Gays Who Hate My Church
First off, I know there are straight people who don’t like my church either. I don’t want people screaming at me for making this blanket statement in the title. This post came to birth in comments over Mr. Romney’s comments on marriage. I grow a little tired of people belittling church period. Many of the comments made were said in ignorance or misunderstanding. I will not post any of the comments. I know the church the isn’t very popular among the glbt community. Believe me, I understand the reasoning behind it. One of the comments made dealt with why Romney used the Bible and not the B.O.M. Well, we do use the bible so, why not use it. Not to mention, most people are very familiar with the words of the Bible, so why not use it. By the way, it is not "Morman", it’s Mormon. Get it right! Within the gay community, there are inactive members, excommunicated members, and yes active members of the church. I do not see where there is room for hate within our community, period!
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Comments: 17 ( 1 removed by Charles A. B. )
I think a lot of glb folks have a level of distain for their church of origin because of the ways in which they were treated by them. Those wounds run very deep and are very hard to heal. When a religion's belief structure includes ideas that some people are somehow less human, less deserving of grace, less warranting of a full life, it makes it very hard to not want to retaliate. If Mormons would use their own marginalized status in US and theological communities to better understand the position of their glb parishioners, it might be a better and more responsive religion. Sadly, they often fail to do that, at least at the upper levels. I think that is where the animosity toward that church, in particular, comes from. Although most major denomenations have hatred and persecution towards them as a major part of their story, early on. If each group could tap into that resource of being on the outside, they would reconsider their positions.
A few corrections:
Jesus actually never said anything about homosexuality. His followers did, but he didn't.
The interpretations of what passages mean has changed over time. If there was only one way to read and understand and believe, we wouldn't have all the demoninations of christianity that exist today.
There are many things that, according to Bible you can't be christian and be at the same time: A female teacher, divorced, someone who braids their hair or wears jewelry. There are also things that you can be and be a christian that seem unexpected: a slave owner, a rapist, a murderer.
What's confusing to me is why, of all the issues, this one sticks in the craw of folks. Really, aren't there more important issues to focus on for christians? The bible says that humans should be stewards fo the earth, for example. That they should care for the poor, for example, that they should elevate the downtrodden, for example. Persecuting gay people seems like it should take a back seat to some of those other issues.
I was correcting the statement, "Christianity is based on the Bible and the life of Jesus Christ. Both speak out against homosexuality," which is not true. Jesus, in his life never spoke out against homosexuality. It doesn't mean the rest of the book isn't valid, but just that she was wrong in making that claim.
I'm not saying gay people should be allowed, but, then, neither should hypocrisy. You're right, take all those folks you mention out. How many people are left? I'm confused about what you actually are disagreeing with me about, as it seems like many things you bring up are supportive of my ideas that religions have changed over time (through denominations, translations, interpretations, etc) and that some (most) christians seem to take a stand on this issue while they cast a blind eye to many others. This is hypocrisy. If the churches were consistent with their beliefs, I wouldn't have a problem with it. But they are so clearly not.
As a gay woman, I believe in God and live my life according to the Commandments. God put me here, and I am doing my best, just following the path he put me on.
Karen - There are gay guys who are active in the church. In my case and in the case of one other guy that I know, there is no sex going on in our lives.
Jennifer - I agree hate and religion shouldn't mix and yet time and time again it does seem to pop up.
John - To expect my church to change it's views is stupid. No...I am not calling you stupid. It's not going to change. I don't expect their stand on homosexuality to ever change.
Michele - I am gay, however I have decided to not have sex. I've been living this life for a long time. I'm not dating but do miss companionship. I consider myself Christian and I consider my gay. It's interesting to note that many many years ago, the Catholic church persecuated people for not totally giving up their previous religion ie Judaism ( sp? ) , Islam. Even my own church has faced deaths of their members from so called Christians. Imagine, Christians killing christians.
Church is for the sinner. It's not for those who don't sin. If we take away everyone who had ever committed sins, then the church would be empty. By the way, I consider the Catholics, Baptists, and yes, my church all be Christians.
d:-)
Karl - It's not a easy road to walk, but I've been doing it for more than 15 years now.
It would not be unprecedented, however.
October 6, 1890--And I now publicly declare that my advice to the Latter-day Saints is to refrain from contracting any marriage forbidden by the law of the land.
June 8, 1978--Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color.
Nathaniel - Slow, I took a break from it.