Pastor Sean Harris: Parents Should Punch Gay Acting Children

Wow! And where in the Bible does it say this?

Classic example of a momo.

http://www.facebook.com/PastorHarrishasgonetoofar

It's sad to say but be careful who you listen to, even in church. smh

It's amazing what passes for "Christian", especially in the "Bible Belt".

Wow. Between this Pastor Bag of Dicks and the racist douchenozzles like Spike Lee and the New Black Panther Party, free speech is REALLLLLLLY being tested these days with advocating violence…

Unbelievable.

I'm a Christian and I'm embarassed for him. Maybe we should pray for him. This is why people are so hesitant to go to church b/c of narrow minded jerks like him. way to spread the word of God dumb a**.

No one seems to "get" the "spirit" behind what this pastor is saying. No, we can't trust our feelings always, they change, and we can avoid great great mistakes especially in this extreme generation that begins to define you based upon temporary feelings you might have. Balance is more appropriate than ever, even if we need to exaggerate to actually be heard. Come on people – just stop the non-sense – we can't always go by our feelings and must make important decisions and stick to them – we are too wayward before God and mankind.

Religion. Just an excuse to be cruel towards others while pretending that you're doing the work of god.

Horrible.

Seems as though he has forgotten that his job as a pastor is to help people deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and better understand how to love one another as He loves us. This tyrade is definitely NOT indicative of any pastor who actively loves his congregation as Jesus loves; instead it reveals the hateful heart he has shown to possess. It IS indicative of a man who appears to have a personal (or perhaps a family) issue with gay people and has forgotten how to show Gods love to them the way Jesus showed God's love to everyone He knew.

He has the insight of a flea and the compassion of a maggot.

Unfortunately there ARE multiple verses in the Bible that give parents permission to beat and even kill their children. Fortunately, most people have more common sense than that. It's the few like this pastor we need to keep an eye on.

You know what I'm going to do if my daughter turns out gay? I'm going to LOVE her, just as I would if she wasn't.

But I'd like a sermon to go something like this:

"Dad, you see your son opening his mouth to spout off something bigoted, well, you break that mouth. You punch him right in his hate filled mouth. If he's acting stupidly, you smack some smarts into him. Don't be afraid to wind up and get a good running start. He was made by God not to be a moron, so it's up to you to set him straight. It's in the Bible, right between the Second Letter I Just Made Up to This Guy and the First Reading of Misappropriation of Spiritual Texts 1."

(and that's not a slam on Christianity, just on people like this using it for their own purposes).

He has the insight of a flea, the compassion of a maggot, is wallowing in an archaic dark age mentality and is as spiritual as a case of herpes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/29/opinion/sunday/homophobic-maybe-youre-gay.html?_r=1

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/29/opinion/sunday/homophobic-maybe-youre-gay.html?_r=1

Child abuse is child abuse. There is no excuse and certainly not this bs.

Oh my goodness. At this time in his young life, my little grandson likes purple and pink as his favorite colors (possibly influenced by big sister). Is this the time I beat him, break his bones and his spirit or should I wait until he is a little older? As a Chrisian grandmother, should I do this before or after I tell him how much Jesus loves him? (sarcasm intended)

This pastor is not a representation of how a Christian should act toward anyone. Even if you are totally against homosexuality, hate the sin but love the sinner!

Thank you so much for saying. I am happy to know as a Christian that there are people like you who truly know and understand the role of religious figures in all Christian religions: to LOVE people, to ACCEPT them. If Jesus accepted a criminal when he was crucified, and even accepted Mary Magdelene, a rumored prostitute, then we can certainly accept gays.

While I do feel the gay issue is pushed sometimes too much down our throats- as with other up and rising issues- this takes the whole other swing of the pendulum to another level! This pastor does not belong in a speaking role for anyone's community and definitely not the speaker of God's words. I am one that believes Faith is better served by someone who can keep his sermons on the real book and not the novel society is trying to write. My son wore the one piece infant suits leftover from his older sister when he was 3- 9 months old, ruffle butts and all sometimes! He is 20 years old now and far from gay! Lessons are learned by the role models in our lives, not by what we wear as a toddler.

He is probably one of the worst preachers ever. I feel sorry for his own children, what a terrlble example of a father and person.

I was tought to hate the sin pive the sinner and punching people isnt loving anyone or anything! We just need to live and let live! Love the sinner hate the sin! And my 20 year old son had a dolly he played with it all the time slept with it too and hes not gay! And if he were it wouldnt have been the doll!!

Somebody please beat the dumbass out of Sean Harris.

That is unbelievably one of the dumbest interpretations I've heard in a while! But then again, my bible says all pastors that say stupid shit like that are supposed to have there jaw wired shut and thrown down a well. That's DAP 21:5 check it out.

Wait a minute. Jesus was driven to anger by the money changers in the temple and ran them out with braided whips not kind words and they weren't even holding hands. Spare the rod spoil the child, Gay lifestyles are an abomination and it is clearly stated as so.

Love the person no matter what thats what MY GOD TEACHES! UNCONDITIONAL LOVE! LETS LEARN THAT!

Love*

I'm sure God loves this lowlife but hates gays. Yeah. that makes perfect sense. O_o If there is a God, he hates hate.

No spirtual ~ Godly ~ loving leadership here. John said something every pastor should have posted on his pulpit "Sir, we would see Jesus." No Jesus compassion here. Violence, child abuse, bitterness, hate is what this FALSE PROPHET is teaching. NC church "man up" and fire him. NC authorities, take his children away from him until a through investigation has been completed. Christians everywhere, pray for a pastor like this and Fred Phelps and his crew to find the love of Christ and share that. May God forgive this man and his wrong teachings. Let us LOVE everyone.

No spirtual ~ Godly ~ loving leadership here. John said something every pastor should have posted on his pulpit "Sir, we would see Jesus." No Jesus compassion here. Violence, child abuse, bitterness, hate is what this FALSE PROPHET is teaching. NC church "man up" and fire him. NC authorities, take his children away from him until a through investigation has been completed. Christians everywhere, pray for a pastor like this and Fred Phelps and his crew to find the love of Christ and share that. May God forgive this man and his wrong teachings. Let us LOVE everyone.

Hilarious.

Sean Harris said he was only joking. Sean Harris outed himself as never having read the Bible, but rather preying on his followers' prejudices. THAT, people, is the sole purpose of his life. He is a charlatan. I give you proof:

Proverbs 26:18-19 New International Version (NIV) Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”.

Melanie Niemiec Woodworth Not so fast. He's advocating HATE CRIMES. It's not just strictly child abuse.

Exhibit A.

Exhibit A.

'definitely not the speaker of God's words.'

Um, yes he is. To wit:

Proverbs 13:24 He who spares the rod hates the son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Proverbs 23:13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. If you beat him with the rod you will save his soul from Sheol (hell).

'definitely not the speaker of God's words.'

Um, yes he is. To wit:

Proverbs 13:24 He who spares the rod hates the son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Proverbs 23:13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. If you beat him with the rod you will save his soul from Sheol (hell).

I'm sorry that you don't understand how this man advocated not only child abuse but hate crimes against one's children. I hope to GOD you don't have any.

I'm sorry that you don't understand how this man advocated not only child abuse but hate crimes against one's children. I hope to GOD you don't have any.

Man up? I think everytime you open your mouth with such bulls*it, somebody should "man up" and punch you right in the face. I sure hope this troglodyte NEVER breeds, but I'm sure that's asking for too much. Nothing like those "christians." So full of love and compassion.

Oh, I "get" it. He's advocating violence against anyone who isn't heterosexual. I believe you and this "pastor" need to go sailing together, and you can start your journey by taking a long walk off a short pier.

Please don't judge all Christians by the ones who misuse Christianity. They will be judged by God if they cause others to not believe.

Psycho Pastor!

lol. Heather, I did not know that.

You as a pastor are a disgrace and disgusting. How dare you judge peple especially children and urge them to abuse their own children? You are a misrepresentation of pastors that do not preach this way. I have never heard such hateful words come from a man of God. Do not back track and and say "I would have worded it differently". You said exactly how you feel. I think we should pray for you to stop feeling so much anger and you need to ask God and to forgive you.
Apologize to those that you tried to break their spirit and their faith.

How ignorant!

Donald Glozer, this is what the gospel is. He is not psycho he is just doing what God called him to do. You cannot expect the Bible to be like other books. The Bible is power to help in our our sinful habits/nature and a remedy for it. It's up to you to accept God's invitation to salvation or reject it.

What a nut, haters are coming out of the woodwork!

Religion is a man made philosophy. Christianity is not a religion it is a fellowship with God. This fellowship comes through accepting His son as savior and Lord.

It's in the Bible.

Darlene Behn why don't you show your face.

Is anyone really surprised. Religious leaders are some of the most intolerant people on the planet. I am not saying all religious leaders are intolerant, just the ones that seem to have the most influence. No one should listen to these people that have not evolved past the 1st century. I would be willing to bet my life that this particular Pastor is deeply embedded in the closet and that is why he is so angry.

Girls should be taught to act like girls and boys to act like boys. You should discourage effeminate behavior in boys such as wearing female clothes and vice versa in girls. You should not hit or punish a child for this experimental behavior, nor laugh at it or bring any attention to it at all. Lovingly, gently redirect them. A parent must realize that there are a wide range of interests that are neither feminine nor masculine. Children should be encouraged to pursue any interest in a gender appropriate way. The pastor is right in concept but over the top in application.

Do NOT mislead people about Christianity. Even a basic understanding shows a FREEDOM from the LAW which is the old testament. Christians are to love and serve, the verses about stoning rebelious children isn't for us. JESUS IS!! Also homosexuality is a sin. It is wrong and seperates us from God. But so does lying, and so does consumerism, and so does being drunk, and so does stealing. All sin is equal, it doesnt matter how far your car is from the door, if its raining you are going to get wet!! Love all, and part of love is telling someone they are wrong and apart from God. Not through violence, never through violence

Is it loving to tell someone they are on the track to hell? Of course, but you will never convince a person with violence. Jesus said to love your naighbor, but he talked about Hell more than anyone in the Bible.

Not ignorant, true. He could have worded it more clearly. Homosexuality is a sin, whether you like it or not, it is God that decides sin, not us. You are not God and cannot tell people what is right and wrong. Jesus is God, and God is love. Everything God is or does is love, do not listen to an immature christian who tells you otherwise

Not ignorant, true. He could have worded it more clearly. Homosexuality is a sin, whether you like it or not, it is God that decides sin, not us. You are not God and cannot tell people what is right and wrong. Jesus is God, and God is love. Everything God is or does is love, do not listen to an immature christian who tells you otherwise

The pastor was very wrong in supporting violence of any kind. It upsets me that immature Christians will scare people away from the true faith and love that is Jesus Christ and what he did for us. Homosexuality is a sin, just as stealing, lying, adultery, fornication, drunkeness, etc. is a sin, and all sin is equal. We all fall short of the glory of God, eually and completely.

Mark Kendrick …have kids? Tough guy……

Mark Kendrick …have kids? Tough guy……

Sounds like a bible thumping GOPer to me. I'm sure if Romney is elected he'll be one of the speakers at the inaugaration. He is saying what all redneck, right wing, bigoted, evangelical christians are saying to their children right now. think I'm making it up? Michelle Bachman was at one time the leading candidate for the GOP nomination. They preache hate, bigotry, and christianity and everyone else can go to hell! Isn't that Right Sean (closet Homosexual) Harris?

Jacob Tobler you just told Frank that he's wrong. Does that make you God?

This is what people need to see in North Carolina regarding Amendment One, and in other states where there are marriage initiatives on ballot. People need to see what the anti-gay side is really about. All the kumbaya "we love everyone" crap is nothing but con-artists putting a positive spin on very hateful mentality and behavior. Sam Harris is dangerous and so are all pastors and church leaders like him, as well as those who agree with him. They are dangerous and need to be kept in check for the safety of our children and health of our society.

Nope, just a sinful human. The Bible is God's word, what is says is fact, simply because God is the one that said it, not me. A child can say 2 plus 2 is 5 and the teacher who knows a bit about math corrects him, did that teacher create math? No. Does that teacher know everything there is to know about math? No. Will that teacher still make mistakes on difficult problems? yes. That's why I trust a God who knows and does things I couldn't possibly do.

Oh…he's gay.

What do we do to pastors that are screwing the church secretary, using the church money and lying to his congregation? off with his balls! hypocrite!

Jacob Tobler No, what is says is what man wrote. God did not write any of it. Then Man translated it from the original and what you read today is very different from the original, that was written by man. And I always love that religious people qualify every wrongdoing by saying, "I'm just a sinful human", like that makes it all okay.

God is a soverign God who will not let his word be raped by a mans finite judgment. The bible we have today is 99.9 percent equal to the original greek manuscripts. God is not siting in heavne hoping we get things right, He is proactive in assiting us, and He will not let us change his words

This is obviously a man trying to hide is own lll insecurities

Funny, I would tell parents to punch any kid who uses the word "god" or Jesus or showed christian tendencies.

someone should punch this A-hole for using the church to promote his personal agenda of abuse , intolerance, and hate.

gross

Jacob Tobler judge not lest ye be judged. Asshole.

Jacob Tobler Pick and choose all you want, like a typical Christian Taliban. Jesus never talked about homosexuality… you are pulling from the old testament on that one, but not slavery or beating kids?

I get it. What I don't understand is your explanation and how it makes sense to what he is saying. These words he says are not about balance-it's about his ignorance of of basic humanity and intolerance of any one different than the "norm".
It saddens me how many people really belive this is how Jesus would want us to behave a how he would want us to think.

I get it. What I don't understand is your explanation and how it makes sense to what he is saying. These words he says are not about balance-it's about his ignorance of of basic humanity and intolerance of any one different than the "norm".
It saddens me how many people really belive this is how Jesus would want us to behave a how he would want us to think.

Hey, the dud has a right to his own opinion. And remember the Southern Baptist creed, "Everybody is entitled to my opinion."

As for me, I feel uncomfortable around obvious queers, so I stay away. I'll break bones if one comes on to my grandkids.

But then, I'm just a sweet old Okie grandpa…

Rita, Loved the sarcasm… but.. you lost me with your second statement. As the mother of two gay sons, I will never tell them: "I love you.. but…" it just negates everything that comes before the but. I will tell them i love them. As a grandmother myself, i know that gay or straight, you will love your grandson. My youngest didn't embrace pink until he was 16. You have time to educate yourself. Only regrets i have, are, that i raised them in a christian church and they had to learn to accept themselves as less than.

The part about correcting a daughters behavior when she acted too butch was particularly funny. Apparently upholding good Christian values are about maintaining the current social order, especially the nuclear family, and outdated gender roles.

Jacob Tobler So let me get this straight, I've been with the same person for 24 yrs, have a respectful business, we are involved in our community, I am good to my neighbors, and i am still considered a sinner, and I am compared to thieves, drunks, adulterers and murderers? Sorry, not buying it.

Rita, there is no such thing as "hate the sin but love the sinner" when it comes to being gay. Is it not a choice to be gay any more than being born with red hair or brown eyes is a choice. Calling what someone IS "sin" is making a definitive statement that this person is innately bad. Some churches love to use this phrase, but its just the same hate masked in "Christianese."

Chris Kennedy you nailed it! Jacob wants to pick and choose which verses to "embrace." If we were to embrace other words from the New Testament, women would still not have the vote, interracial marraige would still be outlawed, little girls would not be schooled and men's opinions would be the only ones that matter (Paul was a great one for all this). WDJD? What did Jesus do? WDJS: What did Jesus say? Oh yeah, that would be NOTHING about same sex relationships. In addition, note that it was the Roman Catholic church that was conveniently in charge of "translating and interpreting" the Bible into English. Interesting how it has been used by that church (and others) to validate their wars and atrocities. And this is the Christianity that you are asking us to buy? LOL!

Seems to me that the "spirit" behind his statements is exactly what he said openly. Break your kids bones and their hearts. Call it "God's work." And as for your interpretation of "balance," did you even listen to his words? There is no "balance" there. In fact, his words are about as EXTREME as you can get. Is this what right wing Christians call "spirit and balance?" I imagine that those words were used during the Holy Wars, witch-hunting, protesting African-American rights, the women's vote, and interracial marraige. That's right, the right-wing church supported all those things and covered them over with the umbrella of "spirit and balance." "I'm sorry officer, my spirit said that I was only trying to discipline my child. Unfortunately and for some unknown reason, he ended up with a broken wrist. But don't worry, God's got my back on this!" Really? Nice effort in trying to explain his statements, but we're not buying it. His spirit can say whatever it wants, but his mouth spoke violence and child abuse and there is ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE for it.

Frank Tunzi Congrats on making 24 years. I've been with my wife for 5 1/2, but hope we make it as far as you and your partner!

Frank Tunzi Congrats on making 24 years. I've been with my wife for 5 1/2, but hope we make it as far as you and your partner!

Tonya Nieves — Because Darlene Behn is smart enough to know that putting a picture on the Internet that anybody could "borrow" makes her susceptible to someone who creates a fake account with her picture on it, posts something inflammatory that her posting goes along with, and creates a problem which could get her fired from a job whether or not she created the inflammartory post. I'm only mildly tempted to steal your picture and put it with my account just to make the point–but, yeah, Darlene is slightly brighter than you are (if that's your actual picture).

Chris Kennedy — there are anti-same-sex-behavior passages in the New Testament, also. There is more in the New Testament than just the teachings of Christ (unfortunately, in my opinion). But, yes, a person can disbelieve in the Old Testament (or regard it as old teaching) and still find anti-same-sex-behavior rants in the New Testament. It might help if you read the text–you could make arguments that are more sound.

I am a Pastor and I do not condone what this person has said and done. This is not acceptance and love this is pure hate and to cal for the abuse of children should be condemned in the harshes terms possibel.

That insane jerk should be arrested for inciting violence and for encouraging parents to commit horrific child abuse. How can a moron like that be allowed to be in any position of authority even if the quality of that authority is seriously in doubt. I despise these hate mongers and how they pollute the minds of the mentally weak and the religiously confused. WHERE THE HELL IS JESUS WHEN YOU NEED HIM?

Sorry spell check died.

Chris Kennedy you are correct Jesus never talked about homosexualiity, but it is mentioned several times in the New Testament. However, I do not believe that Paul who does mention homosexuality in Romans, Ephesians, and Galatians ever talked about violence. This minister is basically condoning child abuse which is also a sin.

@Frank Tunzi, Sir that is wonderful that you have your own business and are involved in the community. You and I may live lives that are better than that of thieves, drunkards etc. However, we are not "compared" to them. Someday we will give an account for our lives and we can not deny that we are guilty of sin. There is nothing we can do on our own to be good enough to live with a Holy God. It would be like saying "I am the best person in Hell." That is not something to shoot for. We need Jesus Christ who paid the debt for our sins. If you believe in Him and make Him the Lord of your life, your debt will be paid. It's such a wonderful experience that one can never fully explain. Feel free to message me with questions etc. Have a great night.

Michael Bryant clearly homosexuality was not a prime focus of the books that make up the basis of christianity… so why is it such an issue for christians? Last time I checked, Jesus actually did express disdain for the richest folks, and suggested they would have a hard time avoiding a trip south. Why do self-described evangelicals in the political realm defend the massive income inequality in this country, while condemning gays? (this is rhetorical, of course. you can believe what you wish about sin, but my opinion is that your definition of sin is based on a fictional story about a dude that may or may not have existed. believe what you want, but don't try to make me live by your definitions)

Michael Bryant clearly homosexuality was not a prime focus of the books that make up the basis of christianity… so why is it such an issue for christians? Last time I checked, Jesus actually did express disdain for the richest folks, and suggested they would have a hard time avoiding a trip south. Why do self-described evangelicals in the political realm defend the massive income inequality in this country, while condemning gays? (this is rhetorical, of course. you can believe what you wish about sin, but my opinion is that your definition of sin is based on a fictional story about a dude that may or may not have existed. believe what you want, but don't try to make me live by your definitions)

Matthew 19:4 – “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ “and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?’ He expressidly mentions heterosexual marriage. It is mentioned more in the NT than the old. It is mentioned in just Leviticus in the old, but it is mentioned in Romans, and Revelations. BTW Revelation was a dream given to John by Jesus. Also the entire bible was written by Jesus. The entire book is HIS word. Please research bible history before you turn people away with you hate of christians. The catholic church persecuted Tyndale because he translated the Bible into English and they couldn't lie about what the bible said to mislead christians anymore. I pray for you Christie, you have been lied to. Real christians believe in the equality of women, real christians love all unconditionally. Explain the books of Ruth and Esther of women doing amazing things. The Bible is about love. 1 John 4, God is love

Bitch I'm booking us a flight cause we gonna tag team that ass!

Bitch I'm booking us a flight cause we gonna tag team that ass!

Jacob Tobler I would have expected as much from a kitchen manager at chick-fil-a…not smart enough to get a real job I take it…f***in loser!!

Funny, do any of these guys actually read that book or at least research to make sure the translators didn't fuck something up? There are passages calling homosexuality a moral sin. However in most of the passages the translations are not 100% what they should be. In one case they talk about Sodimites and Male Prostitutes which mean both those things in general or COULD mean those. but they could also mean Calamite (A young boy kept for sex) and Sodimites referring to those who had sex with young boys.

Which means if your a Catholic.. your screwed as a heck of a lot of your priest are going to hell because of that book they praise so much…of course it also says the little boys they rape are going to hell too.

The Bible… gotta love fanfiction huh?

Dumb Christians lol…. so inbred…..

Chris Kennedy Yes Jesus did talk about it when He speaks to John in Rev 21:8 (it falls in the category of sexual immorality). The Apostle Paul also talked about it in Rom 1. No Bible believing Christian is on here advocating that what Pastor Harris said is correct.

Jacob Tobler – I appreciate your commitment to share the truth, but in some cases, applying Mt 7:6 may be necessary. In Christ, Jason

Jason Leeworthy many thanks brother. All I can do is pray and hope God works as He sees fit in all of our lives.

SEAN EDWARD HARRIS
DOB: Aug 19th, 1965 – AGE: 46 years old
(Pamela S Harris, Hilda J Harris)
1529 Ellie Ave., Fayetteville, NC 28314
Home Phone: (910) 423-8187

SEAN EDWARD HARRIS
DOB: Aug 19th, 1965 – AGE: 46 years old
(Pamela S Harris, Hilda J Harris)
1529 Ellie Ave., Fayetteville, NC 28314
Home Phone: (910) 423-8187

SEAN EDWARD HARRIS
DOB: Aug 19th, 1965 – AGE: 46 years old
(Pamela S Harris, Hilda J Harris)
1529 Ellie Ave., Fayetteville, NC 28314
Home Phone: (910) 423-8187

SEAN EDWARD HARRIS
DOB: Aug 19th, 1965 – AGE: 46 years old
(Pamela S Harris, Hilda J Harris)
1529 Ellie Ave., Fayetteville, NC 28314
Home Phone: (910) 423-8187

Jacob Tobler Thank you for showing how idiotic your 'mature' reading of christianity is.

Anthony, it should be clear from these posts that most Christians do not support Pastor Harris' position. Lumping all Christians together because of the statements of a few is sterotyping. And we would probably both agree that sterotyping in general is not good.

Jacob Tobler You are the one spreading hate, along with your employers, who for some reason hves taken it upon themselves to promote inequality. And so what about priests, Jacob? are they not subject to the same mandate re: heterosexual relations? (ps becoming one flesh may mean marriage, but it may just mean screwing). Jason and Jacob: both of you are grasping at tiny straws to defend the basis upon which this pastor made his absurd statements. Why not focus on the "main subjects" of christianity, like doing good for the people around you? Why do you feel it necessary to condemn gays as sinners, particularly when so many children are killing themselves over the abuse promulgated by such views?

Chris Kennedy – Jacob and I are not promoting hate and we are not condemning anyone. I stated plainly that the we are not agreement with Pastor Harris statement because that is not what the Bible teaches. Jesus clearly taught to us love our enemies and not to judge and condemn others (Mt 5-7) because we are all equally guilty before God. However, genuine love is not letting someone you care about do whatever they want.Genuine love compels people to seek what is best for the other person, and sometimes that includes a rebuke. For example, if my son was hooked on drugs, I would desire to free him from that destructive behavior. I would certainly not employ violent methods, but I would confront the issue. If your boyfriend or husband was involved in numerous other sexual relationships with other women and you knew would you confront him? If you had a child that was shoplifting or a habitual liar would you as a parent seek to discipline or correct that behavior? (AGAIN I am not agreeing with Pastor Harris' methods).

Homosexuality is no more of a sin than lying, murder, adultry, stealing or anything else – and the point we are trying to make is that EVERYONE is a sinner before God (read Romans 3). What the Bible does CLEARLY teach is that God made sex to be enjoyed in the context of a marriage between a man and woman. We have rules in our society, not to hinder happiness, but to protect the law abiding citizen. God's laws are no different. He has established them so that we can experience true happiness.

Finally we are certainly not grasping at straws when anyone who is even remotely familiar with the Bible knows that ANY type of sexual immorality is condemned throughout the entire Bible. There was a great deal more to Jesus teaching than just being nice to one another. Perhaps you should take the time to acutally read what it says for yourself. You accuse us of "picking and choosing" when in reality, you are guilty of that very thing (Rom 2:1).

Chris Kennedy – Jacob and I are not promoting hate and we are not condemning anyone. I stated plainly that the we are not agreement with Pastor Harris statement because that is not what the Bible teaches. Jesus clearly taught to us love our enemies and not to judge and condemn others (Mt 5-7) because we are all equally guilty before God. However, genuine love is not letting someone you care about do whatever they want.Genuine love compels people to seek what is best for the other person, and sometimes that includes a rebuke. For example, if my son was hooked on drugs, I would desire to free him from that destructive behavior. I would certainly not employ violent methods, but I would confront the issue. If your boyfriend or husband was involved in numerous other sexual relationships with other women and you knew would you confront him? If you had a child that was shoplifting or a habitual liar would you as a parent seek to discipline or correct that behavior? (AGAIN I am not agreeing with Pastor Harris' methods).

Homosexuality is no more of a sin than lying, murder, adultry, stealing or anything else – and the point we are trying to make is that EVERYONE is a sinner before God (read Romans 3). What the Bible does CLEARLY teach is that God made sex to be enjoyed in the context of a marriage between a man and woman. We have rules in our society, not to hinder happiness, but to protect the law abiding citizen. God's laws are no different. He has established them so that we can experience true happiness.

Finally we are certainly not grasping at straws when anyone who is even remotely familiar with the Bible knows that ANY type of sexual immorality is condemned throughout the entire Bible. There was a great deal more to Jesus teaching than just being nice to one another. Perhaps you should take the time to acutally read what it says for yourself. You accuse us of "picking and choosing" when in reality, you are guilty of that very thing (Rom 2:1).

Jacob Tobler Amen – thankfully we have the Lord's promise that all the Father has chosen will come to Him.

Jason Leeworthy You don't get it. Comparing a loving, monogamous, long-term gay relationship with lying, adultery, murder, etc. is exactly why we have kids killing themselves over this. You may think this is what your god wants of you, but the reality is your book was written by men, for men, to control men and women. For instance, I am sure Liberty University found justification from the bible for their decisions to cover up the scientific consensus on evolution in science classes, as well as ban a democratic club from campus. All about control, Jason.

I'm an Atheist, and I am still a better Christian than this guy is.

Can't wait to see what skeletons this glory hole has in his closet.

Jacob Tobler you are a fool of fools and I feel sorry for your offspring that have no chance to know the meaning of life and true love

Steve Dustcircle that's a good one

Jacob Tobler – The same book of the bible that states that homosexuality is a sin is the same book of the bible that forbids you to wear clothing spun from two different fibers. So knowing you work for the Christian company of Chick-fil-A (Spicy Chicks Rock BTW), I am almost positive that those uniforms are Poly-cotton blend….. So you are just a big of a sinner than the homosexuals…… Hypocrisy at it's finest folks. Selective biblical moralism. Pick which of GAWDS LAWS you wish to to obey. Hypocrites, everyone of them.

Trying to find an email for this man. I found a petition that was closed. And their Contact Us link on the congregation page is broken. Glad the $@^ is hitting the fan. He needs to know this is wrong. I'm Catholic and if GOD made my kids gay, I would 100% support and love them. Wonder what Sean feels should be with people who act stupid? Punch?

@Jacob Tobler, eating shellfish is a sin. Should we outlaw eating seafood? Should we outlaw Seafood restaurants?

Frank Tunzi,
You don't have to buy anything. Everyone is a sinner, and everyone falls short of the standard set forth by God. The offer of salvation is FREE!

I commend you for being involved with your community, and being good to your neighbors. But you are still a sinner.
Homosexuality is a word conjured up by the enemy of our souls. If I steal just one thing in my life, I am known as a thief. If I repent of that sin, I have been forgiven by God. That is true with anything else the Lord refers to, in regards to not meeting His standards. Sexual sin, is no greater than any other sin. It seperates us from God, and we all need forgiveness. You are not a "homosexual". You are a sinner just like me. The so called "pastor" is a disgrace to the faith of Christianity. Jesus said for us to love one another as He loved us. We are even instructed to love our enemies. We are to love our enemies, in the hopes that they will come into a relationship with Jesus. That is what Christianity should be like. The command is to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, and all of your mind. Not one person that I know of, especially me, can do that, because we all are selfish. That is why I fall short, and need forgiveness that only Jesus can offer. I hope you do the same.

Steve, you write as if the Bible were a non-fiction book. How ridiculous. There is zero evidence showing that Jesus and the Bible is real or backed by facts. There is a lack of evidence for The Book of Mormon and The Koran as well. The concept of "sinning" was created by men in the Bronze/Iron Age to keep the masses in line and to control people and power. These ancient writings have zero credence in modern life.

To compare a state of being which is what being gay is, to a act or decision such as getting drunk or committing murder is just plain wrong. This way of thinking is the root of what is wrong with so many people and way you have examples like Pastor Sean Harris preaching what he does while you hear his congregation chant in agreement. Disgusting behavior!

Christie Draper I disagree with the pastor's statements completely. He is nether representative of all Christians or pastors and their views regarding homosexuality. However,regarding you statement, it is not hate to disagree with practices in someone's life that are against God's principles. Why is it okay for Christians to be labeled at hate mongers or intolerant? Isn't a tolerant view one that states "although I don't agree with your stance, I will respect you as a person?" What about the rant from Dan Savage who spoke at the National Scholastic Press Association/Journalism Education Association conference telling attendees how they should "learn to ignore all the (expletive) in the Bible" ? Even gay activists said the speech was inappropriate and offensive. Both, BOTH, of these men went to the extreme. One is not worse because he is supposed to be a pastor or because he is supposed to be a sex advice columnist.

Frank Tunzi Some would even say worse Frank, since God refers to homosexuality as being abominable. You don't have to "buy" it though sir. That's the way God intended it. Sin is sin and sin displeases and separates us from God.

It's unfortunate that many Christians hark on certain sins, like homosexuality. The truth of the matter is: all sin is bad and the wage of sin is DEATH.

So, thank God for Jesus. Also, you seem to judge good deeds based on some innate sense or morality, but not according to the Bible. Remember: our righteousness is as filthy rags to God, so being helpful to mankind is awesome, but doesn't necessarily make us righteous, or in right standing with God. Think about it.

Randy Bobandy Randy, actually several books refer to homosexuality as sin. It's a pretty consistent theme in the Bible. You may wan to read it again.

Jacob Tobler WRONG..no one else is hurt by it. Stealing, lying, etc..all hurt others..you are just as bad as the rest of them..why don't you hit me with the beastiality crap, just like Santorum

Christie Draper If you don't believe homosexuality is sin or wrong, then you don't believe the Bible. This post is in reference to Christian beliefs, so your opinion is not necessarily valid if it is not consistent with what the Bible clearly states.

Jacob Tobler I agree with you and don't admonish parents to be abusive or violent towards there kids (although whippings are a pretty standard tool for parents). I do feel, however, that the parents have an obligation to discipline and guide their children in the way they SHOULD go. This includes (for Christian parents) discouraging homosexual practices and behaviors.

Christie Draper you must understand..to these people there is no such thing as gay..just straight people that are sinning..therefore requiring control, punishment, etc..Gloria "Love" hasn't the foggiest idea of what you speak, nor do people like her give a damn about your opinion, regardless of what they say. It is OK to label Christians as hate mongers because many of them are..they just refuse to own up to it,or are too ignorant to see it. Look at her writing..this is one VERY stupid person, acting as if SHE actually knows what God is all about..same type of people as suicide bombers..killing innocents, sure god is on their side..

Chris Kennedy – You haven't read the New Testament have you?

Here's just one example of where the Bible clearly speaks against homosexuality in the New Testament:
1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Amplified Bible (AMP)
9Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality,

10Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God.

11And such some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God.

Mike Doyle Actually, if being a good Christian was about "maintain the current social order. . .", we all will be going to HELL. We should just try to maintain Gods order, (which is clear in the Bible).

Jason James Rubadeau I'm assuming you never been sodomized, if you think it doesn't hurt. From what I hear it's quite painful LOL.

It's a waste of time to argue with people who think the Bible is real. It is a book of fiction and there is ZERO evidence to believe it is a work based on facts. Just like other religions, it is all based on superstitious beliefs, and most people are brainwashed as children to think it is real and that is why it is still around. Just like Muslims or Mormons, it is based on opinion without a shred of evidence.

I think I know why he'd say that. The Bilble seems to say the effeminate will not enter Heaven. Of course, it doesn't say anything about masculine women. But, HOW effeminate do you have to be to not make it into Heaven? What if you sound like John Wayne, yet, like Broadway show tunes?

Gloria Love What if your husband looked at you after several years of marraige and told you "honey, I tolerate you?" Would that make you feel loved? How about this: "Honey, I accept you, just as you are? Tolerance is just another word for hate. As for Dan Savage's rant: no where did he advocate beating up Christians. Do straight people get beat up for being straight? Do straights get discriminated against because they are straight? Do they get exposed to straight jokes and called straight names? The comparasin between these two people is laughable. I am a born again Christian, baptized as an adult and a follower of Jesus Christ. I recognize, however, that the church has used the Bible to control people to their own purposes since a long, long time. For example, there is no Biblical equivalent to the word "homosexual" in the Bible, yet many translations use that word. The word "effeminate" could equally and accurately be translated as "weak" or "cowardly" yet the church chose to use this word instead. Thus the difficulty of translating an ancient language into modern english. Error on the side of grace. The amount of judgement you dole out is the amount that you will be judged with. So best to mind your own business and leave God to be the judge. And about the "church:" Be educated. Be aware. Don't be a blind and deaf sheep.

Mark Kendrick : Leviticus 25:44-46: "As for your male and female slaves whom you may have – you may aquire male and female slaves from the pagan nations that are around you. Then, too, it is out of the sons of the sojourners who live as aliens among you that you may gain aquisition, and out of their families who are with you, whom they will have produced in your land; they also may become your posssession. You may even bequeath them to your sons after you, to receive them as permanent slaves…" See, I can quote the Bible too! Should we also follow this from God's word, Mark? Or how about this one: Leviticus 19:19 "You are to keep my statutes. You shall not breed together two kinds of your cattle; you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed, nor wear a garment upon you of two kinds of material mixed together." Soooooo, how is it that we can pick and choose those verses that validate our opinion? What about all the rest of the verses? Shall we talk again about what is "wrong or right.?" In fact, I challenge everyone reading this post to open up the Holy Book and turn to the book of Leviticus and read the entire thing. Then lets talk again about beating up children and validating it with "God's word."

Nathanael Pierce – I stopped reading the bible after I stopped reading other fairy tales. Christ never spoke about homosexuality….. I thought you were a follower of the jewish zombie? BTW, I bet that flannel shirt your wearing has both cotton and wool in it. According to Laviticus you are an abomination as well and should be put to death.

Nathanael Pierce – I stopped reading the bible after I stopped reading other fairy tales. Christ never spoke about homosexuality….. I thought you were a follower of the jewish zombie? BTW, I bet that flannel shirt your wearing has both cotton and wool in it. According to Laviticus you are an abomination as well and should be put to death.

Randy, they pick and choose what constitutes as a "sin." It is too dificult to follow every passage in their fictitious book. I call it "cherry picking."

Charles J. Baserap, Hey Charles Thank you, I wish you and your wife the happiness we have had for the last 24 yrs, and more, it has been a wonderful experience and it gets better as you grow older together, if I had to do it all over again I would not change a thing. We have truly been blessed.

Nathanael Pierce, we could argue about this for the next century, I am aware of what the Bible says, trust me, but the "reality of it is, gay people exist, and they will always exist. I will live my life the way I was raised, and that is by being good to the people around me, and doing what I can for them, you call it innate sense of morality, I disagree. I believe when the time comes God will judge me properly, I am not afraid.

Randy Bobandy LOL. It's not flannel and it's 100% cotton.

Mark Kendrick The pastor said he would tell his son, to man up God made you a man and that's what you are going to be. The same for his daughter, you can play sports but when you start acting like a boy it's time to remind her, baby you are going to be a beautiful young woman…How many times have our parents popped us to remind us of what's right? I think as a man of God he took a stand against a lifestyle that even the Lord himself referred to as a shame! The bible declares that "we" should train up our children, not the television, not politicians, and certainly not child molester's and advocates of alternative lifestyles!!!!And I don't believe this Pastor condones child abuse, I believe he was merely emphasizing his point….

Frank Tunzi You're right. Gay people do exisit. Big time. They've existed for some time too, although it seems to be increasingly popular. And you're right about judgment too, although the Bible does give us an idea who will not enter (the Kingdom of Heaven) . . .Being a Christian, the Bible is kinda how we have to base our lives (and by kinda I mean solely).

So, we never know who God will have mercy on, but to be on the safe side, I better just walk according to The Scriptures.

Hey Matt, thanks for the reply, what I find strange about all this is that no matter how much good I do I will always be judged for the fact that I have loved another man for 24 yrs, if that is the worst i can do then I am ok with that, I think God is more forgiving than that, I have no regrets, and my relationship with the Lord is fine. Just because i am gay does not mean that I have rejected Jesus Christ.

Understood. Anyone, Christian or otherwise who persecutes you for your choices needs to open up their Bible. We all have areas that we fall short on and everyone should be able to admit that about themselves. If I were to persecute you for a sin, I would be also saying that I am free from fault. Definitely not the case lol I would just encourage you (not knowing anything about you of course) to give Jesus your heart every morning when you wake up. Open it up to Him and let Him show you what is right in your life and what needs changed. I hesitated in this area because there were things I did not want to give up that were clearly wrong, we all have those right But God kept me around long enough to realize how silly I was at putting foolish actions over eternity. Finally, you may not have meant it this way, but just because you have not "rejected" Jesus, does not mean you are eternally secure. Colossians, Romans 1:21 and many other verses say that we are enemies of God until we have died to our old self and been "Born again." He does require a life change and again I encourage you to let Him have his way in your heart. Forget about what judgemental people say, listen to the one who is worthy of being called Judge, because He is the only one who knows what is really best for our lives take care!

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 states that those who sin (and it mentions the sin of homosexuality) will not inherit the Kingdom of God. You are absolutely right in that if someone is struggling with the sin of homosexuality that we should still love them. However, as Christians, we should not show support for the sin, just as we would not support stealing, adultery, or lying.

Christie Draper I am a liar, an adulterer, a murderer, all according to God's standards (Matthew 5). But praise be to God that through his grace and mercy, the sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ paid the way for these sins to be erased. His blood washes the labels of liars, adulterers, murderers, and homosexuals away when we admit those sins, confess them before God, believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to die so that we may have eternal life, and then repent from those sins. Praise be to God that He "hates the sin but loves the sinner," because without Him, I would be eternally damned to Hell; yet through Him, I have been born again (2 Corinthians 5:17). And that goes for anyone who accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9).

Christie DraperI find it most interesting that you brought up the fact that you are a born again Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ. Being as such, you understand what it states in regards to calling good evil and evil good. You also understand that when Paul said "Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God."I Corinthians 6:9-11. As far as cowardice goes, being born again, you know that for Christian," God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind", 2 Timothy 1:7. And as far as biblical equivalent for the word "homosexual", Paul makes it clear in Romans 1:21-27, what happens when mankind turns away from God, from the truth as revealed in his Word, the Bible, which is what we as born again Christians believe.

Anthony DeFazio , Christianity is unlike any other religion because Christians worship a Living God.
Being a Christian means having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who God sent to the Earth to die for the sins of humanity. Because of Jesus's death on the cross, we can accept Jesus into our lives and be saved. This means that as soon as we breathe our last breath, we will go to Heaven and spend ETERNITY there, with God! Which is so exciting!
The reason why Christianity exists today is because God exists today. He always has and always will, and He is seeking a relationship with you that you can accept freely right now

Thankfully, God loves everyone! He does hate our sin, though. God sent His one and only son, Jesus to die for all of our sins so that we can have a relationship with Him. We have a relationship with Jesus Christ by believing and confessing that He died on the cross and rose again and is alive today. Once we accept His offer to have a relationship with Him, this guarantees that when we die, we will go to Heaven and spend an eternity there, rather than an eternity of suffering in Hell. At this moment, Jesus wants to come into your life, and you can freely accept His offer!

Ryan Rozelle , God loved everyone in the world SO much that He sent His only son to the Earth to die for all our sins. We can have a personal relationship with Him, which will guarantee us an eternity spent with God in Heaven after we die, which is pretty amazing! People who are Christians have the hope that oneday they will be with God, their creator and Savior! Jesus wants to begin a relationship with you right now, and all you have to do is accept it! If you have any questions, just let me know!

@Ashleigh Jarrell, Show me, or any other non-religious person, proof or evidence of your THEORY, and maybe then I will consider taking you seriously. And don't say that the Bible is proof, because there is nothing written in that book that could not have been written by sand dwelling men during ancient times. If there is and I missed it you are welcome to share. And simply having faith is perfectly fine if that is how you choose to live, but there are many other religions that claim to be the "truth," such as the Muslim religion and Mormonism. It's all based on opinion.

Nathanael Pierce I am 99.99% sure that you "walk" according to the tiny (and ever-diminishing) bits of the bible that aren't seen as deeply offensive (and rightly so) by modern society.

Ashleigh Jarrell "The reason why Christianity exists today is because God exists today. " – and all the other religions still exist because….?

Gag this dude!

Caspar Mason – I'm not sure if I follow the logic of your statement. Are you saying homosexuality is deeply offensive by modern society?

Anyway, my beliefs don't really fit into the norms of modern society or even historic society for that matter. I just really believe God. So my life is about serving Him, pleasing Him (well, trying to), spreading His name, and loving His people, etc.

The very sad thing about this pastor's rant is that it was the rant of the religious elitists of their day that condemned Jesus, an innocent man, to die a horrific death on the cross. Jesus did willingly give up his life so that all mankind could be saved, however the religious elitists tried to legislate their belief by physically harming Christ. I am a pastor and a father and can not in any way agree with anything this pastor says… another thing I am first and foremost, a complete sinner! But for the grace of God I would be hopeless and lost… but I'm not. I believe that homosexuality is a sin because the Bible calls it a sin… but so is gossip, gluttony, alcoholism, and frustrating your children. All of these things will keep anyone from God's perfect plan which is relationship with Him… so we yield our life to Him, dying daily to these things that separate us from a relationship with Him. On any given Sunday we will have alcoholics, homosexuals, bigots, wife abusers, you name it… in one of our services. It's easy to embrace these people and lead them to God's design, because I am one of these people… struggling with my own sins, but resting on the grace of Christ and the power of His Spirit to give me strength to live each day in this loving relationship with my Heavenly Father.

Matt Ballard ,He has and I am good with it, you are a good person Matt, stay that way and I wish you and your wife all the happiness that comes with being together, it's a great accomplishment, in today's world.

Nathanael Pierce Nope, I'm saying that I suspect you don't support slavery even though it's clearly commanded by your god in the bible several times, along with genocide. I suspect you don't follow most of the ridiculous laws laid down in Leviticus, and yet they're supposedly the laws he's created, and so not do so displeases him.

Caspar Mason , while Christianity is considered a religion, what makes it different from any other is that it is actually a relationship. Being a Christian means accepting the relationahip which God is offering you.
You're right that other religions exist today, but followers of other religions do not have what Christians have, a living God and the hope of going to heaven when they die

@Ashleigh Jarrell, There are also people who claim to have a relationship with aliens or ghosts. Doesn't mean I have to believe them. You have the freedom to claim to have a personal relationship with a diety, and I have the freedom to think that you are delusional. Heaven could simply be a place that humans made up to give them comfort when they are faced with death. Even before the Bible was written there were numerous cultures/civilizations that had their own interpretation of what the afterlife is. It is pretty arrogant to think that YOUR belief is the only right one. Also, your statement about Christianity being the only religion with a "personal" relationship to a god is false. You may need to study the history of religion.