[CA Conservative]

I think the question is, which of those things that you listed are clearly identified by the Bible as sin? Aside from homosexuality, which is identified as sin in both the Old and New Testaments, none of the others is identified as a sin. Drunkenness is listed as something to be avoided, but smoking, gambling, music? I think there are many things which churches have decided contributed to temptation (dancing, for example) or caused other problems for the individual or society (smoking, drugs, etc.), but that was a determination by man, not something from the Bible.

But the churches that are moving toward accepting homosexuality as normal, and approving gay marriage, are definitely in conflict with the Bible. THAT is the difference.

[Brookhaven]

think the question is, which of those things that you listed are clearly identified by the Bible as sin? Aside from homosexuality, which is identified as sin in both the Old and New Testaments, none of the others is identified as a sin. Drunkenness is listed as something to be avoided, but smoking, gambling, music? I think there are many things which churches have decided contributed to temptation (dancing, for example) or caused other problems for the individual or society (smoking, drugs, etc.), but that was a determination by man, not something from the Bible.

But the churches that are moving toward accepting homosexuality as normal, and approving gay marriage, are definitely in conflict with the Bible. THAT is the difference.

...in conflict with the Bible.

Aren't both sides of the above coin preaching doctrine that is in conflict with the Bible?

How might this affect a non-believer--who wants to follow the Bible's teachings--only to find what the Bible teaches isn't what he is being taught?

Adding or subtracting from the Bible--even for the best of causes--is never good.