that you believe that religion is the 
reason for monogamy, and ignored the fact that there are obvious
social and emotional reasons for one to enjoy a monogamous relationship.
By blinding yourself to these reasons, you show yourself for the fool you 
are.
[deleted stuff]
>> >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.  
>
Should a black man retain the friendship of a KKK member? Should a Jew
befriend a Nazi? Should Salman Rushdie crave the Ayatollah's 
friendship?

When someone says that people of my type are not worthy of life, I do not
make that person my friend. This is exactly the attitude of many christians
towards homosexuals.

>>    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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