What should be the proper Christian response...

[OneFollowingHim]

[I'm going to post here as the right place to discuss this.]

A lesbian woman in the company where I work has just had her second child. She's "married" to another woman. She is going to bring her baby to the office one of these days. She brought her first baby.

My problem is too many of the Christians in the office (especially Christian women) goo-gooed and la-laaad over the first baby as if it were normal circumstances. I've never treated this woman disrespectively. In fact, I've gone out of my way to be respectful. (Probablay because any disrespect I show would be interpreted as HATE! She knows I'm a Christian and has read the letters I've written to the paper on this topic. Obviously, I'm not in favor of same-sex marriage.)

I'm wanting to talk with the Christians about this idea of treating her circumstances with equal social ranking as a family with a mother and a father. What should I say? What is the proper Christian response? How can God be most honored in how we treat this woman?

There is a story in Numbers 25 about a man who "was as zealous as I am for my honor among them." When a man brought his prostitute lover to the tent, Phinehas ran them both through with a spear. I'm not suggesting that kind of thing. But Phinehas did hold honor for God in a high place. How should Christians accomplish that?

How can we effectively show honor to God in these kinds of situations. Shame is one thing that comes to mind. We should shame these women. They should not be considered equally acceptable to families with a mother and a father. We should not oogle over the baby. We need not be rude, but we certainly should not consider the circumstances with equal dignity as traditional families either.

I would appreciate any input on this. It will likely be a few weeks before the baby visit, so I would like to talk this over with my brothers and sisters and be prepared when she does show up. How can we best be salt (sting) and light (hope) in this situation?

[Piebald]

If you want to keep your job, you should probably not do anything outside of prayer. I don't want that to sound blunt because your feelings are right.. but pragmatically it would not be a good idea to do anything that remotely looks like you are launching a "crusade" against a coworker or creating any form of a hostile workplace environment. Trust me, any criticism whatsoever will be interpreted as hatred. Remember you need your job to support yourself and your family if you have one. In fact I wouldn't post about this or read this thread from work, if you use a computer.

You can't control what other people are going to do, ultimately you have to leave it up to God. Don't worry, you are not giving your tacit approval in this situation by saying nothing.

[NeilUnreal]

Does the baby know its mother is a lesbian?

-Neil

[OneFollowingHim]

If you want to keep your job, you should probably not do anything outside of prayer. I don't want that to sound blunt because your feelings are right.. but pragmatically it would not be a good idea to do anything that remotely looks like you are launching a "crusade" against a coworker or creating any form of a hostile workplace environment. Trust me, any criticism whatsoever will be interpreted as hatred. Remember you need your job to support yourself and your family if you have one. In fact I wouldn't post about this or read this thread from work, if you use a computer.

You can't control what other people are going to do, ultimately you have to leave it up to God. Don't worry, you are not giving your tacit approval in this situation by saying nothing.

Are you suggesting we should all just stay in our churches and ignore things? Not exactly the answer I'm looking for. I did exactly what you say here the last time and now the problem is bigger.

I hear what you say, but at the same time I see this is how we got to this point as far as rampant immorality. It is unlikely any moral reformer was guarded against difficulty in the beinning or at any point. Even the early homosexual reformers were unhurt in the beginning. As the saying goes, "We've come a long way, baby."

The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. I'm convinced that not enough good people are speaking up. They are doing nothing.

Your suggestion to watch my conduct in crirical situations is noted. I plan to be as it says in Matthew 10.

Matt 10:16-20 (NIV)

16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
17 "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.
18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.
19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,
20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

That is good council and it will take more than a direct approach. That is why I am seeking the best Christian response here. And, you're right, that ain't necessarliy confrontation.

[OneFollowingHim]

Does the baby know its mother is a lesbian?

-Neil

[Moose Matrixed]

• Edited by a Moderator •

Moderator Notice

This forum is for encouragement and not unsympathetic rants. Please read teh guidelines before posting in the this forum.

No debate is permitted, and we ask that the fact that this is a Christian-owned site be respected in that the majority of the spiritual reflections expressed here will be Christian in perspective. We ask that mediations that are blatantly unorthodox or contrary to Christianity not be posted. Respectful interaction and posting by those of other beliefs is permitted.

***If you wish to take issue with this notice DO NOT do so in this thread.***
Contact the forum moderator or an administrator in Private Message or email instead. If you feel you must publically complain or whine, please take it to the Psychotherapy Room unless told otherwise.

[OneFollowingHim]

• Edited by a Moderator •

I don't think you really got the point of my OP. Is this what liberalism is about?

[Pilgrim]

[I'm going to post here as the right place to discuss this.]

A lesbian woman in the company where I work has just had her second child. She's "married" to another woman. She is going to bring her baby to the office one of these days. She brought her first baby.

My problem is too many of the Christians in the office (especially Christian women) goo-gooed and la-laaad over the first baby as if it were normal circumstances. I've never treated this woman disrespectively. In fact, I've gone out of my way to be respectful. (Probablay because any disrespect I show would be interpreted as HATE! She knows I'm a Christian and has read the letters I've written to the paper on this topic. Obviously, I'm not in favor of same-sex marriage.)

I'm wanting to talk with the Christians about this idea of treating her circumstances with equal social ranking as a family with a mother and a father. What should I say? What is the proper Christian response? How can God be most honored in how we treat this woman?

There is a story in Numbers 25 about a man who "was as zealous as I am for my honor among them." When a man brought his prostitute lover to the tent, Phinehas ran them both through with a spear. I'm not suggesting that kind of thing. But Phinehas did hold honor for God in a high place. How should Christians accomplish that?

How can we effectively show honor to God in these kinds of situations. Shame is one thing that comes to mind. We should shame these women. They should not be considered equally acceptable to families with a mother and a father. We should not oogle over the baby. We need not be rude, but we certainly should not consider the circumstances with equal dignity as traditional families either.

I would appreciate any input on this. It will likely be a few weeks before the baby visit, so I would like to talk this over with my brothers and sisters and be prepared when she does show up. How can we best be salt (sting) and light (hope) in this situation?

I'm a little concerned because you seem to equate the child with the prostitutle in your analogy. Regardless of how one may feel about the woman, the response to the child should not be any different than to any other child. I mean come on, the child has done nothing wrong in this situation and should not be victimized simply for being born. I say coo over the child, love on the child, show the child all the affection you can.

[Barry Desborough]

What should the proper Christian response be?

I'd suggest humility and love.

[Xmansmommy]

Well said Pilgrim! You can address the woman's issues without involving the child whatsoever. I think the fact that she knows (and everyone else too) your stance on same sex marriage, she isn't going to expect your view to change if you love her child. Why not get an opportunity to hold and love the baby and say a silent prayer over him/her?

[tiffanyh]

I'm a little concerned because you seem to equate the child with the prostitutle in your analogy. Regardless of how one may feel about the woman, the response to the child should not be any different than to any other child. I mean come on, the child has done nothing wrong in this situation and should not be victimized simply for being born. I say coo over the child, love on the child, show the child all the affection you can.

I'm with Pilgrim here. This child is fortunate to have someone who is willing to provide a home and love, and doesn't deserve to be shunned because of anyones disapproval of his/her adoptive families lifestyle. Show this baby all the love you can muster, and show the mother all the love you can muster as well. It sounds like she is aware of your viewpoint about her lifestyle, so my advice is to continue to find ways to lovingly help this woman. Showing her intolerance isn't terribly likely to move her to change her lifestyle to one you approve of. And showing the BABY intolerance, well....

[Moose Matrixed]

• Edited by a Moderator •

Moderated By: JohnSparks

This is a non debate area. This forum is for encouragement and not unsympathetic rants. And the OP asked for Christian responses. Please don't post in this thread any more

***If you wish to take issue with this notice DO NOT do so in this thread.***
Contact the forum moderator or an administrator in Private Message or email instead. If you feel you must publically complain or whine, please take it to the Psychotherapy Room unless told otherwise.

[Barry Desborough]

• Edited by a Moderator •

Yeah, take action!

But what action? OT style smiting (always fun and gratifying, if a tad non-constructive), or an NT style demonstration of Christian love?

[Moose Matrixed]

• Edited by a Moderator •

Moderated By: JohnSparks

This is a non debate area. And read the mod notice below. You are not to argue with moderation in the thread.

***If you wish to take issue with this notice DO NOT do so in this thread.***
Contact the forum moderator or an administrator in Private Message or email instead. If you feel you must publically complain or whine, please take it to the Psychotherapy Room unless told otherwise.

[Barry Desborough]

• Edited by a Moderator •

Moderated By: JohnSparks

This is a non debate area. This forum is for encouragement.

***If you wish to take issue with this notice DO NOT do so in this thread.***
Contact the forum moderator or an administrator in Private Message or email instead. If you feel you must publically complain or whine, please take it to the Psychotherapy Room unless told otherwise.