Recently, I stumbled upon a quirky statement on Facebook that went, ‘Claiming that someone else’s marriage is against your religion is like being angry at someone for eating a doughnut because you’re on a diet’. This amusing analogy got me thinking, and I’d like to share those thoughts with you.

Thoughts on Beliefs and Choices: A Reflection on a Social Media Message

Pondering Religion and Personal Beliefs

Contrary to what the post might suggest, I don’t see the issue as one of religion. I’d argue that it’s more about personal belief systems, whatever that means for you. As I heard from an atheist: “At some point, young man, you’re going to have to plant your flag on a mountain of uncertainty where not every question is answered. The human mind will never get to the bottom of every mystery in the cosmos. Believing in God, not believing in God, either way still takes a leap of faith.”

I’ll share what one of my Christian Elders has taught me:

“And it is a fact that LGBTs are part of this world. But part of loving a person is the obligation to warn them of the wrath to come. (1Th 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead). We can thank God that the Old Testament laws have been fulfilled by Jesus Christ. We have been spared from the eternal wrath of God. But being now in the period of Grace, prior to the return of Christ, we must have the mind of Christ, who died for sinners. We no longer execute the long list of offenders (as mentioned in the Old Testament). Instead, we love them, and we warn them of the Judgement of God.

So, we are to love them, and to warn them, just as we love and warn all men who do not know the love and the mercy of God. There is only one offence that we must give. It is the offence of the cross. It is the preaching of Christ and him crucified, for an unbelieving and sinful world. That offence must be given if we are to be used by God for the saving of those who are about to face the Judgement of God.

So, we are not to offend, in word or in deed, or in attitude, but we are to speak the truth in love. Now in speaking the truth, many will be offended. And that is to be expected. But we are to be careful that the offence does not come from us, but from the gospel itself.”

What’s important isn’t what religion mandates, because that is a man-made construct where they take what God said in scriptures and corrupt it. And so many people have corrupted what God has said about homosexuals not entering heaven with the phrase “God is love” (1 John 4:8 – which is not what the scripture is referring to in the context of using it as a reason for ‘loving someone of the same sex, I’d recommend reading the documents under Sodom today, if you want to do right by God, BUT here is what scriptures share:

• Romans 1:27 tells us that men, leaving the natural use of women, burned in lust for one another. Men were with men in ways considered inappropriate, receiving in themselves the consequences of their errors.
• 1 Corinthians 6:9 cautions us that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. It warns against being deceived by fornication, idolatry, adultery, effeminacy, and self-abuse.
• Acts 20:30 prophesies that men will arise and speak perverse things, leading followers astray.

These teachings provide guidance on the behaviours and choices that are beneficial for our spiritual well-being, but here is the thing. If you don’t think you need God, then I guess you won’t take up what the scriptures say. Or many will say “I was born this way”. Yes, we are all born in sin, but what if I took that same principle and apply it to a murderer, or a lair or a thief that say ‘he/she was born that way’ – is that a valid excuse?

The Donut Analogy: A Lesson in Personal Choices

Let’s bring back the doughnut analogy now. Do you know the actual definition of ‘diet’ – it is the food a person, animal, or community habitually eats? Then why would someone else’s choice to eat a doughnut make me mad? I won’t be upset because I can decide what I eat and in what proportions. If you keep eating doughnuts, it might lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. However, that’s your choice and doesn’t impact my decisions or my health. But as a Christian here is how I would actually read what this sign says: ‘Claiming that someone else’s marriage is against your religion is like being angry at someone for choosing eternal suffering because you’re choosing the opposite’. I would be less angry and feel more sorry for such a person, I would treat them with love and kindness, but I will not agree with their corruption of what my God plainly states in his scriptures.

Conclusion: Respect for Beliefs and Choices

In conclusion, as individuals, we all have different beliefs and make different choices, both in terms of religion and lifestyle. While we can share our perspectives and guide others based on our understanding, we should respect that others might not see things the same way, and vice versa. Similarly, others’ choices, whether it’s the person they marry or the food they eat, don’t have to affect our peace of mind, our diet, or our relationship with God.