Anderson Cooper asks Pastor Fred Luter, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, why he linked nuclear threats from North Korea with the debates in the U.S. over same-sex marriage and gays in the Boy Scouts.
He was answering a question posed by a Christian radio host about whether God was punishing Americans for their "slide into immorality." He said, in part, "I don't think it's just a coincidence."
In his interview with Anderson, Pastor Luter clarified his comments and spoke about what he sees as the problem with trying to redefine marriage. Watch the video for more on their conversation.
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Post by: Anderson Cooper Filed under: North Korea • Religion • Same-Sex Marriage |
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I think Pastor Luter's words have also been slightly misconstrued by Mr. Cooper. Luter only said that there is a possibility that it might be connected-as the bible did forbid practicing homosexuality in many instances(Genesis 19:1-11, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Judges 19:16-24, 1 Kings 14:24, 1 Kings 15:12, 2 Kings 23:7, Romans 1:18-32
, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Timothy 1:8-10, Jude 7). Mr. Luter did NOT say for certain that there is a connection between the recent events in DPRK and debates in Boy Scouts leadership, but he would "not be surprised", thus, he would not rule out the "possibility" of there being a connection. Even though he is against same sex marriage, his comment is strictly neutral and did not put the blame solely on homosexuality. And regarding people who say the Bible doesn't have compassion-the bible only rules against the act, not homosexuals as people. So yes, true Christians do love and accept all people, including LGBTs, just not what they choose to do, because the bible tells us that God does not want us to do so. I hope this clears up the confusion a little bit. G
There are a number of places in the Old Testament that refer to homosexuality as wrong, and so if a church or any other religious group wants to discriminate based on sexual orientation, they can just refer to those ancient texts. We in the United States also have an "ancient" text that we refer to when making laws, called the Constitution, in which the 14th Amendment clearly says "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State... deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." When making their "laws", churches can discriminate on any basis they choose. State governments and the United States government cannot.
Could someone please point out to me where in the Bible it mentions anything about gay marriage or homosexuality?
Thank you, Rev. Luter, for standing up for biblical truth.
Society needs to come to grasps that God gave ALL of us the gift of "FREE WILL" not one os is in any position to be so judgemental of others and their lifestyles. It between them and what they feel is right, So Please!!!! there are far other problems in this world we should be putting such energy into. Lets keep in mind you never know who may pull you out of a burning car or donate a life saving ounce of blood or kidney that may save your life – Are you going to ask them first if that is your only hope what sexual preference they have????
1. Thou shalt not lie???
2. Same sex couples would not WANT to be married in a church that did not "approve" of them. There are plenty of churches that welcome same sex couples. Those are the churches same sex couples would go to if they wanted a church wedding. So he can let that worry (excuse) go.
3. Our laws are not based on Biblical law. Therefore, it does not matter "what the bible says" or what the evangelicals and fundamentalists say "God says."
If these fine pastors want to get really technical, marriage was originally for procreation, not for a feeling of love between two individuals. In the Biblical sense, sex was originally ONLY for procreation. It was a sin to have any kind of relations with a woman when she was "unclean" or of any kind other than that which would create a child. What most see today as part of a healthy sexual regime was originally seen as sin. A woman could not manually stimulate a man to climax, nor could she stimulate him orally or anally. Divorce was also not allowed except in the case of adultery. Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.
So sad to see people (like Pastor Luter) still stuck in the Dark Ages, breathing fire and brimstone. Personal lifestyle choices have nothing to do with countries being destroyed, political and economical decisions do.
Doesn't the catholic church deny straight couples from marrying in their churches based on whatever list of requirements they have?
What is destroying this country is the inability to be compassionate outside of your own beliefs. If you are a christian, why is my business your agenda?
sadly, it's Christians like this that make the rest of us look wrong. He is lying on what he said. Even though he is right on Gays and morality destroying this country. as it did in scripture.