Two of Sesame Street's most recognizable characters became the focus of intense debate across social media recently after a writer for the popular children's show disclosed that Bert and Ernie are a gay couple. Asked in a recent interview if the two characters were intended to be gay, writer Mark Saltzman replied: "I always felt that without a huge agenda, when I was writing Bert & Ernie, they were. I didn't have any other way to contextualize them. I don't think I'd know how else to write them, but as a loving couple."
"Bert and Ernie" quickly began trending on Twitter, and fans of the show cheered the news they had long suspected to be true.
Creator Responds
However, those hopes were soon dashed when the characters' creator, Frank Oz, responded to the comments:
It seems Mr. Mark Saltzman was asked if Bert & Ernie are gay. It's fine that he feels they are. They're not, of course. But why that question? Does it really matter? Why the need to define people as only gay? There's much more to a human being than just straightness or gayness.
Frank Oz (@TheFrankOzJam) September 18, 2018
Many members of the LGBTQ community took exception to this statement, criticizing Mr. Oz for speaking out on the issue and expressing frustration at the lack of queer representation in films, movies, and TV shows. Mr. Oz went on to reply to many of these complaints:
Should There Be More LGBTQ Characters?
Critics of the status quo argue that having LGBTQ characters prevalent in media is vitally important for children's development. For straight children, it gives them exposure to these identities from a young age, helping to combat societal discrimination. For queer children, these characters serve as someone to identify with - helping to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation during formative years.
But on the other side of the coin, some people think our society has gone too far in demanding LGBTQ representation. They insist that when artists and creators are attacked just for explaining that their characters that aren't queer, it's a sign that we need to reexamine our thinking on the issue.
Obviously representation is important, but it seems there is room for debate regarding to what degree it should be encouraged, expected, or even enforced in the media landscape.
**Where do you stand?
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88 comments
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how long ate you people going to bear a dead hourse. Let this go already. Move on to something better. P L E A S E
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Multiple States damaged by hurricanes, forest fires, tornados, even volcanoes...
Thousands of home destroyed, whole towns erased, no power, no water, no food.
We are STILL pulling bodies out of collapsed buildings. Everyone still hoping to find someone, somewhere, still a survivor.
And you waste your time on this ?
Please take time today to give to Salvation Army & the Red Cross.
And more importantly, take time to pray for all the survivors.. homeless, helpless, no jobs, no place to go - whole towns destroyed.
Jesus Help Us. Please pray for us.
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Please just let this go already.
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Test
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I think all these issues regarding sexuality stem from a mistaken assumption that God is a man, and is usually seen as being a white man. God exists outside of time and therefore exceeds the appearances of dualities including as manifested in the male And female. Just because humans were made in the image of God doesn’t mean that it was an exact image. A few extra flaps of flash here in there really doesn’t make much of a difference in the big picture . Therefore it doesn’t matter whether Ernie and Bert had the material needed to have sex. And I really don’t think God cares who people have sex with as long as it’s respectful, loving, and NOT something they’re getting lost in. I think sexual intimacy is supposed to be the icing on the cake and not the cake itself. Or it could be seen as the gravy that goes on the meat and potatoes. If you don’t got the meat and potatoes or the cake than plain gravy and icing Doesn’t make much of a meal. If we all remembered that we all have to take off our meat suit at some point and continue on, than maybe we wouldn’t get so lost in the trivial details of whose meat suit is hooking up with another’s meat suit, and where the flaps of flesh may or may not be going.
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You should always wonder where flaps of flesh are going there are still carnivores...... And Kidnappers and Rapists so yea oximoronically we are all all right. But the world is sick of not having the answer.
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I think a lot of the problems with perceived sexuality is based on the mistaken premise that God must be a man, and usually is seen as an old white man. God exists outside the realm of dualities that make up our space-time experiences. Therefore God Would have to be either neither or both male and female. Simply because humans were made in the image of God doesn’t mean it was an EXACT image. A few extra flaps of flash here or there really doesn’t make a lot of difference one way or the other. I also think that sexual intimacy is supposed to be the icing on the cake and not the cake itself. Or it’s the gravy that goes on the meat and potatoes. So it doesn’t matter if Ernie and Bert are gay or not, or if they have the material needed to engage in sex. They have the meat and potatoes and they have the cake which is supposed to be the important thing even if you never get the gravy or the icing on your cake. I don’t think God cares we are having meat and potatoes with or who you’re having dessert with, or who you’re having sex with as long as it’s respectful, loving, And not something to get lost in.
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It seems a lot of people think a gay relationship is all about sex. Are male/female couples all about sex? No. Sexual intimacy is supposed to be the icing on the cake - not the cake. Or it could be seen as the gravy over the meat and potatoes. If Earnie and Bert had the meat and potatoes it doesn’t matter if they didn’t have the material needed to get the gravy or put icing on their cakes. On a more serious note I think a lot of these misperceptions come from the mistaken premise that God must be a man - and usually an old white man. To me, God exists beyond the limits of the dualities used to fabricate our Space/Time experiences. These appearances of duality include the appearances of “male” and “female”. If we were made in the image of God then that image would either be neither, or be both. All the focus on extra flaps of flesh here or there is a distraction that only leads to more attempted divisions. We may be “in it” but are not “of it” even if we love it while we have it. A “meat suit” is temporary and we all got to take it off at some point and move on. In the meanwhile I really don’t think God cares who is hooked up with who as long as it’s respectful, loving, and NOT something people are getting lost in.
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Only in America can two non-humans be consider anything more stuff socks.It is Ween is it not. Wonder if it is a way to have people tune in to see if they can spot any moves that will show who is the bitch and who is the fem of the pair.
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As stated by the network, they are puppets portraying good friends sharing a home...why make such a big deal about it? Making it such a big deal only exposes and highlights the hangups and judgemental attitude of those who make it such an issue.
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Was there ever any doubt? But so what? Didnt matter when I first realized it, and it continues not to matter
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They don't even have sexual organs, so, ¿what's the necessity of convert them in gay couple?... Yes, we have Smithers in The Simpsons who is gay... and no problem with that, I mean, We love him! But Sesame Street is trying to teach about numbers, location, why we have to love cookies..¿is really necessary to impose a gay agenda? Just leave our children learn about numbers, colors or animals... other issues must be talked at home... ¿why should be media who teaches our children about values, respect and integration? I don't know, I think is an easy way for thoughtless parents.
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Yes some people have difficulty separating fact from fiction. These are toys, they have no brain, let alone a conscience. Many Americans are obesely insecure about their identity. Take the obsession with their countrys' flag for example.
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alright already with this. We have been on this subje t too long.Let's move on to bigger and better things now. THANK YOU
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I am very happy for them. I hope they continue to have a proud muppit life together. On to the next subject for the rabid bible thumping jesus god freaks to spew hate about
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God is a consciousness that dwells in all living beings and organisms etc. We are all one whether you like it or not. Fear and ignorance in diversity, thinking youre superior over anyone because of your beliefs or for any reason quite frankly is very sad because you are not. Love , light, unity and peace is what we are in need of. Quit worrying about everyone else and focus on your own path...everyone will be happy❤
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I'm kind of a rebel. They're puppets for Christ's sake. Are the 2 old guys in the balcony gay too? Kids love Sesame Street. Let it go. Kids are taught to believe in Santa, Easter Bunny and a host of other mysterious creatures. Gays are no different than regular folks. Same problems, etc.that we have. Maybe less due to being under the microscope and must walk a fine line.
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Laurel and Hardy, Eric and Ernie both shared beds on occasion, Miss Tibbs and Miss Gatsby from faulty towers, Ant and Dec, can’t they just be what they are?..pals....instead of sexual preference labels, I don’t care as long as there is love between them, which I’m sure there was and is.
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I think it is quite strange that Americans feel they must sexualize everything. These muppets are not having sexual relations, folks. They don't even have genitalia. So sorry to disappoint you. But feel free to fantasize.
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Agreed.
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People have lost their minds. These puppets don’t have sexual orientation. They are puppets!!!! They don’t teach sex, they teach FRIENDSHIP! Adults NEED TO STOP SEXUALIZING AND PERVERTING EVERYTHING. Maybe we should care about who people HATE more than who they LOVE!
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Tennille...well put...this is ridiculous...Peace...Tom
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It is no ones business what another person does sexually. Sesame street is about puppets who teach children about love, friendship, and good moral standards with learning numbers and the what is a bus..or a car..or a plane...please don't muddy up the waters and bring sex into absolutely ever thing.
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I believe we're removing the social context of the situation. I grew up watching Sesame Street and visualized Bert and Ernie as friends and not in a sexual context. Our society is so sexualized that we no longer allow men to have loving, brotherly relationships as described in the Bible. Men in the the Bible often hugged and kissed with no sexual intent but were free to show Agape love without negative social ramifications. We're is the love?
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Unless it's Public Television, who assumes two friends are gay?
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oldbill...that is right...it is not worthy of time...Peace...Tom
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Who cares if they are or aren't a gay couple. Jeez, what are people now going to demand that they take Sesame St off the air, because it's full of gay characters? Look at Big Bird.....No one questions his character. If people liked Bert and Ernie before this then why does it matter? God put gays in this world for a reason, and it wasn't to bash them.
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Diana...i agree with this too...Peace...Tom
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Even if Bert and Ernie are based on a gay couple, it doesn't mean that they're in a gay relationship. They're muppets or puppets or something. I doubt very seriously that they have the flannel junk needed to have a romantic relationship with anyone. They don't exist like that and they don't have to. They're two dudes who live together and sleep in the same bedroom; one is pretty anal and domineering, the other is whimsical and relaxed. They're the Odd Couple. They're every set of heterosexual college dorm mates. They're also a lot of gay couples. But they're a lot of relationships that aren't gay, as well.
Can't we just be happy that Bert hasn't grabbed an ax, yet?
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I remember back in the days, early 90s watching those two. They acted more like Felix and Oscar, it was funny. So now we're saying any two same sex people living together is gay. Wow those lbgtqxyz people are whiny. To quote the late George Carlin, your tv has two knobs on it, one changes the volume and the other one, changes the station. If you don't like that there isn't enough fanny bandits on a show, don't watch it.
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Their creator said it best - THEY ARE PUPPETS - besides, Gay, Lesbian, Black, White, Trans, Jewish, Christian etc.. it is our Purpose to minister to any and all individuals - regardless. Anything else places you in the situation of sitting in judgement. Last I looked, that was for the almighty to do. Not mere Men.
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Another misinterpretation of the word of God. We'd have a hell of a time making decisions if we never judged anything, Stevie.
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Thank you. I personally don’t care if your straight gay or whatever I love everyone the same
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Respectfully, this is not an issue as to percentages of ethnic, sexual orientation, race etc in the media...the solution is for parents and schools and religious figures to teach children (and everyone else) that we are all equal, and are entitled to be treated that way...Peace...Tom
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(Quietly snickering)
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ok enough already. Just let it go.
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Do the http..// thing if you didnt get to my site.
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I do prison ministry mostly buy have done funerals too. would lime to do a wedding.
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my bad thats LIKE TO DO A WEDDING
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And maybe you ought to quit carrying the world on your shoulders. Most people must learn the hard way. Telling people what they should do doesn't do any good. All we can do to help is set an example by what we do. If that doesn't help so be it. Some people never will learn.
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What is funny is the lgbtxyz said they were under represented in tv and movies. Cant watch a show without someone coming out as gay or already gay or wants to be gay but doesnt know how. What happend to wholesome tv. When ppl didnt annouce thier sexuality
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You're biasing your beliefs based on your perspective. The entire class of romantic comedies in cinema is about straight love being professed wildly and publicly. Also I've watched numerous shows without any gay characters lately. Perhaps you're drawn to shows where this is a topic that comes up often?
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please just let it go. With Donald Trump wanting to build a wall and our children getting shot in school we have more impotant things to worry about.
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Now we have to take children's show and look at it as ugly..Children don't know..it dont matter..Its the sick adults that make it sick..I thought they were brothers..lol
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I always hated Sesame Street anyway. I don't give a damn what people do in their homes, but I am absolutely sick of everything about the Alphabet Soup groups. You're homosexual, well goody gumdrop for you. Big deal. Get over yourself because no one cares. Grow up already.
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I'm letting Mr. Oz do the talking on this one.
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After what that wizard did to Dorothy and Toto, you should be ashamed of yourself.
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My partner and I are dealing with a very similar issue. She is bisexual, and I am a Lesbian. We started off, 37 years ago, in a gay relationship. However, we stopped "being physical" around 25 years ago due to various medical issues and just getting older. We still lkove each other VERY much and have a good strong confident wonderful relationship. Well... we have decided (my idea and she loved it) to "reclassify" our relationship to a "Companionate Marriage" as described by John Boswell back in the 1980's. Evidently, the Christian Church, up until about the 12th century was not only OK with same sex pairings... they had rituals FOR such marriages. Two people, same sex or opposite sex, who wanted a union, non-sexual, but definitely in Christian love, could go to the church and be united in a companionate marriage. I am totally cool with that... for me and my Beloved AND for Bert and Ernie! They're children's characters. sexual expression is NOT appropriate for a children's show. Let them be innocent but definitely loving each other!
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It matters whether or not they are gay because I need to know if it's okay to fantasize about them.
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LOLOLOL
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Sesame street is a very well done CHILDREN'S program,and as such it is completely irrelevant what the gender of the puppets were or are. The better question should be: are they representing nice and wholesome citizens in their community, and since they clearly are, let it be!!!
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I never cared much for watching Sesame Street as a kid, but my mother made me watch PBS during school hours whenever I stayed home sick, or got suspended. So it seemed more like punishment to me. And I thought the characters all acted like nerds, of which behavior I never sought to imitate.
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I agree that Sesame Street is a very well done children's program, but only for adults who think children should watch it. Those adults should get in touch with their inner children, and force themselves to watch it. I bet they'd laugh hysterically at a couple of gay acting muppets. .
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They're gay, they're straight, they're totally asexual. Who cares ? I don't !! I don't think I know anyone who does care. They're two make believe characters, presenting as male, living together, who's relationship developed over time in front of an international audience. And they represented to their audience a few questions and some workable, sensible answers to some of humankind's everyday problems. If their alleged sexuality, or anyone's sexuality bothers you ..... well you have a problem. How you will ever come to terms with the reality that it is your problem and yours alone is also your problem. There are plenty of examples of really good and productive ways you might deal with your problem. Sesame Street was filled with good examples. Bert and Ernie where just two.
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I didn't even know Ernie and Bert ever lived together. I assumed they were tossed in a toy box when not in use. Maybe they were tossed in too close together and became sexually aroused. They might not even be really gay, but never have been thrown in a box with female muppets. So they might just be special straight friends, like they had in the Shawshank Redemption.
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I thought they were brothers my whole childhood. When someone suggested they were gay I thought, “Hmm, maybe, who cares!” Now that I know they “aren’t” gay, I still don’t care and don’t see why anyone would. If you think they are gay, great! If you think they are straight, great! I’d bet 90+% of all people don’t care.
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I feel the same way...Who cares? Not our place to judge others for what they do or the way they choose to live. We are to only plant the seed THE WORD OF GOD and leave the rest up to God.
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besides with the world in the state uts in we have more important things to worry about
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let's mo e on already and forget this
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When I was a kid I thought Ernie and Bert were best friends. But what about Oscar The Grouch and the Cookie Monster? I heard they recently got married, and are both living in Oscar's trash an. Are all of the make believe characters from Sesame Street coming out of the closet ? What does that say about their creator ? Is he projecting something onto them which he's unable to accept in himself ? And will this have a domino effect, and lead to other puppets coming out ? Why don't they just sew them all together into one, long train ? I hope they won't forget to sew in condoms, so the muppets won't get H.I.V., or V.D..
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I always thought of them like the Odd Couple.
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Now parents are going to strip children seeing the best children show in the world. People just couldn't leave it alone. It saddens me that some nut had to label puppets which I saw friendship. instead of being gay. And who cares!!! Sad times!
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strip children from
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It was cool when it was Kermit and Miss Piggy huh, but two guys? Suddenly we care about portrayals of sexuality. I see
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Wrong show....she wasn’t on Sesame Street but the Muppets a night time show.
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Thats judt plain stupud.They atent REAL PEOPLE
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If they aren't gay, they missed a good chance.
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What ever happened to childhood? To innocence? Why do these puppets have to be anything? Let children be innocent. Let’s stop putting adult characteristics and sexuality on children.
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I agree. I respect all people have rights to equal treatment. Many things are personal and sexual orientation is the number one on personal list. The children puppets are not human and children should be allowed to stay children without the adults projection of their personal sexual orientation. Leave sexual oriention in your home and not public.
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Thank you Doctor you are 100 persent rigjt
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I noticed none of yall complainin bout Kermit and Miss Piggy havin inter-species sexuality. Prolly cuz they straight, ammiright sips tea
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Classic comment!
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Miss Piggy wasn’t on Sesame Street. None of the puppets on Sesame Street have romantic relationships.
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Ah, for pete's sake, IT'S A CHILDRENS' SHOW! The purpose of the program is to teach small children basic educational tools like how to count from one to five! I say leave gender orientation out of it in this case! Most of the tots who watch Sesame Street are too young to understand things like gay versus straight! These themes can be brought out in a program morecaimed at an adult audience.
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You are soon right!!!!
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The diversity of television personalities is increasing, thankfully. To make ANYONE "less than" because of a made-up label is nonsense.
About the issue of Ernie and Bert being homosexual, THEY ARE PUPPETS! They don't have genitalia. They don't have hormones.
Some people will say that "The Bible says that homosexuals should burn in hell for eternity." No, it does not. If one were to take into account issues of culture and history, one would know that it is not discussed in the Bible. Even if it were, why would anyone condemn someone because of an ignorant passage?
Some of the most popular passages which are misconstrued to be about homosexuality include:
Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13: These are about the use of male temple prostitutes being used in Canaanite religious ceremonies. We know how well the Levites dislike the Canaanites.
Romans 1:26: About Saul/Paul writing about a religious fertility ritual to the Goddess Diana for improved crops and increased calvings/lambings. This ceremony would end in an orgy. It was not about two people of the same gender who are committed to each other and love each other.
1Cor 6:9-10: If one looks at KJV1611, the term "homosexual" about not being able to enter the kingdom of heaven, is not even there. It is a recent addition to more "modern" versions of the Bible.
Genesis with the Sodom & Gomorrah fable: No, they were NOT destroyed because of homosexuality but of inhospitality and rape. If these rapists were homosexual, why would Lot offer his two daughters?
It is time to move on and discard our old nonsense hindering beliefs and bigotries. Let's grow up and bring people together, not divide.
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Rom. 1:26–27 Not only homosexual acts but also such passions or desires are said to be dishonorable before God. Just as idolatry is unnatural (contrary to what God intended when he made human beings), so too homosexuality is contrary to nature in that it does not represent what God intended when he made men and women with physical bodies that have a “natural” way of interacting with each other and “natural” desires for each other. Paul follows the OT and Jewish tradition in seeing all homosexual relationships as sinful. The creation account in Genesis 1–2 reveals the divine paradigm for human beings, indicating that God’s will is for man and woman to be joined in marriage. Consumed (or “inflamed”) gives a strong image of a powerful but destructive inward desire. The sin in view is not pederasty (homosexual conduct of men with boys) but men engaging in sin with men. There is no justification here for the view that Paul condemns only abusive homosexual relationships. Due penalty could refer to the sin of homosexuality itself as the penalty for idolatry. Or, the “and” in and receiving may indicate some additional negative consequences received in themselves, that is, some form of spiritual, emotional, or physical blight. The “due” penalty refers to a penalty that is appropriate to the wrong committed.
1 Cor. 6:9–10 Paul’s use of the word unrighteous (Gk. adikos again;) implies that those whose behavior is indistinguishable from the unbelieving world may not be among the “saints” (v. 1) at all. See also 2 Cor. 13:5. men who practice homosexuality. The Greek words malakos and arsenokoitēs refer specifically to male homosexuals, but in Rom. 1:26–27 Paul also refers to female homosexuals, and to homosexual desires or “passions.” Both passages (as well as Lev. 18:22; 20:13; and 1 Tim. 1:10) refer to homosexuality in general.
He implication that if they are not among the sainta then they of course cannot inherit the kingdom. Manipulating the text so that a social behavior can be made acceptable to God find a itself up against the warning in Rev. 22:18-19. Revelation 22:18-19 NASBS I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; [19] and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.
Division is truly what the Word of God is based in. God took pleasure in separating His chosen feom the rest of the world.
2 Corinthians 6:17 NASBS "Therefore, come OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you.
Matthew 13:49 NASBS So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous,
Do not count me with the evil. Do not count me with those who stand against God. Do not count me with those who take pleasure in doing what is not pleasing to God. There are divisions, there will be divisions, let us point them out and see them for what they are. The light will make them known. And that is what the Lord came to do, shine the light in the darkness. But men loved the darkness because their thoughts and hearts were evil.
Choose. You are either with the Lord, or against Him. There is no other way.
Matthew 12:30 NASBS He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.
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Obviously the bible is your whole world. It's a very sad thing. There's so much that people like you are missing. You have lost sight of all the good and wonderful people that exit in this world, that don't give a hoot about your book. Men wrote the book you refer to, not God. I think if people truly love and care about one another, it doesn't matter what that conflicting book says. I think God is very much above the crap men wrote in the bible.
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They are puppets. Who cares? They are fun and for kids. We do NOT need crazy bible thumpers who can't think on their own bring up this stupid subject
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Sorry Lori, I didn't mean this for you butter Dr. Daniel Thomas. (Doctor of what?)
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I got that David. We're good.
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I always thought that Burt was Ernie’s uncle on Sesame Street!
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What difference does it make what they are a Doctor of? You are going to hold that against them if they are a Doctor of something you don't like?
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Daniel - So, you dislike historicity, I take it? Why do you take the Leviticus 18:22 passage as having to do with homosexuality, and why is it evil? Because Paul/Saul was an OT type of guy?
About 1Cor 6:9-10 - Why are you promoting the addition of what was not there previously? KJV1611, as mentioned previously, had absolutely NO mention of "homosexual" as for those not entering the kingdom, yet new versions do have it. Are you saying that adding to or taking away from the "word of God" is okay? Not according to your rabbi, Jesus.
Why do you think it is an either/or situation? You know that hardly ANYTHING is an either/or situation, but multiple possibilities along a line. Either for or against? What about being "neutral"? Did you forget that possibility? Apparently, you think that the Bible is 100% accurate, historical and scientific, maybe?
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This controversy is about labels... stop labeling yourself. In the 21st century, very few people actually care. Also, remember-The bible and other religious writings were written by man as they perceived right and wrong at the time.
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Dan, you are so right in your comments and the break down of these scriptures. I just talked to an Episciple pastor this morning regarding homosexuality and the Bible. He too referenced the scriptures you did, as well, explained back in the day how the Greek men who were married to women would have sex with other young men. So what was wrong with this is the situation, of not only adultery, but the act that they were doing, just to do it. It had nothing to do with actual homosexuality.. So much of the scripture that people use to condemn homosexuality were not written that way. Most of what they are interpreting was added in during translation, and not written in the true Greek, and Hebrew Bibles.
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If they are Gay or not it does not matter, if they seem gay you need to realize Spirits and a fully formed soul are Hermafrodite. So even two men that have a close relationship could be considered gay or One could be And one could not be. However it is not up to the Children of God to judge any other Children lest he listen to Daniel. “God Gave intelligence to all Scholars.” That’s all scientists and All forms of life that ever Wrote a book. Yea even witchcraft. All word is one if your looking for Love, read not the black but the White. If your looking for A sign like most all leaders are today you live in an evil Generation.