Calling in gay? (Erin)

Here's an idea. I think we should have a national day when every observant Christian call in sick. Talk about economic and social impact, the numbers would make the "call in gay" movement look like what it really is, a stunt by a group of people that never can seem to get enough publicity to tell everyone they just want to be left alone.

Can we call in bi-curious instead? 'cos a friend of a friend of mine has a cousin who knows someone who's, &c.

Or so I have read...over and out!

Not all protests are logical or effective.

What a dumb idea. Do these knuckleheads really think it will make a noticeable difference if they stay home from work?

Public Defender, please quote from anywhere in the history of the Church or the Scriptures or the canons of the church or the writings of the Fathers or the Reformers for that matter where same sex acts or marriage are approved. I'm not talking abour trying to find exceptions to make rules or playing games with the Greek, but clear and unambiguous affirmation of the kind that is presented for heterosexual marriage. Until you can do that you cannot possibly say that a person active in their homosexuality is at that point also an "observant" Christian. Christianity, in case you haven't noticed it, is way more then warm fuzzy thoughts and a menu of options which one can pick from as the mood strikes them.

I had to read this through twice before I was certain it wasn't a joke. Oy.

As much as it pains me to admit this, Erin's got the right idea. Antagonizing our employers, many of whom /are/ supportive of our families, is entirely the wrong way to go about any sort of protest.

Perhaps the lesson here is that we shouldn't be letting comedians be activism-organizers.

"Your Name"
I stopped posting on these threads a while back because the level of hatred, intolerance and just plain, old-fashioned nastiness was too high for a reasonable discourse.
Your commentary above, however, was so blasphemous, I feel I must respond.

My status as a Christian is solely dependent upon my having accepted Jesus as my savior, confessed that my sins are only redeemable through him.

Period.

You can not, you may not, you shall not be the arbiter of who is and who is not a Christian.

That is reserved to God and God alone.

Sarah, I can't speak for all gay people, but in my country, gay marriage carries the same weight (including responsibilities) as does heterosexual marriage. People here enter into marriage, gay or straight, not to seek social approval, but to publicly affirm their commitment to each other. Your questions are good and I truly wish more people here were willing to set aside their Righteous Judgment and actually permit discussion.

Back to read-only mode.

In Christ, your Christian brother - whether you like it or not,
Panthera

I am not sure if most employers will notice when they have a few employees absent on that day. They may not even consider the reason they were out either. I don't think it's a great way to protest, but may work in some cities more than others.

Overall, I think the entire gay marriage issue is silly. Any two humans who love each other and want to get married should have the right to do so. It is a civil right issue, not a religious issue. So many people are upset about it and for what? Are they worried that a gay couple will want to get married in their narrow minded little church? Why aren't they upset when atheist or agnostics get married? Their union isn't particularly a "Christian" marriage. I don't see why any gay would want to be involved with a "Christian" or religious organization that doesn't tolerate or accept them. In fact, I understand why so many people (even heterosexual)are turned off by the modern "church".

It would be great if that anger, hate and judgment could be channeled into a positive venture to help the poor, sick or needy.

Corporate American also is put under considerable pressure by groups like the American Family Association, who have been successful in changing corporate policies:

* April 2005, AFA boycotts Proctor & Gamble for "gay-friendly" positions
* May 2005, AFA boycotts Disney for Gay Days and Ford Motor Co. for advertising in gay publications and having gay-inclusive workplace policies
* November 2006, AFA threatens to boycott Wal-Mart for joining the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and having gay-inclusive workplace policies.
* July 2008, AFA boycotts McDonald's for joining the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
* August 2008, AFA boycotts Hallmark for marketing same-sex wedding cards and "coming out" cards
* October 2008, AFA pressures PepsiCo for donating $500,000 to Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

If it's morally acceptable for the AFA to pressure corporations, then it's also morally acceptable for Gay Americans to do the same.

So creating a protest action that will adversely affect employers, especially in this economy, may not be the most beneficial strategy to adopt. In her crafty yet lady-like way, Erin seems to be suggesting that only protests that don't inconvenience anyone are likely to succeed. This seems a dubious proposition to me. But I'd be willing to give it a try. Let's see . . . how about "Gay is Good(ies)" day, when all gay workers will bring delicious treats to work and invite their straight friends to taste the goodness of being gay. Gingerbread men and men, or women and women. Gaily decorated wedding cupcakes. And, for Rufus especially, some fudge bars--that perfect hypostatic union of the crystalline purity of sugar, the innocent sweetness of cream, and the dark, richly nourishing food of the gods, chocolate. O blest communion, fellowship divine! If we're going to compare people to things, let's compare them to some really nice things.

Or, in a spirit of kindness every bit as genuine as that which prompted this post, we could ask all people of prejudiced and uncharitable mind to do us a favor and hold Call In Stupid Day. I think stupid people should strike for more recognition, since without them, our present way of life could not continue. I have a feeling this is a stupid suggestion, though, since the very essence of stupidity is not being smart enough to know that one is stupid.

Thanks, Erin. I'll bake you a ginger(well)bread heart with courteous cloves, nice nutmeg, and gracious ginger. And only a soupcon or six of suspect cinnamon and subversive sugar. . . . ; )

I'm so sick about being called "homophobic" over my support for traditional marriage that I finally decided to write a song about it. It will be release at:

http://www.drblt.net later this week, if all goes as planned.

In the meantime, here are the lyrics:

I Called in Homophobic Today

words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008

I called in homophobic today

my homophobia won't go away

I never cry at movies

I'm chokin' back the tears

I hope to God my sorrow

goes away

I called in homophobic today

I traded my pink shirt

for one that's gray

I've sanded down my hands

so I shake hands just like a man

and you'll never catch me

layin' out to tan

I called in homophobic today

they'll miss us homophobics

come what may

an economic downturn?

well, you ain't seen nothin' yet!

homophobics let's stay home

collectin' pay

employers don't you cry a single tear

for tearsdrops are water drops I fear

now don't get warm and fuzzy

or mushy when I say

I called in homophobic today

Dr. BLT, could it be that the reason you're tired of being called "homophobic" is that the truth hurts?