HI, I'd just like to say that I noticed you wrote "xtians" which I suppose is short for "Christians". However when I used to write Xmas as oppose to Christmas someone once said to me, "Why would you ever want to X out Christ?" and I found that sooo true because as a believer in God/Christ I never want to X him/her out of anything. So I stopped putting "X" in place of "Christ-anything". Just wanted to share that thought with you.

Hi Queenvivia,

In response to your comment on Xtian and Xmas. Did you know that X was a Greek representation for Christ or Saviour? As per the old symbol XP?

Thank you...point noted.

As a newly minted seminarian, I have to say that one has not been mentioned in class

ALL that is alive at this very moment is a gift from God....... embrace it for as long as possible

I am so glad that someone addressed the comment made by the two ministers on the Oprah show today. I, too, do my best not to judge another, but I have never read in the Holy Bible where it says being gay is a gift from God. We must refrain from trying to make the Bible say what we want to say for the sake of being "politically correct" and accepted by persons who choose "alternate" lifestyles. Unless I missed it, I don't recall either gentleman saying they believed in the Bible, so I'm not sure what their belief is. But, if they attest to being led by the Bible, then we must be led by what the Bible says. Being gay is a lifestyle. God did not create anyone to be born gay. If He did, it would be a contradiction to His Word. Now, if people choose to live a gay lifestyle, we are to love them regardless, but I completely disagree with the statement that being gay is a gift from God.

Where on the show did the minister say 'it says in the bible'? Ministers are human too and are intitled to have their own thoughts and opinions too just like everyone else.

May God forgive me but I must speak out here!!!! I about fell off my chair when this was said!!! I wanted to turn the channel but was HOPING OPRAH would have said SOMETHING! I went right to my bible because I know it is in there somewhere the only word that can to mind

ABOMINATION : Mark 13:14

PERVERSION : Romans 1:27

DETESTABLE: 1Kings 14:26

WICKED MEN: Judges 19:22

DO NOT: Leviticus 18:22

I will not judge but my LORD will !!

I am so glad that so many are responding to the comment that being gay is a gift from God. God loves the sinner but not the sin. The holy bible was inspired by God and in Leviticus 18 verse 22 says"Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. Oprah I hope that this statement will be corrected for your viewers as it could send the wrong message to gays.

And to this, I say Amen!!!! My Bible says that it is an abomination. Why is it that these so-called "Men of God" want to twist the Bible for their own gratification? Get back to the basics....the HOLY BIBLE. Quit trying to put your beliefs above what God says. God said it, and I believe it and that's that!!! I cannot believe that Oprah falls into their traps. That whole show grated against my very soul. Quote me scripture and verse.....Miss Oprah Winfrey.....scripture and verse. Thank you.

Oh Goodness! So much to respond to.

First off, so glad other Christians recognize the fallacy of that so-called "man of God" on Oprah's show (Mr. Bacon).

I looked up information about him and his church and for those of you questioning where he gets his "view" from the Bible, he states in a letter that he takes his cues from later teachings from Jesus that discount some of the old rules of the Old Testament. And while I agree that some of the "rules" changed after Jesus was sent to us, for that was his purpose, it doesn't change the basic tenents of the Bible and God's teachings.

That being said, no where does Jesus say that it is "okay" for two people of the same sex....to have sex!!!!!

I wanted to be clear on his position, because so many homsexuals believe that Christians do not like homosexuals.

I believe all Christians LOVE homosexuals as Christ loves us....ALL of us. What we do not like is SIN, of any kind in any form, whether committed by ourselves or anyone else. It's the SIN we are trying to help ourselves overcome and anyone else who wants to lead a more Christ-like life. That is the ultimate goal.

Along the lines of the woman losing her bakery because of tough times, I do agree with the "spiritual advisor's" statement that this trouble can be used to forge a more meaningful relationship with God and enhance our spiritual being.

Along the same lines, that is how I would imagine this minister meant that "beging Gay is a Gift from God".

Fine, use it to become closer to God and more Christlike (Christ was celibate - so be celibate, then).

Just don't sin!

Just like the minister stated disease does not come from God. Okay, then, neither does homosexuality.

Okay? You cannot have it both ways you see.

Just because the guy has some sort of seminary "degree" and leads a church, does not mean he is properly preaching the Bible.

I'm so glad others can see this very clearly.

I am very incensed that one of them said that "religions" teach that homosexuality is a "wrath from God."

I do not know of any religion that teaches that. He is wrong, wrong, wrong. What many do teach is that SIN is wrong.

I just believe Oprah deliberately selects these people with totally ambigious positions, trying not to offend (afterall, when it gets right down to it, it's all about the ratings, of course).

I do believe she is a Christian, as she states, and just an all around good person, but by not taking a stance, she is not leading a Christian life.

It doesn't matter how much money or celebrity she has - that is NOT what life is about. And, it's not about doing good deeds, either (that's just a very, very small part -- and the Bible clearly addresses this). Unfortunately, after so many years of leading a "celebrity" and priveleged lifestyle, she, like so many others simply lose grip with the reality of life and use people and issues to twist to their own distorted view of life. And that is an ultimate tragedy.

If she wants to use her position to help in the world, she should drop the ambiguity and get back to the basics....the Bible.

It's very simple and very clear....it's not complicated and not open to a number of different interpretations.

Thank you for letting me have my say......and God Bless!

I'm agree with Amanda, they never said "it was on the bible"...besides if 'gay' people are in this world and we're a creation of God, I may say they are a part of God's creation as well.

I have to disagree that you are born that way, because I am gay and I don't believe I was born to be gay but life circumstances made me feel saver with women and not men.

OPRAH< OPRAH > OPRAH,,,,,,, FIX THIS WRONGE!!!!!!

Did you believe in what this man said?

My heart was at such peace till that "minister" to speak such BLASPHEMY !!!

Mind you THEY don't call him GOD, but YOU DO & it is YOUR place to FIX THIS!!

Remember all the flack you took with " A NEW EARTH" saying you wanted to start you own religion well THIS will HAUNT YOU if you DO NOTHING!!

I am thankful that Oprah has opted to have forward thinking, up to date men of the cloth on her show! The Ministers statement of being gay is a gift from God and the acceptance of that statement from the panel is heart warming! I applaude the panel! For those that don't get it... being gay is not a choice that is made... we are born this way! Just like you not making a conscience choice to be hetrosexual... you also were born that way... I would like to ask those that spout scripture passages - if what is written in the bible is totally true ... then what are your thoughts of Jobs fathering his own grand children? Is incest ok now? Everyone can find an answer for and against almost every topic known in the bible... Trust your heart more than your mind!