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Rogue-Ranger — Pro LGBT Equality and Religious Freedom Stamp
#christian #equality #gay #gayrights #love #peace #religiousfreedom #lgbtrights
Published: 2016-02-01 00:28:13 +0000 UTC; Views: 3129; Favourites: 139; Downloads: 2
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Description
I believe that everyone should be treated equally and I believe everyone should be free to openly believe what they want.The Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law and the First Amendment guarantees the free exercise of religion. One does not eliminate the other.
Saying that treating people equally and upholding freedom of religion can not coexist is a false choice. It says that the point of religion is to discriminate or that the point of LGBT rights is to bring down religion, neither of which is true. Still, many people have fallen for this idea. Some feel that religion is just discrimination by another name and others feel LGBT rights are a direct attack on their faith.
The truth is that supporting equality does not make you an atheist and being religious does not make you a bigot. In fact, many people of faith believe everyone is equal and should be treated fairly, with love and dignity. Many LGBT supporters and LGBT themselves are religious. And, in several religions, followers are called to treat everyone with love and kindness, even if those people are not kind back.
Here's something to consider: Many LGBTQIA people have been told that all religious people are out to get them, so they better watch out and they definitely can't be an LGBT person of faith, which they're told is impossible. This leads to hostility against religious people and conflicts. Then, on the other side, religious people are told that LGBT+ people are gaining special rights at the expense of their own rights and even that those rights are a sign they're planning to round up and jail all people of faith next. This leads to hostility and fear of LGBT people and their supporters, and of course more conflicts. It also creates a self fulfilling prophecy because, if you see LGBT rights as a step away from outlawing faith, you'll try to limit LGBT rights and, if you see religion as a step away from outlawing being LGBT, you'll try to limit religious rights.
None of that needs to happen. We are all different, whether it be our appearance, sexuality, gender, beliefs, or any number of things. We can either let those differences divide us or we can let them unite us. Even identical twins have different personalities. This universal uniqueness is actually what unites us. If there were a default, anyone fitting it better would be better than anyone fitting it less. Instead, no two people are alike, making us all equal. Plus, if we were all the same, there would be no creativity or diversity of thought and, frankly, it would be kind of creepy. So talk to others who are different from you, get to know their unique perspective on life. You'll see that there's no reason for fear, mistrust or conflicts. We all share this world together, so if we divide ourselves, we ruin things for everyone, but if we work together, we build things up for all of us.
Live together, not because we're the same, but because we're different. That is true equality and freedom.
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Comments: 71
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Ah, I didn't know that about North Carolina, so thank you! And I definitely agree that religious freedom and marriage equality are not mutually exclusive and neither is being LGBT+/supporting.
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can't be that way when most christians don't support equality for anyone that's not white straight cis male and christian 
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I hate the people that think it's one or the other. But why not both? Just be yourself guys.
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I completely agree that it can be both. And "just be yourself" is good advice.
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You should really close the comments on this. It's pretty toxic it appears. Or you could block the homophobes here.
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I know a lot of the comments here are just ridiculous, but I personally don't like preventing comments or blocking people. I absolutely understand why others do that, but I personally don't and I'm okay with my choice.
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yep, I agree, why not equality for the nation and better the world? but noo, you have to put people down because they're born that way. (Not you just you know what I mean) When people with a different sexual orientation have to go through being bullied, not getting jobs, blah blah, meanwhile homophobes put them down even more and other kids say that they're gay or bisexual, even if they're not. So many kids say they're bi or gay at my school, but a lot of them have no idea what they're talking about or how hard it is for REAL bisexual, gay, lesbian (etc.) people have to go through, It's like an insult to those people and it makes me so mad.
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I know. Though it's because the comment right before yours was a long list of Bible verses and I knew that person didn't actually read the stamp, so I pasted the description under the stamp as my reply to him.
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You are mislead. All homosexuals are going to the lake of fire unless they repent of their sin! I also used to be an Easy Believist and believe you could be a homosexual and be on your way to heaven, but the New Testament (and of course also the Old Testament, see Ezekiel 18) says otherwise.
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it" (Matthew 7:13-27)
"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilæans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilæans were sinners above all the Galilæans, because they suffered such things?I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:1-5)
"And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last." (Luke 13:22-30)
"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." (John 3:7)
"For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." (John 3:20)
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.or sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin isdeath; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:1-23)
"For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)
"Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, whatzeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter." (2 Corinthians 7:9-11)
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." (Galatians 5:16-25)
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:7-8)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them." (Ephesians 5:1-7)
"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." (Titus 1:16)
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" (Titus 2:11-12)
"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12)
"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:26-31)
"But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." (Hebrews 12:8)
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" (Hebrews 12:14)
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
"Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5:19-20)
"These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever." (2 Peter 2:17)
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." (1 John 2:6)
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother." (1 John 3:4-10)
"Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." (3 John 11)
"For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Jude 4)
"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" (Revelation 3:14-17)
"And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." (Revelation 9:20-21)
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (Revelation 21:8)
"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." (Revelation 22:11-15)
Take it or leave it.
Oh, and I recommend you to watch this:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb26H6…
God bless you
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Thank you for the verses and I understand you believe strongly in this, however not only do we all need to repent and singling one group of people out is a way to make oneself feel more righteous by comparison, but this is not what this stamp is about.
It's a stamp for those who support treating LGBT people equally under the law while also upholding religious freedom. Obviously, I'd like everyone to become Christian, but this particular stamp is more about overcoming seeing differences as paths to conflict. It's a first step, not an end unto itself. I have other stamps that are aimed at promoting Christianity specifically. This is to show LGBT people and religious people don't have to be enemies. If both rights can coexist, we can communicate openly with one another and then perhaps lead some to Christ.
Here's what the description of the stamp says:
I believe that everyone should be treated equally and I believe everyone should be free to openly believe what they want.
The Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law and the First Amendment guarantees the free exercise of religion. One does not eliminate the other.
Saying that treating people equally and upholding freedom of religion can not coexist is a false choice. It says that the point of religion is to discriminate or that the point of LGBT rights is to bring down religion, neither of which is true. Still, many people have fallen for this idea. Some feel that religion is just discrimination by another name and others feel LGBT rights are a direct attack on their faith.
The truth is that supporting equality does not make you an atheist and being religious does not make you a bigot. In fact, many people of faith believe everyone is equal and should be treated fairly, with love and dignity. Many LGBT supporters and LGBT themselves are religious. And, in several religions, followers are called to treat everyone with love and kindness, even if those people are not kind back.
Here's something to consider: Many LGBTQIA people have been told that all religious people are out to get them, so they better watch out and they definitely can't be an LGBT person of faith, which they're told is impossible. This leads to hostility against religious people and conflicts. Then, on the other side, religious people are told that LGBT+ people are gaining special rights at the expense of their own rights and even that those rights are a sign they're planning to round up and jail all people of faith next. This leads to hostility and fear of LGBT people and their supporters, and of course more conflicts. It also creates a self fulfilling prophecy because, if you see LGBT rights as a step away from outlawing faith, you'll try to limit LGBT rights and, if you see religion as a step away from outlawing being LGBT, you'll try to limit religious rights.
None of that needs to happen. We are all different, whether it be our appearance, sexuality, gender, beliefs, or any number of things. We can either let those differences divide us or we can let them unite us. Even identical twins have different personalities. This universal uniqueness is actually what unites us. If there were a default, anyone fitting it better would be better than anyone fitting it less. Instead, no two people are alike, making us all equal. Plus, if we were all the same, there would be no creativity or diversity of thought and, frankly, it would be kind of creepy. So talk to others who are different from you, get to know their unique perspective on life. You'll see that there's no reason for fear, mistrust or conflicts. We all share this world together, so if we divide ourselves, we ruin things for everyone, but if we work together, we build things up for all of us.
Live together, not because we're the same, but because we're different. That is true equality and freedom.
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Thanks for the answer.
Well, I very much believe that LGBTQ+ is unhealthy
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You're welcome! I certainly hope I have been thorough in answering the questions in your comments. I also hope I haven't been out of line in any of my questions. I just believe that understanding is very important in communication. If the reason you didn't respond to my question in reponse to your comment on my profile (comments.deviantart.com/4/1648… ) is because it came off as rude, please understand that was not my intent.
I saw your comments elsewhere where multiple times you said you find homosexuality "disgusting," so is that what you mean when you say you find "LGBTQ+ is unhealthy"? Keep in mind that most people who identify as LGBT/LGBTQ+ see it as a label for people, not a thing. Similarly, when many people think of "homosexuality" they think of having same-sex attractions, feelings or love. So, while you may be thinking of some act like perhaps anal sex, as I've heard that as a common reason people have to find homosexuality "disgusting" or "unhealthy," when others hear this, they may hear you saying you find people who have same-sex attractions or two people of the same sex falling in love "disgusting" even if that's not what you meant. So, if you tell me what you mean I might be able to better understand where you're coming from as well as how to make your message clearer.
Also, keep in mind that you agreed with by commenting "amen" to a stamp that said homosexuality is a "disease" and warned against "spreading it" (www.deviantart.com/sluttypups/… ). While you may believe this, the stamp was actually designed to mock that belief, as the description said that having gay friends makes someone gay because they catch the "disease" of being gay from others. If you read it carefully, you'll see it's satire designed to shows the obvious errors in such a belief.
People choose labels to articulate ideas, like being attracted to the same sex is typically called homosexuality and therefore a person attracted to members of their sex may identify as homosexual or gay or lesbian. Not only does having ways to articulate ideas by simply saying LGBT help communication, but it also helps people to feel a sense of belonging with a group when those around them reject them for their feelings. "Rejected? We'll welcome you." That's the message. Ironically, it should be the Christian message, but far too often we've let the world play the welcoming role and us the rejecting role and I believe very strongly that's agaisnt God's will, as the world may welcome but can never actually save anyone and we all need to be born again in Christ.
There's of course labels having the downside of someone making incorrect assumptions based on a label someone chooses, so I believe we should get to know everyone's unique story. It may help to get to know Christians who identify as LGBT (too many non-Christians who identify as LGBT hold animosity against Christians and so may give you a negative view of LGBT people). I can help in the process of seeing the human side and understanding some of the various reasons people identify as LGBT and don't see it as "the LGBT," if you're willing. Obviously, time is an issue, but I beleive very strongly in getting to know people on a personal level to remove any group stereotypes or prejudices one may have and open lines of communication.
In the end, I believe we all need the same thing. If sin is a disease, we're all unhealthy (not just LGBT people) and need a healer in Christ. But, if we single some people out using terms we don't for anyone else, we forget we are all different but equal and lose the universal nature of the gospel message. We also don't humble ourselves as equally in need of the same thing.
We don't have to agree. These are just my thoughts and I'd be curious what yours are if you're willing. No pressure. I understand this can be a difficult subject.
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www.jesusisprecious.org/believ…
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Thank you for the link. David Stewart makes an important point about how pastor Anderson isn't showing others Christ or behaving as a Christian is called to when he shows such lack of love and even hate for homosexual/gay people.
Too often media sources focus on people like pastor Anderson or groups like Westboro Baptist Church, which gives people who are already skeptical of Christians a negative picture of us and a reason to feel harshly toward Christians and Christianity. We need to both distance ourselves from those messages of hate and to boldly proclaim God's love so as to be heard over any unloving voices who people think represent all Christians or Christ.
As the survey at the top of one of the other stamps you commented on revealed, most non-Christians view Christians as insensitive to others (70%), hypocritical (85%), judgmental (87%), and of course anti-homosexual (91%). I believe we need to humble ourselves more as equally in need of Christ and shine a light so bright with God's love than the world can't help but see the truth.
While I definitely commend Stewart's efforts to show that we are all sinners and should welcome everyone to hear the gospel, I would just note that the Bible is clear that Anderson's ministry and even faith amounts to nothing due to his lack of love:
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:1-12)
"We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother." (1 John 4:19-21)
"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:27-31)
"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Galatians 5:14)
Of course, this also means we should show love toward pastor Anderson and pray for him and others. The more he opens himself to let the Holy Spirit work in him, the more he'll be able to express God's love. God can open any heart.
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:10-12)
"So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." (1 John 4:16)
I also appreciate that Stewart points out the hypocrisy in the sadly very common use of taking a verse from Romans 1 out of context to single out and condemn gay people, while ignoring the rest of Romans. Another person commented on that very stamp with the survey (A Non-Hypocritical Perspective) that straight people have to do something to be sinners but gay people are sinners just because they're gay, even adding "if you're gay, you're sinful period. I'm not because I'm straight. Period."
The problem is that the popular belief that Romans 1 is talking about homosexuals is what leads people like pastor Anderson to conclude gay people are "reprobates" and beyond hope. It's what makes many Christians believe all kinds of lies about gay people and I would have liked Stewart to have addressed that, but given the things he says about gay people and his use of the deceptive word "sodomites", it's clear he too has fallen for the lie that somehow the Bible says being gay in and of itself is a sin and so won't delve deeper into what the Bible truly says because he assumes he already knows.
Since you provided this link, am I to conclude you agree with some of what he said, most, or all? Do you feel I missed anything important in my response?
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This video is helpful (and in a non hateful way):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjst-D…
I certainly do not condone the hatred against homoseuxals - as taught from organizations like the Westboro Baptist Church and Steven Anderson's Faithful Word Baptist Church - either. I hate homosexuality, but not the people trapped into it.
GBY
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Thank you for the link to the video. I hadn't seen that one before, though I have heard similar sentiments.
I applaud his efforts to try to be more compassionate, but there's a reason he has to keep pausing every few minutes to remind people he doesn't hate them. It's because it's obvious to his subconscious mind that his words aren't actually coming from pure love but fear mixed with pitty.
A lot of people think that fear of people is bad but fear for people is good. After all, if you are motivated by worry for someone, isn't that loving? The thing is that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18) and God has not given us a Spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Motivation by love that is from God always protects (1 Corinthians 13:7), not fears for.
It may seem insignificant what motivates someone so long as people are led to Christ, but it does matter because the further someone gets from love (God is love), the further they get from truth (Christ is the way, the truth and the life). This is why Paul can write that even having faith to move a mountain is nothing at all without love (1 Corinthians 13:2).
I bring up truth because he repeats a huge amount of lies in this video and uses the Bible almost mockingly at times without meaning to. For example, he claims that because God created man in His image, people can't be born gay because God's not gay. So, people can't be born intersex or a woman if God's not either of those? No one is born left handed or with different hair colors because God's not exclusively left handed or having a specific hair color? It's actually a ridiculous argument if you stop and think about it.
He claims homosexuality isn't natural because you'll never see animals mating with their own sex, which of course happens all the time because of course it is natural. He uses verses that have nothing to do with what he's talking about to justify his position, like saying God hates wickedness means God hates homosexuality because we should just know it's wicked and so conclude what God really means.
Unfortunately, he dismisses what being homosexual actually means to most gay people by portraying homosexuality as some kind of lifestyle people can be saved from rather than acknowledge that people don't choose their sexual orientation, only their actions and most people don't change their sexual orientation, especially men since testosterone solidifies sexual orientation and so neural pathways would need to be rewired.
I'd recommend researching Exodus International and their attempts to change people's sexual orientation. They were by far the largest and most well known Christian organization that tried to make people no longer homosexual. They had conversion camps all over the world.
However, because they believed no one could be Christian unless they were straight, they fell or the lie that having different attractions than average would inevitably become a "sinful lifestyle." They saw everyone as innately heterosexual and so anyone else needing to be "fixed." So, they gave them false hope and people prayed and prayed and tried everything to change but God only changed a tiny handful and all the rest were left feeling either abandoned by God or like their faith was fake. It didn't help that they also fell for the lie that sexual orientation doesn't have a biological source and so believed all kinds of things, like parents "messed up" raising their kids, which tore so many families apart with guilt and resentment. No good ever comes from living in lies, no matter how convincing they may seem.
The beliefs that Christians must be straight and that someone must be to blame for not everyone being straight have led to most gay people leaving the faith they grew up in, which of course is Satan's goal, not God's, and why these kinds of false beliefs and lies are so dangerous. You can't lead someone to salvation with false promises and lies. For most gay people, God doesn't take away their feelings, but that doesn't mean He abandoned them and we need to let them know this truth. Maybe they prayed all their life, since they first noticed as a small child, but sometimes God answers prayers with a no so we can fulfill part of His plan, whether in how we live or how we grow from the experience.
But the biggest lies in this video come from the "research" provided by Dr. Paul Cameron. You may wonder how I know exactly who compiled those studies, but it's because they're so famous by now. You'll only hear those studies from websites that got them from Cameron because Dr. Cameron created his own falsified research about gay people, such as his famous obituary study that says gay people have lives decades shorter than straight people. He also collects real studies by others and distorts or outright makes up what they say. That's why you won't find his conclusions if you actually look up the real studies he deceptively distorts. The researchers tried sending him cease and desist orders, but his distortions and false information has spread so far because sadly far too many Christian organizations and websites are run by people so motivated by fear that they give into lies easily and fall for things that reinforce what they already believe (confirmation bias is believing what supports what you already believe and is incredibly common).
I strongly recommend not only reading the actual studies from the original sources and not what Cameron and various Christian websites claims they say but also researching Dr. Paul Cameron for yourself, including his collection of studies in "What Homosexuals Do" and his history of lies and harmful deceptions, such as causing an anti-discrimination law to fail by lying that gay men had dragged a boy into a restroom and castrated him and encouraging parents to force their kids into heterosexual sexual activity to prevent them from "becoming gay."
I'd also recommend researching broader studies of human sexuality. You can start with the studies I list in the description of www.deviantart.com/rogue-range… >this stamp, as I link to the actual studies.
While obviously I disagree that being gay is a sin, people can still believe that without denying that homosexuality (same-sex attractions) has a biological source just like intersex affects the body and sexuality the brain. It's certainly not necessary to fall for every lie designed to invoke fear for or of people who just happen to be born different. It's simple: People are born in sin and must be born again.
Some people realize between early childhood and puberty that their feelings for the same sex are what most people have for the opposite sex. They didn't choose this and most wish they could just be "normal." We need to make sure they know they are loved and welcome to come to Christ just as they are. They don't have to become straight first and we can't make false claims that God will necessarily make them straight. All we can do is use God's abundant love to draw those to Christ, the only way to God (John 14:6). It's up to God what He does next.
I realize I don't cover everything from the video, but it's long and I'm not online much and so pressed for time. If I skipped something you wanted addressed specifically, let me know.
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Your beliefs are naive and completely non-Christian.
Respecting and supporting people based on their humanity is not the same as respecting and supporting their actions.
One is the benefit who their humanity, the other is supporting sin.
And you support religious freedom and sin; which means you've denounced Christianity.
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If you'll take a moment to read the stamp's description, you'll find it's not about what you think it's about at all.
It's about what the stamp says. You'll also noitce it talks about how freedom and equality can cooexist. The first and fourteenth amendments to the US Constitution are not in conflict. This stamp is not about sin or actions, but how having to choose between freedom and equality is a false choice.
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Actually, I'm not referring to just the stamp, as the stamp comes from your position and view; and you support homosexuality, which is not a Christian does, but if we are to uphold religious freedom, you have to choose which freedom you support, which are mutually exclusive.
Now, even though we should all live in peace with each other, no worrying about the either, we also need to hold fast to our beliefs that are separate from others while not compromising them or mixing them together to create inconsistencies.
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I believe everyone should have the same rights. We can all be free to believe what we want and all be treated equally under the law. I understand your concern that there may be conflict where people disagree, but we have freedom of expression, not freedom to force others to agree with us. Treating others equally doesn't revoke freedom of religion, but if you have a specific concern about freedom and equality and their coexistence, we can address that specific concern.
As for your repeated claim, I don't either support or not support homosexuality. It just is, like heterosexuality, bisexuality or asexuality. Everyone's different, as I've said many times whenever I explain this.
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Yes, we should all have the same rights, but realistically that's virtually impossible.
You do not support nor support.
That makes no sense.
Perhaps you state that so as to not be called a hypocrite; you do support homosexuality, but you will not publicly declare it so as to not be labeled a hypocrite from both parties
There are so many inconsistencies, but the main being is that you will not admit that homosexuality IS condemned by the Bible, as that means YOU are condemned by the very faith you claim to practice.
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How so? It would help if you explained how equal rights conflict? Maybe a specific case? I still feel that should be our goal, even if it's not always easy and isn't perfect or without flaws.
Because you are so against something, you assume people must either be for or against it. But, until you explain why, it doesn't make sense why you're against it. It's like saying I support being left handed if I'm not against it. Simply not being straight isn't moral or immoral, as it's what we do that is moral or immoral. I suppose since it doesn't seem to have existed at first creation, it could be stated to be outside God's original intent and therefore be immoral in and of itself, but homosexuality doesn't actually exist as a separate entity, so we're still dealing with people. Is the existence of anything but heterosexuality, including asexuality, a result of original sin? Maybe. I've heard arguments that all variations from the mold are a result of sin, from birth defects to brain anomalies to you name it, but I also believe God loves us and calls us to Him to come just as we are.
As I've explained before, the Bible condemns me, but it also condemns everyone. It's just that sexual orientation isn't the reason we're all equally in need of Christ.
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I have no interest in discussing such an irrelevant matter.
I am against hypocrisy and deception.
In what way does the Bible condemn you?
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So, you have no interest in discussing the stamp you commented on and find what it's actually about irrelevant. In that case, I will close this reply string on this stamp.
The Bible says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, so there's that, but if you'd like specifics the list would be long. I lied to my parents in middle school, stole candy as a small child, hit someone who was bullying me, hurt I can't count how many people out of moments of despair or anger, was somewhat rebellious, etc etc. I could write until my hand cramps up and still have more sins left, but I'm too tired right now.
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I am not asking for a broad answer on the Bible, I am asking how it condemns you, not others, you?
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That was how it conddemns me personally, as you'll notice I talk about my own personal sins. Did I list them all? As I said, not even close. But let's be frank. What are you looking for here? You ask how it condemns me personally but don't like me saying how it condemns me personally. What is the answer are looking for?
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I care not for the brought amount of sins, I care for just the one, your homosexuality, and how Christianity condemns you.
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The original stamp you commented on without reading explains this. Some Christians condemn people for not being a straight person like most people, but I don't believe that condemnation represents Christianity as a whole. I see Christianity as a personal relationship with my Creator. In fact, I have a stamp on that:
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Stop changing the topic, you're acting like a child now.
I did not ask how Christians condemn other people, I asked you how Christianity condemns you.
I am very aware that you are being deliberately difficult to talk to, I know you're deflecting and I understand it's because you know God condemns you, He does not support you choice to engage and embrace homosexuality and of course, I know you, someone who claims to be a Christian, resents that, I understand, but choosing to embrace homosexuality is as you know a rejection of Christianity, so I would appreciate it if you would publicly announce your homosexuality, explain to the DeviantART Community that you are living in sin and have embraced hypocrisy. Thank you.
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I actually answered this. I said Christianity doesn't, but some Christians do. And, as the second part of the text on that stamp says, "condemning LGBT people is a sin." I'm sorry that you feel not agreeing with you is deflection.
To be quite honest, over the past couple weeks or so we've been talking on and off the only time homosexuality has even come up in my life is when talking to you. You're trying to make something as miniscule as who I find attractive when I'm not so consumed with actually living somehow the most important part of my life. If it's that important to you, feel free to comment on my profile anything you want. You have my permission to make call-out journals about me too. You can even make a stamp saying Rogue-Ranger is a hypocrite.
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Yes, you claim to answer a lot of things which you haven't answered.
Well, I'm not "some Christians", there are no other Christians here so who cares what they say or think, they are not a part of this discussion.
Isn't Christ the most important part of your life?
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Um, actually I answer all your questions multiple times and you ignore mine. But, here are the times I answered the last question:
comments.deviantart.com/1/5879…
comments.deviantart.com/1/5879…
comments.deviantart.com/1/5879…
"Some Christians" was a reference to the fact that people, as in some Christians, do use the Bible to discriminate and single out homosexuals as worse sinners but that doesn't represent Christianity or all Christians, so it is not accurate to say that's how Christianity condemns someone. You are one of those "some Christians" btw, but I know your views don't represent Christianity in this area.
He is. He's teaching me how to be pateint with you and I appreciate that. What has having Christ in your life taught you recently?
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Again, referencing to times when you claim to have answered questions you didn't. It just goes full circle with you.
So why should you care if "Some" Christians use the bible out of context when you are not an exception.
You are homosexual, who engages in homosexual practices; both of which are condemned by the Bible which you claim to believe in.
You are one of the "Some" Christians who use the Bible out of context.
Why would you need to be patient with me, I have offered no troubles or issues, I have offended no one.
Does he know the Bible condemns your relationship with him, and are you planning on breaking up soon?
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They're in reverse chronological order. They note I answered and then they answer again if you keep reading. I answered a fourth time right before this reply. You responded to it, so I know you read it. No more games, okay?
Ah, let me know which parts are taken out of context. Also, can you show me, in context of course, where the Bible supports the position you just stated? You said you'll answer questions now, so it's worth a try.
You've insulted me, played games, lied and basically trolled me. I'd say that takes some patience to deal with.
I know you want me to choose your beliefs over biblical truth, but what I believe is moral and loving stays until God says otherwise, not humans. No offence, but you're not God.
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Indeed, you accuse me of your crimes, forgetting all the diversions and strawmen, all the times you have appealed to sources not relevant, but of course, someone else must be to blame. How very un-Christian like of you.
Of course, As a mere follower of God, I wonder why you would pretend to be of greater knowledge of the Bible, and make bold statements that God does not apparently condemn homosexuality.
Oh? You say what you say is moral and loving? Does this derive from condemning heterosexual and homosexuality? Or is it from saying being LGBT is OK, even though it could not be condemned by the Bible.
It is clear, you do not know the Bible, but have your own god-complex that you are of greater moral understanding than others. You are not the first person to think like this and alas, I am certain not the last.
I wonder if you can hold a straight face while making such a proud and unfounded statement while praying to God; but then, you have been nothing more than over confident in your knowledge, citing verses that condemn you, evading verses that condemn you, and all the while, showing why you cannot be trusted to read Christian Scripture.
Perhaps you should consider Islam, where deception is very much the primary Creed; Christianity is to honest for the corruption happy.
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Indeed, you accuse me of your crimes, forgetting all the diversions and strawmen, all the times you have appealed to sources not relevant, but of course, someone else must be to blame. How very un-Christian like of you.
All our conversations have become like this. You make false accusations against me, I prove them false, then you blame me for what you do. You dismissed everything I say as irrelevant because you made up a false position which never was my position and demand I prove a position you made up. It doesn't work that way. Making up an easily defeated position for the other person you're talking to is actually what a strawman is and that's what you do and not me. Just as I am responsible for my own actions, you are responsible for yours. All our conversations are out in the open for you to read over at any time, so there's no excuse to pretend things have happened differently than they actually have. I mean just look at this conversation, how I keep answering your questions and you ignore or deflect mine. Once again, if you wish to claim things happened differently, you will need to hide your comments.
Of course, As a mere follower of God, I wonder why you would pretend to be of greater knowledge of the Bible, and make bold statements that God does not apparently condemn homosexuality.
Greater knowledge of the Bible compared to who? Remember, I was the one who put the verses you took out of context back into context. I've shown you my reasoning and you dismissed it, so it's your turn to show yours. However, I will once again ask you to do it in one single comment on the stamp it's related to.
Oh? You say what you say is moral and loving? Does this derive from condemning heterosexuality and homosexuality? Or is it from saying being LGBT is OK, even though it could not be condemned by the Bible.
You have made the same false claim over and over and I've corrected you each time. I never condmened heterosexuality and homosexuality. You made that up. I've shown why we are all equal using the Bible, but if you believe there's some special condemnation for people who happen to be LGBT, please show me your reasoning.
It is clear, you do not know the Bible, but have your own god-complex that you are of greater moral understanding than others. You are not the first person to think like this and alas, I am certain not the last.
So, because I asked you to actually back up what you believe using scripture, now I don't know the Bible and have a god complex? I keep showing you why I believe what I do using the Bible and you've dismissed it with insults against me every time even though the only thing I've asked is for you to back up what you believe just as you keep demanding I do. I never asked you to believe what I do, just to show me why you believe what you do the same way I showed you why I believe what I do. If you know the Bible so much more than me, this should be an easy thing to do and there's no reason it's taken asking this many times.
I wonder if you can hold a straight face while making such a proud and unfounded statement while praying to God; but then, you have been nothing more than over confident in your knowledge, citing verses that condemn you, evading verses that condemn you, and all the while, showing why you cannot be trusted to read Christian Scripture.
"citing verses that condemn you, evading verses that condemn you"
You do realize that's a contradiction, right? And why can't I be trusted to read Christian scripture? Do I need special permission to read the Bible? Look, I've addressed all your verses and given you dozens more. You demand I use verses that don't actually apply to me, such as verses about sex to condemn me when I don't have sex. You can't keep demanding I lie and say things apply fo me that don't or don't apply to me that do. So, if you have anything to back up your claims, please just show me, because I refuse to lie just so you'll stop making things up.
Perhaps you should consider Islam, where deception is very much the primary Creed; Christianity is to honest for the corruption happy.
Of the two of us, it's pretty clear who has used deception, but I'd never do as you've done and try to convince you not to be Christian or mock your faith. I've never once questioned your faith or called you a "fake Christian" as you have to me so many times, including in your public attempt to shame me with your call-out stamp. Why do you keep doing this? In what way does my faith offend you so much you have to keep trying to troll and bully me out of it?
Sorry, but I'm not going to denounce my faith. For me, being Christian is about a relationship, not just some belief I can be reasoned or tricked out of, so that relationship isn't going anywhere because God's not going anywhere.
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I'd like to find out why you are pro-both, an assessment based on and drawn from your own stance here, Sir.
Here's the problem, we know from what's been going on that gays have been bullying religious people out of the business arena for several years now by use of the courts to bully us by trying to make us endorse same-sex fornication, something that's impossible; that's how they're incompatible sadly... because wrong and right cannot both be done unless you want to neutralize yourself and amount to nothing.
I'm not saying your wrong about the last paragraph's premise, not in the least, but about even legalizing immorality gives it an "air of legitimacy" that isn't there at all- no state can say and make it so that fornication isn't fornication, it is, regardless of any authority that says contrary; as wrong is wrong, no matter if everybody's doing it or nobody's doing it... and it messes us up, as it does to those who endorse such wicked behavior.
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The reasoning I explained in the description made sense to me, but I understand it might not to everyone. To put it in simpler terms, I believe we can all find common ground and that this us vs them mentality that so many people have is the real problem.
The United States is a pluralistic society with many different people and beliefs, so we aren't going to get everyone to agree on anything. That doesn't mean we can't have equality and religious freedom. It just means that equality and freedom can't come at the expense of someone else's equality and freedom. We all get the same rights, regardless of whatever group we associate with. At least, that's what I believe.
So, while I understand your sentiment, I don't find the concepts incompatible. The problem you express is not that some group has equal rights and that's in conflict with religious freedom. On the contrary, the problem you express is that you feel courts have been bullied into undermining one. But the solution isn't to undermine the other. That would only lead to constant back and forth retaliation by making one feel picked on and so they fight back and then the other feels picked on and fights back and on and on it goes. No, the answer is to communicate and understand one another and find a way where people of different moral convictions can cooexist without hate or oppression as equals under the eye of the law.
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Only God can give true freedom.
www.chick.com/catalog/tractByK…
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LGBT Equality > Religious Freedom is wrong.
Religious Freedom > LGBT Equality is wrong.
LGBT Equality + Religious Freedom is the only right one.
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Yes, exactly. You managed to say in a few words what took me the whole description. I need to work on simplifying messages. Anyway, thank you!
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