cancelled memorial

[rainbabies]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20221295/?GT1=10252

[DCJenn]

You know, if organized religion wants to ban gay people- whatever. But if they really knew he was gay and then cancelled his memorial- it's one of those times when I HOPE there really is an afterlife...

Jenn

You know, if organized religion wants to ban gay people- whatever. But if they really knew he was gay and then cancelled his memorial- it's one of those times when I HOPE there really is an afterlife...

Jenn

what she said.

[GrayMatterWife]

Well, it wasn't all organized religions...it was just this church. I am familiar with this church (we lived in Dallas before residency). I can't say I'm surprised, but I am saddened. This is not what Christian love and charity is about. I would hate to think that they speak for all organized religions...or even all Christianity.

Let's say, arguendo, that homosexuality is a sin. Ok. Even so, here's the problem--the way I see it--in doing what that church did: it decided to pick and choose which sins they feel comfortable enough with to ignore and which are "bad enough" to warrant the church's disassociation. What about someone who is an adulter? A liar? A thief? An abusive spouse? An inattentive parent? Will the church permit memorial services for straight folks who commit these sins? If so, that seems quite hypocritical and morally arrogant. If not...then who exactly do they expect to be able to memorialize? Most people, I'd venture to say, have committed some sort of sin. Christian funerals are about God's love, redemption, and the affirmation of eternal life by being alive in Christ. Not about what sins you committed while you were alive. At least I hope not. Otherwise, I'm going to be totally screwed at my funeral.

Where's the Christian mercy and the expression of hope for the gentleman's eternal peace with God? GRRR!!

:banghead:

[Rapunzel]

I think that, if the church made the commitment to have the man's memorial service, they should have upheld their promise. They wouldn't have to mention any of the things that were sinful or against their teachings during the service - and they could make that a condition of holding the service. Simply cancelling it outright DOES seem extreme and mean-spirited. There was a middle ground here that would have allowed the church not to compromise on its teachings AND have allowed the family the promised memorial.

-in doing what that church did: it decided to pick and choose which sins they feel comfortable enough with to ignore and which are "bad enough" to warrant the church's disassociation. What about someone who is an adulter? A liar? A thief? An abusive spouse? An inattentive parent? Will the church permit memorial services for straight folks who commit these sins? If so, that seems quite hypocritical and morally arrogant. If not...then who exactly do they expect to be able to memorialize? Most people, I'd venture to say, have committed some sort of sin.

Very well-written!