The way things are now, you can be homophobic and be in the Army, and it likely won't be a problem (of course, it depends on the level of homophobia).

But if things change, then I'd probably agree.

My point is, of course, we shouldn't have people suffering ANY kind of phobias (unreasonable fears) that effect their ability to live their lives.

Sure, but I haven't found a cure for them yet...

(also, comparing homophobia to other phobias is a bit misleading, because you can be considered homophobic even if you're not afraid at all).

well... actually, phobia doesn't mean shaking in your boots and hiding in a corner. You can not successfully argue that anti-homosexual sentiments are anything BUT fear. (You certainly can't argue that it is a moral, or legal consideration)


Of course there are cures for homophobia, and other unreasonable fears... they are called (1) direct treatment; (2) direct observation; and (3) indirect observation. Albert Bandura found considerable success with Modeling treatments. Other have found that exposing the sufferer to the phobic situation gradually in a step by step systematic process lessens the physical response, allowing the cognitive processes an opportunity to catch up.

I fully agree. The military will only better itself by ridding itself of this discriminatory piece of legislation.

I understand that.
Sure I can. There are other emotions that could be involved (sure, fear is often tied in with those emotions, but it doesn't have to be).

And it might not even be particularly emotionally based - it could be because you accept what you think the Bible teaches, even if you don't entirely understand it.

Isn't the definition of superstition something to do with creating beliefs about something one fears?

That might apply to the origins of the superstition/belief system, but often don't apply to people born thousands of years later who adhere to said belief system.

"Isn't the definition of superstition something to do with creating beliefs about something one fears?"
Let me rephrase:
"Isn't the definition of superstition something to do with holding beliefs about something one fears?"

It can be, but doesn't have to be. But even if your religion is fear-based (which it doesn't have to be), that doesn't mean all aspects of it are.

For instance, someone might become a Christian because they're afraid of the afterlife, but that doesn't mean they're afraid of homosexuals/homosexuality any more than it means they're afraid of someone who commits anything else they view as a sin (ie everyone).