I don't want to be repeating myself over and over in the comments to my post below, but people are misconstruing what I said (one commenter has accused me and another blogger of being "bigots"). While I wish they would read what I said more carefully, I think a post is better than another comment.

Let me start by backing up a bit. People can argue all they want about what Christianity should mean, whether it should be limited to the teachings of Jesus (as Jefferson suggested), or whether it should include Mosaic Law. I mean to stimulate debate, not silence it.

Reflecting on what I see as the roots of the problem, I merely offered my opinion -- not so much on Christianity, but on the undesirability of the Culture War in modern America. I think the Culture War is a bad idea for everyone, and it goes well beyond mere opposition to homosexuality, becoming a war between religion and sex.

I suggest that the ancients were not wrong or evil or unnatural. I argue that it would be better for the Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian sides of our culture to live in peace instead of continuing to be at war. Blame lies with both sides, too. Regular readers of my blog will know that I have argued against gay marriage, against "hate crime" laws, and even against the artificial modern definition of homosexuality.

If you read what I said once more, I think it will be clear that I did not say ALL Christians hate homosexuals, nor did I in any way suggest that those who do are speaking for all Christians. I object to what I see as an ominous trend of Christianity being cast in the role as a religion primarily opposing homosexuality. Many Christians, many homosexuals, and many atheists want to do this, and the media go along with it -- to the point that the word "Christian" is becoming synonymous with "bigot." I was raised in a time when Christians were not considered bigots, and I do not consider Christians bigots. Many do. To comment on that is not to call Christians bigots, nor is it bigotry. (I suppose there are people would say that I have no right to call myself a Christian -- although I have not said the same thing about them.)

Anyone who thinks that there is not an ongoing attempt to pit "Christians" against "homosexuals" should turn on their television, or visit certain web sites. There is a large, well-moneyed lobby of activists dedicated almost exclusively to the proposition that fighting homosexuality should be a primary focus of all Christians.

I disagree. That does not make me a bigot.

Let me add that I am very tolerant of religious differences, as well as differences of opinion. I count as friends people who are passionately opposed to homosexuality, and I respect their opinions, even though I disagree. Disagreement is not bigotry. Intolerance is.

As to my personal definition, I go even further than the dictionary. I tolerate even personal intolerance -- as long as they don't resort to physical violence, or attempt to silence or imprison me. (This is just my quirky personal standard, though; I don't expect it from others.)