Warning: This will take 2-3 minutes to read
I have stayed away from this conversation because I don?t necessarily constructive. Personally, I don?t think sports should be used, for most part, as a platform to convince those who may disagree about things that they are right or wrong about their views. There are enough things about going to a sporting event that are taxing: tv timeouts, ads that cover almost entire videoboard, bad food options, bad music, bad playcalling etc. The virtue signaling platitudes thrown out by some athletes/institutions are not an entrance ramp to rational discussion in my opinion as people?s views are often more complicated. At same time, if welcoming groups opens the opportunity for them to experience an event that they may return to again than who am I to say?
The primary reason, however, for me responding is that the element of religion, and more specific Christianity, was brought into the discussion. In full disclosure I have members of family/friends who are in the discussed demographics. I have struggled with understanding these things in context as have many others. As with most things, reading bible gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke, John) and specifically what Jesus has said tends to provide humble and loving answers to most questions. And while I would never try to speak for Christ and his level of love and mercy towards each of us, there is a consistency in the gospels across the four books that provides a great deal of comfort in trying to understand the heart of Jesus. After all, our purpose in life is to live and act in a way that brings ourselves and others closer to Christ. Simple but far from easy. This is what Christ says about three things that may have some application here:
Regarding the most important commandments:
Mark 12:30-31
?You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.? Then he added, ?The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these?
Having this mindset can strip away most animosity even if you disagree on things. Loving God and all others as best we can is the first and primary requirement of us. Without that we are fooling ourselves if we think we are acting in a way God wants and expects us to.
Regarding judgement and condemnation:
Mathew 7:1-5
?Do not judge, or you too will be judged.? For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.?
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.?
One primary question and dispute is if LBGT activity is sinful in itself. Seems many are quick to condemn others to death/hell for activity that largely is rooted in love and doesn?t harm others just like any other healthy relationship. A gay couple cheating on their spouse or stealing are committing the same sin as a non- gay couple?right? But do you think a loving, faithful gay couple who loves God and others has less chance of salvation than a non gay couple with no relationship to Christ? I sure don?t. Christ makes it clear that judgement is a burden best left to God. He only knows all the variables and knows each of us better than we know ourselves.
Regarding marriage in heaven:
Matthew 22:30
?For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.?
Christ?s words allude to life in heaven as a more spiritual existence. In that sense, why would gender etc make any difference whatsoever in the next life? Furthermore, marriage itself as it relates to holy matrimony is supposed to be the union of two into one to serve Christ. That together you are better as one in serving Christ. What most consider ?marriage? in today?s world is an affront to Christ used solely as a ceremonial ritual with little or no commitment to Christ whatsoever. Most of us didn?t have that right when got married either and likely a primary reason for a 50%+ divorce rate. Anyone that?s been married for 20+ years will likely tell you it?s not an easy journey even for those with the strongest connection to Christ.
That?s all I got. Agree or disagree and despite our imperfections, I hope we can all feel comfortable looking to Christ and his words for answers as we all navigate our desire to be closer to him and bring others on board.
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