Is it ok to ignore religion in some areas?

omej · Mar 5, 2009

In certain circumstances, religion will conflict with human rights. Specifically, think about gay rights. Homosexuality has been around for a long time and it quite a controversial topic. But now, gay couples are asking for the same rights as other people. While this is mainly a political problem, I wonder what you guys think about it from a religious standpoint:

Even though most major religions expressly forbid homosexuality, is it ok to ignore the relevant sections in the Bible, Quran, e.g. for the sake of human rights?

Glee · Mar 5, 2009

This topic hits home for me. I'm a lesbian. Not one of those "I'm a lesbian so I'll get attention" types either. I was born thinking girls are attractive. But I am also a very spiritual person. And I can not believe God of all people discriminates. I can not believe that He'll forgive the entire city of Ninivah (Book of Jonah) but hate on some gay people.

In another thread I mentioned some of my views on the Bible. Just briefly, I said that I believe the Bible is just like any literature in the ancient world. There are a number of fantastical elements, but has an equal amount of necessary lessons to be learned. BUT it was also written over 1800 years ago. Don't you think from that time to this that concerns and beliefs were completely different? We don't believe in slavery anymore, we don't believe men are superior than women, we generally don't believe that some food is unholy to eat.

Times change. View points change. This one element of homosexuality should be addressed. Why is it wrong for me to love girls, and also love God? It isn't. I'm a good person. And the fact of the matter is that various authors wrote the bible. Anyone who writes something puts their own view point of things. How can an earthly man 1800 years go know the first thing about what the Almighty thinks?

That's just my view....

porsteamboy · Mar 5, 2009

omeythehomie said:
In certain circumstances, religion will conflict with human rights. Specifically, think about gay rights. Homosexuality has been around for a long time and it quite a controversial topic. But now, gay couples are asking for the same rights as other people. While this is mainly a political problem, I wonder what you guys think about it from a religious standpoint:

Even though most major religions expressly forbid homosexuality, is it ok to ignore the relevant sections in the Bible, Quran, e.g. for the sake of human rights?

I think if homosexuality was a sin the big guy in the sky would have put it on his top 10 List. You'll notice that Christians who oppose homosexuality say its against the bible not against Gods word. Since they believe that the Bible is the word of God, why don't they ever say its against God's word. Because they know that Paul made the s*** up and added it to his list of abominations that won't let you enter heaven, along with eating a pork chop.

Peopleofthebox · Mar 15, 2009

Very difficult topic. It's important to remember that any rules or such have some reason behind them, so consider both sides and weight them up, and see what you come up with.

Sometimes it also helps to try and get in touch with god, and go with what your heart says.

Delta · Mar 15, 2009

Glee said:
This topic hits home for me. I'm a lesbian. Not one of those "I'm a lesbian so I'll get attention" types either. I was born thinking girls are attractive. But I am also a very spiritual person. And I can not believe God of all people discriminates. I can not believe that He'll forgive the entire city of Ninivah (Book of Jonah) but hate on some gay people.

In another thread I mentioned some of my views on the Bible. Just briefly, I said that I believe the Bible is just like any literature in the ancient world. There are a number of fantastical elements, but has an equal amount of necessary lessons to be learned. BUT it was also written over 1800 years ago. Don't you think from that time to this that concerns and beliefs were completely different? We don't believe in slavery anymore, we don't believe men are superior than women, we generally don't believe that some food is unholy to eat.

Times change. View points change. This one element of homosexuality should be addressed. Why is it wrong for me to love girls, and also love God? It isn't. I'm a good person. And the fact of the matter is that various authors wrote the bible. Anyone who writes something puts their own view point of things. How can an earthly man 1800 years go know the first thing about what the Almighty thinks?

That's just my view....

This is only proof that the bible is man made and the god described in it is also. I have respect for those that have their own viewpoints of god.

As for the question at hand, I think it is ridiculous to follow any areas of religion. You should live your life by what you believe, not by a book. What is the sense in having a book of rules, if you are just going to pick and choose which ones to follow. All that does is show that none of the rules should be taken seriously.

alexmike · May 23, 2010

It's not about human rights, it's about what is ethical and moral and what is wrong in the eyes of God. If you think it's okay to compromise that, then it's up to you.

irahat · May 23, 2010

It is not ok to ignore religion in any simpler part of our life. And there were some reasons why all religions forbid us from these types of acts..!!

Dirk · May 23, 2010

I generally do tend to ignore religion. A lot of my friends are religious. If they're bothered by certain things, I don't care. It's my life, not theirs. They can have their disapproval, there's no reason they should ruin it for the rest of us.

Interestingly, although I have dated men, which is against my old religion, I still stick with kosher foods - namely because I'm a vegetarian, though.

ProStarMax · Jun 1, 2010

Well I don't ignore religions. I mix with different religions and accept them.

Dirk · Jun 1, 2010

I'm happy to be around religious people, I just refuse to follow their silly rules.

dkdanielkli · Jun 4, 2010

I don't think it's right to do it, because doesn't matter what a human thinks, you can not judge his because of that.
This is my own opinion.

reader · Nov 15, 2012

Can you be a laic and religious person at the same time ? Arguable topics. Or is it you or the social institutions need to be seculer in a community for everyone's pleasure ? I think other's preferences shouldn't be disturbing for a person.

clax · Nov 15, 2012

The expressly forbidden area, isn't expressly forbidden. It is interpretation that forbids anything.

No Christian would say a person who eats shrimp is an abomination, however the Bible does express such an idea.

tecoyah · Nov 16, 2012

omej said:
In certain circumstances, religion will conflict with human rights. Specifically, think about gay rights. Homosexuality has been around for a long time and it quite a controversial topic. But now, gay couples are asking for the same rights as other people. While this is mainly a political problem, I wonder what you guys think about it from a religious standpoint:

Even though most major religions expressly forbid homosexuality, is it ok to ignore the relevant sections in the Bible, Quran, e.g. for the sake of human rights?

Looking from the outside, this seems to be the way religion works. Those within the faith, create a sect based on what parts of the holy books they agree with. Whether it is eating scallops, selling your daughter, wearing polyester, blowing up kids, or not eating cows....they all take the parts they like, and disregard the rest.

In my opinion, it is simply a way to claim your life is blessed by something.

Bill · Nov 29, 2012

clax said:
The expressly forbidden area, isn't expressly forbidden. It is interpretation that forbids anything.

No Christian would say a person who eats shrimp is an abomination, however the Bible does express such an idea.

Great post. Elegant way to express what can easily turn into a complex discussion.

clax · Nov 29, 2012

I am more or less religious, I don't abide by all the dogma of any particular religious sect, but it is absolutely necessary to approach certain things, such as science, health care, government, civil law and penal concerns with secular mindsets, it isway to easy to pervert otherwise benign spiritual teachings to suit personal prejudice. Personal beliefs should remain personal.

luckymadon · Dec 25, 2012

It isn't right to ignore anything written in the Bible, but I think we have a moral obligation to discover for ourselves and understand what the Bible is actually saying, before accepting as the "truth" the blind and ignorant interpretations of men. The emphasis in the bible regarding homosexuality is on LUST, not the love clearly expressed between homosexual couples today. Where there is Love, God resides. Lust is one of the seven deadly sins.

tecoyah · Dec 26, 2012

I am so going to burn....my wife is wicked hot

Mermaid · Dec 26, 2012

the belief in god must be left out of the public arena in order to protect the civil rights of all the citizens and to prevent the religious values of the society from being exploited .

tecoyah · Dec 26, 2012

Mermaid said:
the belief in god must be left out of the public arena in order to protect the civil rights of all the citizens and to prevent the religious values of the society from being exploited .

Agreed, religion is by definition a personal choice...and just as your personal choices in most areas of the way you live your life are not public business, neither is your choice of a "God". In my opinion, those who try to push a form in public...actually accomplish the opposite of "Spreading the Word".

Is it ok to ignore religion in some areas?

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