[RepublitarianRoger2]

Fine, again, we disagree.

To me, the most significant portion of the Jesus quote, which you two left out, is “Neither do I condemn you.” For you, it appears to be the other half.

Such disagreements in interpretation and in emphasis are the reason that there are so many different factions of the Christian faith, even factions within factions, such as differences in belief between Missouri Synod Lutherans and other Lutherans, for example. This is only natural.

As for myself, you could say that I have a different view of what ALL religion is and of what the Christ story was than probably most members here. I recognize that. I am largely a fiscal conservative, somewhat a social conservative, but not a religious conservative.

With regard to this news story, I would not condemn this person, but rather start by talking to him about what led him to this new decision.

[rom]

Well, here I’ll be consistent. I do not condemn the man (that’s for God to do) — and I’d invite a homosexual to church so that he could learn the Word of God and find out why he needs to repent — but you clearly cannot ignore “sin no more” no matter how loudly you scream and put your fingers in your ears.

[TalonDJ]

To me, the most significant portion of the Jesus quote, which you two left out, is “Neither do I condemn you.”

Except that he said both. And we don't get to pick the half we like. Either half.

[Bainbridge]

So, if you are not actually committed to what" the Christ
story" is about to those who follow him, you probably
ought not use Him to bolster your arguments. Otherwise,
you should expect “disagreement”.

[JSDude1]

you either accept ALL of scripture or you reject it..there is a warning somewhere in The Revelation about this!!(I Think toward the end!).

[wagglebee]

To me, the most significant portion of the Jesus quote, which you two left out, is “Neither do I condemn you.” For you, it appears to be the other half.

This is predicated on following His command to, "go and sin no more."

[L,TOWM]

You are dead wrong. The significant part of the teaching is THE ENTIRE THING! One part or another of what Jesus is recorded as saying is mot more or less important than any other part. That is cafeteria christianity and God does not work that way. You do not get freedom of “then neither do I condemn you” WITHOUT the “then rise child, go, and sin no more”...

Grace is not a license to do whatever without condemnation. We are called to a higher striving than a basic fire insurance policy. “Therefore be perfect, as your Father in heaven is also perfect.”

Now, I agree with your last paragraph — the LAST thing I would do in this case is bash the guy on the head with a Bible while screaming passages from Leviticus at him. But I would want to have a conversation with the man about the condition of his faith, gently and respectfully, out of love and concern for where the road he is on will take his soul in too short a time...