[Note: the intent of this post is not to show or encourage disdain for those with issues of weight, but specifically in the area where obesity (especially beyond other factors) is sought to be justified, to show the similaries of the arguments between some who seek to justify obesity (and for some - all forms of it) and those who seek to justify homosexuality.]
In the NY Times article "In the Fatosphere, Big Is in, or at Least Accepted", one may see the arguments for accepting obesity sound an awful like those for accepting homosexuality, including the following:
1. In the fatosphere, there's now speak of an "acceptance challenge"; those with "50% more fat" call on others to accept their bodies; and there's a "celebration" of who one is. It's not just the condition but the lifestyle that others must accept.
2. Fat has nothing to do with morality. In fact "fat is not a result of moral failure or a character flaw, or of gluttony, sloth or a lack of willpower" but one must "come to grips" and accept who they are. The problem lies with the labels of others. Being skinny may "have far more to do with the luck of the genetic draw than with lifestyle choices." The issue at the forefront is whether fat is a "choice." (Assumption: Fat people are born that way.... such that one should never take into consideration personal responsibility, repentance, etc.
3. There's a separation and rejection of core beliefs. The obesity epidemic suggested by others is cast off and labelled as "hysteria."
4. Fat bloggers are victims of negative, even viscious comments. Fat people are objects of discrimination.
5. Past personal struggles and failures are used as grounds for justifying their position.
6. New "communities" are being formed for those of like condition and belief. Fat people are called to an "activist" lifestyle and encouraged not to be afraid to indulge.
7. Statistics are distorted as if having a few pounds over is better than being thin justifies obesity.
8. Acceptance in other areas (such as of those who are "tall or short") is presented as rationale for acceptance of obesity.
... When you do away with the gospel, you can try to justify anything, and try to convince others it should be fully accepted!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
What does FAT and HOMOSEXUALITY have in common?
Posted by All Things Reformed at 6:31 AM
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4 comments:
I don't normally read your blog, so feel free to delete this if you like. I was trolling all the blogs about this particular NYT article and found your post. A question: what does the Bible have to do with conditions like an inactive thyroid or other hormone imbalances?
I'm not sure what you are asking. Can you elaborate?
While the Bible's purpose is not to be a medical book but the word of God to teach man what God requires of man and what man is to believe concerning God, it provides us with guidance and counsel for handling and dealing with life circumstances, yet that does not mean that we will not experience ailments and troubles common to man.
You seemed to be saying that the people who campaign on equal rights for fat people are just as wrong as the people who campaign for equal rights for gays and lesbians, and these people are wrong for some of the same biblical reasons. I merely wanted to point out that for some people obesity is definitely not a "lifestyle choice" and was asking how that fit in with your world view.
I apologize if I misinterpreted your post.
a'tuin,
You draw a good distinction that needs to be made with my post.
My argument however (though I should have made this clearer) was particularly (not so much those who have medical reasons for obesity, but...) with those who (apart from other "legitimate" reasons - i.e. those who...) lack discipline, exercise, etc., ... and simply want to EXCUSE and JUSTIFY their sin, even demanding that others accept their condition and suggesting that now that they have claimed a peace with their situation that it makes it right and okay. ...[That's why I started the post by saying [Note: the intent of this post is not to show or encourage disdain for those with issues of weight, but specifically in the area where obesity (especially beyond other factors) is sought to be justified, to show the similaries of the arguments between some who seek to justify obesity (and for some - all forms of it) and those who seek to justify homosexuality.]]
The Christian position recognizes there are reasons some possess body fat measures higher than others ... just as there are reasons some are in poverty for reasons beyond their control (i.e., due to natural catastrophes, objects of evil, etc.) These factors however do not justify further acceptance or abuses in these areas.
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