Question about Buddhism
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Question about Buddhism
| Tue, 02-21-2006 - 9:19pm |
I'm very interested in Buddhism, and I've been doing some research on it. There is a question about it that I have, though, and I haven't been able to find a definite answer to it, so I was wondering if someone could help me. My question is: what does Buddhism say about homosexuality? Like, do Buddhists believe that it is wrong? Or do they just think it is up to the individual person? I haven't been able to find anything so far in Buddhism against homosexuality, which I think is wonderful. Anyway, please let me know if you can help me out with this question. Thanks very much for your time!

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Hey pinkstar! I'm really glad to see that you're looking around at religions and evaluating them, because the people who do that tend to be strong in the faith they ultimately choose because they have good, solid reasons for believing what they do.
I'm wondering.. are you seeking a God that will fit a lifestyle or are you looking for a lifestyle that will fit God? I think a lot of people feel like God's a supermarket where we can pick and choose attributes that fit what we want. (I'm not saying you are, just an observation of people in general.) What do you think?
Thanks for replying to my post! To answer your question, I'm not really sure yet what I am looking for. I know that sounds like a cop out, but I'm still trying to find exactly who I am. I considered myself a Christian for a while and I go to a very conservative Christian college, but I don't find them to be very accepting of homosexuality, and that really bothers me. I've been interested in Buddhism for a long time because from what I've seen, Buddhists seem very peaceful and relaxed. I struggle a lot with anxiety and depression, and Christianity just never really brought me a sense of peace and it never really gave me any hope. I like the idea of being reincarnated into a new life form, instead of only having one chance to do everything right in one life.
I'm not sure if any of that makes any sense or not, or if I just sound stupid, but I hope that kind of answers your question. Thanks again for replying to me! You seem like a great person, and I'd love to get to know you better. Hope you have a great weekend!
That makes good sense to me.. I can understand where you're coming from. I've done a lot of soul searching myself, and I think it's amazing that so many people do so much soul searching and end up in such similar places. I don't think you're copping out at all, in fact I have a lot of respect for you for doing your homework, asking questions, etc, because it shows that you are dedicated to finding out what the truth is and you're not afraid to go looking. Quite honestly, I was very scared for a long time to do just that (I have no idea why! what did I have to lose?), and thank God for my husband for not letting me just sit there being content not addressing my spirituality, or just ignoring that I needed to address it; that part of me was just dead. I can tell that you're seeking more, and I think that's wonderful. I am really glad for you.
I'm wondering why it is that you want a religion that accepts homosexuality? Are you looking for a faith-based justification or explanation? Are you seeking approval? Why does it bother you that the people at your school aren't accepting of that? Do you feel like they're being hateful? I don't know how old you are, but I remember as a kid that the general American attitude about homosexuality was a lot more closed off and afraid, especially at first when everyone thought AIDS was a "gay disease," and now that we know better, the attitude is more open and accepting. It wasn't even that long ago. The world changes it's mind so fast, which I think is why people seek out spirituality, because it doesn't change even though everything else does.
As far as Buddhism is concerned, I honestly don't know THAT much about it, but I have been studying and reading up on Hinduism, which is where Buddhism got it's start. My hubby used to be Hindu, so I know some of the basics. I'm interested in what you've learned about Buddhism... about the logic of it and it's basic principles.
Thanks so much for responding. I'm really, genuinely happy for you for walking down the path you're on. Just stick with it and don't give up. God will put you exactly where He wants you if you're willing to listen to what He has to say. I can't wait to hear back from you!
Have a fantastic weekend!
c
God accepts everyone, of all lifestyles.
Bink, I think what you say would assume that God is not perfect. Here's why I say that: Because God is perfect, He cannot accept or tolerate things which are imperfect, and we are all imperfect. That's where Jesus comes in, but I'm not going to get into that now. So for God to accept everyone that is imperfect, He would have to be imperfect Himself. God does, however, love everyone of all lifestyles, as we are all His children, His own creation.
I don't know if you have kids or not, so I don't know how well you can relate, but I have a son who's still a tiny baby, but I know that I'm going to love him no matter what, even if I don't approve of or accept or tolerate his behavior all the time. I mean, I really don't like that he wakes up at 4am, but I still love him just the same. It's my duty, my responsibility to love and care for him and I'm not going to toss him to the wolves because he gets up at odd hours (not that he can really control that anyway). We were created in God's own image, so I think with something as Godly as love, our relationship with our kids is a lot like God is with us, don't you think?
C
Christine,
Sweet girl, you have totally and utterly misunderstood what I said.
Jodi.. I am so glad that I found this board, because I know this is a place I can come to discuss spirituality freely and without judgment. I understand that everybody has a right to belive what they choose. I apologize that you felt like I was downplaying others' beliefs, but inevitably, people's beliefs do conflict. That's why I'm here.. I want to know why and how. It was not my intention to downplay anything, but more to ask questions, to get people thinking and to share thoughts. I truly want to know what others believe and why they believe it and to ask questions about their beliefs. One of my favorite quotes is this:
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)
I apologize if I have not lived up to that expectation.
C
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