The LCMS exists today as a separate church body and was never part of the ELCA. LCMS still considers us “homophile sinners” (their words). But the LCMS also believes in the “young earth” theory of creationism and that the Pope is the antichrist, so it’s not like I can take their positions the least bit seriously.

In a way I respect the bible in that it guides toward morality for the most – but some of it is just ludicrous. The bible DIRECTLY relates women wearing the clothing of men as an equal crime to man laying with another man as with a woman.

“Abomination”

Seriously – the bible was written by man, and mankind are flawed therefore the bible is flawed. The only thing wrong with religion is the church.

Let’s meditate for a moment on what Jesus said about homosexuality: nothing.

Thanks for the comments. You know, this guy is someone I would say is about as straight as they come. However, I have come to realize that NOBODY is as straight as they claim.

He has a VERY controlling wife. I know she has figured prominently in his actions (sad since a grown man should be in control of his own life). His mother was also very controlling. Is there a pattern here? I’m no expert either, Robert. I have very good reason to believe one of his sisters is lesbian.

Good riddance.

If by “God” you mean “YHWH”, then only hypothetically. Followers of Abrahamic faiths seem to need person to hate.

As for the ELCA, we’re back to the pre-80′s: LCA (liberal) versus LC Missouri Synod (conservative).

No expert here, but I suspect your former best friend may be a closet case (even if just a closet case bisexual), and his private thoughts are so out of whack with his religious views he can’t reconcile it. And when this issue came up, taking a stand by leaving was one way to deflect any suspicion others may have of him not being so totally straight.

And he may fear this is hereditary and so his sons may also feel this way. In that event, he wouldn’t want them to accept it as okay in God’s eyes, so he didn’t want to expose them to the truth so that they wouldn’t see a positive example of what he fears..

Just a possibility.

Thank God you have another best friend..

Really? In my experience, most Christians and Muslins are full of hate toward gays and the same sex people we love. It is Christian hate that makes me have to say “same sex people we love” rather than “our husbands and wives”.