Topic : Debating Among Different Religious Beliefs

I agree.

Everybody having their own religion or belief system is a personal thing and not much point in debating it. 

 However, it's when people use their religion, such as the bible, to judge, criticize and make their religious beliefs into "law" that I have a big problem with.  Therefore, the only way to get through to some people that just because the bible says something like "homosexuality is a sin" , which is nothing more then a religious belief, it should not effect the laws of this country in any way.

There are laws, good laws, that coincide with the bible.  However, something like homosexuality hurts no one but because it is a religious belief some religious fanatics would like to maintain and even make new laws to oppress gays.

So, the only way for some folks, that may just be reading these debates, that are sitting on the fence as to whether homosexuality is a sin or not, is to point out all the flaws and contradictions in the bible so one can form a more objective opinion and not just feel like, "Oh my Gosh!  God hates it and I don't want God to be angry with me...and punish me......so I'll hate gays too !!!"

Well, this is more of a topic for the gay marriage debate board but I'll answer in hopes I don't' get deleted.

 I know people who are not religious at all that oppose gay marriage, their belief is not faith-based, but still anti-gay marriage. In that case, it is another's belief, but not necessarily a religious belief.

It doesn't matter whether it's a religious belief or just a belief.  Some people think minorities should still be oppressed.  This is their belief and often not a religious belief although some do use the bible and it's reference to slavery to support that belief.  So should we start oppressing black people again if the majority decides to rule that black people shouldn't have as much rights as white people?

That is because we have a democratic system, and the majority vote changes law

Let me add that the decision to grant "civil rights" was not a population majority rule.  With the racial tension that was going on in the '60's too many whites were "afraid" of the unknown and would never have let it be "voted" in.

Also, many people are using the bible to support the oppression of gays even if they never have read the bible or have ever attended church.  Just a very convenient, "God is on my side" because they disapprove of something somebody else is doing even though it doesn't hurt anyone.

I simply said that everyone against it is not necessarily compelled by their faith.

True.  There are not compelled by their faith in some situations however, many will use this "the bible" even if they don't necessarily live by the bible as a reason to be against gay marriage or even gays in general.

I've talked to many people and when you argue them into a corner to why homosexuals should have civil rights they always brings that ace out of the hole even if they haven't gone to church or even thought about God in years....if ever.

It becomes an argument of "convenience" for them and then they go off and live their ungodly lives, secure in the fantasy that they will get to heaven for oppressing a group of people that never hurt anyone simply by being gay.

Most laws are changed via majority vote in the Governing Body, not necessarily "popular" majority. One person doesn't make or change all the laws, that would be a Dictatorship. People vote in the candidates that support their views.

As in the case of  the "civil rights" bill it was not a popular majority but voted in by legislature by folks we voted into office.  Believe me, I was a big supporter of the civil rights bill and the majority of people did not want a civil rights bill.  They were afraid of the unknown, afraid that blacks would move next to door to them, afraid that a black man or woman might become their boss, etc.

As you can plainly see, there was nothing to be afraid of.  I have black neighbors and they are lovely.  I worked for a black boss once or twice and both were great.  Certainly there are good and bad in all people but being a certain color or sexual orientation doesn't dictate bad or good character.  So the majority of the people were wrong.

Also, many people are using the bible, as well as other religious texts,  to support the acceptance of all people, and to live peacefully together

That would be wonderful if that could happen as long as they understand that some people don't believe in any religion or any god for that matter and they have that right too.  Not believing in a god or higher power does not make one necessarily evil or good.  Depends on the person.