I knew I wouldn't be disappointed with your response! You certainly seem to know what you're talking about, and again, I appreciate your willingness to respond to my questions.

Now I have another question. Let's suppose for a moment that I am still in doubt about the proper interpretation of the Scriptures. You have suggested that "the obstruction of people's loving potential is not a minor matter." Shall we take a closer look at the words "loving potential?"

Here I would like to make a distinction between the love that we seek for our own pleasure and the love that we live in obedience to God (eros/philos/agape, if you like). I recognize the infinite importance of loving one's neighbor as oneself. This compassion and Godly respect for other people is precisely what we see Jesus display throughout the Gospels. But where does Jesus himself demonstrate the importance of preserving one's own right to romance and sexuality? Has He ever commanded us to do something that He Himself did not do?

I suppose what I mean is this: I cannot say without further prayer and study whether or not homosexuality is forbidden by Scripture, but I also do not see God insisting that people pursue their romantic potential. I know that our pleasure often pleases Him as well, but I wonder perhaps if He simply expects me to forgo certain things in this life and trust that He will provide everything Himself in the next.

As I'm sure you are aware, I hope that this isn't the case, but I am cautious and rightfully so. If indeed we read the same Bible and trust the same Spirit, we will eventually come to the same conclusions because "the truth ain't like puppies, a bunch of 'em runnin' around, you pick your favorite. One truth." -Pushing Daisies. What a great quote!

As always, thank you for your thoughts.

-Magnet55