Aineo wrote:Origen wrote:Having "affections" for a woman on an intimate level would be, for me, unnatural.
However, what is "natural" in God's creation? Stealing is not "natural" for some but for others stealing is the "natural" and most convenient way for some to obtain the "desires of their heart".
Theft and my being gay are not equivilent. That being said, I have faith that God created me as I am. As I stated earlier:
I believe my perfectly good and just God created me as I am - with a great capacity to love Him, and others, a desire to do His will and to be useful here on Earth, and who had the great privilege of falling in love with the kindest, most thoughtful, sweet man I have ever met, who, no matter how things work out on Earth, I know I will spend eternity with, in the all-encompassing presence of God, closer there than we ever could have been in this small, mortal life
Aineo wrote:Origen wrote:But if it isnt clear to you, then this should be: you are not the Holy Spirit, and are therefor in no position to dictate what the nature of my relationship with God is or is not.
But on the other hand we can discern your relationship or lack of relationship with God based on your words and actions.
No, you cant. Only God can assess that. If we disagree here, we disagree. You simply have too high an opinion of yourself.
Aineo wrote:If you accept the Bible as being inspired by the Holy Spirit then how can you or any professed Christian practice a behavior He has revealed as worthy of eternal punishment? How do you know the Holy Spirit is the one guiding you?
I've already spoken to the point on natural affections. I had a few things to say over in the
"Reprobate Mind" thread, too.