Christians banned from foster parenting in the UK because of their views

Going to the dictoinary won't help...

Words, and their meaning, change over time with cultural shifts... tolerance and tolerating mean 2 different things now, especially in the context we are using it in...

heysharpshooter

[QUOTE="SkyWard20"][QUOTE="theone86"]

Ah yes, so loving. I also love this new excuse, we're not homophobic, we only see homosexuality as being completely immoral, or in other words we're homophobic but don't like being called homophobic.

I say good, it's about time European nations started enforcing their secular mandates instead of using them to uphold the status quo.

heysharpshooter

Then what does it equal? I never understood this...

I find racism immoral... that pretty much means I hate it... I don't still love neo-nazi's and anglo bashers... I dislike them because they are immoral IMO...

I really believe that that while hate may be a strong word, if you find homosexuality immoral then you dislike homosexuals, and by definition you have some bias against them...

Oh, that article didn't sound biased at all. From BBC News:But Lord Justice Munby and Mr Justice Beatson ruled that laws protecting people from discrimination because of their sexual orientation "should take precedence" over the right not to be discriminated against on religious grounds. They said that if children were placed with carers who objected to homosexuality and same-sex relationships, "there may well be a conflict with the local authority's duty to 'safeguard and promote the welfare' of looked-after children". They rejected suggestions that the case involved "a threat to religious liberty", adding: "No one is asserting that Christians - or, for that matter, Jews or Muslims - are not fit and proper persons to foster or adopt. No-one is contending for a blanket ban."scorch-62

An interesting question just came to mind that was spurred on by the current debate going on in this thread.

Suppose a Christian couple in the United States is looking to adopt a child, much like in this situation. Just like the couple mentioned in the article, these two people believe homosexuality is morally wrong based on Biblical teachings, but claim that they have nothing against homosexuals as individuals and would lovingly accept any child no matter sexual orientation/preference.

Okay, so the same situation in every way that counts, barring what I'm about to add in.

HOWEVER, what if this couple is also active in the gay community via the fact that they are fighting for the total legalization and recognition of same sex marriage, as well as donating to issues impacting the gay community such as AIDS research? (Just an example, please don't blow this out of proportion as I'm not insinuating that straight people don't also spread AIDS. Can never be too careful in OT...)

In your opinion, would this couple still be practicing intolerance through their belief that homosexuality is immoral, and would they be unfit foster parents?

An interesting question just came to mind that was spurred on by the current debate going on in this thread.

Suppose a Christian couple in the United States is looking to adopt a child, much like in this situation. Just like the couple mentioned in the article, these two people believe homosexuality is morally wrong based on Biblical teachings, but claim that they have nothing against homosexuals as individuals and would lovingly accept any child no matter sexual orientation/preference.

Okay, so the same situation in every way that counts, barring what I'm about to add in.

HOWEVER, what if this couple is also active in the gay community via the fact that they are fighting for the total legalization and recognition of same sex marriage, as well as donating to issues impacting the gay community such as AIDS research? (Just an example, please don't blow this out of proportion as I'm not insinuating that straight people don't also spread AIDS. Can never be too careful in OT...)

In your opinion, would this couple still be practicing intolerance through their belief that homosexuality is immoral, and would they be unfit foster parents?

Assassin_87

[QUOTE="Assassin_87"]

An interesting question just came to mind that was spurred on by the current debate going on in this thread.

Suppose a Christian couple in the United States is looking to adopt a child, much like in this situation. Just like the couple mentioned in the article, these two people believe homosexuality is morally wrong based on Biblical teachings, but claim that they have nothing against homosexuals as individuals and would lovingly accept any child no matter sexual orientation/preference.

Okay, so the same situation in every way that counts, barring what I'm about to add in.

HOWEVER, what if this couple is also active in the gay community via the fact that they are fighting for the total legalization and recognition of same sex marriage, as well as donating to issues impacting the gay community such as AIDS research? (Just an example, please don't blow this out of proportion as I'm not insinuating that straight people don't also spread AIDS. Can never be too careful in OT...)

In your opinion, would this couple still be practicing intolerance through their belief that homosexuality is immoral, and would they be unfit foster parents?

TheArGaia

You're wrong then, because that's what I am. :|

Human rights have nothing to do with my beliefs. Christ never preached that we should tear down our fellow man.

Good. I approve of this decision.

I am not an anthiest, but all Religions are stupid.

[QUOTE="RationalAtheist"]

Good news about this intolerant Christian couple.

MgamerBD

It is ignorant and hateful to be happy when a couple of bigots are kept from fostering a child to grow up into another bigot?

Son, I am disappoint.

You're wrong then, because that's what I am. :| Human rights have nothing to do with my beliefs. Christ never preached that we should tear down our fellow man.Assassin_87

That is absolutely disgusting. Their beliefs aren't hurting anyone.harashawn

Yeah apart from the people they speak out against and the foster child would speak out against in the future... Unless your post has some kind of undertoned message saying that gays aren't anyone?

[QUOTE="MgamerBD"][QUOTE="RationalAtheist"]

Good news about this intolerant Christian couple.

It is ignorant and hateful to be happy when a couple of bigots are kept from fostering a child to grow up into another bigot?

Son, I am disappoint.

[QUOTE="Assassin_87"]You're wrong then, because that's what I am. :| Human rights have nothing to do with my beliefs. Christ never preached that we should tear down our fellow man.TheArGaia

It does. It, however, also suggests that we are all sinners and that no sin is greater than another. Jesus actually cautions Christians to focus first on their own imperfections before judging others. Aside from that, practicing humility - which is a primary tenet of a truly Christian lifestyle - is a little difficult whenever you're looking down on others from atop your great golden throne of sinlessness. (Which, by the way, totally doesn't exist. Bummer. :()

That just makes me laugh. Pushing gay right so hard they are completely ignoring other viewpoints.

A person can believe that gay marriage is wrong. There is nothing wrong with that. It's only when they try to put their viewpoints on others is when there is a problem.

I would just like to say this. "Tolerance has become something that is for those without any conviction" Tolerance is not, agreeing with everything everyone says. In fact that is being a moron. Tolerance is being able to see a person as they truly are, (a human person). That doesn't necessarily mean you have to agree with each and every one of their actions. ferrari2001

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]

[QUOTE="MgamerBD"]I find it horrible that people can't have opinions anymore. I'm also mad that they stopped these people from adopting kids because of their views. They were trying to do something good for the children. Its not like these people were bigots...just don't agree with same sex marriages which is understandable.acsam12304

What if they disagreed with interracial marriages? Would that be seen as acceptable? What if these people were biggoted towards a minority>?

again sad that in todays world people cant not have a opinion

Of course they can.. Just don't expect that it will go unopposed.. Especially when adopt a child.. Its hilarious too really that you say this.. Like this is a current issue.. When its not.. It was far worse if we look back in the 50's where a slight deviaition in opinion can lead you to being demonized..

That's not fair, in my opinion. They clearly have a lot of experience with fostering kids, so they're just hurting the child by denying him/her foster parents.

Is there a surplus of parents seeking to adopt kids in the U.K. or something to that effect? I disagree with this policy.

Is there a surplus of parents seeking to adopt kids in the U.K. or something to that effect?

coolbeans90

Good. I can only imagine the damage they would cause a kid who is struggling with his or her sexuality. You may not think it's a big deal but I know from first hand experience that this kind of stuff really has an effect on you. Tauruslink

[QUOTE="Stesilaus"]

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]Assuming they do not lynch homosexuals in their spare time, this is a bit much.mindstorm

Well, in Africa Christians DO still level accusations of witchcraft at "undesirables" and then proceed to murder them, often by burning them to death.

Given that children and homosexuals alike are often among the accused, I think the UK ruling was a prudent one.

In case you don't believe the claims I made above ...

Article: African Children Denounced as "Witches" by Christian Pastors

VIDEO: "Witches" Burned to Death in Modern-Day Africa (WARNING: Extremely graphic and disturbing)

You're right. I didn't mean to imply that all people of faith are hateful, bigoted or inclined to commit atrocities in the name of their religion, and I apologize if it seemed that way.

I strongly suspect that a desire to seize wealth and property is the true motivation behind many African "witch" burnings and that religiously-inspired antipathy to witchcraft is often little more than a pretext.

Nonetheless, I think it's important for mainstream churches and Christians in developed countries to be very vocal in their condemnation of atrocities committed in the name of Christianity. If they're not, Christianity's opponents won't hesitate to attach culpability to Christianity, or at least imply connivance on the part of Christians. It's worth pointing out that the horrific witch-burning video that I linked to is embedded in a website with an atheist agenda.

Now hold on here. All you people complaining that "Oh we can't have an opinion anymore :( :( :(", well guess what? You can! Just expect to be criticized and analyzed as to the rationality of your opinion. Just as you would be if you believed that "Black are inferior people" or "The Spice Girls are better then the Beatles". Saying "It's just an opinion :(" is not a defense against criticism.majoras_wrath

Damn those thin-skinned children who are hurt when their parents don't accept them for who they are... :roll:Bourbons3

Besides which how many gay children do you know? nobody is fit to decide that sort of thing until they are an adult. Children are children.

[QUOTE="majoras_wrath"]Now hold on here. All you people complaining that "Oh we can't have an opinion anymore :( :( :(", well guess what? You can! Just expect to be criticized and analyzed as to the rationality of your opinion. Just as you would be if you believed that "Black are inferior people" or "The Spice Girls are better then the Beatles". Saying "It's just an opinion :(" is not a defense against criticism.harashawn

And in the US, I don't doubt atheists are refused for the same reason. :?

I'm glad there are countries in the world with government organizations willing to stand up against intolerance.

[QUOTE="MgamerBD"]Its called having an opinion, having tradition, having your own sense of thought.Harkat95

[QUOTE="MgamerBD"]I find it horrible that people can't have opinions anymore. I'm also mad that they stopped these people from adopting kids because of their views. They were trying to do something good for the children. Its not like these people were bigots...just don't agree with same sex marriages which is understandable.TaoJeetKuneDo

Homosexuals want the same rights as everone, yet don't want people formulating their own opinions about them. hypocrites

I'd rather not the state give children to open bigots. If they want to press their own misguided views on homosexuality on their own children then fine, I see no reason why the government should dole out children to parents spreading hateful bull****. HoolaHoopMan

[QUOTE="HoolaHoopMan"]I'd rather not the state give children to open bigots. If they want to press their own misguided views on homosexuality on their own children then fine, I see no reason why the government should dole out children to parents spreading hateful bull****. harashawn

Your generalizing.. Its specifically THIS opinion they have that can be seen as biggoted.. The KKK has quite a few opinions, most would consider them part of biggotry, but that doesn't mean all oppinions are biggoted.

[QUOTE="harashawn"][QUOTE="HoolaHoopMan"]I'd rather not the state give children to open bigots. If they want to press their own misguided views on homosexuality on their own children then fine, I see no reason why the government should dole out children to parents spreading hateful bull****. sSubZerOo

Your generalizing.. Its specifically THIS opinion they have that can be seen as biggoted.. The KKK has quite a few opinions, most would consider them part of biggotry, but that doesn't mean all oppinions are biggoted.

These people aren't intolerantly devoted to their opinions and they're certainly not showing animosity towards homosexual children. They simply have their own private beliefs that homosexuality is against God's laws. "

Her husband added: 'We wanted to offer love and stability and security to a vulnerable child. Eight-year-olds we have looked after want to play, not talk about their sexuality.'"

They don't even want to talk to the children about sexuality...

[QUOTE="HoolaHoopMan"]I'd rather not the state give children to open bigots. If they want to press their own misguided views on homosexuality on their own children then fine, I see no reason why the government should dole out children to parents spreading hateful bull****. harashawn

Good. They're bigots.

/Discussion

[QUOTE="harashawn"][QUOTE="HoolaHoopMan"]I'd rather not the state give children to open bigots. If they want to press their own misguided views on homosexuality on their own children then fine, I see no reason why the government should dole out children to parents spreading hateful bull****. HoolaHoopMan

[QUOTE="RationalAtheist"]

Good news about this intolerant Christian couple.

MgamerBD

At least someone here has some sense. RationalAtheist obviously didn't read the article I guess...

[QUOTE="RationalAtheist"]

Good news about this intolerant Christian couple.

X360PS3AMD05

[QUOTE="Solus_Christus"][QUOTE="HoolaHoopMan"]they're not gay haters they said they'd love and accept any child :|HoolaHoopMan

Her husband added: 'We wanted to offer love and stability and security to a vulnerable child. Eight-year-olds we have looked after want to play, not talk about their sexuality.'