A crown of thorns rewards free speech
Published: April 23, 2009
While I did not see any part of the recent Miss USA Pageant, I certainly heard the “so-called storm” that was a result of Carrie Prejean’s answer to a question concerning gay marriage.
I say “so-called” because it is absolutely stupid that this has been made into an issue at all. I have read headlines such as “Miss USA contestant fumbles answer” and heard statements that it was ridiculous and offensive that she was allowed to be runner-up. In point of fact, while it may make a good headline, it is no fumble when someone speaks honestly about something they believe.
I have two questions for all of those who are ranting and foaming about Miss California’s answer:
First, what kind of idiots allow a judge in a beauty pageant to ask such a loaded question? Where, exactly, does this subject even fit in to such a context? In the anything-goes-except-a-person-whose-opinions-even-resemble-anything-remotely-conservative society that we live in, a question like this is far too loaded to even be considered fair or acceptable in such an arena. The outrage here should not be over the answer and the person who gave it but over the question and the person who abused their position to push their agenda.
Second, how do those who support these things, (gay marriage, abortion, etc), fail to see the double standard that they so tenaciously cling to?
They shout that we must “accept” their opinions (in fact they view their own opinions as the only acceptable truth – this from the same people who will tell you that truth is relative), and demand that we “tolerate” their lifestyle – all in the name of “freedom” – while they viciously denounce and attack anyone whose opinion or lifestyle does not fall into line with their own, thereby attempting to stifle the freedom of those who differ politically, morally or ethically.
Advertisement
Reader Reactions
Thanks for the clarification of your views, and a very honest and open clarification. As for me, I try to follow God in my life as He directs me, and to love others as best I can with active compassion; I just don’t believe the entire Bible is God’s inspired word. I believe there are passages…such as those that declare homosexuality an abomination and say that women should keep silent in church and not be allowed to teach…that come from the human heart, not the divine one. These passages speak more to a lack of understanding of God-given human nature and a desire keep order in an ancient society than to the true heart of God, who created us gay, straight, female, male, intersexed, black, white, tall, short, and so on.
I’m really curious…what is the reason you believe homosexuality is wrong? You say you aren’t anti-gay but clearly you have an issue with it. Care to share what that issue is?
Again, I think we are straying well away from my original point concerning equality in freedom of speech. However - I do not mind talking about these issues and I have nothing to hide concerning my beliefs or feelings.
In reply to the above quote from your last posting - I come from a conservative, christian background. While I appreciate the values and lessons that were instilled in me from my youth and while I do still attend church, strive to follow the Bible and pray I have come to a place in my life where I hold neither the tags conservative or christian. I am, to put it simply, a follower of Jesus.
Jesus was, and is, a lover. Not in a physical or romantic sense but He embodies, truly IS, the truest, highest love that transcends all other loves. Jesus loves all peoples. Homosexual, drug addict, murderer, liar, democrat, republican, conservative, liberal, the grandmother on the front pew… (I am not comparing these groups - simply naming a wide range of peoples.)As a follower of Jesus and His teachings I find myself compelled to love all of humanity as well. Not a false, hypocritical, self serving love. Not a “I have to love them so I can go to heaven.“ I have been transformed by the love of Jesus that He gave freely and unconditionally to me even when I did not deserve it and because of this love I can’t help but love those around me.
(Sorry… but you asked)
This is why, no matter what I believe about homosexuality, gay marriage, abortion, etc, I am not “anti-gay.“
I may not believe that homosexuality is acceptable but I do not condemn or hate someone who is a homosexual or believes that homosexuality is acceptable. I may believe that abortion is murder but I do not hate one who has had an abortion or who performs abortions. Much the same as a parent may not agree with their children s choices in life, (friends, music, clothing, living situation), but they still love their child. One may not agree with a persons lifestyle (or orientation) and, in fact, may believe that it is wrong without hating that person or persecuting them. This is the true way of Jesus that not many “christians” OR non-christians understand.
When it comes right down to it what I may think about homosexuality really doesn’t matter. As a follower of Jesus I look to His Word, the Bible, as a guide and life-compass. I believe that God is loving, kind and just. What matters on the issue of homosexuality, for me, is what He says. I encourage people to read and find what a loving, just God has to say on the issue. Read His Word without preconceived notions or biases. Keep in mind that whatever He says is not out of anger or hatred or desire for judgment but love and care for His creation. Then ask yourself honestly and openly - why does He say what He says?
Hopefully I don’t sound preachy. Certainly not my intention. Just trying to answer your question and shed a little light on myself/my beliefs, etc.
I am a man with many faults and would be the last qualified to cast a stone. I may not agree with certain lifestyles or orientations but I have no issue with people.
No man is an island and I will not cut off anyone from the love, respect and grace that they need and deserve as God’s creation.
Thanks!
I certainly appreciate your civil approach to this discussion, too. I know how heated these things can get and at that point, no one is really discussing, they are just pronouncing.
I know the definition of “orientation.“ One can be consciously oriented toward or away from something or it can be an innate, inborn orientation.
No, I don’t think homosexuality is a disease or deficiency any more than heterosexuality is a disease or deficiency. It is merely another way of being, another way people are. There are some things that people don’t have control over that aren’t diseases or deficiencies. A straight person cannot control the fact that he or she is attracted to the opposite sex. A gay person cannot control the fact that he or she is attracted to persons of the same sex. Either can pretend it is not the case, but it is still the case.
And I’m curious as to why you think a gay person should not act on his or her sexual desires? Should a straight person not act on his or her sexual desires? And comparing one person’s desire to kill or molest to another person’s desire to have a loving, sexual relationship with another caring, loving person of the same sex does not make sense. These two desires are in no way similar. One is destructive, hateful, and violent; the other creates a loving, bonded relationship.
I’m really curious…what is the reason you believe homosexuality is wrong? You say you aren’t anti-gay but clearly you have an issue with it. Care to share what that issue is?
Oh, and let me correct myself. In my haste earlier I said the organizations were societies when they are associations.
Have a good evening! 
Ok… we can disagree on the issue of homosexuality and wheteher or not it is a lifestyle or an orientation.
I still hold to the true meaning of lifestyle and I would encourage you to look up the definition of “orientation.“ You will find that one may indeed set their own orientation (in the truest sense of the word) as the word deals with the direction one is going or getting ones bearings. “Sexual orientation is a very blurry word. And, no, ones “sexual orientation” does not determine what food or music, etc that one will prefer. The person determines that. Just as a person determines with whom they will have sex. Anything less takes responsibility out of the equation. The things that one has no control over are called diseases or deficiencies. Do you believe that homosexuality is a disease or deficiancy? I do not.
Also, just because one has a disposition toward something does not mean that they should act upon it. If this were so then how can we prosecute child molesters, rapists or serial killers? Science tells us that they have a disposition, (perhaps “orientation”?), to molest, rape and kill.
However, whether we agree or disagree - my point was not and is not to slam homosexuals or even pro-choicers, (though I do strongly believe that abortion is murder)- It was and is simply to point out the hypocrisy of those who espouse tolerance yet only for their cause or opinion while mocking and verbally attacking anyone who dares to express a different opinion or beliefe. I believe that freedom of expression, beliefe and opinion should be equally given to every American. (With, of vourse, as you pointed out, the exception of yelling fire in a crowded building or inciting violence.)
I do wish to thank you for your open and honest comments and the spirit in which you have given them. The calm and polite tone in which you have “debated” is a lesson to us all. Thank you!
First of all, I agree people have a right to say what they want to say (except for “fire” in a crowded room or speech that incites violence). God bless America for that! I think Miss California got a harsh rap for sharing her views. But one’s views and freedom of speech should not and cannot be extended so far as to disallow another person his or her civil rights. Believe what you may, those beliefs should not deny someone what should be rightfully theirs.
I have never heard a valid argument against same sex marriage and am sure I never will. Those who are adamant that it is wrong don’t have anything solid to offer as a basis for their beliefs. Usually it is a religious aversion or what I call the “ick factor” (they just don’t like the idea of it.)
You say, “And just an FYI back: Homosexuality is indeed a lifestyle just as heterosexuality is a lifestyle. There is nothing wrong or prejudice about defining something according to the true definition of a word. (Unless you are trying to be PC and then all definitive words blur…)
Science has yet to conclusively prove that homosexuality is anything more than a preferance. Even evolution teaches that babies must be born in order to sustain the animal world, therefore the mating of the male and female of any species is NATURAL to the propagation of the species. Homosexuality simply does not produce offspring. Nature itself does lean toward homosexuality as a ‘norm.‘“
I reply, No, sorry, it is not a lifestyle; neither is heterosexuality. (It’s not a preference, either.) One’s sexual orientation does not determine the music one listens to, the job one holds, the car one drives, the food one prefers…all those things that make up a “lifestyle.“ What one does in the bedroom is not enough to determine a “lifestyle.“
Check out the studies done by the American Psychological Society and the American Psychiatric Society. Both are concluding that homosexuality is indeed normal in a certain percentage of the population. Nature perhaps didn’t intend for everyone to find sexual and emotional satisfaction with a partner of the opposite sex. There are animals of other species who have gay members…you might be amazed! So to say that homosexuality doesn’t produce offspring and therefore it is unnatural just doesn’t fly. (BTW, gays and lesbians can actually reproduce if they are so inclined, just the way straight people do. Doesn’t mean they are “into” the act or form a partner bond with the other person.)
In reply to the post which states that gay marriage and abortion are non-related issues: yes, they are two totallt different issues. Their common denominator, however, is the people who generally espouse them. That is not to say that all who support gay marriage also support abortion or vise versa - but those who support each of these, (whether seperately or individually), are usually intolerant of those who hold opposing views.
People have the right to believe that gay marriage is unnacceptable. People also have the right, if they so wish, to believe that heterosexual marriage should be illegal. Their believing it doesn’t make it so or right. But they have the right to agree or disagree. And they have the right to do so openly and without fear of persecution. It is sad that those who call the loudest for tolerance are those who are the most intolerant of people who hold different beliefs or opinions. Especially if those beliefs or opinions in any way resemble religious belief or conservative opinion.
And just an FYI back: Homosexuality is indeed a lifestyle just as heterosexuality is a lifestyle. There is nothing wrong or prejudice about defining something according to the true definition of a word. (Unless you are trying to be PC and then all definitive words blur…)
Science has yet to conclusively prove that homosexuality is anything more than a preferance. Even evolution teaches that babies must be born in order to sustain the animal world, therefore the mating of the male and female of any species is NATURAL to the propagation of the species. Homosexuality simply does not produce offspring. Nature itself does lean toward homosexuality as a “norm.“
As another FYI: I am not anti-homosexual. I have many friends of that persuasion. What I am for is freedom of speech for all Americans, including those of a conservative background and whose opinions may not be the same as someone elses.
“Second, how do those who support these things, (gay marriage, abortion, etc), fail to see the double standard that they so tenaciously cling to?“
Gay marriage and abortion are two entirely different topics. Why are you lumping them together? What does two loving, committed adults marrying have to do with aborting babies?
BTW, being gay is not a lifestyle nor a preference. It is a sexual orientation. Just a little FYI.
Advertisement