Show of Hands

pronoun "sm" rather than using a male term and offending SM. I can't think of anybody else you might be referring to, except iBakes, and I apologized to her quite a while ago. Now citethesource and rotavele have been horrible to me, but I don't think

I was ever nasty back. If you remember any others I need to apologize to, please tell me. And to help you understand where I'm coming from, see my reply to Political today on SM's poll. I'm trying to be a more authentic Christian. I appreciate your

gentle spirit, Kermie, and want to be your friend.

Our differences are less important than our common humanity, or as I would say, the shared Image of God in both of us.

As I recall I had blocked you because of some nasty things you said about trans people in general, not toward any particular person. I have dear friends and colleagues who are trans so it felt as if you were hurting people I love.

I just don't have room for that in my life. If as you say you have been making an effort to be more loving I can respect and appreciate that. Forgive me if it takes me a while to fully believe it. Thanks for letting me know though.

I fully understand. I can't change my belief that it's not an inborn condition, but I'm not expert in psychology by any means, so I can't even theorize what "nurture vs. nature" events might contribute. I am greatly sympathetic, but it seems they

generally don't want sympathy, but agreement that they were made wrong. And see, Kermie, I just don't believe God makes mistakes. So all I can offer is unconditional love. You know, "have the surgery if you feel you must, and I'll still love you."

It's the best I have to offer at this point, and I assure you that love is real. SM is the only trans person I know at all, though I have many good friends from the theater community who are gay. So, I will keep trying to watch what I say on SoH, and

feel free to call me on anything offensive. Thanks.

I guess to me it doesn't matter why they feel that way and whether it was inborn or whatever because frankly it's none of my business. If someone wants to alter their body, that's their choice. Not mine. If someone wants me to call them he, she, ze,

or Lord Fizzlebums again why does it matter to me? Even if I considered it a "sin" it's still none of my business why they're doing what they're doing.

Thank you for not "getting started". :)

*grits teeth* you're welcome

Kermie, I'm sincerely sorry for your experiences, and anything mean or inconsiderate I've said to you. Please just consider my comment directly above.

I can't see what tlaney said. Is it worth seeing?

Sure, Kermie. Take a look.

Thanks for the apology but it's not about you/Christians being mean to *me*--I'm not that petty. It's about overall behavior to all humankind. I've seen you see some really horrible things about other people, presumably in the name of Jesus.

K, I stopped saying mean stuff to SM, and am deliberately working not to use offensive pronouns to sm's face or behind sm's back. I cannot call sm a "she, her, or woman," because that violates MY conscience, so I am using the nonoffensive invented

Well I appreciate that.

I wrote a lot more but attached it to the next thread above by mistake. Sorry.

No problem. I'll reply there.

I see you think they are, Nebraska.

That's right.
And I see you think they aren't.

Nope. Just like I don't think they're more hateful.

I voted red for both polls in the set.

I voted red in one, too!
I'm glad to see we agree.

For my serious answer, I based my answer on the fact that , overall, Christians give more time and money in charitable service than other religions.

Anyone can be loving to their families and friends, but the real test is how you treat the needy and those you don't personally know.
Christians are objectively ahead on that measure.

Oh look! Imagine bumping into you two in a religious poll!

I think that Drooski is googling "do Christians give more to charity than other religions."
He's going to come back with the study from last year about muslims in the UK giving more money than other religions.

Because money is love!!!!!!!!!!'

@kermie: if I was starving, I'd rather have money than a hug. Money means more to a lot of people than love.

If you claim you love other people, what do you do for them? Give your time? Your talents? Your money? Often the latter is needed most. Love without works is cheap. Put your money where your mouth is. Literally.

Or more profoundly, "For where your treasure is, there your heart shall be."

lfb- that takes on a whole different meaning if you say it like a pirate.

Aaaarrrrrr!