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In light of the recent gaia staff announcement, it was brought to my attention that this needed to be addressed. You'll have to forgive me, there are many things that I won't even bother with on this site anymore due to the nature of most social web sites. But if Yah/God says that I have fellowship with people in the worst parts of hell, I'd go there too. A promise I made to Him long ago, and haven't bothered to change my mind in the past several years. Even after a few reprimands, because I couldn't see the good in people to bother. But I trust the Father, and by His grace I go (as a brother is rather fond of saying).

The announcement being this:




Wedding/Marriage System Input


I read just enough to see that I still have not changed my mind about social websites. And childishly left a 'straight pride' comment. lol Though its just one more group among many that I've never been able to conform to. All the same to me.
However, there are many things about this whole business that remind me that I have to keep another part of the promise. That part of the covenant with Yahweh/God that people tend to forget after they've been 'saved'. To guard His commandments. And, in doing so, a brother and I were compelled to prompt this discussion.
Now... I'm not going to preach at you. Not interested in that. Not here to 'change your religion'. Not here to condemn. If you're feeling condemned, it's probably high time that you sat down with Abba Yah/Father, our God and had a nice long chat. Yes? Not going to chase anybody out because they have an alternative lifestyle, or are divorced. Not going to quote the scriptures about "man shall not lie with man" and vise versa. Or the ones about divorce and re-marriage. Unless its brought up in this discussion. Which it should be, if we really want to have a good spiritual growth. But there are far too many sins that we all have, some of them worse. And ALL need to be worked on. And those can each be a separate discussion if we all so decide to make a separate post. That can easily be done in the subforum John 2 - We Are All God's Children in the G.P.S. Guild, if nowhere else. Gives a little more space for discussion on a deeper level.
What I will do is this -


Genesis Chapter 3
~King James Bible: Purple Letter Edition

We need to look past the one or two sins that we have issues with, for whatever reason, and look at the real problem. Sin itself. Us. These websites cater to the people that they pump money out of. All of their wants, and supposed needs. That's what makes social websites what they are. That's what made Babylon, and Sodom and Gomorrah. People like us, that have a normal, sinful, fleshy being. Congratulations to us, we're the filthy rags the apostle Paul talked about. So... what are we going to do about it? First step, we're here. We know what our problems are, and we're looking to Yah through our congregation/assembly/church. In light of that, now that we're all on the same page, what do each of you think? What would you rather see? What would you do, in Yah's light? What would the Messiah have done? Can you back that with scripture? Think. Read. Learn. And be pro-active in His eyes, rather than making excuses to Him on Judgment Day.


Revelation 3:15-16
~KJV

If you don't feel comfortable with discussing it here, discuss it with some one you trust. Or at least think and pray about it. We live in this world. We don't have to like it. But while we have to trust the Father's Will, we still are called to live by example. The best, and most effective way to take action. Screaming and slapping each other around is a temporary fix. But, as the previous scriptures show, one small action can last for centuries, and can effect an entire world.

I pray that we can each add something of value here. You each affect the world around you. Make it part of your walk with the Messiah.
May Yahweh bless each of you with patience and guidance. In the Name of Yahshua Messiah, Amein.

P.S.
There's a difference between compassion and a humble spirit (not talkin' emo or doormat) and politically correct. if I ask you if my new dress by Tents R Us makes me look fat, compassion and a humble spirit will exercise some semblance of tact, and you'll tell me the truth without making me hurt you. If you use political correctness, you will lie to keep me happy, just to tell me what I want you to here. And I REALLY don't like that...
We should never treat our brothers and sisters in Yahshua like that... just sayin'...

I would have to agree with Mister Cooper on this though I do not think that I would of worded it quite like he has done.
But it is an unholy and unGodly thing to do in real life, so why would some one want to live that sort of unGodly life here?
Jack F.

"This site claims to be family oriented."
Family oriented does not necessarily mean Christian family oriented. Gaia is a place of many people, meaning a lot of people have different beliefs and orientations.

"Yet it promotes... safe? for our children to be associated with."
That's really for each individual parent to decide. It's up to the parent to choose whether or not they want their kids around homosexuality. I personally see no problem with this, but I myself am a part of the LGBTQA community.

"But should we be encouraging our children to do these things?"
Again, I think that's up to their parents. It's like violence and video games. You need to sit your kids down and talk to them about it. You can't expect your kids to know better, they're kids! No one is encouraging them to use the feature either.

My Personal Opinion
Again, I don't view homosexuality as a sin. At the same time, I could argue that till I'm blue in the face. When children come into play, it's important to remember it's up to their parents to decide what to do about it. You have to remember that this is supposed to be a site for kids 12+, so I do think that they do have enough independence to decide for themselves if they like the idea or not. My final say on the matter is: I think the idea is kind of funny in and of itself. It's almost like letting kids play house, and it's not very serious at all. Like calling someone your boyfriend/girlfriend online, not a lot of people are going to give it a second thought.
...Although, that still might offend some people.