Southern Baptist pulpit Analogies

Why do Southern Baptists use analogies that promote polygamy? I thought polygamy was one of those horrible "slippery slope" things that might happen if same-sex marriage rights are recognized.

Why would a baptist preacher use that analogy without also including a blanket condemnation of polygamy?

- Bob R.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusguy04 @ Jun 14 2006, 08:46 AM) [snapback]271133[/snapback]</div>

You guess wrong. I fully understand the point and the message of the story, and it is a good story.

However, although the _point_ of the story has little to do with polygamy, you cannot say that the story has _nothing_ to do with polygamy. After all, it has a king with 4 wives, right? Or did you totally miss that part?

As for the "holier than thou" bit, it was you and others in various threads on the topic of same-sex marriage that listed a constant litany of sins that same-sex marriage was supposed to lead to, including polygamy. And yet here it is used as an example, without moral qualification, in a Southern Baptist sermon? What gives? Can you tell me what year (or even what century) it was when God decided that polygamy was no longer sanctified, no longer "traditional", and became sinful? These things are supposed to be clear-cut, aren't they?

- Bob R.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bobr1 @ Jun 14 2006, 11:31 AM) [snapback]271121[/snapback]</div>

That's reading a little too into it don't you think? I don't really see any active promotion of anything here, rather a story of some King and 4 wives to illustrate a point... You can read into almost anything and find something or other suggestive or offensive...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mystery Squid @ Jun 14 2006, 09:10 AM) [snapback]271146[/snapback]</div>

I chose the word "promote" specifically because it is a word that is often used against gay people whenever the topic of same-sex equality comes up in reference to media or literature.

For example, some have argued against allowing elementary schools to read from books that portray a same-sex marriage, even in jurisdictions where such marriages are legal. Books like that, and TV shows that include gay characters, etc., are often accused of "promoting" homosexuality, and the accusations usually come from conservative religious organizations.

So, my question is this: If the portrayal of the existence of gay characters and same-sex marriages "promotes" homosexuality, does not the portrayal of the existence of polygamy also "promote" polygamy?

(My answer, actually, is "No" in either case.)

- Bob R.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bobr1 @ Jun 14 2006, 12:18 PM) [snapback]271153[/snapback]</div>

Ah, thank you for bringing up that question...

There are a few fundamental differences here... First of all, the King and 4 wives concept is far more of an arbitrary, somewhat comical, reference, with no real basis in reality (at least in the US... :lol: ) Plus, the target audience isn't a second grade class (for which we'll exclude for this purpose))). Would you say excluding this story from an audience would somehow result in irrational hatred towards a polygamist (you know, .0000895% of the population)? Secondly, the underlying theme is still a typical man and woman relationship... I fully agree with you, obviously, this little story does not promote polygamy. Thirdly, I will say that I DO agree the portrayal of the existence of gay characters DOES NOT, in itself actively promote homosexuality, HOWEVER, to proactively attempt to place, FORCE, the concept upon young kids, then to argue the absence thereof breeds nothing but irrational hatred, is not only irrational and "in your face", but sooo totally wrong.

However, I do have a solution.

Have some sort of mandatory tolerance-esque class somewhere between the 6th and 8th grades that specifically deals with ALL walks of life... Or at least, as many of the major ones as possible... That way, it's not a gay issue, it's not an Arabic issue, it's not a Jewish issue, it's not a transgendered issue, it's an "EVERYONE'S" issue...

Of course, obviously, there is no substitute for good parenting, but obvsiously, not everyone is afforded such items in life...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mystery Squid @ Jun 14 2006, 11:32 AM) [snapback]271246[/snapback]</div>

Sounds good to me. And yes, there is no substitute for good parenting. I do believe though that no matter what your situation is, you can be a good parent. It can be extremely difficult, especially if you were raised by bad parents and are in a difficult, stressful situation yourself, but it can be done. Or even better, if you know you won't be a good parent, don't have kids in the first place.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bobr1 @ Jun 14 2006, 08:31 AM) [snapback]271121[/snapback]</div>

Lame, narrow minded, mean spirited and so predictable. <_<