The use of the word clergy was probably wrong. What I meant was why are there no female priests? Is this the teaching of the church that only men are qualified to teach the gospel?
Gays and Lesbians are shunned by the church. I live, shop, and socialize in the heart of the gay & lesbian area of the Twin Cities. Every single one of them (some good friends) have been shunned by their churches and just recently a gay/lesbian church opened in this area with a Gay Pastor! There is also the 'preachings' of people like Jerry Falwell, who tried to claim that one of the teletubbies was actually a gay icon! Give me a break!!!!
As for the 'heretics' being killed. They were killed in the name of christianity. Have you ever read the quote by a general in the army under Contantine. He had just conquered a town in present day Italy and he ordered all the 'heretics' killed. When asked by a soldier how they were to distinguish the 'heretics' from the christians, he replied by saying "kill them all for God will know his own". Joan of Arc ring a bell. A reverent follower of God and a great military strategist and leader. She was burned at the stake, b/c the church feared her and claimed her a 'heretic'. How about abortion doctors that are killed because they are doing their job? How about the fight in Northern Ireland, or in Isreal, or maybe you should look at Kosovo? I don't see too many atheists and agnostics running around killing each other, do you?
Organized religion is a sham. It is a way for a few people to control those beneath them. It plays to people's fears, flaws, and weaknesses. Mind you I am not bashing religion, just organized religion. Even though I am an atheist, I do admit that I follow some principles of bible and teachings of Jesus. I just don't let it consume my life. Enough said. I am leaving this debate now as it is 'unwinnable' and could turn nasty as these topics always do
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It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear ignorant,
than open it and remove all doubt!