catholicsphere

So, the “Gay Games Chicago” came and went.  Besides the local news media falling all over themselves to seem “gay friendly”, the most buzz was well before the “Games”.  While claiming to not have an agenda, there were numerous times when the organizers of the “Games” said that they were about “inclusiveness” and “promoting tolerance”.    And, although it was billed as the “gay olympics”, anyone who could pony up the registration fee could participate, regardless of qualifications.   It’s no wonder that it was often subject to low attendance — people just chose to ignore it.  I’m sure the attendance that it did get were those who either were in other “events” or who knew someone participating.  Kinda like a city softball league or kids little league game — not really very exciting to watch unless you know someone on the team.

There were some who were out protesting the “games”, but for the most part, people simply ignored — or were oblivious to — the “games” and went about their normal routine.  A “Google News” search shows only about 1,420 hits on “Gay Games”, showing that most of the world could have cared less too; and estimates are that the “games” would bring an additional $33 million to the local economy — although actual figures are expected to be lower. 

So, some may say “what the big deal?”  Despite the fact that the “games” were rather uneventful, the debate surrounding their presence may have swayed some toward a position that supports the games agenda; and agenda that is part of teaching people, including our children, that this is an acceptable “alternative lifestyle”.

In a conversation I had recently, I was asked “what made me better than homosexuals”. [Note, when I speak of homosexuals, I am referring to those who choose to practice the "lifestyle".] I responded that I wasn’t “better” than them, but I was different in the way I approached things.  See, we’re all sinners in need of God’s grace to turn from sin.  But, there are those — such as, but not limited to, homosexuals — that choose to ignore what God says.  Regardless of “how God made” someone, He calls us all to live according to what He has said — for our eternal joy, rather than merely the fleeting happy feelings experienced in this life.  Homosexuals have a cross which they must bear, just as heterosexuals do. 

God calls heterosexuals (and homosexuals too) to not engage in sex outside of marriage; in fact, He calls us all to a number of things.  And, we can choose to listen to Him, or we can choose to ignore Him.  That’s the difference — in the response to God’s calling.

I will continue to teach my children that sin is sin, and that we must turn from it.  While we need to treat all people with dignity and love, it does not mean that we should not speak about the need for people to turn from their sins — any sin.  Therefore, I intend to teach my children to follow the commands of God, and to encourage others to do the same.  I will do this because it is in doing so that we show love — in telling people the truth, rather than allowing them to remain in their ignorance and die because of it.

God says the same thing to everyone, even though not everyone struggles with the same things.  It is in hearing Him, listening, and following that we will find true and lasting happiness.

[tags]Gay Games, gaymes, Chicago, homosexuals, God, tolerance, love, sin, news, church, catholic[/tags]