Does the human soul have a gender?

[Hagbard Celine]

What is your opinion? Would there be a need for gender in heaven (or hell)? Think about it. Why would God need sexual parts? Why would our souls need them? Wouldn't it stand to reason that gender is something that is only needed in the corporeal world we live in to sustain biological processes? And if you knew the answer to the question "does the human soul have a gender," and the answer was no, would it change how you view gay marriage? If the human soul had no gender but was instead only comprised of our intellects and personalities, wouldn't it make the importance we place on the nomenclatures of hetero/homo relationships kind of pointless? And wouldn't it raise questions about the passages in the Bible that are against homosexuality?

[darin]

The bible is clear: when we're with God in heaven we'll not be given unto marriage. Implies we'll be gender-neutral and junk. Although most Angels have masculine names; We won't need reproductive parts.

[Hagbard Celine]

The bible is clear: when we're with God in heaven we'll not be given unto marriage. Implies we'll be gender-neutral and junk. Although most Angels have masculine names; We won't need reproductive parts.

So why do our gender specific sexual choices here on Earth affect our afterlife if they will have no physical effect on us when we are there? In other words, why does it matter who we have sex with here on Earth? Doesn't it seem pointless to fight over sexual orientation here on Earth? Why are homos considered sinners?

[darin]

So why do our gender specific sexual choices here on Earth affect our afterlife if they will have no physical effect on us when we are there? In other words, why does it matter who we have sex with here on Earth? Doesn't it seem pointless to fight over sexual orientation here on Earth? Why are homos considered sinners?

Our choices on earth affect our afterlife because of Sin. When we choose to not accept Christ's substitutional atonement for OUR transgressions, we choose to remain in our sinful condition. Homosexuals are sinners because they continue to 'do' and 'feel' and 'desire' a behaviour God has told us to avoid.

Here's a side note: MOST of what God calls 'sinful behaviour' is PROBABLY called 'sin' to keep us from harming ourselves. God doesn't tell people to avoid certain thoughts/behaviours out of spite - he does so because HE KNOWS BETTER, and knows what is BEST for us.

[jillian]

Our choices on earth affect our afterlife because of Sin. When we choose to not accept Christ's substitutional atonement for OUR transgressions, we choose to remain in our sinful condition. Homosexuals are sinners because they continue to 'do' and 'feel' and 'desire' a behaviour God has told us to avoid.

Here's a side note: MOST of what God calls 'sinful behaviour' is PROBABLY called 'sin' to keep us from harming ourselves. God doesn't tell people to avoid certain thoughts/behaviours out of spite - he does so because HE KNOWS BETTER, and knows what is BEST for us.

The above is true ONLY if you are Christian and a Christian of a certain stripe, at that. For the rest of us, it's not applicable.

[Hagbard Celine]

Our choices on earth affect our afterlife because of Sin. When we choose to not accept Christ's substitutional atonement for OUR transgressions, we choose to remain in our sinful condition. Homosexuals are sinners because they continue to 'do' and 'feel' and 'desire' a behaviour God has told us to avoid.

Here's a side note: MOST of what God calls 'sinful behaviour' is PROBABLY called 'sin' to keep us from harming ourselves. God doesn't tell people to avoid certain thoughts/behaviours out of spite - he does so because HE KNOWS BETTER, and knows what is BEST for us.

So basically this life is a test. If we make a high enough score our consciousness will live forever with God in heaven. Doesn't that make life seem a little pointless?

[darin]

The above is true ONLY if you are Christian and a Christian of a certain stripe, at that. For the rest of us, it's not applicable.

Then why the hell are you replying? lol

[jillian]

Then why the hell are you replying? lol

Cause I have a different idea about what heaven is and what the soul is. And certainly have different concepts as to sin.

That ok with you?

[Mr. P]

Does the human soul have a gender?

This is a flawed question as no one knows 'if' we have a soul to start with.

[Hagbard Celine]

So basically this life is a test. If we make a high enough score our consciousness will live forever with God in heaven. Doesn't that make life seem a little pointless?

Or at the very least patronizing?

[Nienna]

So basically this life is a test. If we make a high enough score our consciousness will live forever with God in heaven. Doesn't that make life seem a little pointless?

Basically, yes life is a test, and we get new bodies, according to Christian beliefs. It isn't a matter of "score," but rather whether we do or do not obey God.

[Grumplestillskin]

he does so because HE KNOWS BETTER, and knows what is BEST for us.

You mean you don't know what is right and wrong? I don't need a god to tell me what is right and wrong.

As to the original question - yet another logical reason not to believe. What do you do in heaven all day - play cribbage?

[Nienna]

Or at the very least patronizing?

Depends on whether one sees the point of life as fulfilling one's self or fulfilling his Creator's purpose for him.

[darin]

So basically this life is a test. If we make a high enough score our consciousness will live forever with God in heaven. Doesn't that make life seem a little pointless?

No - not even. Not even CLOSE.

Life isn't a Test. It's an opportunity. It's a chance to enjoy God's creation, AS one of his created, WHILE maintaining a relationship with Him. It's EASY, really, it boils down to this:

"God...I know I'm trying to do my own thing here. I realize MY way will bring death and sorrow. Forgive my sins against you; Help me turn from the areas in my life over to you; willfully submitting to your leadership and care. Jesus, I acknowledge the price you paid, in MY stead, on the Cross. I thank you for your Love for me and ask your spirit into my heart. Teach me to find you, through your word. Amen"

Then - from there...GET PLUGGED IN to a GOOD protestant (my preference) church who preaches the no-compromise word of God. If you dont mingle with like-minded, you may find yourself feeling alone.

If you have iTunes you can download my pastor's messages via PodCasting. I think they're under Lighthouse Christian Center. Here's what my church (and I) believe:

http://www.lighthouse-cc.org/home/--...thouse-believe

[darin]

You mean you don't know what is right and wrong? I don't need a god to tell me what is right and wrong.

You have 'basic' knowledge of right and wrong as passed down to you. However, you will never make the RIGHT choices in life apart from God. You may THINK you're doing the right thing, but it' could be harmful in the end. God is OLDER than you, brother...he knows better