Happens to be

[Malfunction 0]

Why is it that when someone mentions someone else being gay, they always use the prefix "happens to be..."?

The new bishop of New Hampshire said in a press release, "...I don't think our church will suffer from a bishop who happens to be gay...."

Did the bishop wake up one day and happen to trip on the gay stone and realized he was gay? No. He was always gay. So instead of padding the situation, just come straight out and say it. (No pun intended)

Yet another example of the euphamistic language that America has to use to be 'politically correct' and hide the truth just a little.

AGH!

I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend to the death your right to say it.
- Voltaire

[BlueEyedMonster 0]

Ha ha ha Well at least he didn't happen to trip on the the BLUE gay stone. Then there would be two of me!

I just think its a way of saying that somebody or something is ______ (fill in the blank) through nothing other than a stroke of luck/bad luck. I don't think it is hiding anything--just points out there is no other reason other reason than chance.

[Jayruss 0]

I think it happens to be the political correct way to make an issue out of nothing. The question should “Is he a good bishop?” Who cares if he’s gay? Just call him “The new bishop of New Hampshire”

__________________________________________________
"Beware how you take away hope from another human being."
-Oliver Wendell Holmes

[Malfunction 0]

I agree, but through all the talk shows that I listen to at work (I like to be on top of current events), everyone has said "The New Bishop of New Hampshire, ___ (insert name here), who happens to be gay..."

I personally find it appalling that it has to be an issue.

I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend to the death your right to say it.
- Voltaire

[redtwiga 0]

What's even more appalling is that there is a poll on cnn.com where people can vote on whether the decision made was right or not. 61% say no. Sigh.

[CrazyIvan 0]

That "happens to be" reminds me a George Carlin special in which he discusses the use of the word "Openly" and "Happens to be"

"...Louis Farrakan is OPENLY black and Colin Powell is OPENLY white, but HAPPENS TO BE black"

__________________________________________
Blue Skies and May the Force be with you.

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

The question should “Is he a good bishop?” Who cares if he’s gay? Just call him “The new bishop of New Hampshire”

The problem is, though, that Christian theology specifically forbids homosexuality. There's atleast 2 different verses I can think of off the top of my head that specifically deal with that.

Yes, also, in Christian theology, all sin is the same in God's eyes, but to recieve grace and be forgiven of your sins, a person has to repent. Which isn't just expressing a desire to be forgiven, but also striving not to repeat that sin.


What do I believe? Well, that would take a couple beers and more then an entire evening to discuss...but I know the Christian Bible fairly well, and thats a couple things that I thought of while watching this develop in the news.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[redtwiga 0]

http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/08/06/bishop/index.html

here's that page on cnn with the poll. Scroll down to the box titled "quick vote".

[Jayruss 0]

The problem is, though, that Christian theology specifically forbids homosexuality. There's atleast 2 different verses I can think of off the top of my head that specifically deal with that.

Yes, also, in Christian theology, all sin is the same in God's eyes, but to recieve grace and be forgiven of your sins, a person has to repent. Which isn't just expressing a desire to be forgiven, but also striving not to repeat that sin.

What do I believe? Well, that would take a couple beers and more then an entire evening to discuss...but I know the Christian Bible fairly well, and thats a couple things that I thought of while watching this develop in the news.

[Malfunction 0]

Quote

That "happens to be" reminds me a George Carlin special in which he discusses the use of the word "Openly" and "Happens to be"

"...Louis Farrakan is OPENLY black and Colin Powell is OPENLY white, but HAPPENS TO BE black

Funny, Ivan, That is the line that got me thinking about openly gay and happens to be gay. I am a HUGE Carlin fan, and I quote him more times than I should. He would be rich just on royalties...

I must admit that I know the Christian Bible, the Koran, the Torah, and others. However, I don't fully believe any of them. I prefer to believe a different way, which is a different thread all together...
*note to self, start new thread about religion*. I think that if a Bishop knows the religion, understands the religion, and can teach the religion to others in a pure and meaningful way, then it should not matter what his sexual preference is. Doesn't the Christian book also say something about God being the only judge of man? I know that the Koran and Torah says so. So isn't is a paradox? I mean if you go literally about it, a homosexual man can not lead the flock because GOD condemns homosexuality, but it is a judgment call by humans to tell him he can't because he is homosexual, so humans are also commiting an equal sin because all sins are equal in GOD's eye.

Hmmmm.

edited because i cant spell

I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend to the death your right to say it.
- Voltaire

[Scoby 0]

I was actually surprised that this became such a big issue. My parents are episcopalians and I remember having a lesbian priest when I was a kid. I assumed that the church was gay friendly. It is, after all, catholicism without the guilt.

[Malfunction 0]

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It is, after all, catholicism without the guilt.

ROFL

I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend to the death your right to say it.
- Voltaire

[Jayruss 0]

Quote

It is, after all, catholicism without the guilt.

LOL Love it!!!

__________________________________________________
"Beware how you take away hope from another human being."
-Oliver Wendell Holmes

[CrazyIvan 0]

Quote

It is, after all, catholicism without the guilt.

- Robin Williams said that.

__________________________________________
Blue Skies and May the Force be with you.

[Malfunction 0]

you have too much time on your hands to know that...

I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend to the death your right to say it.
- Voltaire

[CrazyIvan 0]

Quote

you have too much time on your hands to know that...

Well..IT HAPPENS TO BE funny and I like stand-up comedy

__________________________________________
Blue Skies and May the Force be with you.

[Scoby 0]

Quote

Robin Williams said that.

Yeah, I saw that HBO special...it killed me. After all of his horrible films, who would have guessed that furry muppet would be so funny?

[Malfunction 0]

furry muppet? I think I need to see this...

I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend to the death your right to say it.
- Voltaire