I don't mean to say that the Crusades justify the violence that the Arab world is currently inflicting on us. I go on to say that their refusal to get over it for a thousand years, because it is one of their old "truths", is the problem. If you want more recent issues that Christian thought has been on the wrong side of, we can go into that. But it would serve nothing. I, too, regret the extremes that gay people have gone to, in order to shock people who do not accept them. But I believe they wouldn't do so much of it, if it didn't get a rise out of so many people they despise. They bait Christians, and so many rise to that bait. It would be nice if you all would stop.
If you've seen other posts of mine, I am squarely on the side of Israel. I would much rather trust a democratic Jewish state in the Middle East than any of the Arab monarchies. I see excesses as having been committed by Israel, but they seem to be water under the bridge, they might as well clean themselves out a defensible position of land. Once European settlers started taking land from the Native Americans, it was probably destined that they would win the Indian wars, and take over the entire middle of the North American continent. The time to have done the highest and best thing had already long passed, and that time probably passed for Israel several decades ago. Now, they have to keep on going, and I support their right to do so.
The topic of this thread is not anything as serious as the violence of the Crusades, or of the present Mideast situation. It's only about people praying together, and other people's reaction to that prayer. We have plenty of other enemies, American Christians should not be fighting with other Christians!
It appeared you meant that if arguments occur between, say Christians and non-Christians, then we should get sent to our room. Now I see.(I used abortion because of it's high profile. I did not intend to rhetorically place you on one side of that, so sorry if it seemed so.)
We may disagree about whether the governing body's action is correct or fair. I believe there is much we would agree about given the space and time. The added references to Crusades, Jews, etc. probably distract from the central point of the thread.
Allow me, however, to comment on "converting" people. My understanding is that such an important inner change cannot be forced upon anyone. Most Christians I know attempt to share their beliefs in the hope that those who don't know or understand our faith may investigate and choose a new life.
I think that often those opposed to Christianity, or to religion in general sometimes seize on good-faith efforts as if those like your friend Michael have no brain or ability to withstand the powerful brainwashing coming from the religious right. Don't get me wrong. I am sure that organized "campaigns" launched within a church or denomination are well-intended and not insideous in nature, but perhaps Christians are naive enough en masse to miss the fact that the "campaign" component detracts from the message within. Either it's missed, overlooked, or poorly thought through...but if it's overlooked...then it's lazy mission work.
In short, it's simply not possible for such large organizations to keep arguments quiet, especially when they are org.-wide and when reporters are looking for red meat.
You are also correct that this thread is not about such volatile issues as abortion and crusades, but often the resulting arguments take us off on those kind of bunny trails. It seems to me that if you trade "lutheran" with any other employer-employee situation, you've got a body who is sanctioning an employee for violation of that institutions policy. I don't see Christians fighting Christians here, at least on the issue itself. Perhaps so because of - or after - the media got a hold of it. ps- adoption is a wonderful thing.