Life Is Beautiful cuts out gay vows, angers writer
by javabeans
SBS’s weekend drama Life Is Beautiful is perhaps most notable for the gay couple at its center, played by Song Chang-eui and Lee Sang-woo. The October 23 broadcast, however, edited out a key moment for them that has brought on a flood of viewer complaints and has angered writer Kim Soo-hyun, who, by the way, is one of the most well-known and respected drama writers in the country.
The scene that should have been aired features the abovementioned couple, Tae-sub and Kyung-soo, speaking their commitment vows to each other in a church. The two had just attended the wedding of Ho-sub (Lee Sang-yoon) and Yeon-joo (Nam Sang-mi), and take a quiet moment to speak their devotion to each other.
Apparently the Jeju Island church where they filmed the scene voiced a complaint and requested that filming be halted. They asked for the producers to remove all dialogue from that part, after which filming proceeded wordlessly. Producers had intended to air the scene as filmed but the result hardly had the intended effect.
The 67-year-old Kim Soo-hyun spoke out her disappointment on Twitter, writing, “I had thought a church was a place where even a murderer could hide without being kicked out, but I suppose I must have read too many novels and watched too many movies.” After the broadcast ended, she wrote, “It feels like my face has been wiped with a dirty rag. The flow and rhythm and timing were all a mess.” She also uploaded the script to show how the scene was intended. (Translation below.)
Some viewers also voiced their anger, pointing out the hypocrisy of stations having no problem airing adultery and other makjang content, but balking at a positive portrayal of a gay couple vowing their love to each other.
Here’s the script excerpt as posted by Kim:
The doors of a church open, and Kyung-soo and Tae-sub enter holding hands. Looking at each other… still holding hands, Tae-sub leads Kyung-soo inside…
Kyung-soo – [Looking at Tae-sub, he quietly follows]
Tae-sub – [Stopping, looking ahead] “…It’ll be okay [to go inside] even if I’m not religious, right?”
Kyung-soo – [Looking ahead with him] “I think so.”
Tae-sub – “I was envious of Ho-sub.”
Kyung-soo – [Looking at Tae-sub] …
Tae-sub – [Standing face to face, he holds out his hand wearing the ring]
Kyung-soo – [Takes the hand wearing the ring]
Tae-sub – [Two hands clasped] … [He looks at him]
Kyung-soo – [Looking back] …
Tae-sub – “…I… am praying.” [Looking ahead, with hands held]
Kyung-soo – “Try it out loud. If you don’t like it, I’ll redo it for you…”
Tae-sub – [Opening his eyes, looking forward] “Until the day we die…”
Kyung-soo – [Looking back]
Tae-sub – “Let us be forever… That’s my prayer.”
Kyung-soo – [Looking at him] “Then I won’t have to redo it… I feel the same way.”
Both – [They embrace quietly]
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Tags: controversies, Life Is Beautiful
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1 djeedjes
October 25, 2010 at 5:13 AM
the excerpt is beautiful, I bet the scene is as beautiful.
Even though I can see why the station did that, I can imagine how disappointed the writer was.
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2 Gigi
October 25, 2010 at 5:13 AM
Arww man, why'd they have to cut that, it seems so sweet - even reading made me tear up a little :)
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October 25, 2010 at 8:54 AM
me too!...i adore this couple
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3 Me2me
October 25, 2010 at 5:17 AM
It sucks how Korean network station views gay people. As an American, I love this show and only watch because of this couple and their developing relationship. How Taesub is opening up more. As I finished watching the past wknd episode, I did remember the script stating that after hosub is to marry they will have a civil or so ceremony w taesub uncle doing the honors.
My point is I think there are lot of gay couples in hiding but i guess Asian world is not ready to open up to them. Watever happened to "Frozen Flower" that showed more skin. This couple has yet to "poopoo(kiss)" but they can show more than that w Frozen Flower!
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Sere
October 25, 2010 at 5:31 AM
I can understand why a network decides to go way one rather than the other (that is, airing content about a same-sex couple is risky), but what is so shocking is the attitude of that church. It felt like being punched in the gut. I know that some religions condemn homosexual behavior (and heck, I hear that day and and day out living in the country that hosts the Vatican within its geographical borders), but it still feels...wrong. Why oh why am I still surprised when things like these happen?
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Puakea
October 25, 2010 at 6:10 AM
Honestly, I feel the same way. Being pretty religious myself, this really ticks me off. It shouldn't matter that being gay is considered a sin (even this...as time goes on i understand less and less...how can love really be a sin?) A church is supposed to be open to anyone and everyone-regardless of who you are or what you've done. No one should EVER be kicked out, and that is why feels so wrong- because it IS wrong. Though I've never seen this show, I do feel bad that they missed out on what seems like a really sweet scene. Some churches need to learn to follow their own teachings....
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tokyojesusfist
October 25, 2010 at 6:57 AM
"A church is supposed to be open to anyone and everyone-regardless of who you are or what you’ve done. No one should EVER be kicked out."
So you don't think, say, a child rapist and murderer shouldn't be thrown out and taken away by the police? What is wrong with you?
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 7:50 AM
Churches have historically served as sanctuaries for even the most egregious offenders. At the core of Christianity is the belief that only god can judge. As a result, the clergy - especially the Catholic clergy who receive confessions and must uphold the secrecy of these confessions - tended to counsel and guide those who've confessed these sins to turn themselves into law enforcement.
So, the person and the sentiment you're criticizing are in keeping with what has been the traditional stance of the church. And I'd dare say the spirit of Christianity (the account of Jesus shielding Mary Magdalene from being stoned).
While I am not by any means actively religious and am actually an atheist, even I find your tone troubling.
Pat
October 25, 2010 at 7:56 AM
EVEN A MURDERER SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO TALK TO GOD
before the police come.
Puakea
October 25, 2010 at 8:00 AM
I'm not saying that criminals should be exempt from prison because they go to church. But when i said that no one should be thrown out or turned away from a church because of who they are or what they've done, I was not excluding the criminals either. It is our belief that God loves every person unconditionally and would never turn anyone away. His doors are always open to everyone, and so ours (the churches) must be as well. That is why most prisons offer services to the inmates. Christianity is SUPPOSED to be a religion of love, forgiveness and non-judgment...it's just an unfortunate thing that it is so often opposite of how things actually are
Viola
October 25, 2010 at 8:34 AM
@tokyojesusfist
*speechless*
No, Tokypjesusfiat the question here is what is wrong with you . The gratuitous display of stupidity, ignorance and bigotry makes me question whether you should be classified as a homo sapien.
Omo! Did I hurt your feelings by not calling you a homo? So sorry. But see the word homo means human and I highly doubt you have developed that far.
"So you don’t think, say, a child rapist and murderer shouldn’t be thrown out and taken away by the police?"
How did you manage to butcher logic so thoroughly in one sentence? You just committed the logical fallacies of false analogy, irrelevant appeal, ad hominem, and argument by innuendo. Bravo!
So, since you committed a crime against logic; I am charging you with four counts of butchery thereby I think you might be a murderer and should not be allowed to hide in a church when the police comes to take you away.
See, how stupid that sounded? That's exactly the argument you made, only more so since I at least at least attempted to imply you are a criminal, where does it say that this homosexual couple ever committed a murder or raped a child?
msim
October 25, 2010 at 9:28 AM
Oh Viola! Those words!
If I weren't so allergic to it, I'd start a new religion with you as our goddess.
Nhu
October 25, 2010 at 3:13 PM
How is that equivalent to homosexuality. Though, actually, I have more problem with the church than the station. I'll assume they did it for quality reasons... I mean, the scene without any dialogue couldn't have been very impressive. Really, I suppose no matter what the movies portray open positive homosexuality is still a problem.
But I shouldnt be surprised since Americas the same. You'd think we'd be sex positive from our movies and shows. Not so.
tokyojesusfist
October 25, 2010 at 5:11 PM
anais: "At the core of Christianity is the belief that only god can judge."
There is also this phrase: "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s."
Viola: "The gratuitous display of stupidity, ignorance and bigotry makes me question whether you should be classified as a homo sapien. "
Because I think a child rapist and murderer should be thrown out of the church and handed over to the authorities, I'm an ignorant bigot who does not qualify as a human? Lol, go fuck yourself you piece of shit. And then kill yourself.
Javabeans
October 25, 2010 at 5:25 PM
All right, folks. Keep it civil or I'll start deleting.
anais
October 25, 2010 at 7:33 PM
@tokyojesusfist
I never judged you. There is a difference between my mentioning in a very civil manner that your tone is offensive and calling you a bigot or whatever else you attributed unfairly to me.
Out of respect for this forum, I have been trying to be very civil and genuinely respectful. I hope we all - on both sides - can continue to engage in productive dialogue.
Alice
October 25, 2010 at 8:11 PM
@tokyojesusfist
Did you really just tell someone to go kill themselves? ... because what he or she said offended you? Really? Would that take care of your bruised ego?
tokyojesusfist
October 26, 2010 at 7:09 AM
anais: "I never judged you. There is a difference between my mentioning in a very civil manner that your tone is offensive and calling you a bigot or whatever else you attributed unfairly to me."
What are you talking about?
Alice: "Did you really just tell someone to go kill themselves? … because what he or she said offended you? Really? Would that take care of your bruised ego?"
Did you really not read her post and understand its implications?
It's noteworthy how many users openly and passively support her. Then again, murderers and rapists on death row often receive fan letters and marriage proposals from women, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised or anything.
han
July 3, 2011 at 10:14 PM
@ Viola and the rest ... 6 months later
I don't know why all of you are jumping on tokyojesusfist here. He just expressed his opinion that churches shouldn't overprotect worse criminals like child rapists or murderers. In no way did he insulted anybody or imply that homosexuals are rapists or murderers.
It's Viola who started this first by implying him as subhuman. Even I cringed at her long ramble that "The gratuitous display of stupidity, ignorance and bigotry makes me question whether you should be classified as a homo sapien." Wow. In one sentence, you insulted a person who you do not know as stupid, ignorant, bigoted and a non-human entity? :shiver: He only stated his opinion that churches shouldn't overprotect criminals, which I bet there are branches of Christianity who would agree; that's why there are so many denominations in the first place - people disagreeing on what should be the core Christian beliefs.
What churches do is NOT serving as a gray alleyhouse for criminals to hide. But rather, a shelter where those people can feel that they still have hope and go surrender and repent for their crimes. Did you ever heard of any Father who does not encourage criminals to confess? Churches are safe harbors where one can return anytime from a long journey to reflect and decide what to do in the next step of the rest of their life. Not an underground escape route. There are people who take advantage of that, of course.
Churches have the right to refuse filming on their ground for whatever reason.
There are many denominations within Christianity; we don't even know which denomination is in question here. For all we know, it could be a small house of small branch of a small denomination of Protestants which we never heard of.
Churches can express their opinions differently and take a different stance from each other. That's why there are so many denominations within Christianity. Talking about Christian values and preaching in general is already a fallacy on your part in the first place. Tokyojesusfist never implied the homosexual couple are rapists or murderers. It was not illogical because it was never a reaction the core article but rather a response to a small part of a comment. That whole paragraph about logic, false analogy blah blah blah is already a butchery of logic itself in the first place.
People are too sensitive and over-react sometimes. Too quick to jump on boats, taking sides and be the righteous hero. :shiver: Still cringed at that whole rant of Viola on fallacy while itself being a fallacy.
Natelie
October 25, 2010 at 10:42 AM
@Voila - I LOVE YOU.
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Ani
October 25, 2010 at 2:16 PM
I second that (the loving Viola part). I'm not one to directly insult a person's character, just their act, but bravo nonetheless. X)
P.S. I'm not exactly sure if Viola did insult him/her as a person, but whatever. Most (if not all) of what Viola said rings true.... To me at least.
Elsie
October 25, 2010 at 10:28 PM
"It shouldn’t matter that being gay is considered a sin... Some churches need to learn to follow their own teachings…."
huh? If the church considers homosexuality a sin then they did right by not allowing them to speak their vows at church, so they are following what they preach.
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Eleven11
October 25, 2010 at 11:12 PM
As a non-religious person, I don't want to get too involved in debates about Christianity's stance on homosexuality, but I just thought I'd point out that it is often a little more complicated than just 'homosexuals=badforeverdie'
Think about the 'love the sinner, hat the sin' mentality that alot of, say, Catholics hold. The church preaches love and acceptance, no matter what - how people interpret the unconditional love vs. sinners thing varies widely. I think on issues such as this, there will be a lot of varying opinion even within this particular church about whether their chosen course of action was appropriate.
That said, way to gay rights fail, Show =[
Heidi
December 5, 2010 at 10:31 PM
@ Elsie
I agree with you.
Is the church not allowed to voice their dissent of what goes against their beliefs?
So everyone else can say whatever they want to say - EXCEPT for the church? How is that fair in any way, shape, or form?
Have you people ever heard of freedom of speech?
riley
October 26, 2010 at 5:18 PM
Y'all... Don't bait the troll.
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Joey
October 25, 2010 at 9:28 AM
not just the Asian world....in America too! i live in America and there is SO MUCH HOMOPHOBIA
our country has alot of gay teens commiting suicide lately !!! have u not watch the news?
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hjkomo
October 25, 2010 at 12:16 PM
Exactly. Have you seen this?
Inspiring!
http://youtu.be/ax96cghOnY4
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hjkomo
October 25, 2010 at 12:18 PM
And also so heartbreaking...
Bravo, Councilman!
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Viola
October 25, 2010 at 1:33 PM
I want to hug him. What a brave man.
diane
October 25, 2010 at 2:13 PM
I watched this last week and it bought tears to my eyes.
I've watched quite a few of the It Gets Better videos and I think they are marvelous.
If they can give any young person hope in a seemingly hopeless situation, I am for it.
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asta17
October 25, 2010 at 6:26 PM
This is so inspiring. It's so amazing that a councilman would expose his story like this, even though it obviously hurts so much to discuss
For ppl who haven't heard about it, this story (from Councilman Joel Burns) is part of the "It Gets Better Project" (http://www.itgetsbetterproject.com/) started by Dan Savage, in direct response to the growing number of GLBT suicides that have been occuring. The project exists for people to show their support for GLBT youth and have a venue to tell their story and to say "It Gets Better". The project was only started ten days ago but they have already surpassed the community video limit on youtube (650) and is currently sitting at about 1000 entries - including videos from Barack Obama, Ellen Degeneres, Tim Gunn, Neil Patrick Harris, Jay Manual, many other celebrities, and many other normal everyday ppl
They also have a pledge that you can sign to show your support (which I just signed :))
You guys should check out the videos right now - though you might wanna bring a tissue box ^^;
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K
November 18, 2016 at 10:07 PM
I also love this show and the plotline of a gay couple inside of a tightknit family is one of the highlights. However, as a fellow American, I think you do the "Asian world' a disservice. Even in 2016, gay rights are not a complete given. A show like this airing in 2010 would have had almost the same reception: accolades and love from the people who identified or empathized, threats and boycotts from those with no clue.
Regardless, though, this is a show I think I will watch over and over again.
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4 Anonymous
October 25, 2010 at 5:18 AM
what's wrong with Kyung-soo and
Tae-sub's vow?
it's not even violating...
it's really sweet and touching!!
One of the things I love most about the drama is about of love between these two!!!
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5 Anonymous
October 25, 2010 at 5:18 AM
what's wrong with Kyung-soo and Tae-sub's vow?
it's not even violating...
it's really sweet and touching!!
One of the things I love most about the drama is about of love between these two!!!
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6 Sere
October 25, 2010 at 5:23 AM
I can't even, guys. I just...I feel like the writer. I can't even say anything else right now.
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7 -_-
October 25, 2010 at 5:34 AM
i can only imagine how beautiful this scene must have been...it sux that just b/c its something gay related, this had to happen, i mean really WTH was so wrong about two ppl expressing their love...wat a slap in the face to the writer
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8 Porcelain
October 25, 2010 at 5:37 AM
Omg... I just read the excerpt and I cried... totally up there with Lan Yu and Brokeback Mountain...
@Niam... Frozen Flower is a movie... it is restricted and there was nudity and passionate lovemaking as well... you have to pay to watch...its just... different to compare them...
This is drama... its on free to air tv station...
I think the station is just bowing down to the controversies... its totally understandable that the writer feels "violated" that her writings are cast aside and make do with such an editing...
I guess this is business afterall... sigh...
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9 Ohemgee
October 25, 2010 at 5:44 AM
I really wish that I had started watching this earlier...50 episodes is a lot to catch up on! :( it looks like a really compelling drama-especially for a daily! And song chang-eui is so cute! Also much props to the writer for posting the original scripting off the scene-it was really sweet but I guess korea and most of asia, or churches, to say the least, are ready for that.
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Ohemgee
October 25, 2010 at 5:47 AM
*are NOT ready for that, I meant.
Sorry, it is Monday ;)
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pinky
October 25, 2010 at 12:59 PM
it's actually 65 episodes. life is beautiful was given an extension
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10 StevenVu
October 25, 2010 at 6:01 AM
So that was in episode 58 that Tae Sub and Kyung Soo were written to be having a perfectly touching commitment in the church. But, sadly, it turned out that the scene had been cut. I'm gonna burst into tears...
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11 Snikki
October 25, 2010 at 6:10 AM
I was brought up Catholic, but left it several years ago (I have no religion whatsoever now). Only thing I can say is, I could understand where the church is coming from in this situation. Majority of them still believe in heterosexual coupling and union. Although we want them to be more accepting, we can't really impose. They should have tried going to another church where they will allow.
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Pat
October 25, 2010 at 8:08 AM
The Church is against adultery too but that never stopped a network script. Anyway as someone who has enjoyed the show ( I think it is great, and they are only one of 5 couples which is exceptionally well written) Props to the writer for
putting her script out and not being totally bullied by the system.
Public opinion is the reason so we all need to stand up for our beliefs as the Church stands up for its.
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Ani
October 25, 2010 at 2:26 PM
I grew up Catholic, and still believe in it a lot of the teachings. The only difference is, I define myself more as a Christian - believing in love, forgiveness, etc. But not everyone who is Catholic (or Christian, Muslim, Jewish, etc) believe that homosexuality is something bad. Some of us crazy religious folk out there actually believe that love (whether same-sexed or not) is no sin, and a personal choice that should not be condemned. Last time I checked, the number one Commandment Jesus gave was "Love one another".
*sigh* I hate getting preachy. Sorry. I rarely talk Bible (as in, one in a Blue Moon). So.... I'll just squeal now at the cuteness of the couple. KYAAAAAAAAAA!
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demonwolfie
October 26, 2010 at 4:10 PM
when you say you define yourself more as a Christian- more into love and forgiveness, etc
are you implying the catholicism is NOT like that?
uh, Catholics are Christians too. The real name for what people usually use the word 'christian' for is Protestants.
Catholics are actually the 1st Christians.
Also Catholics tend to be a lot more liberal than most Protestant Churches. All the way up to the Vatican doctrine and common teachings.
For example, Evangelicals are the ones that are a lot more strict and condemning, and because they take the bible literally they believe evolution should be banned in schools.
But there's just some tight and harsh judgments on the Catholic Church that hasn't been accurate for a long time.
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Ani
October 4, 2011 at 8:27 PM
Nah, I'm just saying Catholicism is just a way to practice Christianity. People make this assumption that Catholicism is a religion all it's own when it isn't. That's why when people ask me what my religion is I say I'm a Christian. When they ask what denomination, I say I'm of the Catholic Church. Easy beasy.
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benjibabe
April 30, 2014 at 5:37 PM
Kinda late but: Uh... Catholics were not the first Christians. The first Christians did not identify themselves as "Catholics" but simply as followers of Christ... Christians. Lower case "c" "catholic" which translates from greek to "universal" was not used to describe Christians for several generations, and somehow it eventually gained the upper case "C", probably when someone got the bright idea to make Christianity more "structured" and make the first ever Christian denomination. Because that's what Catholicism is, a denomination. And eventually Catholicism ate most of the Christians up and dominated Europe with behind the scenes (or in front) politics and since most people couldn't read, they didn't know that there was anything before the Catholic church, or that what they were teaching was the Bible "tweaked". Bravo the printing press and Luther. And since this is the topic: In real life, if a church realized someone was committing a sin within the sanctuary (adultery, murder, sexual assault etc) they would try to stop it (one would hope). If they didn't realize, the sin would still occur. If a show was being shot where someone was sinning in church (refer above list), if in the show fictional members realized it they would stop it. But if the fictional church members didn't realize then it would still occur, the real life church members would 99.9% still let the scene air in that case. Because that could really happen. Thus the scene should have been left if there were no "fictional church members" to stop it. If there were "fictional member" in the scene supposedly condoning the sin occurring right in front of them, then the real members would have had a right to stop the scene. I don't know which is the case, but in conclusion: if the two characters were supposed to be "secretly" taking vows when no church officials could see, then yes to the scene; if openly taking vows in front of officials, then no to the scene.
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Heidi
December 5, 2010 at 10:41 PM
Sorry, but the greatest commandment is "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength."
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Ani
October 4, 2011 at 8:29 PM
Yeah, but his number one concerning how we should treat each other is love thy neighbor, also known as his 2nd commandment that follows the one concerning God.
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12 Liz
October 25, 2010 at 6:31 AM
I makes me remember what happened in my country that is supposed to be ``open minded people`` but we are all fake. I remeber one soap-opera that had a gay couple, everyone loved them, they holded hands and all. And the scene when they would finally Kiss, the Tv station just cut the scene out!!! Without warning the writer, and the director of it. The cast and the writer were angry and sad. The actor said something like this ``We did this scene 5 times to make it good but in the end they didn`t`showed this and made our hard-work wasted`` But at least they showed us something. Like they almnost kissing and ta-dam cut. LOOOL. And the writer before it was so happy saying that finally our country was beggining to be open minded and all.. what a shame. The Korean one was worse. I bet they used the church excuse to cut it out... I still remember the topic that dramabeans posted about the mothers who wanted this scenes to stop because their sons could turn in gay.. lol what small minded people...grrrrr
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13 ar
October 25, 2010 at 6:32 AM
I'm glad there are viewer complaints up there to back the writer complaint! I hope that Jeju Island church feels ashamed of itself!
since it's sounds like such a beautiful, quiet moment, I hope they put this part in, in another scene - even though it won't have the same intended effect
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14 staples
October 25, 2010 at 6:32 AM
Wait...I thought the problem was that the _church_ didn't want them filming that scene in there and so they couldn't use dialog, and the wordless staring at each-other version wasn't nearly as effective, so they cut it. Isn't that what happened?
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๋JT
October 25, 2010 at 7:49 AM
I'm not sure since the article said that the wordless scene is not effective and also said something like the station balks this scene to be aired
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15 petirrojo
October 25, 2010 at 6:38 AM
This type of situation is not unique to Korea (such institutions exorcising forms of censorship when least expected).
A similar instance comes to mind. There is an excellent Chilean drama by the name of "Romané" ("Gypsies") in which a Catholic priest falls in love with a Roma woman. The town in which it was being filmed would not allow the production to use the beautiful, historic wooden church as the central parish for the priest unless the story did not go so far as to have the priest marry her. (He does leave the priesthood, however, because of his feelings.)
It's interesting to note that when the drama was remade in Mexico (as "Gitanas"), similar restrictions were not imposed!
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Rens
October 25, 2010 at 7:07 AM
I feel like that's a completely different scenario though, because the storyline violating canon law and therefore goes against the institution of the catholic church. So I can see why the church maybe offended and refuse to partake in the filming. It's the equivalent of filming a scene with a pregnant nun in a church.
But here the church, a place that is meant to open its arms to everybody, is uncomfortable and unwilling to tolerate the DEPICTION of open gay men within its doors.
This has come on top of the mothers' union ad stating “If my son becomes gay and dies from AIDs after watching ‘Life Is Beautiful’, SBS must take responsibility!” and the barring of the show from airing in prisons, since you know, it'll incite homosexuality.
Oh Korea, you have so far to go.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 7:58 AM
"mothers’ union ad stating “If my son becomes gay and dies from AIDs after watching ‘Life Is Beautiful’, SBS must take responsibility!”"
Are you serious? I feel as if I've somehow been transported to early/mid 1990s America. Do Koreans really still think of AIDS as primarily a gay disease? Um, I believe the first diagnosed case of HIV infection in Korea occurred between a hetero couple.
Sigh.
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๋JT
October 25, 2010 at 8:53 AM
they even published it on newspaper - -"
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okie dokie
October 25, 2010 at 9:56 AM
OMG, when I saw that article, I was going to die. I'm not Korean, so I'm not completely versed in the culture. But I asked my husband, who is, if people are that crazy there. We were just reeling over that stupid article. I honestly can't believe people are that stupid and closed minded.
Perhaps they should think, if their son becomes gay, he probably shouldn't have put that dirty syringe into his veins...
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Auntiemame
October 25, 2010 at 3:28 PM
Someone should ask those same mothers why they gave birth to a 'gay' son because there's is the belief that gender identity is in the genetic make-up of a person, as well as in the environment nurturing the fetus, i.e. the mother's womb.
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Joey
October 25, 2010 at 9:30 AM
America has so far to go too!
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diane
October 25, 2010 at 9:33 AM
"This has come on top of the mothers’ union ad stating “If my son becomes gay and dies from AIDs after watching ‘Life Is Beautiful’, SBS must take responsibility!” and the barring of the show from airing in prisons, since you know, it’ll incite homosexuality."
I can't believe what I'm reading. This is so asinine that it doesn't make any sense what so ever. Where is the logic?
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16 tooizzy
October 25, 2010 at 6:51 AM
As touching as the scene may have been. The fact is that probably the church was not told that this scene was in the works. Once these actors leave the church they are leaving the pastor/priest of that church to deal with their congregation that might not have wanted their sanctuary (which is considered holy in many denominations where God's presence is) to be used in such a manner. Regardless of how touching the scene is.
It's nice to be open minded but why must we be close minded to people that really believe in their faith? As long as they are not going out of their way to kill you or moving politically to block people from marrying let them be? Now I wonder who are the persecuted?
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Winsome
October 25, 2010 at 7:31 AM
I've read all the comments and I think many have misunderstood Christianity and churches in general. Without getting into the debate of whether homosexuals are born 'like this', I would like to respectfully suggest to @stupid church to read the Bible,not just select portions but the whole.While God is loving, accepting and willing to forgive when His children go astray, He is not a mindless Being who looks on with a benevolent smile when they go against His teachings and harm themselves because of their disobedience.
And while I do not judge and point fingers at homosexuals because I am open to the idea that they may have been 'born' with it,I do believe homosexuality is a sin.And if I can be open to such an idea as a Christian,I do have to wonder why Jeju Island Church's stance is being vilified when they too are just exercising their faith and rights.It does beg the question that @tooizzy posed.Who are the ones being persecuted?
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Lotte
October 25, 2010 at 8:10 AM
Oh dear. I've read the Bibe. Front to back. You really don't want to start using it to back up your argument, otherwise you're going to have to explain why we don't still put people to death for working on Sundays or for blaspheming or for cursing their parents or I could go on and on and on... Let's not even get started on what the Bible has to say about rape and women in general. You can't pick and choose. Either every word in there is Gospel truth or it's about interpretation, and that explains why there are plenty of Christians who HAVE read the whole Bible and have no problem reconciling their faith with homosexuality.
And, btw, by saying that homosexuality is a sin and therefore homosexuals are sinners, living in sin, you ARE judging/pointing fingers. Just like I am by saying that you are a bigot and an ignoramus for believing such rubbish.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 8:25 AM
Lotte, I love you!
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msim
October 25, 2010 at 9:36 AM
Moi aussi!
Viola
October 25, 2010 at 9:35 AM
like!
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Lotte
October 25, 2010 at 5:35 PM
Hah! The Bibe! I have, in fact, NOT read the Bibe, but I HAVE read the Bible. Just so that's clear!
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Laeah
October 25, 2010 at 7:52 PM
You are misunderstanding it too.
Yes, I believe that homosexual behavior is a sin. But we all sin.. it's not judging.. it's simply being human. We all struggle with some kind of sin.
As for the Old Testament.. it shows how "evil" sin is. The reason that the punishments were so tough/inconceivable is simply punishment for what Adam and Eve did. And partly, some of the punishments would have made sense back at the time when diseases weren't treated and when the cultures were different. You have to take it in context. But mostly, when I read the Old Testament, I just get feel so thankful God sent Jesus to take away those punishments. That's what Jesus did on the cross.. so even though those rules where in place.. we as Christians now don't receive those punishments any more when we repent. It just shows how much Jesus takes away and how loving he was. I can't really explain it as well as I'd like.. but I hope my point is clear.
Anyway.. just because you don't like our religion or agree doesn't make us bigotted necessarily. I don't hate gay people and I think they should have the same rights as anyone.. I also consider them sinners, but again... EVERYONE is a sinner. So I don't believe they should be treated any worse than any other person. It's not judgment. Sadly, people (not just Christians) have a stigma about the relationships which I feel is unfair. But everything isn't black and white.
God's number one comand is to love one another as we love him, and I try to follow that.
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Dory
October 27, 2010 at 7:41 AM
@Winsome and Laeah
I agree with you guys! Thanks for explaining it well.
@Lotte
To you, my belief may be rubbish but to me, it is called FAITH. I do not expect you to understand since not everyone can agree on everything.
Mars
October 25, 2010 at 11:09 AM
"I am open to the idea that they may have been 'born' with it, I do believe homosexuality is a sin."
Hi, Winsome, I was born gay. Did you notice there's no condescending quotation marks around born? It's offensive to me that you believe that what is an unchangeable part of me is a "sin" (see the quotation marks?). It's really ignorant.
But following along with your train of thought, riddle me this: If God has a hand in creating all people, and God does not make mistakes, why would he create *me* a gay guy? I guess even a loving, accepting, and forgiving God needs to create someone so that he can channel all his pent up hate, eh?
Christians get a bad wrap because of a rotten handful, I know a lot of them that are just are genuinely accepting and open, because of the above, because they believe that God does not make mistakes.
I am really proud of all the members of the DB community calling out all these failtastic commenters! It's great knowing that there so, so many awesome people! It's one of the reasons I love visiting the site and engaging in conversations with everyone. So, thank you guys!
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Ani
October 25, 2010 at 2:40 PM
I've seen/read post from Dramabeaninans doing this, and it will be my first. So I hope you don't have the same reaction (flinching I mean) when I do this. *Hugs Mars*
I have that same belief that God creates all that is good, and that if God did not mean for it, than it would not be. (Okay folks, I know the counter argument to this, so don't try throwing it back at me, because I'll just counter the counter.) I'm what other people would call Loony Moony, but if being human, sane and sinless means judging others for the way they live, etc., than I'd rather run around howling to the moon in the nude and join a pack of wolves than be human. I'm just sayin'. Oh man, I got preachy again didn't I? *sigh* Anything that has to do with defending the GLBT community always gets me riled up and ready for battle (whether it be from the political, religious, ethical, perspective). If my future adopted kid (um yeah, too many siblings equals me not wanting to give birth) ends up being gay or bi, I want them to have everything in the world and be able to sleep at night knowing that their sexual orientation is not something to be ashamed of. I don't want any kid (or person who realized their orientation later in life) living in fear of the future.
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Mars
October 26, 2010 at 8:38 AM
@ Ani *Hugs back*. Internet hugs are awesome and always welcome in my book. People who flinch also probably hate joy. Your comment has got me grinning like mad! So, yeah, DB community? Still pretty darn great! :)
@ Winsome: When you're commenting intent is unimportant. "Oh, I didn't mean to sound [x]" is not really an excuse for sounding [x]. As you can see quite a handful of people found your comments, and tooizzy's comments to be problematic.
Winsome
October 26, 2010 at 1:37 AM
I just want to clarify.The quotation marks were not meant to be condescending or to even imply anything.I was quoting the words used by the person who commented before I did.I believe it was @tooizzy. :)
And there many other things I want to clarify but I'll leave it at that.Oh one more thing,I am more than aware of my failings as a human.Sin-riddled is my middle name.Trust me.That's why I chose to receive Christ and His grace.
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babomori
October 26, 2010 at 1:07 AM
Sis??? Is that you?
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Lotte
October 25, 2010 at 7:44 AM
Seriously? SERIOUSLY?! You are actually comparing the persecution of homosexuality to viewers of a drama complaining about the petty actions of one church? Can I just remind you about the recent spate of young gay teenagers who have killed themselves as a result of homophobic bullying. But no, it's poor old organized religion that has it tough.
As far as I'm concerned, if your "faith" encourages hate and discrimination, it deserves all the criticism it gets, and more.
"As long as they are not going out of their way to kill you or moving to block people from marrying" - so any other type of homophobia is harmless? Rubbish. It is institutionalized homophobia that creates the sort of society where a 13 year old feels he has no other option than to blow his own brains out because he can't live with the bullying and teasing and cruelty, and like it or not, organized religion still plays a large part in perpetuating that sort of intolerance and ignorance.
If my interpretation of this missing scene is correct, all they were doing was exchanging private vows in a church - there was nothing legally binding, there was no-one officiating. Whatever it meant for the two of them stayed between them - they were not asking for it to be blessed or acknowledged by anyone else.
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corrakun
October 25, 2010 at 7:57 AM
hear, hear.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 8:10 AM
Church. FAIL.
If you read the dialogue, the dialogue itself invokes the function of the church as a sanctuary.
Tae-sub – [Stopping, looking ahead] “…It’ll be okay [to go inside] even if I’m not religious, right?”
Kyung-soo – [Looking ahead with him] “I think so.”
The writer was inviting the church and actually trying to present the church as a loving entity. Instead, what happened is the reality of human anxieties, fears, and prejudices.
For those who are defending the right of the church and its parish members to uphold their beliefs, let them get worked up about this scene (a scene, a fictional account, a symbolic representation) after they commit themselves to ridding all the actual adulterers, the cheaters, the liars, the child abusers, etc. within their own congregation, denomination, their faith, and so on. Please, the hypocrisy.
The church loses would-be faithful members with these hypocritical, empty gestures that are more about symbolic pomp of the supposed righteousness of the church than about the actual, complex, messy problems that merit church attention.
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Alice
October 25, 2010 at 9:39 PM
That was really well-written. I wish someone would award you with something!
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anais
October 26, 2010 at 1:02 AM
Ah, would be fabulous if that award were Moony, Yeorim, and Garang's eternal companionship. :)
viola
October 26, 2010 at 6:53 AM
Would you take a Pink Heart instead? :)
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diane
October 25, 2010 at 2:27 PM
"It is institutionalized homophobia that creates the sort of society where a 13 year old feels he has no other option than to blow his own brains out because he can’t live with the bullying and teasing and cruelty, and like it or not, organized religion still plays a large part in perpetuating that sort of intolerance and ignorance."
So true. Not just the bullying either, but murder. Remember Matthew Shepard?
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Laeah
October 25, 2010 at 8:04 PM
It's wrong to say that only Christians are anti-gay or bigotted. Because non Christians can be just as anti-gay.
I, personally, am a Christian and I have not bullied anyone.. I also doubt that all those who bullied the poor kids were Christian.
It's unfair to say all Christians are one way simply because a minority or even majority act that way. Not all interpretations are right because people aren't perfect. People misuse religion. That has always been the case.
Since you have read the Bible.. I wonder if you have also read the passages of hope and love and generosity, because that, I believe is the true message. We are flawed... but we can grow with our personal relationship with God. Everyone has their own relationship. I don't believe I can judge anyone else, since I have sinned.
Sadly, many people don't understand this, even though they claim to be Christian. Christianity is not about hate. Hate it the opposite of what Jesus teaches us.
I feel for those children who died and I too believe that bullying is wrong.
But this is not a purely Christian phenomenom.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 8:27 PM
good reminder.
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Lotte
October 25, 2010 at 9:39 PM
Err, not once do I say that homophobia is a solely Christian phenomenon. Not once do I say that all Christians think that way. Not once do I say Christians bullied those kids. Seeing as I am, actually, a Christian myself, that would be rather shooting myself in the foot. My responses have always been directly aimed at rebutting specific comments and the points they try and make. Maybe you need to read my post again more carefully, because I have no idea what you think you've just read. It certainly isn't what I wrote.
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Laeah
October 26, 2010 at 9:20 AM
That's what is seems like....
corrakun
October 25, 2010 at 8:04 AM
"As long as they are not ... moving politically to block people from marrying let them be"
except... they ARE blocking people from marrying. not just that, they're blocking people from filming a scene in which vows are merely implied, simply because that comes too close to uncomfortably resembling the institution of marriage. it's not a matter of being "close minded" to people who believe in their faith-- it's a matter of feeling indignant that it's apparently okay for people to be able to cherish their beliefs AND force their close minded ideals upon others at the same time.
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Aya
October 25, 2010 at 8:06 AM
No, honey.
The production team did have the written permission and documents to film exactly what they intended to, but the church did a sudden turnaround.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 8:14 AM
Thanks for the clarification. I had a hard time believing that the production would have gone so far as to set up for filming without the necessary approval. Why? Would have been a costly risk to take.
My guess as to why they must have not have shot the scene elsewhere is that, by the time the church reneged, the production probably couldn't afford to do so financially or time-wise, given how these episodes are shot to closely to their air time.
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diane
October 25, 2010 at 1:53 PM
" As long as they are not going out of their way to kill you or moving politically to block people from marrying let them be? Now I wonder who are the persecuted?"
But they are. I think there are 5 maybe 6 states in the US that allow SSM.
As far as "going out of their way to kill you," I find that sentence offensive as a human being. Have you ever heard of the Crusades? Did Hitler have the same mindset when he carted off Jews, Poles, Gypsies, Gays, mental and physically disabled "defectives"? I could go on and on here.
As for "who are the persecuted", I have heard this off and on for at least 30 years. It is my observation that Christians are no more persecuted than any other religion.
I suggest you Google, And then they came for me.......
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Laeah
October 25, 2010 at 8:11 PM
Okay.. once again.. The Crusades were a political power play done under the guise of Christianity and religion and have nothing to do with Christianity. Same with Hitler and the Nazis who committed those crimes.
I feel really offended as a Christian. Maybe you should read some history about how the church was run back then. It was more of a political control institution rather than a religion.
Political Christianity (anti-gay, anti-abortion, etc) has NOTHING to do with anything Christian. It all has to do with people using a organization to coerce members into believe certain things... Once again.. done by humans, not God.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 8:39 PM
While you are right that the politicization of Christianity is distinct from Christianity as a personal faith, they are in some ways inextricable at the institutional level, especially in terms of the drama scene that sparked the debate here.
I personally don't believe that church officials who decided to pull the plug at the last minute are evil people. I believe that, as people, they must motivated by politics (small p, not capital P) - be it self-imposed or externally pressured. I do rue that they are sending the wrong message about Christianity, a message that does have material repercussions as this forum so clearly makes evident. While Protestantism aims to allow for an intimate relationship between the individual and God, the reality is that many people do blindly take the word of whom they regard to be God's representative. Until those who wield influence stand against wholesale institutionalization of bigotry (which, let me acknowledge, you and some other Christians are doing admirably here), those who criticize politicization of religion will continue to point to the failure of the institution to live up to its espoused ideals.
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Laeah
October 26, 2010 at 9:25 AM
I know.. but at the same time, I am a Protestant.. so I believe more in the personal relationship rather than the Church.
I do agree with you though. I just don't believe that politics have much to do with Christianity.. Give unto Caesar's what is Caesar's, Give unto God what is his..
houstontwin
October 25, 2010 at 3:20 PM
I agree that while ideally the church should have welcomed everyone regardless of their sexual identity, the content of the scenes should have been made clear to the church's leader, prior to filming. With adequate prior notice, maybe there could have been constructive dialogue with the congregation and filming the scene may have been possible.
(...We have quite a few members of our congregation who are gay, but I think that some feathers would have been ruffled if something similar had happened here. Not everyone is on the same page but we are making progress. )
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17 stupid church
October 25, 2010 at 6:52 AM
Are the 2 guys mating/making love in the church?Why censor it for gods sake...Gays don't choose to be gays, they are born like this and i thought God embraces all who believed in him..hmmm
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Pssalltheway!!
October 25, 2010 at 3:46 PM
In the Bible it forbids homosexuality just like it forbids everything else that's a sin. So being a criminal/homosexual/thief/stealer or anything else sinful is all the same deed: a sin. Certain people in Christisnity took certain sins or consider them worse than others. Exchanging vows in the church is like a member of the church lying/stealing something. It shouldn't matter because no matter where you are you shouldn't kill, etc. :) but the church is "Holy" ground, the symbolism it presents of even 2 men even plotting a crime is just as bad. Anyways I have nothing against homosexuals just that my religion considers it a sin. They should be welcome in church, but exchanging of vows us different.
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babomori
October 26, 2010 at 1:20 AM
@ stupid church & to the rest who have been ranting against the Christian faith.
Pls note that it is not only the Christian faith who condemns Homosexuality!!
HOMOSEXUALITY IS AGAINST THE ORDER OF NATURE!!
There has been lots of talks about Gay Rights, etc etc. What about the normal order that God planted on earth? Man together with woman procreate.
Example of homosexuality being against the order of nature?? Simple!! A gay relationship (i refuse to use marriage, marriage being a sacred union btwn men & women) does not bear fruit. Can man & man create a child or a woman & woman create a child. NO! Only man +woman can.
With the rising amount of gay activists, I think that we who are against against homosexuality should voice out our views as well.
Church is a sacred place of worship. God destroyed the cities of Sodom & Gomorra because of their immoralities (homosexuality & bestiality, etc).
I applaud the church in Jeju for standing firm in its belief!
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Jackie
October 26, 2010 at 2:12 PM
You make several logical flaws in this poorly constructed argument.
First of all, homosexuality cannot be against the order of nature if it is naturally occurring. I'm a gay woman, and trust me when I say: it is absolutely genetic. I in no way, shape, or form chose to be gay. In fact, I put a great deal of energy into "choosing" otherwise. It has taken me the better part of my adolescence and early adulthood to accept who I am, and I am still overcoming the effects of a decade of repression.
Secondly, any basic ethics class will teach you about the slippery slope you enter once you make broad generalizations like "Example of homosexuality being against the order of nature?? Simple!! A gay relationship does not bear fruit." Your procreation argument implies that infertile men and/or women (alternatively, women past menopause) should not be allowed to engage in romantic/sexual relationships. And yet I suspect you have absolutely no problem with heterosexual relationships that have no possibility of "bearing fruit."
I am not misunderstanding you; I'm deliberately deconstructing your argument to illustrate how flawed it is. I understand where you're going with this (not because you articulated yourself well - rest assured you didn't - but because it's an argument I've heard before). Unfortunately for you, there's a major logical fallacy inherent here. You're presupposing that the only purpose for romantic and sexual relationships is procreation. I'm pretty sure that most people would disagree, and as I've pointed out above there are a number of troubling details you're going to have to confront if you opt to travel down that road.
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Pierre Royce
May 29, 2012 at 7:12 PM
1. The Bible teaches that adulterers should be stoned to death, and hence married men and married women who are in adultery should be stoned to death just as the Bible teaches that homosexuals should be stoned to death. Should the Bible be re-interpreted correctly?
2. The Bible teaches that any person who divorces his wife or her husband has committed adultery and should be stoned to death and hence any Christian who divorces his wife or her husband should be stoned to death just as the Bible teaches that homosexuals should be stoned to death. Should the Bible be re-interpreted correctly?
3. The Bible teaches that any bride who is found on the wedding night not to be a virgin should be stoned to death, and hence any Christian bride who previously had sex should be stoned to death just as the Bible teaches that homosexuals should be stoned to death. Should the Bible be re-interpreted correctly?
4. The Bible teaches that Jews can have slaves and can enslave the insolvent and prisoners of war and hence any Christian can have slaves and can enslave the indigent poor and other races just as the Bible teaches that homosexuals should be stoned to death. Should the Bible be re-interpreted correctly?
5. The Bible teaches that Jews can rape their females slaves and merely pay a fine or set their female slaves free and hence any Christian man can rape their female slaves and merely pay a fine or set their female slaves free just as the Bible teaches that homosexuals should be stoned to death. Should the Bible be re-interpreted correctly?
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18 amg01
October 25, 2010 at 7:21 AM
This situation is a clear example of a "Catch 22", where you are doom if you do or doom if you don't.
A lot of you know my opinion concerning the used of the
"Gay" or gender bending issue in shows like ‘Sungkyunkwan Scandal’ I do find it offensive how it is used as a mere ploy for two heterosexual people to fall in love, in my opinion that is a way to cheapen the Gay/lesbian experience.
And now when a church applies their standards of belief upon a situation like this they are condemn severely, I find it very odd we condemn the church for their reaction, but we condone the producers of shows like ‘Sungkyunkwan Scandal’ for their offensive used of the homosexual experience that at the end do not help Gay's and Lesbians in Korea but along with the church set them back from receiving "Equal Justice" under the Law and under the Church Cannons!!!!!!!!!!!
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Kender
October 25, 2010 at 7:42 AM
A lot of you know my opinion concerning the used of the
“Gay” or gender bending issue in shows like ‘Sungkyunkwan Scandal’ I do find it offensive how it is used as a mere ploy for two heterosexual people to fall in love, in my opinion that is a way to cheapen the Gay/lesbian experience.
One of my non-straight friends thought the same thing about Coffee Prince, so I see where you're coming from. :)
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Lotte
October 25, 2010 at 7:55 AM
While I understand your point and definitely agree to an extent, my (perhaps vain) hope is that shows like SKKS and Coffee Prince ever so slowly open the way to more honest and real depictions of homosexual relationships. I'd like to think that they play a part in opening people's minds to possibilities. I know it's frustrating and, well, fucked up, that people can't just get over their own prejudices and ignorance and deal with the fact that some people are gay and wow, are actually happy being gay, and that these people deserve to be represented on television and in film just as anyone else does. But I do think that SKKS for example has been quite sensitive about making the point that Sun Joon's feelings for his 'male' friend AREN'T wrong. Or maybe I'm just more idealistic than I realised!
I am, though, still waiting for the day we get a reverse Coffee Prince/SKKS where boy falls for girl only for it to be revealed that, dun dun dah, SHE is actually a HE after all! And then they live happily ever after because they realise that love transcends all! But for now, eh, baby steps?
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 8:15 AM
"I am, though, still waiting for the day we get a reverse Coffee Prince/SKKS where boy falls for girl only for it to be revealed that, dun dun dah, SHE is actually a HE after all! And then they live happily ever after because they realise that love transcends all!"
Ha! That'd be awesome. The Crying Game (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104036/), Korean drama style!!
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Aya
October 25, 2010 at 8:19 AM
"... that shows like SKKS and Coffee Prince ever so slowly open the way to more honest and real depictions of homosexual relationships"
Why? Why does Korea need these kind of storylines, their "fabulous diva" idols in every K-Pop boy group and flower boys (kkot minam) in so many dramas but CAN'T ACCEPT this already perfectly honest and real depiction of a homosexual couple in Life is Beautiful?
Double standards, y'know.
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Lotte
October 25, 2010 at 8:53 AM
But that's precisely why they need these storylines - because so many people are still massively ignorant/intolerant when it comes to homosexuality, as can be seen from some of the reactions to LiB.
I'm in no way saying these types of stories should be the ONLY presentation of homosexuality (god forbid) or that they should give up on ACTUAL gay storylines, like in LiB, but that every little helps - the more visibility homosexuality gets on tv/in films, the better, even if most of it is still only in subtext or faked to create heterosexual tension. It's nowhere near perfect or ideal or even adequate, but I'll take whatever I can get! If show writers can get real and honest depictions into their mainstream shows then glory hallelujah there is still hope, and I really do hope that more try after the example set by LiB, but my point is that as long as there is still this sort of censorship, ANYTHING that increases the visibility of homosexuality in a positive way is a good thing.
Does that make sense? I'd take LiB's gay storyline over Coffee Prince every time, but if we're only allowed one actual gay relationship on tv per blue moon, then I think the Coffee Princes and SKKSs of the world could still play a useful part.
As for the k-pop idols/pretty boys - as much as fangirls like to fantasize about OTPs within their groups, etc. I still think a large number, sadly, would be horrified if it turned out their idols actually were gay. The hypocrisy, it reeks.
msim
October 25, 2010 at 9:23 AM
Those girl-mistaken-as-a-boy stories are also metaphors on the social limitations/restrictions on the lives of women in Korea.
What I dislike about them is how, after it is revealed the girl is actually a girl, she suddenly goes all feminine and IT ISN’T why the boy fell in love with her in the first place. This typical storyline ends up with the girl in make-up with long hair so that the order/stereotypes of society are re-established. The boy goes along because he is so relieved not to be gay.
I actually think it cheapens the ALL the variety of desires that people can experience: life isn’t all gay and straight, boys and girls – there are lots of people and desires in between these 2.
Can I say how much I love Javabeans for existing and allowing k-drama fans to have super-evolved discussions. Who says pop culture is for dits?
diane
October 25, 2010 at 8:49 AM
"But for now, eh, baby steps?"
I wonder how long it will take for humans to see each other as human beings and not as something they can label. Been waiting a long time and sadly, I don't think I will ever see it in my lifetime. Sigh
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Lotte
October 25, 2010 at 8:59 AM
This. Sometimes I just want to disown the human race. It's why I like dogs better than people!
dannaluk
October 25, 2010 at 9:00 AM
you got a point
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Laeah
October 25, 2010 at 8:14 PM
Yeah.. I would agree, except that in history.. women have had to dress like men in order to be able to do things that women were not allowed.. So yes, sometimes it's a cheap ploy.. but it does have historical reference.
I think it's silly in the modern times dramas.. because really.. what girls run around like boys? But as for SKKS, or Painter of the Wind (sp?) I think it does have context.
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Eleven11
October 25, 2010 at 11:46 PM
I totally get what you mean about crossdressing shows and how they treat homosexuality as a plot device in order to prove how 'true' the couple's love is. And its just sooo true, because it's also hetero, and therefore socially acceptable. Bleh.
I actually kind of like SKK Scandal though, I mean its defs not perfect, and it still plays on this old, offensive trope, but at the same time, it has Yong Ha - he's got this open sexuality (and total chemistry with Jaeshin) which you barely ever see in a TV show. If they focussed more on his character/backstory, and went the whole way in making him someone with a believable, alternative sexuality, that would be awesome. The fact that he seems be shown to have feelings for his longtime friend - real, actual feelings, and is completely ok with having these feelings, is pretty damn sweet in itself. I mean sure he's flamboyant (=gay stereoptype), but he uses his flamboyance to hide his true feelings and schemes and just generally be awesome.
I hope I'm not the only one reading him as a Gay/Bi character beyond the 'omg Yongha/Jaeshin fanfic sqee' deal.
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19 moony meia46
October 25, 2010 at 7:23 AM
Reading this, I can only think about Yong Ha`s wise words: “It’s a sin to hate, but how can it be a sin to love? No matter who it is.”
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pohonphee
October 25, 2010 at 7:36 AM
I want "like" button in this site :)
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Viola
October 25, 2010 at 8:49 AM
like! :)
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Snikki
October 25, 2010 at 7:49 AM
Adultery is a sin, but I know we're not talking about that. Hehe... :-P
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๋JT
October 25, 2010 at 7:59 AM
Love this!
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Sere
October 25, 2010 at 8:06 AM
This. SO much. This!!!!
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 8:16 AM
LURVE!!
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Viola
October 25, 2010 at 8:48 AM
Bravo! I am awarding you the Pink Heart on behalf of the Yummy Faction. ♥
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moony meia46
October 25, 2010 at 9:01 AM
:) <3
I feel really honored. In the name of the Moony Faction , thank you.
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dannaluk
October 25, 2010 at 9:01 AM
lol....yes moony meia gets wxtra love form yummy faction
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moony meia46
October 25, 2010 at 9:05 AM
<3 :)
I feel honored. In the name of the Monny Faction, thank you. :)
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Viola
October 25, 2010 at 9:21 AM
Viva Moony-Yummy coalition! :)
Bromance or just romance, they are LOVE!
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moony meia46
October 25, 2010 at 9:35 AM
Truer words were never spoken. :) And VIVA SKKS!!!!!! May there be Season 2.
Viola
October 25, 2010 at 9:44 AM
lol! I am guessing you have caught the JSV, have you progressed to the HIASETETBG stage yet?
moony meia46
October 25, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Yes, I`ve caught JSV, and I don`t want to be cured :).
Feel so stupid, but..... what is HIASETETBG???
Viola
October 25, 2010 at 11:08 AM
Oh my fault! Please don't feel stupid!
I wrote this fake news article on the last OT about a global pandemic of SKKS virus, and HIASETETBG ( hell, I am shipping everyone together, even the bad guys!) is the last and most fatal stage of the disease! ;)
moony meia46
October 25, 2010 at 11:25 AM
I think..... I`m almost there.
No, wait..... I`m there. :):):)
xiaoSxin
October 25, 2010 at 1:48 PM
Jae Shin + Yong Ha = loyalty, trust, friendship, faith, bravery, courage, understanding, support, camaraderie.. all these comes down to L-O-V-E.
diane
October 25, 2010 at 9:05 AM
“It’s a sin to hate, but how can it be a sin to love? No matter who it is.”
I agree.
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ohemgee
October 25, 2010 at 1:50 PM
OMG thank you for quoting THE goo yong ha!
i LIKE this so much it hurts (my face from smiling and my belly from laughing so hard!)!!
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20 ain527
October 25, 2010 at 7:24 AM
the show can just make it up by redoing the scene, like filming it in any place that is NOT the church (cause i agree, no matter what you believe in you can't just go in a church to film something that goes against its beliefs)... maybe kyung soo's apartment?
come on sbs, korea, you can still do it!
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๋JT
October 25, 2010 at 8:02 AM
yup, I totally agree!!
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danna
October 25, 2010 at 1:21 PM
yea but i think we are past the episode of his brother's wedding after which said scene was supposed to take place...i wonder why they couldnt just set up to look like the interior of a church?
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ain527
October 25, 2010 at 5:36 PM
what is weird is ho sub and yeon joo didn't even look like they got married in a church, just a wedding hall. >_>>>>
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Pssalltheway!!
October 25, 2010 at 3:53 PM
I agree!!!!!
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21 Kender
October 25, 2010 at 7:39 AM
That's so..narrow minded, ugh. :/
I'm not religious, but one of my best friends goes to a church (I don't remember which denomination, but it's Christian) that is very open and accepting of any and all who enter. There are several gay couples and gay singles there, and some of them have even have children together (adoption, artificial insemination, etc). Of course, she lives in NYC, so that might have something to do with it.
Still, I just don't understand how anyone in this century can see love between two men or women as bad or unnatural.
The first gay/bi/non-straight person I ever met (that I knew of then) was in high school. When he came out, none of us were particularly surprised or even really cared -- he was still our friend, and we still loved him. When one of my female friends came out as bi, and then later as simply gay, we accepted her too. I live in the Bible Belt, and all of my friends (except me) were born and raised here, and even growing up amidst people telling us that homosexuality was wrong and sinful, we knew better and accepted each other for who we were. (The gay guy's parents blamed me for his gay-ness for some reason, as if sometime during our Latin classes I had sat down with him and talked him into converting because I liked the idea of having a gay friend so much. Because that makes sense.)
In college, roughly half of my friends were gay or bi. Two of the girls didn't even subscribe to such simple definitions of sexuality and used other terms like pansexual and others I don't remember; one of them I'm pretty sure is going to end up getting a sex change in a few more years. My best guy friend was gay, and I loved him not because I could talk to him about boys or could hug him without worries, but because he was a wonderful and interesting person.
One of my aunts (by marriage) is a lesbian, and ended up divorcing my uncle and taking their kids. She now lives quite happily somewhere in Florida with their three boys and her long-term girlfriend, and my cousins are growing up fine and happy and, as far as I know straight. Obviously growing up with two moms hasn't "corrupted" them any.
I don't really know where I was going with any of that, but I'm just..annoyed. Well, more than annoyed, but I don't know if I can adequately express my feelings in words.
I'll never be able to understand how anyone could deny other people their basic right to happiness. The thought that my friends won't be able to marry their significant others one day (most of them are single, but the girl from high school is in a deeply committed relationship with her girlfriend from college) or that my aunt can't marry the woman who helped raise her sons honestly makes me want to cry and throw things against the wall.
So, yeah. I've rattled on long enough, so I'm going to end simply by saying: countries of the world, get your act together. I'm watching you.
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Viola
October 25, 2010 at 8:51 AM
I want a like button too. like! :)
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22 tinysunbl
October 25, 2010 at 7:42 AM
I feel so angry after this news. How can I believe in God's love if the very institution of God is denying people of their right to love. I'm disgusted at the hypocrisy....
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23 Net-chan
October 25, 2010 at 8:04 AM
Well, I believe homosexuality on TV is a bit too soon for South Koreans... Even in France, homosexuality is not quite common, so I can't imagine what it is in South Korea O.O (French accept homosexuality between men but not really between women. Don't ask me why, I don't know). They would be shocked by the number of gays in Spain haha :P!
But really, if they knew there would be a gay couple in the drama, why did they bother to broadcast it if they weren't going to do it until the end??? That's stupid!
Plus love between a man and a man is love as well!!!
I'm soooo angry at society!!!
OK, filming the scene in a Church might not have been a good idea (it's barely acceptable in countries in which homosexuality is not that shocking so...), but what is done is done...
Come on, let the drama go on as the writer wants it to go on...
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24 msim
October 25, 2010 at 8:16 AM
Tae-sub and Kyung-soo are the only reason I watch Life Is Beautiful - these two are mega-adorable.
I thinks loads of Koreans are not religious or simply mildly religious.
But some have bees in their bonnets and they scream the loudest against any progressive change and give the impression that Korea is still stuck in the last century.
They are a miserable lot. Epic Human Fail!
I'm hoping for a truly secular world: I want nothing coming between me and my fondness for m/m slashness or love.
p.s.:very touched that viewers showed their support for the gay storyline- it warms my heart and gives me hope.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 8:21 AM
"I thinks loads of Koreans are not religious or simply mildly religious.
But some have bees in their bonnets and they scream the loudest against any progressive change and give the impression that Korea is still stuck in the last century.
They are a miserable lot. Epic Human Fail!"
Ditto.
Just an anecdote (not necessarily meant as PROOF of the superficiality of Korean faith). A Korean churchgoer recommended that I go to church to promote my business. I balked. I remembered from my childhood Sunday school teachings that Jesus threw out all those money changers, etc., doing "church-related" business at church. When I mentioned the reason for my reservation, I got a very cynical response from the churchgoer. Made me sad for those who do genuinely believe.
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๋JT
October 25, 2010 at 8:51 AM
me too
They're the only reason I watch this drama and now I'm totally in love with the couple
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25 Bloop
October 25, 2010 at 8:19 AM
the scene sounds very beautiful. It's a huge pity that it wasn't able to make the broadcast...
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26 Auntiemame
October 25, 2010 at 8:26 AM
From the perspective of 'respect' as demonstrated by the two sides, i.e. the couple and the religion, the couple certainly respected the religion enough and thought highly enough of a 'god' to want to make their vows in a sanctuary and in front of the entity.
It seems that the same level of 'respect' is not reciprocated by the religion.
Mankind seems to have much greater problems than to care about how people love each other.
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moony meia46
October 25, 2010 at 8:30 AM
`Mankind seems to have much greater problems than to care about how people love each other.`
So sad and so true.
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diane
October 25, 2010 at 8:58 AM
"It seems that the same level of ‘respect’ is not reciprocated by the religion."
"Mankind seems to have much greater problems than to care about how people love each other."
I totally agree.
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27 ondu
October 25, 2010 at 8:33 AM
The truth is the majority is not prepared yet for such thing and shoving them with such scenes will not make them any more prepared and accepting of homosexuality.
Well, at least not in South Korea...so we just have to move on despite being disappointed and everything...
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Lotte
October 25, 2010 at 9:11 AM
I respectfully disagree. More scenes like this, more storylines like this are PRECISELY what South Korea/the world needs. Although there are many reasons for homophobia, ignorance does play a large part. Because homosexuality is so "invisible" in SK, people can go on believing the rubbish that they've been told/inherited because they're never actually confronted with the truth. The more visible homosexuality is, especially as it's portrayed in LiB, the more people will gradually come to accept that gay people are just like everyone else - they're not monsters, they're not boogeymen, they're not perverts. They're just people: flawed, complicated, normal. Like it or not, people all over the world are heavily influenced by what they see on tv. To break the cycle, the media (and this applies to every country) needs to stop ignoring homosexuality, to stop perpetuating stereotypes and playing into people's prejudices. Of course it's not a magical antidote to homophobia (or to racism/sexism/any ism), but I sincerely believe the more shows like LiB there are out there, the more progress will be made in opening people's minds. If we wait for them to be "prepared", we may be waiting for a hell of a long time!
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msim
October 25, 2010 at 10:31 AM
I question the use of the word "shoving" for the extremely supremely rare depiction of gay love in dramas.
I wished they were "shoved" upon me more often.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 11:40 AM
Yes, often change that's gradual tends to last longer... BUT guess what! At that rate, slavery would still be legal in the US. Segregation would still be legal in the US. Women still couldn't vote in the US. All the result of "shoving" and provoking and ACTing UP (yes, intentional reference, for those who get it) by progressive folks who knew that sometimes a leader ought to do exactly that: Lead.
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28 ๋JT
October 25, 2010 at 8:42 AM
I agree with the writer's twitter about the church.
It feels so bad to see the church's action.
I'm so sad and very sorry for KyungTae and homo in Korea.
Two innocent people who love each other can't even just vow their commitment.
If it's just because of the church, production crew should change the location.
why don't?
-because it's not only the church but also the station
-no enough time (the drama is airing while filming)
I still strongly want to see this scene
I'm sure will be one of the most beautiful scenes of this drama
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29 Min
October 25, 2010 at 9:00 AM
What I can say is you would feel life is really beautiful
when you watch "life is beuatiful" It teaches us about genuine love and acceptance.When the parent found out that his son is a gay, instead of being upset.They ask for his son forgiveness.. for letting him in the loneliness for so long in this difficult path that he has been taking.. You will just realised it is just love between two human beings.. whether is heterosexual or homosexual...
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๋JT
October 25, 2010 at 9:06 AM
yes yes!! It really was.
Tae-sub mom cried and asked for forgiveness
Then she accepted it and they were happy
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30 babomori
October 25, 2010 at 9:00 AM
I'M GLAD the gay part was EDITED OUT. This drama should not be airing in the first place. HOMOSEXUALITY IS A SIN!!!
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dannaluk
October 25, 2010 at 9:04 AM
i dont even know what to say to you right now!
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moony meia46
October 25, 2010 at 9:08 AM
No, sweety, the way you think is a sin.
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๋JT
October 25, 2010 at 9:15 AM
I agree
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 9:16 AM
like!
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Viola
October 25, 2010 at 9:31 AM
I already gave you a heart, would like a cookie? :)
But don't tell Brookeve that these cookies are th special ones that she "makes" for me. I absolutely don't give them out, but in this instance I think you deserve most extra-special cookies! ;)
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Viola
October 25, 2010 at 9:42 AM
the cookie offer was for you Moony meia46
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moony meia46
October 25, 2010 at 10:36 AM
Wow, NOW I am really honored. The heart is precious, but cookie???!!!! I could die of happines, but SKKS is still airing, so I will have to find another way to properly thank you. For now, you will have to settle with my girl-crush on you.
brookeeve
October 25, 2010 at 2:41 PM
I'm not crying because you're regifting my cookies!
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Viola
October 25, 2010 at 3:04 PM
Oh Unnie don't cry! Uljimae unnie, uljimae! I love you and I treasure the cookies. It's just that moony meia46 was so awesome in quoting Yummy, that I think she is worthy of a few cookies. Only a few mind! :)
brookeeve
October 25, 2010 at 3:22 PM
sniff, sniff. okay then.
moony meia46
October 26, 2010 at 2:58 AM
Brookeeve, please, don`t be sad. Half of a cookie is enough for me to be forever grateful.
brookeeve
October 26, 2010 at 1:06 PM
I am happy, then! :)
okie dokie
October 25, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Completely agree.
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StevenVu
October 25, 2010 at 9:18 AM
Do any of you happen to know the Twitter address of Ms. Kim Soo Hyun, the writer of this drama? If you do, I think it's a good idea to post the link of this page onto her Twitter so that she can see how many people support her and her writings.
This idea is first invented by JTanis, a member of Soompi 4rum.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 9:58 AM
http://twitter.com/kshyun
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๋JT
October 25, 2010 at 10:29 AM
Thank you so much!
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Joey
October 25, 2010 at 9:26 AM
Homosexuality is a sin...ONLY in Christianity and some other religions..BUT NOT ALL RELIGION
and even if it is a sin, its a religious offense
not legal offense
so why should the show cater to only Christians?
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msim
October 25, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Too many bees in one's bonnet causes one to overuse the CAPS option.
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Viola
October 25, 2010 at 2:35 PM
*snicker* tee hee
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OHDEARMEMY
October 25, 2010 at 4:37 PM
LOLing @ your ignorance and lack of an open-mind.
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Eleven11
October 25, 2010 at 11:47 PM
your face is a sin.
Immature reply to an immature comment.
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31 dannaluk
October 25, 2010 at 9:04 AM
this is like my econd favorite couple in the show after Mom and Dad....and that would have been such a beautiful scene...its making me tear up too.....after watching this drama i understand why Kim Soo Hyun is such a respected writer...this makes mad on so many levels
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32 mskololia
October 25, 2010 at 9:09 AM
I honestly do not think of South Korea as a very progressive place so this comes as no surprise....
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33 Aidan
October 25, 2010 at 9:16 AM
I think this is a logical position for the church to take since the church is against the homosexual lifestyle. And that should have been respected from the beginning to avoid this.
Further, if it was indeed in a Catholic church and the scene absolutely needed to be shot in a church, they could have found another church, perhaps a non-denomination church more open to the idea.
I've read some of the other comments about how adulterous situations have been shown--and maybe I'm not as well-watched on dramas--but I haven't seen these acted out in a church--which would probably have provoked the same response from the church as well. The production team really should have done its research before deciding to do the filming in that particular church.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 9:18 AM
honey, read comment #16.4
They *had* done the research.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 9:36 AM
I've been trying to refrain from saying really snarky things, but...
I think this is a logical position for the church to take since the church is against the homosexual lifestyle. And that should have been respected from the beginning to avoid this.
Further, if it was indeed in a Catholic church and the scene absolutely needed to be shot in a church, they could have found another church, perhaps a non-denomination church more open to the idea.
You're right. The Catholic Church is against homosexuality and against gay folks who love one another to be able to love openly with church blessing. BUT how messed up is it that the Church not only doesn't seem to mind but goes WAAAAAY out of its way to protect/shield men who like to fondle boys. Open love between consenting partners who happen to have the XY gene = no sanctuary. Sexual molestation of a non-consenting victim with same XY gene = decades of sanctuary? The Church certainly didn't tell the priests who molested kids to go find another church that would accept them and their molesting ways. Not only that, they vilified those who brought up charges, when the Church had known fully the validity of such charges (as demonstrated in church records).
Also, I wouldn't be surprised if some k-drama lover were able to find scenes of adulterers voicing their love for one another in the setting of a church.
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msim
October 25, 2010 at 10:49 AM
Cheers, anais, for all that you said.
Sheer pure unadulterated, and criminal, hypocrisy.
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Aidan
October 25, 2010 at 12:04 PM
I, in no way condone how the church reacted to the pedophile scandal, and frankly I'm embarrassed that the church was more concerned with saving face than providing some sort of council or anything besides the perfunctory release of funds for the victims.
But unfortunately the church is run my men (mankind) and we are fallible in our decisions, but the basic principles of the church are not and that is love as God loves us, the agape love.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 7:39 PM
I am really saddened that the saga unfolded the way it did and continues to unfold so. For so many people - those members of the clergy who are trying to do right, those members of the laity who want to continue to believe, and for people like me who wish the best for various faiths even if they don't belong to any particular one.
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34 American
October 25, 2010 at 9:17 AM
I am an American and i dont know why people speak about the "Asian world" like they are they only ones where homophobia exist
As an American, in a country of USA- where its suppose to be "FREE" ...there is still alot of backward things....
We dont have marriage equality in America.....
European countries are so ahead of America.
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okie dokie
October 25, 2010 at 10:04 AM
I agree. We may think that we're ahead of the curve, but we're not. NOT AT ALL. In fact, it seems like the past couple years, we've been taking huge steps backwards in equality. It's sad, but I feel like there's more hate and more divide than ever.
And I'm a Californian. I ask myself daily - How is it that Iowa has legalized gay marriage but not us?? I thought we were supposed to be the liberal state. Nope.
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35 Joey
October 25, 2010 at 9:24 AM
in America, we cant air a Mcdonalds commericial that had a gay kid in it.
the commericial was something about "come as you are"
it was shown in France or something
But america will never show that
America is very much homphobic
there are Christian extremists that protests in our streets saying "GOD HATES FAGS"
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 9:50 AM
Folks, yes, America is not a haven. But please, it's a heck of a lot better than Korea when it comes to homosexuality for a number of reasons.
Korea is small and densely populated. America is huge, and with space comes the luxury of not having to put up with a neighbor you don't like. It's possible to move to gay meccas or gay neighborhoods in large metropolitan areas. Yeah, it sucks big time if you can't, but it's more possible than not, as it is in Korea.
Yes, there are Christian extremists in America who are frightening. But it is possible to be visibly gay and find open support. It is possible to march regularly down the streets of urban centers, showing pride en mass. Heck, during Pride Fests, it's possible to go attired only in leather strips or show off pierced boobs even if one is female. Even these instances of carnival (in its original sense) aren't permissible in Korea.
Also, there isn't the sense that, by refusing to marry and procreate, one is somehow singlehandedly responsible for the demise of one's entire lineage. Especially for men.
And there are many other reasons, social, economic, philosophical, etc.
So, while the desire to keep people from romanticizing America is understandable, it's equally important to refrain from falsely leveling the differences.
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brookeeve
October 25, 2010 at 2:43 PM
That's not all we protest!
http://www.geekologie.com/2010/07/westboro_baptist_churchs_comic.php
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Viola
October 25, 2010 at 3:10 PM
ROFL!
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36 Pat
October 25, 2010 at 9:42 AM
Sounds like the church got cold feet after approving it.
But the network should have backed up the writer and saved the scene by relocating it. The church I understand .
The network is being intimidated by the silly ads etc.
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37 Viola
October 25, 2010 at 10:16 AM
This atmosphere here has gotten all kinds of unhappy, somber and divisive. To lighten the mood, watch this vid. I guarantee that it will make you happy :P merong!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDhzOz7S3Aw&feature=player_embedded
This link was originally posted by Thundie on her blog. Thank you! :)
p.s. How CUTE is my Yummy? *huggles*
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 11:44 AM
I know. I love this. I've played this video repeatedly.
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viola
October 26, 2010 at 7:15 AM
@ anais I have it on repeat, this vid is as good as therapy!
P.s. I am actually the one who called him a bigot, sorry your got tarred with the same brush. You managed to keep it civil, props to you for your self control, I kinda lost it there :( Would you like a cookie? I already gave you a Pink Heart ♥
:)
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anais
October 26, 2010 at 9:16 AM
Awe thanks!!!! <3 <3 <3
About to watch Episode 18 shortly. Sniff sniff. Only 3 more... Yeorim really is so fabulous.
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38 cille
October 25, 2010 at 10:17 AM
hmm, the comments have taken a different route. . .
SO I WILL ONLY COMMENT ON JB'S ENTRY:
i think the reason why it was cut out is that KOREAN viewership is just not ready for it. the writer is in trend with her topic, however the rest of SK population has not quite caught up with her.
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Pat
October 25, 2010 at 11:25 AM
Sadly when it comes to minority civil rights the MAJORITY
(in any country), is never " READY" without the conflict witnessed here and much forward/ backward pressure for years..... or else we'd all have Emperors leading us.
The actual show is not heavy at all, and other opinions are expressed by characters in the show.
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39 xiaoSxin
October 25, 2010 at 11:30 AM
OK here is my take on this issue.
I think the people at the Church in Jeju misunderstood the script and the PD. One, the Catholic Church is against same sex marriage. The scene they were filming might have looked to them (the peoole at the Churchin Jeju) as a wedding ceremony/marriage of the gay couple. Of course the Church does not want any misconception that same sex marriages happen on their Church.
I believe the Catholic Church does not turn away people because of theur
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xiaoSxin
October 25, 2010 at 12:01 PM
Cont..
I believe the Catholic Church does not turn away people because of their sexuality. The Church welcomes and respects people from all walks of life. Love is one of the core of Catholicism and is rooted in Jesus' acts and words. Catholics have come to accept that modern times have changed the way people express and show love to one another. After all, love one another is Christ's foremost teachings. The Church may be accused of being hypocrites, conceited and of discrimination because we acknowdge love in all forms but oppose marriage of people with same sex, it is because one cannot change centuries old history and tradition easily.
It is very sad because that scene based on the excerpt could have been a significant way to show a lot people that it is OK to love somebody despite being against the standards of society. As a Catholic myself, I believe that scene embodies the teachings of Christ of love and respect.
The people at the Church in Jeju could have been misinformed about the scene that was to take place or probable was pressured to give in because of the fear of condemnation. They might have feared that the prejudice against gay couple in Korea might give a whiplash on their stand of Catholics against same sex marriage.
Maybe it's just that Korea isn't really ready for same-sex marriages and gay couples as we thought.
In the end, we can only speculate about this news.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 8:07 PM
It is very sad because that scene based on the excerpt could have been a significant way to show a lot people that it is OK to love somebody despite being against the standards of society. As a Catholic myself, I believe that scene embodies the teachings of Christ of love and respect.
Exactly! The church missed an opportunity.
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40 Middle
October 25, 2010 at 12:04 PM
This resonates really closely with me. I can completely understand the misconceptions about homosexuality, because I was raised in a deeply devoted Christian home. My Korean mother is still unnerved that I "came out" to her. The hurt in her eyes hurt me. The way we deal with me being gay, is simply not talking about it.
The scene as written in the script was both a genuinely emotional and heart-felt scene. It saddens me that this scene was unaired.
I feel the church in Jeju-do was portrayed in a very positive way. As a santuary for all sinners. I think as Christians we all forget that we have all sinned and fall short of God's glory.
The wedding vows were done in private, which adds to the deep intimate scene. I don't see how the church is portrayed negatively or against their beliefs. We pray things and say things in private we don't want others to hear or know about. This is the same. It wasn't done with anybody in attendance.
Yes, I can understand why the church pulled out at the last minute. But I think they hurt their chances of reaching new people. Now the church seems like a closed off community which sees themselves better than society, the rest of the world. And that deeply saddens me.
I know that homosexuality is not talked about openly in Korea. People in Korea were so shocked at how open I was when I was there. But with the age of connectedness, the young generation are becoming more and more open to new ways and ideas.
And let's not forget, tolerance is still not a practice being taught here in the States. I am shocked at how bullying has changed since my days in school. I don't think I would have survived those days than.
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41 jen
October 25, 2010 at 12:22 PM
double standard at its best....
its a shame really
and korea is said to be "conservative" and here are idols prancing around is short skirts and baring their chest
while they don't show wedding vows between 2 people in love.....
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42 marisa
October 25, 2010 at 1:23 PM
It's a sad day when churches, in their blind prejudice, start battling against little old ladies who write love stories.
Who's next on their hit list? Kittens?
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hjkomo
October 25, 2010 at 2:28 PM
:lol:
Where's that like button? :P
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Pare
October 25, 2010 at 2:39 PM
You criticize and insult without understanding the church's reasons or beliefs; I'd say the one with blind prejudice was you.
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43 danna
October 25, 2010 at 1:33 PM
143 comments on this wow
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44 xiaoSxin
October 25, 2010 at 1:56 PM
@18.1.1.2.2. msim
"Can I say how much I love Javabeans for existing and allowing k-drama fans to have super-evolved discussions. Who says pop culture is for dits?"
Who knew deconstructing KDrama culture can generate such heated and rich discussion?! This site is more than just our source of Kdrama crack.
Javabeans, take a bow!
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45 brookeeve
October 25, 2010 at 2:01 PM
I am a Christian. I have seriously studied my religion under many experienced and wise teachers, among which are http://isc.memphis.edu/jdst/patterson_bio.php and http://www.uu.edu/Unionite/fall00/poe.htm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Graham. I have listed my mentors not in matter of importance, but in the amount of time I have spent with them and the closeness of my relationship with them. I inform you of these things so that if you want to argue with me about religion, you know that you are really going to have to bring it.
First, I want to define sin, according to Christianity. Sin is in fact an archery term used to describe missing the mark (in archery, the bull's eye or in Christianity, missing the mark of God's perfection). A sin occurs anytime you do or do not do God's will. Also, God does not differentiate between sin. A liar is just as bad as a murderer is just as bad as someone who called their neighbor a fool. Any time you use your tongue to tear down a person, any time you use your hands to harm a person, any time you choose to not show a person compassion or love, you have sinned.
That being said, God loves all of his children. Every single one. God wants us to show His holy love to all of His children. Letting a liar or a murderer or even a child molester in Church would be the purpose of the Church. The Church is not there for perfect people, it is there for people who need God.
I am really disappointed that a member of my religion chose to post in this multicultural forum words of hate. This is not what my religion is about. How are we supposed to show the world what God is about when we make statements like this?
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brookeeve
October 25, 2010 at 2:22 PM
"A sin occurs anytime you do or do not do God’s will."
I meant to say "A sin occurs when you do not do God's will."
Sorry about that.
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Tier
October 25, 2010 at 2:35 PM
....What exactly was the point of your post? You didn't explain if or why homosexuality was a sin at all.
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brookeeve
October 25, 2010 at 2:58 PM
Galations 5: 22-23 But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Above such things there is NO LAW.
Does accusing someone of sinning show that fruit (which I would like to point out is a singular noun, the importance of which is that these attributes do not come one or the other)?
Jesus did not say that homosexuality is a sin. There are two instances in the Bible that homosexuality is mentioned, one in the old testament stuck between "Do not eat shellfish" and "Don't cut your hair," and one in the New Testament that Biblical scholars argue about if it was added during the Council of Nicea or as a political statement during the time of King James in an effort to get him off the throne.
One must ask themselves, are we keeping to the spirit of the law or the letter of the law? Jesus stated that it is more important that a person understand that the spirit is more important, as the Pharisees in New Testament times were more concerned with the letter and therefore completely missed God's intention for His children.
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brookeeve
October 25, 2010 at 3:01 PM
My point being, that even if it were a sin (which I can't agree with) by ostracizing members of an entire community because of sexual preference we commit sins ourselves. It is more important that we show the love that God has shown us because we are not better or worse than any other person.
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Tier
October 25, 2010 at 3:34 PM
Jesus did not name all the possible sins one by one, but does that mean that those unnamed are not sins?
Really, only two instances? As Azure a couple posts down below said, Romans 1:26-27 and Leviticus 20:13 describe homosexuality.
I'm not trying to be Pharisaical; I think that homosexuality goes against the spirit of the law as well.
Why do you think that homosexuality is not a sin?
It's not so much ostracizing as it is recognizing that something is wrong--All are sinful, yes, and I agree that no one is better or worse than any other person, and we are to forgive, accept, and love any and all (1 Corinthians 5:9-10) *if they repent*. But what happens when someone knowingly commits a sin and refuses to repent? 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, Matthew 18:15–17.
God does love us all--but He does not love sin. He cannot condone it, and neither should we.
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Lotte
October 25, 2010 at 3:53 PM
No, the real question is why do you think it IS a sin? Because the Bible says so? The Bible says a hell of a lot of things. It condones rape, slavery, pillage, infanticide and slaughter. It is probably one of the most misogynistic texts ever written. So you can either take it word for word as literal truth, in which case I think you need psychiatric help, or it's open to interpretation and thus the individual can take from it what they will.
I don't even know why I'm bothering - anyone that uses the Old Testament for moral guidance is beyond rational discussion.
brookeeve
October 25, 2010 at 5:26 PM
Why do I not believe that homosexuality is a sin?
There are countless instances of homosexuality occurring in nature within the different animal kingdoms. If you agree with the premise that God created the heavens and the earth, and all of the things within it, then you agree that God created homosexuals. Everything that God has created is good (1 Timothy 4:4, Genesis 1:31).
If you are one of those that believe that homosexuals are made, as I was taught within the Church, the we have to look at the instances which created homosexuals. Usually, the explanation is that homosexuals are "created" when a child is sexually molested. If that were so, than only sexually traumatized people would be homosexuals. I do not think that this is true.
Are homosexuals possessed by demons? (I have heard this explanation, also. It kind of makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit.) If so, then all we would have to do is exorcise them and they would all go away. (I'm assuming that this has been tried by some idiot.)
Part of God's Law is that it holds true in every situation, not just the ones that we can find to be convenient for our own sense of superiority and holiness.
Again, I do not believe that homosexuality is a sin because I have not found the proof that it is wrong. The proof that you are offering seems to me to be more political than spiritual in the context of those verses.
However, I believe that hate, murder, idolatry, swearing by God's name to a lie, stealing, and adultery are sins. If a gay man cheats on the one that he has sworn an oath to, then that man is guilty of sin.
I apologize for insinuating you are Pharisaical. It makes me feel bad for people who are accused of that because I know that it hurts their feelings. If God has laid it on your heart to believe as you do, then listen to Him and not me. He has not given me the same conviction: but He has told me to love my neighbor, and as you are my brother or sister I only tell you to love your neighbor because this is what God has convicted me of very strongly.
anais
October 25, 2010 at 6:49 PM
I'm curious why you think that homosexuality goes against the spirit of Christianity. I'll say at the outset, as I'm sure you'd figure out from my comments, that I can't see readily how it does so. However, this is a genuine question. I'd absolutely welcome a thoughtful response.
brookeeve
October 25, 2010 at 7:46 PM
This is going to seem really random, so just stick with me for a little while, okay?
First, I am going to use the analogy of God's commandments against food, because it is easily understood and because I believe that it contains details that are important to how we should interpret His laws. To live in perfect accordance with God's plans using food, The Torah lists some 700 laws about what can be and cannot be eaten and how food should be eaten. If taken into context of 2,000 years ago, given the climate and food preservation capabilities of the nomadic Middle Eastern tribes, each of these laws makes perfect sense. Don't eat shellfish, 'cause you live in the middle of a desert. Don't drink milk with meat because milk can cover the scent and taste of spoiled meat. All of these laws make perfect sense then, but not so much now. We have discovered refrigeration, we have discovered 8 billion preservatives, we know more about bacteria and viruses and what makes people sick.
To continue in this vein, it would make perfect sense for God to also outlaw homosexuality among his nomadic people who have a very long history of war. How are babies going to be made in ancient times without the benefits of artificial insemination? How is He going to keep his religion pure without outside influences if His people aren't having babies? This makes perfect sense in the context of history to a people who have legitimate reason to be frightened of annihilation... and we could look at the fate of other people who celebrated homosexuality in those times (the Spartans are one of those groups that come to mind).
Next, let's fast forward 500 years to the time of Jesus Christ. Why doesn't Jesus talk about homosexuality? Did it not exist in the ancient Roman empire? (I challenge you to find me a grown-up history book about the Roman empire where some guy isn't bonkin' some other guy.) Homosexuality was rampant during the time of the Caesars. It was a huge and controversial subject then. In fact, Roman historian Suetonius made lots and lots of money writing Enquirer-esque stories about The Twelve Caesars and their lurid scandals. Jesus would have known about this because he was a learned scholar. Why didn't he talk about it?
The answer in my mind is that it simply wasn't important. Jesus was more concerned with the state of his follower's hearts, that they displayed love in all things. Some woman is cheating on her husband? Of course this is a sin, but who are you to judge? What state is your heart in before you come down on this woman who cheated? Isn't it more important you show her love before you correct her actions? If you do not correct her actions in love, you have a plank in your eye vs. the splinter in hers.
I think that homosexuality and eating shellfish are the exact same type of commandment. This is reinforced by my studies of multiple versions of The Bible (not just the protestant one) and with multiple teachers from various religions.
Of course, many Hasidic Jews have argued with me about my theory of food laws, but those are fun conversations within themselves. Before you have given room to hate in your heart though, please go out and ask questions. Don't take only my word for something this important, but don't take only your preacher's word, either. Ask the opinions of many people, especially people who are more educated and who have had more life experience than you have. I do it all the time, and I believe that it has made me a better person.
anais
October 25, 2010 at 8:18 PM
@brookeve - darling, had you been my Sunday school teacher, I might never have left the Church.
The points you raise about kashrut are not uncommon. In fact, I think that's the accepted stance by those who no longer keep kosher. The entirety of your take on homosexuality is new to me, although I do recognize and appreciate all the more the thoroughness with which you took into consideration the commandment to go forth and multiply. I especially appreciate your historicization, which I haven't encountered outside of circles of theological seminarians, which you perhaps are.
In the end, I am thankful for all that you've said here, for so many reasons.
anais
October 25, 2010 at 6:57 PM
Thank you, sincerely. Though I have left the Church, I do appreciate its core teachings, which you articulate so well. I do genuinely respect Christians whose beliefs are grounded in and informed by critical study of not just the Bible but the larger history of the Church. One of the things I regret about this incident involving Life Is Beautiful is that the Church failed to seize this opportunity to do its core work of demonstrating that life can indeed be beautiful for everyone.
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Azure
October 25, 2010 at 8:28 PM
If I may join in....in response to Post 45.2.2.1.1 and following:
I believe homosexuality is a sin because the Bible says so. The Bible is not to be taken entirely literally or entirely interpretively, it is a combination of both. It does not condone rape, slavery, pillage, infanticide, slaughter, or misogyny, and I could go on for pages why, but most of the time it boils down to the text being misunderstood and misinterpreted because things were different in Biblical times, it was a specific setting, etc.
The Old Testament is not where one should go for moral instruction, and I realize now that I probably should not have quoted it, but that does not mean that all moral aspects of it are to be ignored.
Maybe it’s true that homosexuality occurs in the animal kingdoms; but are we animals? Like I said in a few posts below, just because something occurs in nature does not make in natural; it does not make it morally right.
God created people, He did not create their sin. The human body is good; the sin that man chose to allow to permeate him is not—homosexuality is “not good”.
I don’t see why “how homosexuals are made” is relevant; homosexuality is a sin, and sin is in man’s nature, thus that’s where it comes from.
No proof that it is wrong? Homosexuality is not natural. "Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female and said 'For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and the two shall become one flesh’?" (Matthew 19:4-5) “One flesh” meaning sexual intercourse; homosexuality is an immoral act based on the perversion of a natural function. It’s also very clearly condemned in Romans 1. Again, Paul writes, “…the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful…” (verse 27) How much clearer do you need?
I am glad that you are a Christian and that you seem strong in your faith, I am simply trying to show you that homosexuality goes against the Bible.
As in the verses above (Matthew 19:4-5) say, Jesus says plainly how one man and one woman was created in the beginning—not two men, not two women—and the two are to become one. This is natural, this is good and right; homosexual relationships are not.
I do try to display love in all that I do; I am not bashing gays or hating on them. I am simply pointing out that I believe that it is grossly immoral. I do not hate the people, and I am not saying that I am perfect. I would try show love to a gay person before I made him/her aware of this sin, were one here.
I do, actually, speak and have read other people’s opinions, especially those much wiser than me, and I too believe that this has made me stronger in my beliefs. Conversations like these also help, and I thank you.
brookeeve
October 26, 2010 at 6:49 PM
I have prayed about how to respond to you, and then something came clear to me. I am capable of arguing your point to the ground. Everything that you are saying I have heard in Church. I have a response to every statement you have made. I live in the South, I am Southern Baptist, and my little sister is gay. I have heard everything you have said before, in much more accusatory terms, by people who do not understand what Love is. This would serve no point.
The original reason I made this post was to caution my brothers and sisters in Christ to not hate, as was in evidence in some other posts made on this thread. You can disagree with me all you want, but I was asked to defend my position. The actions of some (not you, btw) prompted me to speak up against their actions.
Viola
October 25, 2010 at 2:39 PM
LIKE! My unnie rocks! :)
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46 Oke
October 25, 2010 at 2:02 PM
I think the issue is where it takes place.Surely the church will not knowingly allow adultery , rape and murder to take place in the church itself. So similarly the church will not knowingly allow this exchange of vows between the gay couple in the church. But having said that , if the same gay couple were hounded by anti-gays and try to seek sanctuary in the church, I'm sure the church will not chase them out.
If you love each other, it doesn't matter where you express it, but why choose to express it at a place where you know it's not condoned by the faith?
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 7:23 PM
I think the answer is simple. Because some have been raised Christian and are deeply hurt to be defined by their faith as by nature sinful, deserving hell. Can you imagine the psychic trauma of that? The trauma of being told/believing that your very love, the most Christian aspect of your being, is what dooms you to eternal hellfire? That it is what makes you evil? That's some serious trauma and the very source of the desire for recognition and acceptance.
I remember a pastor saying to Sunday school kids that the following would go to hell: anyone who hasn't accepted Christ as savior, anyone who was not baptized, anyone who wasn't Presbyterian, anyone who married Presbyterian (this was in response to a kid who asked what would happen if he married a girl who wasn't of the faith). Someone asked what happened to all those people in the world who've never even heard of Christ. Hell was the response. That was the day I decided to leave the Church.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 7:25 PM
that would be "anyone who WASN'T married to a Presbyterian"
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Azure
October 25, 2010 at 8:37 PM
That guy is, to be put bluntly, an idiot. I am very sorry that you have decided to leave the church based on one, morally twisted and completely wrong pastor. But that is the result of sinful people manning a church that should be perfect. Be aware that there are many pastors and churches out there who are far better and Biblically correct. I would strongly urge you to look for one; there are many out there, trust me.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 9:05 PM
Not just that guy, but he happened to be the last straw. And the more I've studied Christianity and the Bible academically (not theologically), I can't go back to the Church. The Bible's inconsistencies (e.g., the parts that Lotte has raised among others) and the institutional practices on the whole make it difficult for me to embrace the faith sincerely. I don't want to be one of those people go to Church but don't actually believe or live by the faith. And moreover, as I've said, I'm just not a believer, of any faith.
What I was trying to point out with that part of the last post was that it is (hu)man that practices religion. (Note I say "practice" and "religion" rather than "faith.") And, as such, people desire social recognition, acceptance, and even affirmation of their being and that unfortunately I've found all too found that people wield the power of the church to thoroughly negate other people.
That said, that doesn't mean I can't admire or practice some ideals/tenets of different faiths. Just as much as people come up with things that make me disappointed in humanity, people do come up with things that reaffirm my faith in humanity. I just wish it were more of the latter.
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Stephanie
October 27, 2010 at 8:32 PM
I've asked this question before my dad told me that just like babies under the age of 4 who may not have the capacity to understand god, they will go to heaven so long as they are as righteous and pure as a toddler.
You shouldn't put down your faith just because of what people believe christianity is. No one has the right answer. I ultimately left only because my faith dwindled and I think that should be the only reason. You shouldn't let other people's actions and beliefs dictate what or how you believe in god.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 8:02 PM
I don't mean to nitpik. I'm not nitpiking in response directly to you personally but rather furthering the dialogue.
Although people here have suggested that churches surely wouldn't permit certain things within its confines even as simulated reality, churches have permitted simulations of what would be deemed sinful acts. For example, murder: Iris is the most recent one that comes to mind because it was just so graphic.
Secondly, folks also have bandied adultery as an equivalent to homosexuality. I think someone else tried to point this out elsewhere but they are not analogous. Homosexuality is deemed sinful for the very love between the partners. Adultery is deemed sinful not because of the love itself but because of the breach in trust and the hurt it inflicts. Even the gravity of adultery as a sin has changed historically with the decline of the institution of polygamy (I'm just pointing out historical factors, lest anyone misread that I'm advocating polygamy) and with the greater recognition of the legitimacy of divorces, which adds additional twists to the hurt inherently inflicted by choosing adultery over dissolution of marriage.
In case anyone points out that those who choose homosexuality hurt others who love them, that's probably where I couldn't maintain dialogue since I believe that sexual orientation isn't a matter of choice and that those who would be hurt need to reexamine whether they truly love and accept their beloveds.
I am glad to learn that the drama chose the route of acceptance, at least on the mom's part.
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47 Azure
October 25, 2010 at 2:31 PM
I don't want to fight and I'm not saying that my opinion is infallible; I just wanted to put some thoughts out there.
The Christian church welcomes any and all, regardless of what they've done or who they are--if they repent. Homosexuality goes against the beliefs of the Jeju Island church, and thus they didn't allow such a scene to be shot. Many think that Christians love everyone and so attack them when an incident occurs that appears that they "don't"--but Christians still love the *person*; however, they hate the *sin* that the person commits. And if that person/people continue to openly, knowingly offend the church's beliefs, they can't allow that in their building. They believe that homosexuality is wrong, but they're not trying to force it down your throat or preach to you--don't they have the right to impress their beliefs on their own property?
Also, to the Yong Ha quote--"t’s a sin to hate, but how can it be a sin to love? No matter who it is." If love is not a sin, then why are extramarital affairs strongly condemned? They're glorified in dramas, but if your spouse cheated on you, wouldn't you be absolutely disgusted (among other things)? Even though your spouse truly loves another person, it's still shameful of him/her to do so. That's a similar, though not perfect or exact, comparison to how Christians view homosexuality.
Lastly, the Bible does speak about homosexuality very clearly: "....For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men...." (Romans 1:26-27)
"If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination...." (Leviticus 20:13)
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Lotte
October 25, 2010 at 3:42 PM
"When the LORD your God hands it over to you, kill every man in the town. But you may keep for yourselves all the women, children, livestock, and other plunder. You may enjoy the spoils of your enemies that the LORD your God has given you." (Deuteronomy 20:14)
"If a man sells his daughter as a slave, she is not to be set free, as male slaves are. If she is sold to someone who intends to make her his wife, but he doesn't like her, then she is to be sold back to her father;" (Exodus 21: 7-9)
Are we REALLY going to start busting out Biblical qutoes? Because that's rape and sexual slavery right there and I've got a lot more where they came from. The Bible is full of misogyny, incest, infanticide, slavery, rape and slaughter. There's a reason a lot of Christians no longer take it word for word as literal truth: because they are sane and rational and have brains and are using them.
And you honestly think it makes a difference to a young, vulnerable gay teen, for example, that the church doesn't hate THEM, only their 'sin'? And by 'sin', you're talking about a core part of their identity - their 'sin' IS them. Being gay isn't a hobby! It's not what you do at the weekend or when you feel like it. It's part of your genetic make-up. "Hate the sin, love the sinner" may work for an external, wilful act, say adultery or murder, but no matter how you or they spin it, it is preposterous and patronising to try and apply it to sexuality.
I cannot believe that it is the 21st century and people STILL insist on perpetuating this irrational, ignorant, bigoted bullshit.
As for the Yong-Ha quote: my problem with adultery is the betrayal, not the emotion itself. It is not the emotion that is wrong, because that is something you have no control over, it is what you choose to do with it, ie lying and going behind someone's back or telling your spouse you have fallen in love with someone else. Gay people are not cheating by being gay, they're not betraying anyone - they're not accountable to anyone but themselves. Plus a lot of adultery is probably a result of lust, not love.
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Azure
October 25, 2010 at 4:06 PM
I would respond to each of your points, but seeing as how your tone is very upset and not very willing to listen, I see little point in doing so. Having your own opinion is perfectly fine, but one must always be open to others opinions (however bigoted they may seem), or else you may find yourself championing something that isn't right.
Anyway, nothing I say is going to change your mind, so I won't try--Arguing for the sake of arguing accomplishes nothing and only gets ugly.
Your opinion is your own and I will not force anything down your throat. I only wanted to share my thoughts on the matter.
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Lotte
October 25, 2010 at 5:05 PM
"Having your own opinion is perfectly fine, but one must always be open to others opinions (however bigoted they may seem), or else you may find yourself championing something that isn’t right."
WRONG.
So the Jews should've been open-minded about Hitler's "opinions"? So women should be open-minded when they're told to shut up and spread their legs because that's all that they're good for? So black men should be open-minded when the Ku Klux Klan shares its beliefs as it gathers up the rope for a lynching?
No. I'm all for being open-minded about understanding how such "opinions" came into existence, because only then can we stop them from infecting future generations. But when your "opinion" cannot be defended on any sane, rational level, and when your "opinion" drives kids to suicide and others to murder, it gets the ridicule it deserves.
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Anjo
October 25, 2010 at 5:21 PM
This is a very sensitive subject and many have very strong opinions. I am sorry that people are not willing to have a calm discussion with you. Because I do share similar opinions with lotte, I am curious as to what your opinions and evidences are against Lotte's arguments.
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Rossi
October 25, 2010 at 5:46 PM
Nooo! I want to hear your counter arguments against Lotte's own. Because I always wonder myself how Christians decide to have complete literal faith in some Bible passages and while others not so much. So please do it!
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Viola
October 25, 2010 at 4:13 PM
Lotte, you get a Pink Heart too! ♥
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Lotte
October 25, 2010 at 5:12 PM
Thank you, I needed that - it makes some of the rage go away!
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Viola
October 25, 2010 at 5:57 PM
Watch the video I posted, post #37, it will make all the rage go away.Trust me, I am speaking from experience right now. :)
Laeah
October 25, 2010 at 7:26 PM
I'm sorry, but as a Christian, I want to refute this.
Yes, I agree that we should love the person and hate the sin. I also think that it's none of our business to judge someone and stop them from going to church because they sin. We ALL sin constantly... should we not be allowed to go to church because of that? Our sin is different from theirs, but it doesn't make it any better or worse. Sin is sin. None of us are perfect.
We also cannot know their own relationship with God.
I think that the church can do what it wants.. but they could have filmed it elsewhere and it would have been fine too.
I don't believe you understand the real idea of Christianity. NO ONE can live up to the Old Testament.. that is why Jesus came. He died in order to protect us from that because we BELIEVE. Not because we are perfect.
Jesus replied, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV).
1Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. 2One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. 4Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. (Romans 14:1-4)
1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. (Matthew 7:1)
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 7:43 PM
Thanks for trying to live up to the core ideals of Christianity.
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Azure
October 25, 2010 at 8:15 PM
Since there are some out there who are truly willing to listen and to consider what I say, I will continue.
In response to Post 47.1 and following:
If you would prefer that I note use Biblical quotes, I won’t, and I realize now that perhaps quoting from the Old Testament was a mistake; thank you, Laeah for pointing that out. The verses that you presented are, at face value, shocking and horrifying. But read with proper understanding of the context and customs of the time, they make sense. I won’t get into them now, since that will simply take longer and is deviating from the main issue.
I have never seen any scientific proof that homosexuality is part of one’s genetic make-up. Being gay is not natural; just because it occurs in nature does not make it natural. A natural sexual desire is a desire that serves to accomplish a sexual goal in the primitive order of things; i.e., “making babies”. The anatomy of male and female bodies also attests to this; each gender’s body is not meant to have a sexual relationship with the same gender, because it serves no purpose. However, even if homosexuality were natural, that still doesn’t make it morally right. Does a natural tendency towards violence justify assault? Does a natural desire for reward justify lying? We are not animals, we are human beings protected from our natures by morality. The difference between “just doing what comes naturally” and principled self-restraint is called civilization.
As I said, the adultery example was not exact or perfect, only used to compare, however slightly, how some people like myself feel towards homosexuality.
Open-mindedness does not mean that you accept any and every opinion, only that you carefully evaluate them to see if they have any truth. After that has been done, than to reject is perfectly fine. But to shoot down another’s opinions without reason or logic is pure stubbornness, and shows weakness in one’s own opposing opinions.
I believe that I have defended my “opinion” sanely and rationally. Many things drive kids to suicide and others to murder, but that does not make the entirety of the opinions behind them wrong. If I committed suicide or murder, would that then make all ridicule towards gays acceptable?
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Laeah
October 25, 2010 at 8:33 PM
Yes.. but see, Christianity is about striving to be like Christ. Christ loves all who believe. We all struggle with sin and I think even if you believe it is unnatural or wrong or even a sin.. (I do believe it is a sin), that does NOT give you the right to judge, blame, or condescend someone else, not matter what their sin. God tells us not to be like the world.. and the world judges, blames, and bullies. Christ invited prostitutes and tax collectors to hear his message. If you remember while reading the New Testament, the Church or the Pharisees also thought they were undeserving of receiving God's message and Jesus rebuked them.
So I have to disagree with you.
We don't have the right to treat them with anything but respect and tolerance. God will deal with them in whatever way he deems appropriate. It's not my decision. I just want to strive to be Christ-like. He forgave adulterers, murderers, thieves, etc. It's not up to us to decide who is worthy or not. Just leave it to God.
Azure
October 25, 2010 at 8:58 PM
I am not blaming, and I sincerely apologize if I came across as being condescending, because I truly did not intend to.
However, I believe I have to disagree with you as well. If you see someone steal a purse from a little old lady, will you completely ignore them both and walk on by? Of course not! Why? Won't God deal them in whatever way He deems appropriate? Yes, He will in His tmie, but that does not mean that we do not simply ignore the evil that happens around us.
Yes, Jesus invited the prostitutes and tax collectors to hear His message. Was He sensitive and accepting of those who were sinners? Of course, those people who came to Him in contrition and repentance Jesus accepted openly. But for the Pharisees who outright went against him, for those people who were against His teachings, Jesus opposed openly and said, "Woe unto you. Woe unto you. Woe unto you." Jesus, of all people, was the most judgmental given certain circumstances.
Yes, we are to be like Christ.
anais
October 25, 2010 at 9:25 PM
Azure, you're right that Jesus chastised those he considered self-righteous false believers. But he was Jesus. Per Christianity, he is the ultimate authority and could stand firm in his judgment.
More importantly, Azure, what seems to be at issue is whether or not homosexuality is equivalent to, say, the theft you just mentioned. That theft directly hurt that old lady and indirectly others, including the thief. How does two people with the same set of XX or XY loving one another hurt others? (If the answer is their kids, family, etc., I think those family members need to learn to love more purely, less selfishly, and more courageously.) That is the part I can't get my head around. I'm putting this out here because this is predicated on what are the irreducible differences between our respective positions: the naturalness of homosexuality, the inviolability of Church canon/the Bible as the authoritative word of God, and consequently the blanket assignation of homosexuality as a sin.
What I've learned in my life is that religions (again, the institution, not the same as even though inextricable from personal faith) are man-made, that the holiest scriptures are not without man's imprint, and that nature (notice without capital N) is infinitely diverse and without premeditation.
Rossi
October 25, 2010 at 10:23 PM
Actually there have been scientific studies done on whether there is a "gay" gene. While further studies will need to be conducted, there is one specific study in which gay participants are shown pictures of different people, both males and females. When gay guys are shown pictures of men, parts of their brain lighted up which proved that biologically, their brain is wired to react to people of the same sex. So if you're saying that it's not natural to be gay, you're saying that biologically, there is no evidence to substantiate homosexuality, which this study refute.
I also have problems with you defining being gay as not morally right because this has the assumption that only Christianity and its doctrines have the basis to judge whether something is moral or not. I'm not Christian, so why must I adopt your religion's code of morality?
anais
October 25, 2010 at 11:01 PM
I was really hoping we could avoid delving into the scientific basis for homosexuality because genomic science is currently not advanced enough to pinpoint either one gene, a set of genes, or the interaction of genes with environmental factors that may be give rise to same-sex desire. And it may never be possible, given how complex sexuality is. We aren't even at the stage of being able to say with 100% certainty whether gene X on chromosome A leads to straight hair, so let's forego trying to furnish conclusive scientific proof. It's a red herring for now. It ought to be enough to take what is as is, that homosexual desire does exist. People can debate its merits/morality in accordance with their worldview, but let's leave science out of this until science is able to speak for itself.
Azure
October 25, 2010 at 11:25 PM
Laeah was saying that we should imitate Christ, and I wanted to point out that Christ was not all accepting and all tolerating of those who were purposefully against him. I know that Jesus is perfect and we are most definitely not, but when we know something is wrong, via the Bible, then we are to act against it like Christ did. Christians are not to be condescending, hateful, or bash people over the head with God’s Word, but we are also not to just sit by and “tolerate” evil.
That was an example; homosexuality is not a direct equivalent to theft—in my opinion, it is much worse. Homosexuality may seem “right” because it’s just “two people in love”, but it’s not natural, it’s not right, it is not meant to be. Would it be alright if I married my dog? How about my computer? You would call me an idiot, right? Why? Because marriage was not meant for a man and an animal. Marriage was not meant for man and technology. Marriage was meant for a man and a woman only; the male and female bodies attest to it clearly. If homosexuality was natural, then men would be able to have babies, and women wouldn’t need men to have babies—but it’s not like that, because that’s not how it’s supposed to be. Let me ask you something—can you think of something perverse? Anything at all? Please name it.
That is true for all religions—except Christianity. It is from God, and the Bible was written by the Holy Spirit through people; the tainted sinfulness of man cannot be seen in it.
I find it contradictory how you say “infinitely diverse and without premeditation”. If a paint can randomly drops from two stories high, what will happen? It will go splat. There will be a big mess on the floor. Right? But what happens if Michelangelo takes that paint can and a brush? There will be beautiful art, right? Anything that is random is usually far from beautiful, and never intricately complex and perfect in its design. How then can there be infinite, amazing diversity in nature in all the world that works together through thousands of systems in perfect harmony, just randomly?
To Rossi, that study isn’t exactly infallible proof of a gay gene. If you read my posts above, I explained how homosexuality isn’t natural. As for why I believe homosexuality is wrong on Christian principles, my faith is who I am, so I had to include it. You can ignore those parts if you disagree.
Aya
October 26, 2010 at 12:59 AM
Did you just compare homosexuality and two human beings in love with each other wirh a human being married to a dog? Or a computer?
Wow.
anais
October 26, 2010 at 1:43 AM
I think this will be my last comment on this topic because it is going in a closed loop, and I mean that mutually. Our basic premises are irreconcilable. You're putting forth arguments that are flawed per my worldview and I must be doing the same per yours.
Probably the most fundamental difference is that you are Christian and I explicitly rejected it.
Secondly, you accept the Bible as the word of God. I do not.
It is from God, and the Bible was written by the Holy Spirit through people; the tainted sinfulness of man cannot be seen in it.
Although I'm no Biblical scholar, I'm aware of some of the historical debates, the political wrangling, and other human agenda that has shaped what is now regarded as the Bible. As such, I cannot agree with your position that human imperfection in no way had a hand in shaping the Bible. The sheer fact that it uses human language, a limited medium, reflects its imperfection. Never mind that it's been subject to translation upon translation upon translation and that even the original wasn't written in Aramaic, which is the language Jesus would have used. Any scholar of literature, language, and culture can attest to the pitfalls of translation.
As such, I do not accept the Bible literally. I approach it as a document that one must read with its historicity in mind. And consequently, the verses on homosexuality I cannot take at face value. And I certainly have a hard time being told that homosexuality is evil. I admit I have to fight the impulse to turn right back and say that anyone who'd say that is themselves perpetrating evil. I can't understand how you can't see the hatefulness inherent in such a position and how that hatefulness goes against the core spirit of Christianity, but I also understand that you approach the Bible very differently and must accept that you see differently.
I know that Jesus is perfect and we are most definitely not, but when we know something is wrong, via the Bible, then we are to act against it like Christ did. Christians are not to be condescending, hateful, or bash people over the head with God’s Word, but we are also not to just sit by and “tolerate” evil.
And I've never understood how anyone thinks that it's analogically sound to reduce love between same sex partners to bestiality, or to inanimate objects. But I am not calling you an idiot. There's a huge difference between saying the logic of your argument is unsound and calling someone an idiot. And marriage - be it same sex or hetero - is a whole different topic that I in no way broached, nor thought to broach.
That was an example; homosexuality is not a direct equivalent to theft—in my opinion, it is much worse. Homosexuality may seem “right” because it’s just “two people in love”, but it’s not natural, it’s not right, it is not meant to be. Would it be alright if I married my dog? How about my computer? You would call me an idiot, right? Why? Because marriage was not meant for a man and an animal. Marriage was not meant for man and technology. Marriage was meant for a man and a woman only; the male and female bodies attest to it clearly. If homosexuality was natural, then men would be able to have babies, and women wouldn’t need men to have babies—but it’s not like that, because that’s not how it’s supposed to be. Let me ask you something—can you think of something perverse? Anything at all? Please name it.
At this point, I'm losing the point you're trying to make, other than to pick up that you regard homosexuality perverse, which is quite contrary to my view of it.
I find it contradictory how you say “infinitely diverse and without premeditation”. If a paint can randomly drops from two stories high, what will happen? It will go splat. There will be a big mess on the floor. Right? But what happens if Michelangelo takes that paint can and a brush? There will be beautiful art, right? Anything that is random is usually far from beautiful, and never intricately complex and perfect in its design. How then can there be infinite, amazing diversity in nature in all the world that works together through thousands of systems in perfect harmony, just randomly?
I don't think you understood what I meant. It was a reference to evolution. And, while I'm not sure what you're trying to say regarding randomness of nature versus intentional art, but even the greatest artists would acknowledge that nature has produced beauty that mankind has endeavored so mightily to capture through art. Perhaps you were trying to make a point about Intelligent Design as opposed to my reference to evolution. If so, that would be yet another fundamental difference in our basic premises.
Humanity has debated and will continue to debate the points that have been raised here, so I say let us part ways and return this forum to its original purpose of delighting in the fabulosity that is k-drama.
Laeah
October 26, 2010 at 9:15 AM
Azure... we are talking about homosexuals who practice Christianity are we not? I don't think God would turn them away because they are gay if they want to believe.
Like Anais said, you are from a very different (In my view, wrong) belief system. You think that judgment is okay for YOU to do, where as I think the judgment belongs to God. I doubt I could ever change your mind nor could you change mine. I just hope that homosexuals out there don't feel excluded. I'm not going to tell them to leave church if they really want to go and worship.
Sin is sin. No sin is any less or worse or more unnatural. That's my opinion.
Laeah
October 26, 2010 at 9:23 AM
Azure.. you believe that WE should judge. I believe that the judgment of people's souls should belong to God because he is the only one who can know a person completely. That is where we differ.
Laeah
October 26, 2010 at 9:34 AM
Sorry about the double post, I didn't think the first one went through!
Azure
October 26, 2010 at 9:21 PM
“I think this will be my last comment on this topic because it is going in a closed loop, and I mean that mutually. Our basic premises are irreconcilable. You’re putting forth arguments that are flawed per my worldview and I must be doing the same per yours.”
If you think this conversation is going nowhere, then I agree that we should stop. As I said before, arguing for the sake of arguing accomplishes nothing, and I appreciate that you recognize the fact.
“Probably the most fundamental difference is that you are Christian and I explicitly rejected it. Secondly, you accept the Bible as the word of God. I do not. Although I’m no Biblical scholar, I’m aware of some of the historical debates, the political wrangling, and other human agenda that has shaped what is now regarded as the Bible. As such, I cannot agree with your position that human imperfection in no way had a hand in shaping the Bible. The sheer fact that it uses human language, a limited medium, reflects its imperfection. Never mind that it’s been subject to translation upon translation upon translation and that even the original wasn’t written in Aramaic, which is the language Jesus would have used. Any scholar of literature, language, and culture can attest to the pitfalls of translation.”
If you don’t accept the Bible as the Word of God, that’s fine. But I do believe that the Bible is the holy, inspired, perfect Word of God, for various reasons. It’s true that there have been many debates and whatnot about what went into the Bible, but it was for good reason as it was to find out what texts were inspired by the Holy Spirit, and which were not. The limited medium of the human language does not render it imperfect—it makes our understanding of God limited, but it does not make that understanding wrong. Many things are usually lost in translations, but scholars have also compared a modern day English Bible to the original Hebrew and Greek, and have found it to be almost exactly the same.
“As such, I do not accept the Bible literally. I approach it as a document that one must read with its historicity in mind. And consequently, the verses on homosexuality I cannot take at face value. And I certainly have a hard time being told that homosexuality is evil. I admit I have to fight the impulse to turn right back and say that anyone who’d say that is themselves perpetrating evil. I can’t understand how you can’t see the hatefulness inherent in such a position and how that hatefulness goes against the core spirit of Christianity, but I also understand that you approach the Bible very differently and must accept that you see differently.”
Is lying wrong? Is murder? Is stealing? (Assuming for no good reason) Is it being hateful in saying that those things are wrong? No, it is a statement of fact. Is it wrong to be hateful of those *wrongs*, but not the people? I don’t think so. Not all hate is wrong; as a Christian, I should hate sin—Jesus did, and as has been stated before, we are to imitate Him. One of the core spirits of Christianity *is* love, and if I did not make it clear before, I love gay people! I abhor their homosexuality, but I love the people! Love has different facets, though. I love them so much that I want to explain to them and to all people how repulsive homosexuality is to God; I don’t want them to continue living in sin unknowingly. Think of it like constructive criticism; it’s not wrong and it helps, even though it might hurt the object of criticism. I am not attacking gay people; I do not hate them or am calling them evil, because I myself am the chief of sinners. I know that the sin in my life is evil and wrong and I’m working on that, and I wish to help others to at least be aware of their sins.
“And I’ve never understood how anyone thinks that it’s analogically sound to reduce love between same sex partners to bestiality, or to inanimate objects. But I am not calling you an idiot. There’s a huge difference between saying the logic of your argument is unsound and calling someone an idiot. And marriage – be it same sex or hetero – is a whole different topic that I in no way broached, nor thought to broach.”
My point was this—why is it okay for two people of the same gender to have a romantic love and not a person and a pet? What if it was taken one step further, and say a guy had sex with their dog. What a revolting idea! It is sick and perverse. But why? If the guy and his dog are really in love and aren’t hurting anybody, what’s wrong with it? It’s wrong because it’s an abuse of that man’s body; it wasn’t meant for an animal, it was meant for a woman and a woman only. My point is that it doesn’t matter if you’re in love with someone of your own gender; homosexuality is not right because it is not the natural order, that is, as one person put it, homosexuality is only one generation from extinction.
“At this point, I’m losing the point you’re trying to make, other than to pick up that you regard homosexuality perverse, which is quite contrary to my view of it.”
I apologize if I was confusing. I was trying to say that I believe homosexuality is perverse because, as the dictionary defines “perverse”, it is “willfully determined or disposed to go counter to what is expected or desired” and “turned away from or rejecting what is right, good, or proper.” Homosexuality goes against nature (the male/female bodies), and the natural order/use of things.
“I don’t think you understood what I meant. It was a reference to evolution. And, while I’m not sure what you’re trying to say regarding randomness of nature versus intentional art, but even the greatest artists would acknowledge that nature has produced beauty that mankind has endeavored so mightily to capture through art. Perhaps you were trying to make a point about Intelligent Design as opposed to my reference to evolution. If so, that would be yet another fundamental difference in our basic premises.”
My point was to say, how did nature produce this beauty? Did it all just pop up out of some big bang a bazillion years ago? As with the example with the paint can, little complexity or beauty comes out of a random accident.
“Humanity has debated and will continue to debate the points that have been raised here, so I say let us part ways and return this forum to its original purpose of delighting in the fabulosity that is k-drama.”
If you would no longer like to continue, then I bid you farewell. I would only ask you that you consider some of the issues that I have raised and look into them more, because to have blind faith in anything is foolish. This has been a very enlightening experience; I thank you for your intelligent conversation.
“Azure… we are talking about homosexuals who practice Christianity are we not? I don’t think God would turn them away because they are gay if they want to believe.”
Let’s see what the Bible says and whether or not God will receive gays—Matthew 7:21, 15:8,9; Romans 1:18-32; Ephesians 5:5,6,11,12; 1 Timothy 1:3-10; James 2:19. I don’t think that there is such a thing as a homosexual Christian any more than a Christian assassin—homosexuality so clearly goes against the Word of God, against God’s intended design, that one cannot truly love God or strive to please Him and be gay.
“To believe” is not the only thing that comprises a Christian. If someone “believes” but lives life as a murderer and thief willingly and without a thought to sin because God will forgive him no matter what he does, is that person truly a Christian? Most definitely not. God does not turn away anyone; He offers salvation to the whole world—but only if they are willing to confess their sins, repent of them, and strive to live in a way that pleases the Lord, as in, perfectly. Now, no one is perfect or will ever be perfect, but Christians strive to be because Jesus was and we are to imitate Him.
“Like Anais said, you are from a very different (In my view, wrong) belief system. You think that judgment is okay for YOU to do, where as I think the judgment belongs to God. I doubt I could ever change your mind nor could you change mine. I just hope that homosexuals out there don’t feel excluded. I’m not going to tell them to leave church if they really want to go and worship.”
I think you’ve misunderstand my usage of the word. I wholeheartedly agree with you that judgment belongs to God because knowing all things, He can judge justly. But judgment has two aspects: discernment, and condemnation. It is the latter we are not to engage in because we don’t have the right to, being sinners ourselves. (Even when Jesus was on earth He reserved condemnation because His purpose was to become our Savior, not our Judge at the time) But the former, we are definitely supposed to do. When we know something is immoral, it is not wrong to judge i.e. discern it against God’s standards. If you know that someone lied for no good reason and another person ended up taking their blame, would you say that that was wrong? Of course. But are you judging by saying that was wrong? No; you are stating a fact, you are using discernment. If no one ever told anyone else any of their wrongs, what a mess this world would be in (as in, even more so, hahah). I am not condemning gay people, I am discerning that homosexuality is wrong because we are told so in Romans 1.
“Sin is sin. No sin is any less or worse or more unnatural. That’s my opinion.”
Indeed. All sin is the same to God; *that* we can agree on.
Stephanie
October 27, 2010 at 8:41 PM
I believe that any sexual desire committed out of the institution of holy matrimony is a sin. Until and unless the gay couple is wedded under the eyes of god and men, their sexual desire is a sin. I am not against gays. I am just sad that they cannot be together spiritually and maybe I would get my answers when I go to heaven.
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48 Keylye
October 25, 2010 at 2:43 PM
*sigh* As everything else has already been said, I guess the only thing I have to add is that I'm disappointed that the church and the producers/station chose to go this way. This couple is really one of the reasons I like Life is Beautiful so much and to have a scene of theirs cut out for such a reason is awful. Hopefully the reaction of the viewers will convince the station to allow the writer another chance for a similar scene.
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49 bobo
October 25, 2010 at 4:02 PM
Standing in a house of God and making a homosexual vow.. Um.. I'm no homophobe, but really? That's called outright disrespect to the Christian faith. That's like going to a Mosque wearing a cross.
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anais
October 25, 2010 at 7:15 PM
That's really sad that people these days have come to associate same-sex love with disrespect to the Christian faith. That reflects so poorly on the faith and its current practitioners.
It isn't the equivalent of wearing a cross to a Mosque. To do so means denying the very legitimacy of Islam.
Does homosexuality undermine the very foundation of Christianity? If so, that must be a very sandy foundation and, frankly, I - even as an atheist - believe the faith has a much more solid foundation. For me, the anti-gay stance is so obviously anti-Christian. So much of the current practice of Christianity seems to go against its core spirit, which I understand since people are fallible. Yet, I cannot help wishing it were otherwise.
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Azure
October 25, 2010 at 8:43 PM
I think it's right that people these days have come to associate same-sex love with disrespect to the Christian faith, because it is. See above for reasons why same-sex relationships go strongly against the Bible.
Homosexuality is rooted in direct, willful, aggressive rebellion against God--true of any "Christian" defending his/her homosexuality, and that as well undermines the Christian principles of complete respect, obedience and deference for God's Word.
It's true that much of the current practices of the Christian church goes against what Christianity should be, but strong condemnation of homosexuality is not one of them.
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Laeah
October 26, 2010 at 3:21 PM
So with that logic ANYONE who has sinned is "direct(ly), willful(ly), agressive(ly) rebell(ing) against God... "
Sorry.. but the whole point of the faith is to overcome sin and to be merciful.
Again... you are not God. How can YOUR judgment be fair.
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Laeah
October 26, 2010 at 3:22 PM
I'd really like to see the scripture that lists out the level of "evil" each sin belongs to.
It doesn't exist.
Rossi
October 25, 2010 at 7:53 PM
Actually judging by your comment, I sort of think you are.
:/
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brookeeve
October 26, 2010 at 6:56 PM
What's the matter with wearing a cross to a mosque? I mean, I've done it, and there wasn't anyone mad at me. 'Course, this is Memphis, and we tend to treat people of different religions a little different than the rest of the world.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/aug/28/common-threads/?print=1
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Viola
October 26, 2010 at 8:34 PM
♥ ♥ ♥
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50 Lotte
October 25, 2010 at 5:09 PM
I think I have made my feelings on this issue perfectly clear all over this post, so this is the last thing I have to say, because being this full of rage is bad for my health.
Homophobia is indefensible. Like racism and misogyny, it is an irrational, hateful prejudice built upon fear and ignorance. Like racism and misogyny, it has been fostered by various institutions for centuries, mainly to keep power in the hands of straight, white men. Like ethnicity and gender, sexuality is arbitrary, as in you don't get to choose, and it does not determine what sort of person you are. 99% of our perceptions about race, gender and sexuality are social constructs: we've created them. We've given them certain meanings, depending on when and where we've lived and who we've lived with. Now we have to learn to DEconstruct them. We have to learn that to judge a person by their race or gender or sexuality is as ridiculous as judging a person by their hair colour or the shape of their nose. How can you judge or condemn or even lend a moral cast to a biological/physiological fact?
I'll say it again: homophobia is indefensible. There is not a single rational argument to be made in its favour.
And just so it's clear: "but it says so in the Bible" = not a rational argument. In fact, that automatically renders your argument INVALID.
I'm so thankful to everyone who has spoken up against homophobia and intolerance, in this post and in general, but it breaks my heart that in the 21st century, so many people STILL DON'T GET IT.
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diane
October 25, 2010 at 5:31 PM
Very good post, Lotte.
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marisa
October 26, 2010 at 6:50 AM
I was starting to feel overwhelmed by all the "Jesus and Affiliates" postings.
So thanks for being so very very sane in this sea of insanity.
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Anjo
October 26, 2010 at 1:19 PM
Of course using God as an argument is invalid, but for this case, it is not. Because this scene is taken in a church where they believe that it is a 'sin' to love someone of the same gender.
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