I am OK. And that is one of my very favorite songs.

>I know you are from Illinois and I was thinking about you this past weekend (little concerned for you as you said you were dealing with some things - hopefully all is ok). Anyway, I knew you like all kinds of music, and I was working on that old song City of New Orleans where the train goes from Chicago to New Orleans - to sing in our weekly Jam. I have been on that train as I use to live in Mattoon (south of Urbana),and once took it to Memphis. Funny how the mind wonders sometimes.
>
>>Good point. It's also fair IMO to say that American views on homosexuality have changed a lot in our lifetimes. According to recent polls close to 90% of Americans are in favor of gay marriage. That is a sea change from when I was a kid, when it was standard for young guys to rag each other by calling them fags or homos. I really agree with the analogy of "left handed." It's not wrong, it's just less common. And I don't think God, if there is one, would feel differently. It would be pretty depressing to think the creator and ruler of the universe intentionally created less worthy classes of people.
>>
>>>Just an observation, you have a problem with Rick's view on homosexuals, but I am also sure that Rick is also against murder, taking another man's wife, stealing, and also honoring his parents and a lot of other stuff you wouldn't agree with. Why aren't you upset with him for these beliefs? His view on homosexuals is no different than society just a few years ago if you think about it - so it's really unfair to attack Rick and "Christians" in general for this.
>>>
>>>I could be wrong, but it sounds like to me a lot of your opinion on what you think "Christians" is all about comes from TV or reading something in the paper or online. These sources usually show a tiny tiny fringe (usually something "newsworthy" or must read byline) view of Christianity, and are not really what the average church or Christian in the pew is about.
>>>
>>>>>>>>But how am I supposed to understand this when he refuses to explain it?
>>>>>>>He has explained it but from his point of view. You guys aren't talking at the
>>>>>>>same level, you're not coming at it from the same place at all and hence it's
>>>>>>>a monologue.
>>>>>>Not exactly - direct fair questions are not answered thus ending the dialogue.
>>>>>>In all fairness he has now explained the reason for doing so, but I have to admit
>>>>>>my skepticism when the reasoning is 'the devil wont let me".
>>>>>
>>>>>I can explain it to you, Victor, until I turn blue, but you won't be able to hear it. That's why I don't answer. Until you are looking to know the truth, it will forever elude you. Once you begin to seek the truth, you will find it. Until then you'll be trying to prove points and win arguments because your goals are there, and not on truth discovery, but rather arguing a personal belief.
>>>>>
>>>>>I will pray, and teach as best I can, and let God do His work in you, Victor.
>>>>
>>>>Yeah whatever dude. It's not the first time you've pulled the cop out with me when the discussion got difficult. The plain simple truth here is that you're stance towards gays and lesbians is discriminatory and bigoted. You can attempt to justify it with our religion all you want but that doesn't change the facts does it? If you don't want to admit then fine. If you think such behavior is acceptable in this day & age then you got a problem.