Nicole Lamarche, Miss California 2003 and now an ordained minister at Cotuit Federated Church in Cotuit, Mass, is speaking out.

She says:

"As a pastor and a former Miss California, I am often asked to interpret what the Word of God has to say on a particular subject. I am quite confident that God prefers that we human beings stick to speaking for ourselves. And yet there are occasions when God’s Word is used as a weapon, and I feel compelled to speak.

In the past few days, much has been made of the words of Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean. She stated that marriage is between a man and a woman. I write not in response to her opinion, but rather about her comments that followed: that the Bible condones her words. She said, 'It's not about being politically correct, it's about being biblically correct.' While this sentiment is shared by many who seek to condemn gay people and gay marriage, citing pieces of the Bible to further one’s own prejudice fails to meet the Bible on its own terms.

Most people seeking to condemn gay people point to the Book of Leviticus, where we read that men lying with men is an abomination. However, we rarely hear of other verses found in the book of Leviticus that are equally challenging. For example, Leviticus also tells us that eating shrimp and lobster is an abomination. And that a person should not wear material woven of two kinds of material—an impossible mandate for a pageant contestant!

In Paul’s letter to the community in Corinth we read, ‘For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church….’ And yet these words have not prevented Christian denominations from ordaining women, such as myself. Sadly, the Bible has been used to further prejudice throughout history. We have used it to permit ourselves to enslave people; to conquer and kill; and to denigrate the earth.

The truth is that it is difficult to know for sure the intentions of the biblical authors, but we do know something about God. Those of us who know God through Jesus of Nazareth know that he went to great lengths to express God’s love to people who were labeled as outcasts. He spent time with children, prostitutes, and lepers, all of whom were labeled as outside of the grasp of the Holy. As we continue to seek God’s vision for us as a nation grounded in a love for justice, I pray that we might move closer to the cause of grace.”

quote:

Originally posted by Suzana:
Sadly, the Bible has been used to further prejudice throughout history. We have used it to permit ourselves to enslave people; to conquer and kill; and to denigrate the earth.

THAT.

Yes!

I support Carrie Prejean in her honesty. If Perez Hilton wasn`t prepared for an honest answer, one that was different from his, he should not have asked the question...he needs to grow up.

What this "pastor" fails to mention is that the examples she mentioned in this letter are mentioned in different books of the Bible, not just Leviticus and they are discussed further...perhaps she failed to mention these other books because they do not fit her agenda.

I agree she had the right to say what she did...Its her belief...She cant help it.

I just think she is a close minded idiot for saying it lol

And Perez does need to grow up...But at least he drawing more attention to the issue...The BS needs to stop. Discrimination BLOWS!

Closed minded idiot (or dumb b*tch) for speaking her beliefs? Okay, say she had said just the opposite. People who agreed with her, and the biased media, would be totally in love with her. AND she would have won the competition.

Discrimination, hate and intolerance is everywhere isn`t it?......

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Unique Dog,

I dont think anyone would have been in love with her...I certainly wouldnt have...Lots of peeps are on the same page with me about this issue..Doesnt mean I like them anymore or less. Equality = shouldnt be an issue in this day an age. Its our GOD given right.

And yep..It sure is :/

quote:

Originally posted by Unique Dog:
I support Carrie Prejean in her honesty. If Perez Hilton wasn`t prepared for an honest answer, one that was different from his, he should not have asked the question...he needs to grow up.

What this "pastor" fails to mention is that the examples she mentioned in this letter are mentioned in different books of the Bible, not just Leviticus and they are discussed further...perhaps she failed to mention these other books because they do not fit her agenda.

Do you like lobster?

She's narfing on established agendas.Therein lies the diffrence.

quote:

Originally posted by Sydneyjean:
I dont think anyone would have been in love with her...I certainly wouldnt have...Lots of peeps are on the same page with me about this issue..Doesnt mean I like them anymore or less. Equality = shouldnt be an issue in this day an age. Its our GOD given right.

And yep..It sure is :/

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by pen dragon:

quote:

Originally posted by Unique Dog:
I support Carrie Prejean in her honesty. If Perez Hilton wasn`t prepared for an honest answer, one that was different from his, he should not have asked the question...he needs to grow up.

What this "pastor" fails to mention is that the examples she mentioned in this letter are mentioned in different books of the Bible, not just Leviticus and they are discussed further...perhaps she failed to mention these other books because they do not fit her agenda.

Do you like lobster?

She's narfing on established agendas.Therein lies the diffrence.

As a matter of fact no, I don`t eat lobster. Can`t stand it.


For some, this is a one way street. Had she said that she agreed with gay marriage none of you would have a problem with it and the name calling wouldn`t exist. But it`s okay to name call a christian...it seems to be the norm these days.

God given right? sounds like confusion between the Ten Commandments and the Constitution.

Once again, those who allege to "preach" tolerance and acceptance of others, are the first ones to cast stones. Example: Perez Hilton.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Unique Dog,

You know, I didnt come here attacking you so I dont know why your so defensive...I am not confused about anything. I called HER a close minded idiot. Not her faith, not anyone but her...Based on what she said. Its my opinion, no one else needs to give two sh its about it. Its her right to say whatever she wants..I cant and wouldnt want to take that away from her.

I never would have heard of the chick if she didnt say what she did..Not like I follow Miss America...Thats a gay guy thing not a chick thing just so ya know Weird huh? Rotf And its about time Perez did something positive with his energy...He is a royal douche...I hear that..But good for him for speaking up and asking the big taboo question..He is using what he has to reach people..Not a terrible thing. And yeah...I think Perez is an Idiot too

Edit... Didnt mean defensive as much as I meant being sensitive about it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sydneyjean,

I love lobstah WTF are you talkin bout?

The Christian right has spread hate and intolerance for so long and done more damage to religion than anything or anyone else (aside from War in the name of God).
And now that someone is actually speaking out against all their propoganda they can't take it.

Yes everyone is entitled to their opinion. Nobody is saying otherwise...that being said, it is just someone's opinion as well if they think someone's REMARK is stupid, etc...

Wanting equality is not hate...but what the Christian right does, is. Because to them, anyone who doesn't agree or doesn't see it their way they go on a massive smear campaign.

And though I am not a fan of Perez he is using his energy towards something positive for a change.

I like to think that generations from now they'll have a world free of all this BS...sort of like when we now look back at slavery...it was IDIOTIC AND HATEFUL...or when we look back at what was done to Native Americans...it was HATEFUL...

I hope what I'm trying to say makes sense.

Pen and Syd well said.

xo

quote:

Originally posted by Unique Dog:

quote:

Originally posted by pen dragon:

quote:

Originally posted by Unique Dog:
I support Carrie Prejean in her honesty. If Perez Hilton wasn`t prepared for an honest answer, one that was different from his, he should not have asked the question...he needs to grow up.

What this "pastor" fails to mention is that the examples she mentioned in this letter are mentioned in different books of the Bible, not just Leviticus and they are discussed further...perhaps she failed to mention these other books because they do not fit her agenda.

Do you like lobster?

She's narfing on established agendas.Therein lies the diffrence.

As a matter of fact no, I don`t eat lobster. Can`t stand it.


For some, this is a one way street. Had she said that she agreed with gay marriage none of you would have a problem with it and the name calling wouldn`t exist. But it`s okay to name call a christian...it seems to be the norm these days.

God given right? sounds like confusion between the Ten Commandments and the Constitution.

Once again, those who allege to "preach" tolerance and acceptance of others, are the first ones to cast stones. Example: Perez Hilton.

Prejudice...belief.. prejudice.. belief... there's a lot of static between those. Preaching tolerance and 'casting stones' at INtolerance....not much static there...

Seems the trick is to tolerate the intolerable so the organized name callers can keep calling names.

The norm needs to suffer a fatality. A lack of prejudice to the head.

Seafood is good for ya. Truly. Take a trip to the coast and get some fresh sometime, might change your mind.

quote:

Originally posted by Sydneyjean:
I love lobstah WTF are you talkin bout?

In the original piece Suz posted, eating lobster was also cited as an abomination in the Bible.

I didnt ask you though... um.. *winks*
I think that's how you post in world matters, cryptic winks.*shrugs*