OK, anton, I think I see the distinction you are trying to make between conventional rights and inalienable rights, BUT we may need to take this a step further. If you are saying that homosexuality is a “choice” (which I’m not sure about in the first place), I can also CHOOSE to be a member of the Green party, or I can choose my religion (a very important concept to the Framers in the U.S., no?), but in doing so, I don’t sacrifice my inalienable rights as a human being.
Also, Dave, I agree that we should lobby for things we believe in, but we also have to remember that we live in a democracy, not a theocracy. The public sphere has to be a place where common grace is exhibited to all, not a place of condemnation for those that don’t know or understand God’s law.
And, if I can be so bold as to suggest a “centering question” for our discussion, I would go back to laurencer’s first post—are Christians in political campaigns against homosexual rights helpful or harmful in showing Christ’s love for the world?
Right now I would say (tentatively), more harmful.
amy
Aug 23 2003
08:51 am
OK, anton, I think I see the distinction you are trying to make between conventional rights and inalienable rights, BUT we may need to take this a step further. If you are saying that homosexuality is a “choice” (which I’m not sure about in the first place), I can also CHOOSE to be a member of the Green party, or I can choose my religion (a very important concept to the Framers in the U.S., no?), but in doing so, I don’t sacrifice my inalienable rights as a human being.
Also, Dave, I agree that we should lobby for things we believe in, but we also have to remember that we live in a democracy, not a theocracy. The public sphere has to be a place where common grace is exhibited to all, not a place of condemnation for those that don’t know or understand God’s law.
And, if I can be so bold as to suggest a “centering question” for our discussion, I would go back to laurencer’s first post—are Christians in political campaigns against homosexual rights helpful or harmful in showing Christ’s love for the world?
Right now I would say (tentatively), more harmful.