the negative personal experieces of Mr. Bussee and the way he chooses to live with his life choices should also not be espoused an example let alone as appropriate for a Christian.

Yes. I admit that I am a poor example — even on my good days. I have never suggested that others should follow my path — or use me as a model of appropriate Christian living.

God forbid! That is between them and the Lord. The only example we should follow is Jesus.

It’s a bit of a non-sequitur on that thread but at least it does have the ‘church’ tie in; I’m not sure how it fits with this thread that doesn’t really reference established churches at all.

Larry didn’t even actually say what he personally believed about homosexuality from a Bible standpoint; he merely cited his impression that Michael’s comments were negative and divisively circular and that Michael’s life ought not to be considered an appropriate model. Not less than two weeks ago, when I made an off-handed reference to Michael as the poster child of the ex-ex-gays, he seemed to agree that he should not be held up as a model or standard.

Like Michael, I am ‘guessing’ that Larry probably believes homosexual behavior is sin but I must admit it’s only a guess. The irony is that Michael seems to be accusing Larry of presumption when he wrote:

Larry. Tell me. How do I live my life? And how did you conclude that I don’t serve our Lord in a positive way?

And yet Michael seems to be presuming Larry’s Bible viewpoint (along with reinterpreting what Larry said: Larry did not say that Michael didn’t serve the Lord in a postive way; he said he wished he’d use his intellectual prowess more productively in the Lord’s service rather than majoring on the negativity and circular talk.) It’s possible that Larry was only commenting on the misuse of this one particular gift and encouraging Michael to focus and accentuate the postiive.

When is it right and acceptable to presume? Is it a privilege granted only to a few?

I wish he (Michael) would use his intellectual prowess in a positive service of our LORD rather than these divisive circular arguments.

I think it is divisive and not a positive service to our Lord to hold that the homosexual issue is “central” to Christian faith — when it is not. This divides us into two groups:

(1) Real, bible-believing, Lord-serving Christians (the one’s who believe homosexuality is somehow central to Christian faith) on one side and

(2) Those who don’t believe it is central — and who therefore aren’t really Christian, don’t really believe the Bible and aren’t really serving HIm.

I do want to serve Him — and I do what little I can in my church, my family and my community. I know I could and should do more.

However, it is obviously drives his very negative tone throughout this blog. I which he would use his intellectual prowess in a positive service of our LORD rather then these divisive circular arguments.

Hi Larry,

It has been my observation and personal interaction with Michael that he has been very thoughtful, very intelligent, very introspective, and very willing to understand what others have to say about any aspect of this subject. There are others who post here who are not. Please go to the topic “Thoughts of the status of reorientation wars” and read some of his posts and I think you will see the kind of man he is.