A Christian theologian was fired from his role at a small Bible college in the UK after administrators discovered a social media post in which he warned that "homosexuality is invading the Church."
Dr. Aaron Edwards is now suing the school, Cliff College, arguing that he didn’t violate the code of conduct. Edwards says he’s a victim of censorship and political correctness run amok.
You’re Fired
The controversy began earlier this year when Edwards made a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Here is the message that got him sacked:
Within a few hours, the school responded on X, calling the post “inappropriate and unacceptable,” saying it does not represent the views or ethos of the school. The school asked him to remove the post for “bringing [them] into disrepute,” but he refused.
Within a month of making the post, Dr. Edwards was out of a job.
Freedom of Speech?
“If I wasn’t safe, no one is,” he wrote in an op-ed following his dismissal. Edwards says he was simply stating biblical fact on homosexuality, but that “aggressively pro-LGBT advocates” mounted a public pressure campaign on the school which ultimately resulted in his firing.
He contends that the school even thought about referring him to a counter-terrorism and hate speech unit in the UK – a claim which school officials have denied.
“The vociferous responses to my tweet demonstrate the problem my tweet was highlighting. There are some Christian beliefs that Christians are no longer allowed to express, not even to other Christians,” he says.
Matter Heads to Court
In the lawsuit, Dr. Edwards is alleging harassment and unfair and unlawful dismissal.
Edwards argues that he didn’t attack anyone specifically – he just posted his belief that unbiblical views on homosexuality were encroaching on the church.
“The tweet was not defamatory; it was not an attack on any colleague or individual; it was not abusive; and it was not an extremist religious view,” he insists.
Win or lose, Edwards hopes he can help shine a light on what he perceives as persecution of perfectly valid religious beliefs in the public square.
As he puts it: “we're showing that you can't get away with this, and you shouldn't get away with it. And if I don't win my case, hopefully someone else will or people will realize that this is completely absurd, that an evangelical can't express evangelical views in an evangelical college."
However, supporters of the decision note that Dr. Edwards’ social media post brought a lot of unwanted attention to the sleepy little Bible college, and he further refused to remove the post when asked.
Dr. Edwards quickly made himself a liability and was rightly fired, they argue.
Where do you stand?
142 comments
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
There should be a law, to prevent any institution using the Bible, as proof of anything, to not call themselves a school, college, university — or anything else that suggests the learning of anything that’s fact-based; to allow the continuance, of the status quo, in this regard, means the laws against false advertising, are not being enforced.
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Brien
Interesting position, I kinda like it. 👍
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James Richard Munro
I believe what the LGBTQ community is saying is, as we all already know, you have the right to free speech, as long as what you say is what we want to hear.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Isn't every group who's being talked bad about the same way?
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ServantOfJudgement
Start with the Seattle schools that say men can get pregnant and women can have a penis.
Let me know when you've made some headway.
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Dr Rohn
Yes, I kinda do also, but not sure where William is going with this. Let’s get this ball rolling…
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
This is ULC Bishop “ twice sainted” Bill,
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ServantOfJudgement
China and North Korea have laws on the books. It's the sort of thing that really makes a nation prosper. I hear the North Korean people are so thrilled about it they eat tree bark and roots to celebrate.
You'd make a fine dictator William, your head is in the right place for it though I doubt it gets very much sunshine.
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Rev'd Andrew
China is indeed prospering. What is your point?
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
It might be best for us all to learn how to eat with chopsticks.
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Rev'd Andrew
The cultured among us already do.
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ServantOfJudgement
I thought my point was obvious Andrew. A nation having the power to silence or kill anyone they feel like helps them prosper. That's the sort of nation the atheists on Williams thread feel the world needs. My point was also that William has the right mindset for that sort of nation, a nation that destroys any people it deems unwanted or a nuisance. China only needs to continue silencing with the grave a small portion of its citizens to maintain its prosperity. They also are very good at slavery, to the point that anti slavery nations and people adore their brand of slavery. He'd make a good government official in that sort of nation.
If you have any other questions about what I mean I'll be happy to explain. It sounds like your head is in the same place Williams's head is. A tight squeeze and not much sunshine.
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Rev'd Andrew
So nations like the US, where people lose their jobs for expressing opinions that contradict establishment doctrine? You blame atheists while ignoring history, which contains countless examples of the dominant religion in numerous countries suppressing ant-establishment voices.
The US was horrifically good at slavery, and American *christianity endorsed it.
I find it amusing that your accusations are invariably confessions.
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XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Tell me the last time you were in China, Servant. China has a very prosperous economy. They only sell cheap junk to stupid Americans.
Another know-it-all who probably has never been out of the State he lives in running his mouth with his education from the Internet and the news media.
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Colleen McAllister
I am not familiar with English law, but I can give my opinion. If the teacher's post caused the College to suffer backlash, and he refused to delete it or at the very least add a disclaimer that he was not posting beliefs held by the College then he should be fired. An employee can be held to work standards even away from work if it is stated or widely known who they work for.
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ServantOfJudgement
It's a bible school.
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Geoffrey C. Olive
Fire all “theologians” and close all religious schools, colleges and any other organizations that base their existence on the buybull or other religious fictitious nonsense designed to indoctrinate humanity principally to perpetuate their own existence! Humanity has suffered oppression, wars, genocide, hatred, violence and numerous other evils because of religions that think their beliefs of imaginary supernatural beings (gods, etc) is the absolute truth and all others are false! Imagine how advanced this world would be without 2000 years of xtian and other religious ******** holding back human scientific achievements and discoveries!
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ServantOfJudgement
Let Stallin, Mau, and polpot know, thost Atheist tagged over 100,000,000 people and sent them to the grave. Religion isn't needed to butcher billions but mankind is.
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Rev'd Andrew
Religion isn't needed, that is indeed true. But all religions have been employed to subjugate and oppress others. So your intended point is empty.
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ServantOfJudgement
Religions such as Woke Hive Mind, Climbing Change, Vaxing and the LGTQIA++ mass movement included.
Humans will use any too available to impress. If one doesn't exist they'll creat what they need.
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Rev'd Andrew
Agreed. Religions in general, and Christianity in particular, have been the most effective tools of oppression.
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Dr Rohn
Ok, so let’s “suppose” it is “stated and widely known” perhaps the appropriate way to have this would have been for the school to request her post a disclaimer, not demand it be removed.
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Evone Payton Banks (Minister non denominational)
If We cannot speak on issues that bother.. our ministry is not safe. You cannot preach hate and teach love.. it is confusing. Open your churches for love and love shows up. What if one of the lgbtq+ you turn away is the blessing you needed?... Then what will you teach? Jesus sat with everyone.. why do we skip over that part?.. the messenger was killed bc of bias and hate and lack of understanding? We put people we deem above or below on pedestal.. what if God is trying to knock us down a notch?... We must first be able to get the plight before we can diagnose the spirit. Some folk are born knowing the spirit maybe be different. The shell bothers you because something in you sees a threat. In a monetary since.. how can one turn away money and then ask for money? Think.
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Dr Rohn
Evone While I totally agree with you, I’ve only addressed the freedom of speech issue. This is an issue that’s older than the political agenda of the LGBTQ etc. movement. Let’s stay on point. Peace!
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Rev'd Andrew
This took place in the UK. There is no 'Constitutional right" to unbridled free speech in the UK as there is in the US. Dr Edwards is stating his opinion, not a fact. As such, he can be, and has been, held accountable. As others have said, he needs to suck it up and enjoy his 15 minutes of fame for being a bigot.
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Amber Fry
IT isn't about politics. It's hate speech. Period. From a religious stand point it's wrong. From a humanitarian standpoint its wrong. Freedom of speech is about not being jailed for speaking your ideas and beliefs and protects you from being beat up or your home burned down. However when it comes to being hateful in whatever is said,it doesn't mean you don't have to hear other points of view, even opposing points of view, and it doesn't save you if there is a work policy against hate speech. That post was using religion to hide behind hating and fear, and the school he worked for not allowing it. If you don't like the work policies, find somewhere else to work. I'm pretty sure it would be hard to find a place that doesn't really care.
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Val Jester
An employer has a right to govern conduct and speech in the work place. However, the conduct and speech must be clearly explained, understood and disseminated to be actionable. An employer cannot make up rules and expect behavioral compliance ex post facto. England is a weird place with some odd ideas about freedoms and liberties. Who knows what will happen. I do agree with the professors assertion that if sin is no longer sin, than we are no longer in need of a savior.
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Lori-Ann Neeb
Jesus told Mary Magdalene that there is nothing sinful unto itself. It is the intention of the person which decides if it is sin or not. Read more than one gospel. The Book of Mary Magdalene is easy to find. That being the case, those who hate and judge are more "sinful" that an innocent person just trying to love who they choose and be happy.
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John Paul Body
Kudos Lori-Ann.
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Danny D. Maynard
Sin is an imaginary crime, and thus useless!
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Lionheart
Yes, Sir Daniel, created by religionists. Oh well! Thanks for your reply to Val 🤗
🦁❤️
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Although I agree that the word sin was made up by silly Christians my compact oxford dictionary states it means "missing the mark".
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
However Danny, when sin is engaged in in the right 👍 way, it can be a lot of fun.
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Dr Rohn
Firstly, he did not post this on campus, during work, or otherwise expose anyone in particular to any allegations. Ergo, his freedom of speech was truly encroached upon when he expressed his personal views on biblical principles. We don’t know that this was an ex post facto issue at all, so that’s moot. As for, if sin… well that remains a paramount question and concern with the new and ever expanding paradigm of “let’s not offend anyone” that’s throughout the world not just the UK. I believe, if you are offended, look deep into what is being said or done that you personally own, otherwise it wouldn’t offend you.
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Amber Fry
Doesn't matter. While working or not it reflects badly on the workplace that they hire someone who'd be publically hateful. Had he kept it to himself he would have been fine. He's free to believe and live by whatever he feels is right for him. But he doesn't get to judge others for not living up to his view of what is right or wrong, what is sinful or not. That's between an individual and their relationship with deity.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
We could sure have a hell of a party, without a saviour lurking around!
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Quinn R Amaro
I agree with Mr. Edwards. He did not attack an individual(s). He simply stated that homosexuality (which is a subject and not a person) is invading the church. This is true. But, what needs to be understood by all, which includes the Karen's crying about it, is what Mr. Edwards stated is about a subject and at no time did he ever refer to a human being. Thus, if you are not able to see the difference between subject and a human it is YOU who has the problem and not Mr. Edwards.
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Aron Mark Doherty
According to your logic religion is a subject and not a human being, race is a subject and not a human, as would be disability, violence, crime. Should everyone be free to say exactly what they want as long as they don’t mention a particular human being and no one should every be offended?
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Danny D. Maynard
If you think Edwards was not mentioning people whom he fears, then he would not have written what he did! Are you that blind?
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John Paul Body
Kudos Dan!
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James Riggle-Johnson
@Quinn, let’s be real. Saying “Homosexuality is invading the church” means, “Homosexuals are invading the church. Homosexuals are human beings. I was under the impression that everyone is invited into the church, or is it the evangelical way that only certain types of people should be allowed?
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ServantOfJudgement
James
It's actually like saying drunkenness is invading the church. Drunkenness is a biblical sin like homosexuality. One equates to the other. I've gone to church drunk before. Had they known they would have kicked me out on the spot.
That's not hate, that's an observation.
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Rev'd Andrew
It seems you haven't read the teachings of Jesus in the Bible.
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ServantOfJudgement
I have Andrew. The Bible says it's encrypted against those who don't believe it's true. That appears to be the case. Atheists scour the bible from cover to cover and somehow completely miss the meaning even though it's in black and white. That's a frustrating effect for the average atheist which leads them to believe the believers are delusional.
The entire bible is the teaching of Jesus The Christ. From the wicked king that had his thumbs cut off and was fed under the diner table of his conqueror like a dog to the magnificent visual glory of God. From the unforgiving and wicked nature of Man to the unconditional forgiving nature of God, these are the teachings of Jesus which escape the deciphering of unbelieving people such as yourself.
Jesus said no to drunkenness as he's said to homosexual relationships. He forgives for these things if asked and will not if not asked. No big deal.
I'm just repeating what Jesus taught regardless if you or I agree with it.
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Rev'd Andrew
Your first statement illustrates clearly why many atheists consider believers to be delusional: "The Bible says it's encrypted against those who don't believe it's true."
If there were a supreme being concerned with the well-being of mankind, who loved everyone unconditionally, that supreme being wouldn't withhold love and eternal paradise from humans who can't crack the code of an illogical, inconsistent, ahistorical, allegorical book of mythology. Instead love would be all encompassing all the time. Babies wouldn't suffer or be bombed by people who disagree about the nature of that supreme being.
Oh, and if 'the entire bible is the teaching of Jesus the Christ" then Jesus is inconsistent, incoherent, and an immoral monster who supports the slaughter of innocent babies, the rape of women, and enslavement.
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Angelic Realms
He's right. That is all. Jesus said the path is narrow and all these churches wouldn't be recognized. If you're a Christian you can't compromise. No one asks any other religion to eat pork and stop being uncool. Muslims throw gays off cliffs and no one dares even condemn such a practice. Child brides (slaves)? OK! It's their CULTURE. But if any Christian says anything they are accused of cheek or audacity. This is the churches stance and can't be changed anymore than the commandments. You can't cherry pick.
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Danny D. Maynard
An uncompromising belief system is called a "cult". Now, how much for your daughter?
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Lori-Ann Neeb
Somehow you have mixed up the concept in one post. If the quote were real and accurate, it was not Jesus who said it. He loved all just as his divine farher does. The church published the bible to be their vehicle to promote their own agendas. So much picking which to use or not and then efiting even further has left your bible with very little that is anywhere close to original. So anyone using it to try to verify their own agendas is just as laughable. Remember David Karesh had it memorized. So many have turned the word "christian" to mean right fighting hatred in these modern times. That is sad. Truly good and loving people need to find a new title. There is no hate like christian hate. Offenses such as you wrongly used are wrong on a spiritual level and I am sure there are many against such things on spiritual faith alone. I don't care what religion anyone does or does not claim, if you throw anyone over a cliff just to do harm, you are doing wrong. The man who posted that comment does have his right to his opinion, as I am within my right to disagree, but should have kept it to himself and out of any teaching work done at the collage. He caused the school to face the outcome of his hate and they reacted thr only way they could.
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
In my opinion, religious people can have/practice their religious beliefs as long as they treat it like a weird sexual fetish involving fecal matter, duct tape and wooden spoons and keep it behind closed doors and don’t discuss it in public. But it doesn’t perturb me the slightest when any religious person or a religious organization incurs hardship relating to the public expression of their Bronze Age beliefs. So for me this little mishap is like Wrigley’s Doublemint gum. The only way I could hit a trifecta though is for the courts to rule against the fired teacher and then a LGT+++ group gets a permit to have a weekly parades/protests outside the school.
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Takaya Kovani Sweeney
He’s real late to the game.
He must be one of the lucky few boys that the pastors didn’t get too.
That is something the undercover gay pastors and heads have BEEN doing since religion’s inception…including impregnating young women outside of their marriage…even their own family sometimes.
Doing dirt in the dark then faking piety in the light to guilt idiots out of their money.😂
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Scott Preston Collins
How many times have we seen LGBTQ+ people and families kicked out of religious institutions? It is all the same thing. This guy violated his institution's rules. He really has no case. You can't have it both ways.
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Rev. Dr. Robert Allan Roush
Interesting comment about sin, since some traditions think the concept of sin is just to control people where they don't need controling. Religions seems to get vicitimless crimes as part of its arsenal of control. Reasonable laws and people don't. Inflamatory language that can incite violence is wrong regardless of what you feel, think or believe.
Thank 'god' we allowed the 'evil sin' of left-handedness to 'invade' the church long ago. Gospell issue my a** Hate is hate the same way love is love.
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Tom Herman
I do not know all the nuances of British law but the rules around employment law are fairly universal. There are far too many who hide behind a keyboard vomiting their hate in the name of free speech. Social media is an extension of those who use it. This person is a teacher or professor in a college. The college has a right to hold their employees to a high standard. It is also widely known that companies base hiring decisions on an applicant's social media posts and often monitor employee's posts to safeguard themselves. This person is a theology professor. Theology is a multifaceted subject involving many belief systems. Unless they were hired to teach only their own beliefs which include homophobia, the college had every right to terminate employment.
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Nicholas J Page
Perhaps he shouldn't air his views on social media it's rife with all sorts of news and views.Personally I wouldn't spout anything on social media.I just say my piece on the Ulcs blogs.
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ServantOfJudgement
The teacher said: "the school even thought about referring him to a counter-terrorism and hate speech unit in the UK"
FBI has tagged Catholics as potential terrorists. Also parents who oppose boys in girls bathrooms, probably Christians.
USA Politicians are calling for the gathering and re education of Trump voters, probably Christian.
It's shaping to to the point we can start openly and actively rounding up and imprisoning Christians. Just a couple more buttons to push and knobs to dial in then away we go.
It's all very exciting. You might think I'm being sarcastic with good reason, it's my nature. I'm very serious though. It's exciting to watch the globe validate what Jesus said 2000 years after he said it. It's exciting to see such a long shot prophecy unfold.
A Christian from a Christian school saying Christian things, how dare he? The nerve, the audacity, the hate, the injustice. He's acting like he's a free person. He is not.
You will comply with the Hive Mind. You will. Long live the Hive. Praise the Hive. The Hive loves you.
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Lionheart
Omgggg! I guess I need to go to a re-education camp, even though I’m not Christian 😱.
For some real strange reason I’ve been thinking Mr Biden Sr, was not compass mentis, and was doing a very poor job of defending our borders. I must be wrong then 🤭. I can’t wait to see him speak very eloquently in the next State of the Union address, or defending his success stories with Mr Trump.
How’s our Border Tzar doing, Kamala Harris? Has she been there yet? 🤭
🦁❤️
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ServantOfJudgement
The news drones said folks who like trump are bible thumping, homophobic rednecks that hate anyone not white. If that's the truth, your the most unique person on the planet from my angle.
As far as the border goes, the country is getting filled with men, woman and children(mostly young men) from around the world. They just need some long term cash flow assistance from the tax payers, free housing, phones, some food stamps and directions to the voting booth. The young men will need rifles, ammunition and orders which they've already got covered from some very nice people, no cost to the tax payer.
VP Harris has offered some very interesting philosophical insights on the matter and need not visit the border she's overseeing. The country's most renowned philosophers are working of deciphering her wisdom. So far they're stumped.
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Lionheart
Thank you so much for classing me as unique. I’m fortunate that my wife agrees 🤭.
I guess we are all unique in our own kind of way. 🤗
🦁❤️
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Dan Anderson
Obviously, this 'teacher' has ONLY taken the exoteric view of the Bible without looking into the historicty and culture of the writings. If he had, he would have KNOWN that his claims are nowhere to be found in the Bible.
One example would be about Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13. The Levites were condemning the use of male temple prostitiutes in their religious ceremonies. It had NOTHING to do with two or more people having the love of one another.
Shall I continue?
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Catherine
@Dan Anderson
Please do continue.
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Larry Michael Damato
WHY ARE PEOPLE SO CONCERNED ABOUT OTHERS LIFESTYLES FROM ABORTION TO GAY AND LESBIAN AND OTHER SEXUAL SITUATIONS...FREEDOM FOR ALL... AS LONG AS YOU ARE NOT PERSONALLY HURT BY THIS....STOP QUOTING THE BIBLE ... RELIGION HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR MORE WARS SINCE ITS BEGINNING AND CONTINUS... DOES THIS TELL YOU ANYTHING...LOVE IS THE ONLY RELIGION....NOT YOUR OPINIONS OR JUDGEMENT
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Larry Michael Damato
WHY ARE PEOPLE SO CONCERNED ABOUT OTHERS LIFESTYLES FROM ABORTION TO GAY AND LESBIAN AND OTHER SEXUAL SITUATIONS...FREEDOM FOR ALL... AS LONG AS YOU ARE NOT PERSONALLY HURT BY THIS....STOP QUOTING THE BIBLE ... RELIGION HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR MORE WARS SINCE ITS BEGINNING AND CONTINUES... DOES THIS TELL YOU ANYTHING...LOVE IS THE ONLY RELIGION....NOT YOUR OPINIONS OR JUDGEMENT
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HRH. Prince Richard of Judah
If “do what thy wilt” is the whole of the law then you are not following Yahweh God’s commandments but his adversary Satan. Any perversion and turning 180 degrees in opposition to God is satanic period. If unnatural flesh is an abomination to God as a corruption of His intent of man and woman as the correct union then it comes of Satan to corrupt Gods will.
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Amber Fry
Yea, if you are going to work for the public, you cannot speak or act against any segment of that public for who and what they are. People are people. You don't like their lifestyle, you don't like their personal beliefs, you don't like that they might actually be in need, don't work for the public or keep your mouth shut. Ain't your business. Nobody is forcing anyone to live that way. Do you, be you and leave others to do the same. Religious beliefs and rules are for those of that religion. It isn't for those who are not and it isn't for anyone to force on others. As long as consenting adults are all in agreement, leave them to it.
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ServantOfJudgement
Amber,
That's whey the entire Democratic party drags 50 percent of American voters through the mud with insult after insult? Because they're impartial? Can't a voter have a personal belief they legally act upon without being belittled and portrayed as an uneducated idiot?
I must say if that's the philosophy of the left a word more powerful than delusional needs to be created.I'm told that our current president tod black Americans they are black if they vote for president Trump. That sounds like it's the opposite of impartial and somewhat onerous to me. Isn't it odd that an old white guy would tell black people how to vote? I find it very peculiar and alarming.
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Rev Ned
Apparently, when reading his Bible, he missed the bit about “Judge not, lest ye be judged and found wanting”.
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Allen Nace
This is wrong on multiple levels. First it is wrong and confusing that so many stand by the Bible which has been proven to be wrong scientifically multiple times. It is made up of stories and fables that served a purpose then much like storytelling does. Second.the Bible has a purpose in behavior modification and values. Many are wonderful, some, not so much. Commandments and all seem to be a good idea, stoning others, maybe not so much. Magical thinking? Virgin birth, walking on water, interesting. Enough about that. Next is religious values. Sometimes wonderful, sometimes very dangerous.
Next is free speech. It is only free if it is without consequences. Hence the free part. The school is only motivated by greed. How will this impact their marketing approach. Will this impact funding or public viewpoint of the school which rolls around to money. Bile speaking I think there was something about problems with homosexuality in the bible. So the college is wrong and the guy is not too smart taking the bible at face value and not seeing it as storytelling for the time it was printed.
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Rev. Ken Shostad
The Rockefeller Foundations: Press Releases/ 06/22/2017
"The Rockefeller Foundation Announces Grants to Organizations Supporting and Defending LGBTQ Community"
"The Jaffe Memo also recommended more bizarre methods to bring down birth rates, such as propaganda campaigns to "alter the ideal family size," to encourage "women to work," as well as to promote "increased homosexuality." [102]
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Danny D. Maynard
Spoiled Republican tripe is what I smell!
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Rev. MichaelRS
Despite their mission statements the Church of England and the Methodist Church, of which this Cliff College is a part of, abandoned God a long time ago.
In a situation like this you can look up any verse that has to do with false teachings or false prophets or fake Christians and it's likely to apply.
However, while they are likely to fool men, as Galatians 6: 7-8 tells us, God will not be mocked.
And when the time comes, as we are told Matthew 7:13 through 27, with emphasis on versus 21 through 23, they will find out how true that is.
And please don't bother to point out Matthew 7:1-5 to me. That misunderstood section is often used by those who wish to engage in habitual sinful activities to say that they should not be called out on it. If we are unable to identify sinful activity in others how could we identify it in ourselves or avoid it?
That whole section is about not calling out somebody with hypocrisy. Purposefully engaging in sinfyl activity in your own life while you're calling somebody else out on theirs and not even bothering to correct your own
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Danny D. Maynard
What a funny mythology you follow there Mikey!
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Douglas Robert Spindler
Christian churches and Christian colleges have realized they need to “love” and accept gays for the all of the money they will bring to the church. Christians need all the money they can. Gone are the days when Christian leaders said the Bible said homosexuality is a sin. In the name of money God and the Bible is now telling Christian leaders love and accept gays and their money.
With Christians it’s all about the money.
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ServantOfJudgement
You're actually right. Churches that oppose the Bible they teach ate doing it for the reason you said. Money.
Not all Christians cave for dollars though. Those are the ones that are called hateful.
The Bible definition of hate is to choose against something. That means all heterosexuals hate homosexuality and all homosexuals hate heterosexuality. A gay dude hates women. A lesbian hates men. A straight dude hates men and a straight chick hates women.
Hate=Choice.
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Steven Ferrell
It is so sad that you can no long speak the truth without fear of losing your job. What is even more sad is those who promote sin are free to fully speak their minds without repercussions.
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Amber Fry
It isn't truth, it's belief, and it's hateful. He wasn't arrested. He wasn't beat up. His house wasn't torn down. He went against policy hiding behind religion to be hateful and fearful and got fired for it. That's it. If a person in a school no less cannot share belief without calling people sinful for just being who they are then they really need to go back to school themselves and learn how.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Or maybe this will show him that he's in the wrong line of work, and will lead him to something better for people who can't shut up, like being a used car salesman.
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Daniel Ginther
How can the President of Harvard vocally support Jewish genocide and keep her job while some other educator references scripture to Homosexuality and its sin ? Because Homosexuals will go to any length to preserve their evil nature as OK !
Homosexuality is not from God, it is from Satan and living and loving that lifestyle opens you up to devil spirits attaching themselves to the person, life is hard enough without inviting death and destruction to live within you.
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Rev'd Andrew
The President of Harvard didn't "vocally support Jewish genocide." What a ridiculous assertion. If you want to defend your foolishness, go ahead and provide a direct quote.
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John Dennis Washington
I don't agree with Dr Edwards view of anti-gay based on his biblical convictions. However, if he expressed himself on his personal email and not the schools, then, I am not sure if he should of been fired. If he is not teaching anti-gay in his class room, I am not sure he violate the schools code of ethics. Unless, the code states a teacher cannot be anti-gay then I think Dr Edwards was unfairly fired.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
John, I must say I agree with you.
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Larry Michael Damato
WHY ARE PEOPLE SO CONCERNED ABOUT OTHERS LIFESTYLES FROM ABORTION TO GAY AND LESBIAN AND OTHER SEXUAL SITUATIONS...FREEDOM FOR ALL... AS LONG AS YOU ARE NOT PERSONALLY HURT BY THIS....STOP QUOTING THE BIBLE ... RELIGION HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR MORE WARS SINCE ITS BEGINNING AND CONTINUS... DOES THIS TELL YOU ANYTHING...LOVE IS THE ONLY RELIGION....NOT YOUR OPINIONS OR JUDGEMENT
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ServantOfJudgement
Larry,
It's a Bible school, they get paid to teach the bible. Ever pay for a course that doesn't teach the course you paid for? Imagine going to drivers education and they teach you knitting.
Russia is an atheist nation yet they invade Ukraine. China is an atheist nation yet they invade hong Kong and next Taiwan. North Korea is an atheist nation and they desperately want to nuke anyone.
Abortion of what? I don't mind people aborting roller coaster rides but aborting a human that could be delivered seem a little over the top to me.
What is love to worship it? Will you love he who murders your parents? Do you love the cop who framed your best friend? What about the guy who stole your retirement fund, you'll send him birthday cards right? Do you love president Trump? You should love him.
I love the bible, its fascinating to me, why do you want me to not quote it? Does it hurt to hear it? I've only quoted it one time here I think to a fellow believer, why is that wrong?
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Curtis Catron
It's like this, jesus wanted us to accept all, for all are gods children. None is undeserving of gods love and acceptance. And we should treat all as our own family. Hate has no place in gods church.
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Joe R Day
Thank you for this post... Made my heart glad.
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Catherine
"... If sin is no longer sin, we no longer need a Saviour." Factual enough. Edwards might have begun and ended with that.
For sake of discussion though, if God make no mistakes, shouldn't those who represent their church be expected to adjust their blinders accordingly? Churches are centered around beliefs, so...?
Should Edward be aware churches are totalitarian in self-governance?
Since Edward did not accurately gauge which way the wind is blowing in the Wesleyan Methodist Church, why not work elsewhere?
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Rev. Scott Kornegay
Love the person (Soul); Hate the sin
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Ethan Wayne Ruedlinger
If you persecuted Christian’s for preaching against homosexuality or anything else in the Bible, you will be judged by God accordingly. Stop supporting Sodom, stop getting in bed with Gomorrah. Christ is returning soon, and those of you who persecute our brothers who stand up for the truth of the gospel will be condemned.
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Rev'd Andrew
Christians don't preach against homosexuality. Closet homosexuals do. Come out of your closet, Ethan.
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Catherine
@Ethan Wayne Ruedlinger
Is your contention that much of the world does not believe what you do?
How can I or a non-believer be judged by your beliefs? I understand that forced logic, though that lacks reason altogether.
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Ari Joseph Bertine
I agree with the school. He made himself a liability and was fired. Schools are very vulnerable to shifts in public opinion based upon the behavior and reputation of their teachers and how they respond to this. Mr. Edwards made a public statement that indicates that his personal interpretation of Biblical teachings is one that leans into bigotry and harm toward a marginalized social group. This carries a negative onus with it, as Christian institutions want to portray a positive association between Christianity and education. Nobody wants an employee that publicly advertises to scare away potential students or investors. And teachers are viewed as direct representations of a school's quality. No one looks at a teacher's statements and says, "Oh, well that's his personal take but surely he keeps his own personal biases to himself when teaching at the school we know he works for." They say, "Oh...he has this opinion and teaches at this school, therefore the school must teach this." If it's an opinion that repels people, that's bad for the school. They gave him a chance to retract the post and he refused. Surely he was not ignorant of the implications, so he chose to die on that hill. The government had nothing to do with his dismissal--his freedom of speech was never threatened. The consequences of his speech, however, impacted people, including his employers, and they chose to disassociate themselves from him so as to minimize the impact of his speech upon them. They absolutely have that right and it's not even morally ambiguous, it's self-defense in their position. He made himself look hateful, and they can't have that representing them.
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Keith Lawrence Dimond
Looking at this strictly legally, I'm curious whether there was any indication in Dr Edwards' commentary on X that he was associated with Cliff College. If not--if it didn't come up, I think the college stupidly is the one who looked up and reacted when Edwards shouted a proverbial epithet. You know what I mean: "Hey, Idiot!" in an area with lots of people ... how many look up? Who? Why? How do they react? What does that say about them? This seems to be what Cliff has done. ... even if Edwards clearly was associated with them.
As to doctrine: if your doctrine is this thing and you do away with it, what are you? Can you still identify by that system? If someone shouts 'repent!' and you shoot the messenger, what of you?
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Ken H
I Believe That The Teacher Does Have The Right To Express Himself Through Biblical Doctorine. People And Organizations Have The Right To Establish There Own Rules. Was He Breakking The Constitution? People Have The Right To Love Who They Love. Myself As A Cleric Have Family Members Who Live A Gay Life Style I Don't Bash Them And They Understand That I Don't Perform Same Sex Marriage. Did The School Have Rules Against The Teachers/Teacher Expressing Their Opinions On The Subject Biblically or Otherwise?
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Lionheart
I Bet You Were A Hoot In Your English Class At School, Sir Kenneth 🤭
🦁❤️
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Joe R Day
OK. I read (most) of the comments and all of the article... I believe this sums up the conundrum. (From the article)
"Homosexuality is invading the Church. Evangelicals no longer see the severity of this b/c they're busy apologising (sic) for their apparently barbaric homophobia, whether or not it's true. This is a "Gospel issue", by the way. If sin is no longer sin, we no longer need a Saviour."
Firstly (and most important), this human published his 'opinion'... Good, bad or terrible, it is his opinion. Agree or not, I feel that this is the 'Crux of the Bisquit' (thanks Frank). Him publishing his 'opinion' and losing his job (income) because of it? Doesn't anyone see that a "Blow against one, is a blow against everyone"?
Personally, I think his 'opinion' is misguided and spiteful, but I do NOT agree with the decision to punish him... When I write an 'opinion' in this forum, I know that I won't lose my job (I'm retired lol). Some would say "He knew what he was doing." I would counter with "How can everyone know the consequences of publishing an 'opinion' in a public forum?"
To the statement "we no longer need a Savior", I believe that it is disingenuous, 'alarmist' and glosses over the real problem. So few religious folks actually engage with the folks from that lifestyle choice, so how can they know that they all are 'sinners' (we all are lol) or are unworthy of redemption?
I do not agree with what he said, but I will fight for his right to say it...
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Catherine
@Joe R Day
I think his error in judgment was expecting to remain employed by an establishment whose rules he does not want to follow. A more intelligent move might have been to find work elsewhere with an employer aligned with his personal beliefs. Then speak out.
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Kathleen Anne OBrien
Read What the Bible Really Says about Homosexuality Paperback – May 1, 2000 by Daniel A. Helminiak (Author). The bible does NOT condem homosexuality. MANY research papers and books covered here. The condemnations come from modern incorrect intrepretations, not from the original Greek.
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Catherine
@Kathleen Anne OBrien
No doubt. Why would Greeks speak against homosexuality when that was part of their society's lifestyle? May be Greek translations of the Hebrew bible were written to suit Greek society?
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Evone Payton Banks (Minister non denominational)
As a business builder and private contractor in specialized business.. you have the right to fire... But if we going bring the good book into it.. it shows lack of knowledge and why we perish
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Evone Payton Banks (Minister non denominational)
If you preach Truth it is dangerous if you cover up truth it is dangerous. Churches are not building.. we are.
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Danny D. Maynard
"Churches" can still be burnt to the ground! Keep an eye out for those who would choose to harm you and yours!
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John Robert Milner
England has turned into a very strange place over the last 20 years! You have to take any news or action with a grain of salt! I love um but they do not have governance that protects free speech like the US!
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Dr Rohn
Great point John!
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
That's probably why we haven't heard from Nicholas Page. He fears having to return to the dungeon of Windsor Castle.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
They could use another incarnation of Arthur Pendragon right now, couldn't they? I'll have a talk with Merlin, and see if we can conjure him up. Maybe he can step into the body of King Charles, as a walk-in.
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Catherine
@John Robert Milner
About 40-ish years ago when I lived in England, anything could be said except f...... the queen in a pub. Or your landlord. For obvious reasons.
I think what changed are technological developments used to essentially blackmail people around the world. RealPage Inc, for example and other property mangement software that can be flagged with a nastygram so someone is less able to live elsewhere because they complained about something.
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Dent L. Sweem
Too ALL those who refuses to accept what the Bible says about Homosexuality maybe should reevaluate whether or not they're you're truly Christians. Or just want the gift of eternal life because they may feel they're "Entitled" to it. The Bible is clear on this issue. The Man is right! Period!
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Lionheart
I refuse to accept anything written in the Bible. There is way too much fallacy, and unproven claims woven into those stories to even consider it as reliable, but thank you for your comment. 🤗
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Daniel Ginther
The Bible was specifically written to born again believers, unless you are born again, ( Romans 10:9 ) and receive the spirit of God within the Bible will be understandable and your own wordily senses will tell yourself everything under the sun why the Bible is not truth.
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Amber Fry
Then why keep trying to force it on others? If they are not going to understand then they are not going to understand no matter what you do or say. It only tempts those born again to go against those rules and laws to live by while trying.
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Lionheart
Actually, no, Sir Daniel. I only needed to go as far as the Adam and Eve story, to realize I was going to be in for a humorous journey of fiction. That realization was cemented by the Unicorn, and the talking *** and serpent.
Just for humor, I did get past the woman being turned into a pillar of salt, which left me in a fit of giggles, so I quickly jumped to the bit about a deity impregnating a virgin, a guy walking on water, who also supposedly turned some water into a full bodied Chardonnay. It could have been just a good quality table wine though.
The most hilarious bit was when this guy, who was reportedly all alone in the Garden of Gethsemane, was talking to the sky, and hearing voices in his head, (obviously not well), and someone “who wasn’t there” wrote everything down in fine detail. The author really messed up there. J.K. Rowling wouldn’t have done that if she’d. been the author.
Anyway, it was a fun little ditty. Very bloodthirsty, but soooo funny as well. Definitely not a book for children though.
I have a sneaking feeling no one is going to believe it as a real story. What do you think? I could be wrong though, some people will believe anything they read. 🤷🏼
Have you read the Book of Mormon yet? That’s just as funny.
🦁❤️
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Catherine
@Lionheart
And Scientology. Maybe they tie in terms of poorly written fiction? L. Ron Hubbard might have been a teensy bit more honest because he made no fuss about the money that must be spent to level up.
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Catherine
@Dent L. Sweem
You think non-christians expect an eternal gift of life as you believe that to be? Do you think only christians are participating in these discussions?
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Lori-Ann Neeb
@Dent Sweem I remind you again that the book is published by men with an agenda. It is written to be vague and subject to interpretation. Every cult leader that is out there has some twisted interpretation that suits their purposes. Remember David Karesh. He had the book memorized. Or Jim Jones that used it to make his followers drink poison. My senses do not tell me that it is inaccurate. History and work done in archeology, sociology and cultures says it. Spirituality is not in a book. The bible was specifically written to those the church wanted to control and who could be controlled simply by saying "Do what we say or else ...". And all those people in the old testament did some pretty racy things because they were told God had said to do it.
The fact yhat you can't offer any kind of useful information that doesn't start with "the bible says..." is a waste of everyone's time. All it proves is that you forgot how to form intelligant thoughts in the prrfect example of the church closed mind that has shut down. Añyone who really wants to help would be helping others and loving all people just as Jesus taught. If Home is for all people except dark entites. It take extreme arrogance to believe that you can decide who does or does not retutn Home.
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Dr Rohn
Aron You bring a very broad and open ended argument, which by the way, I love. But, the first response would be, yes. Then comes the ambiguity, obviously disposing riotous actions directly or indirectly against “humans” is questionably not protected speech, or is it?
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Rev. Scott Kornegay
Egoism is the problem here. The Bible is very clear on what is a Sin and an abomination.. it is Man who thinks they can subvert or disobey God due to their own ego and evil desires by claiming the Bible is outdated and/or wrong when in fact it is the other way around.
On the issue of Trans people: how can a "trans" person expect love and understanding from anyone else, when they can't even love or understand themselves or the body they were born in and given by God?? God doesn't make mistakes. And until they fully love themselves and the body their soul is born in to, and ask for forgiveness of their Sins and evil desires of subverting God - yes, we all should pray for their true salvation - but going along with their delusions and their Sinful ways by accepting their delusions, makes us just as guilty of their Sin(s) as well in God's eyes.
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Rev. Scott Kornegay
1 John 3
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Lionheart
Dumbledore has some great quotes as well, Sir Scott.
🦁❤️
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Ethan Wayne Ruedlinger
I lost my job for preaching against homosexuality and it only made me louder. I keep preaching the good news of the gospel and the evil of sins to the four corners. I will never stop, put a gun to my head and tell me to stop preaching against the evil of homosexuality and I’ll laugh in your face. You may have a law, or a company policy, but I must obey God rather than man.
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Joe R Day
I'm sorry you feel that way... KJV teaches that Jesus went among folks like this. Preaching the Torah and forgiveness and the love of God. I do believe he would weep if he read your words... That's my 'opinion'...
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Ethan Wayne Ruedlinger
So many evil anti Christian people in these comments. Sad.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Some of us even think it's Christianity that is the root of all evil. However, we are all children of the same universe, and you have just as much right to be here as anyone else.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
So Ethan, maybe this isn't the right ULC blog for you. There are other ones that you should consider. Some of them even seem to like Christianity.
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Michael Terry Galey
As a Messianic Christian, our faith must be so to endure the slings and arrows of the godless people. The former citizens of Gomorrah and Sodom found out the hard way. Therefore at the Judgment Throne there will be the final answer. Elohim proclaims it is an abomination said through the Holy Scriptures. We won't be able to fight the reprobate mind, just say what the Scriptures read and prepare for the worst. Shalom brothers and sisters of the Messiah Yeshua
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Catherine
@Michael Terry Galey
Come to the dark side of living in the light where actions meet consequences without religious crutches : . )
"As a Messianic Christian, our faith must be so to endure the slings and arrows of the godless people."
As a non-christian, I feel no such suffering or indignities. Only those of my making.
No need to tithe. No clergy to say I'm not always at my best. I usually know that. If a failing is missed, actual mirrors and other people let me know when I'm less than.
Less time is spent removing sand from my eyes, which makes it easier to focus on what matters here and now.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
All I could tell about Jesus and homosexuality in the bible was that some of his apostles left their wives to be with him, and never slept with a woman again. So I guess that means Jesus was better than their wives, in bed.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
I think St. Judas and Jesus were lovers, and St. Judas caught Jesus in bed with another apostle (probably Peter), which he was devastated by, and is why he turned Jesus in. Jesus never could be true to just one man. That's why he had twelve of them. I'm sure he thought they all understood.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Too much Jesus will spoil a good party. Hail Bacchus!!!
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Ehrman, I have too much fun messing with the christians around here to consider their virtues.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Larry, don't get too upset about it. Just keep in mind that fools will always be fools. They're too stupid to ever try to be anything else.
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XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Bible" college fires professor for re-stating whats written in the KJV Bible.
It doesn't get any funnier than that. They should make a Seinfeld episode.
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Joseph E. Lane
You know, I'm not endorsing or condemning... I'm just saying whatever happened to living with your choices? You believe that way? That's your belief and your choice. But other people have their beliefs and their choices also. 1) Freedom of Speech in America only applies to government, not private entities. 2) This isn't even America, it's the UK, but from what I have found in even a brief search, same idea- government/public authorities, not private entities. https://www.amnesty.org.uk/free-speech-freedom-expression-human-right So yeah, if your workplace has an issue with how what you say reflects on them, offer you a chance to correct things, and you refuse, you earned your prize. And if your beliefs maintain that you need to publicly express these things, then you should be strong enough in your faith to accept any backlash that comes with it. I'd personally still think you were unnecessarily being a hateful d***, but at least I could respect your conviction.
His freedom of speech was not violated. He was free to post it, and he was free to accept the repercussions of his speech. He doesn't want to do that. He wants to voice his opinions without having to suffer any consequences.
I wonder, by the way, where he stands on things the bible speaks against more than it does homosexuality....
So, what you’re saying is. I can post things I believe only if I am ok with any random repercussions. When the government says, you cannot speak your mind or we will take all your possessions and incarcerate you, that’s acceptable? Look I know that’s not happening, yet, but you are saying that would be ok.
There are consequences for actions, you are free to carry out those actions if you are willing to accept the consequences
Could not agree more. All actions have reactions. I would support his decision to not remove the post if he is willing, as we all should be, to accept the consequences of his convictions. Cherrypicking certain parts of the Bible to justify his actions is a very old and disingenuous form of discrimination. When one is employed, the employer, has the right to protect their brand as they see fit, not as the employee sees fit. There is nothing wrong with “sticking to your guns” as long as you are willing to be “dead” right. He should stop whining and proudly leave his employment with the College.
He could be speaking against homosexuality to hide his own latent homosexual desires. I've heard of people doing things like that.
If you can't serve the time don't do the crime. They don't make shows like that anymore.
The consequences of his actions were not random. He knew, or ought to have known, what he was doing and the likely outcome of his actions. Maybe he should ask his god to step in and help him out of the mess he's got himself in.
Basically those freedom rights are to keep you out of jail. That's it. When people get arrested for their beliefs and ideas, when they are actually beaten up or their property is torched, then you have a case. But it's important to understand workplaces do have policies and if you are going to throw around hate speech then you better be willing to hear it back and quite possibly be removed from public work if it's hateful enough.
Dr Rohn,
What I'm saying is we are free to say or post or articulate in any way whatever we want. The First Amendment prohibits the Federal Government from restricting us in any way in this aspect. However, just because you have the right to say things doesn't mean anyone has to give you a forum for it, nor does it protect you from any repercussions save those from the Federal (not state, local, or other) Government.
People are also free to criticize what you say, disagree with what you say, argue with it, etc. You don't have to listen to them, of course. You don't have to provide a forum for them, and they are no safer from repercussion than you are. We're only guaranteed Freedom of Speech from the Federal Government.
Remember that this happened in the UK so there is no First Amendment right. They MAY have something similar but the UK is known for being very strict on what can and cannot be considered free speech or hateful speech.
Good point. I had forgotten that fact.
I looked the college up and it's a private Methodist college. That denomination recently went through a massive upheaval because of people like that professor not wanting to include everyone. But as a private college they have even more room to govern what their employees say in representation of the institution. It's not like it was a public university.
And for those who would ask, yes, even if the roles were reversed and he had been fired for being open and accepting of LGBTQ+ I would have agreed the college had the right to fire him. I wouldn't agree with the action but that they would have the right to do so.