I was reviewing some of my previous posts to this blog and noticed a trend. A lot of what I write is meant to point out examples of bigotry and/or hatred toward the GLBT community by supposed Christians. I only hope I do not come across as too negative. I don’t want this blog to become merely a forum to bash the religious right. I also want to offer affirmations of how GLBTs can be in harmony with Christ while not feeling forced to hide or renounce their homosexuality.
When I began writing “Straight, Not Narrow” in June, it served primarily as an outlet for me to vent frustration and anger about the way GLBT people, including some who are now among my dearest friends, are treated. I continue to be amazed how age-old stereotypes are put out there and used against the GLBT community. For example:
“They have a very transient lifestyle. They don’t commit, they just sleep around.” If that was the case, why is there such a push for same-sex marriage? If this stereotype was actually true, wouldn’t the GLBT community be happy with the status quo? Sure, some gays and lesbians bed-hop. So do some straight men and women, but there is a small fraction of the outrage over that than the perceived “homosexual lifestyle.”
“They have serious emotional issues.” Let me ask this question; if you had been taught since you were a child that your natural sexual orientation made you a sinner and that you would not be allowed in God’s kingdom unless you renounced it, wouldn’t that cause YOU some emotional issues? If you were taught that it was evil to express yourself in the way God made you, wouldn’t that knock you a tad off center? I know it would work that way with me, anyway.
“Homosexuality is a choice.” Since science can not prove with 100% infallibility that this is a genetic condition, the “fundamentalists” insist that it must not be. If it was genetic, that would be troubling because they would have to answer why God would make someone a certain way and not want them to follow their nature. It’s like backing into the logic—the religious right wants to consider homosexuality sinful, so they claim that it is a conscious choice. Of course, many gays who have been “cured” soon relapse. This situation, which you can read more about on Ex-Gay Watch, has made the leadership at Love In Action somewhat unstable.
“The Bible Clearly Says Homosexuality is Sinful.” I would recommend reading two books that helped me understand why that statement is not true; “The Children are Free” by Rev. Jeff Miner and John Tyler Connoley and “The New Testament and Homosexuality” by Robin Scroggs. Briefly, I learned from these and other sources how the focus of many scriptures “fundamentalists” use to support this statement applied to promiscuity, not specifically homosexuality.
I believe with all my heart and have had the feeling validated by the Holy Spirit that the GLBT community is welcome in the kingdom of God as long as they accept Jesus Christ as their savior. Every person ever born of a human mother and father has sinned, and every single one has the opportunity to receive eternal life through Christ, even if they are a practicing homosexual. God did not give us a gift, and I have learned how homosexuality can be a gift, for us not to be able to use it for His glory.
I got fired up about things today because I have been involved in a message board debate over a column written in Charisma Magazine titled “To Be Gay…..And Christian?” This column, and most of the posts on this message board thread, leaves no possibility open that GLBTs (and me for accepting them) are anything but deeply troubled sinners.
It turns out I’ve received a few visitors from that web site. While no one has posted about anything in this blog, I hope at least one of them read something that made them stop, think, and consider that there are two sides to the debate about the place of GLBT’s in Christ’s church.
Jesus wants us to think and he wants us to understand. Most importantly, he wants to guide us in that process. Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we just won’t get it.
If we allow our prejudices and prior teaching get in the way, we won’t get it either. It’s those people that are adamant they DO get it who are among the biggest roadblocks to the GLBT community being a fully respected, accepted part of our society and the church.
I don’t want bigotry and ignorance to win out. That’s why I’m here, and I’m glad you are visiting.
April 01, 2006
March 31, 2006
Practicing What They Preach
A post on author Wayne Besen's website by Chris Lamparello points out the difficulties that christians have living by their own rules.
As an example, Lamparello cites a study conducted at Baylor University, a school that is affiliated with the very conservative Southern Baptist Convention. The results of the study showed that 62% of the males and 65% of the females had premarital sex.
Lamparello quotes another study that reports the highest divorce rate in America belongs to born again Christians.
When people hear "fundamentalists" scream about "maintaining the sanctity of marriage," it can be pretty tough to swallow when you realize that trend. It makes non-christians look at christians like hypocrites.
You may have heared the phrase "clean up your own back yard." That certainly applies here. Could the right-wing be using the tactic of "the best defense is a good offense?" Could they be trying to take attention off the failures of "fundamentalits" to live by their own fundamentals by pointing out the preceived flaws of others, expecially homosexuals?
It's effective politics but not very effective godly living.
As an example, Lamparello cites a study conducted at Baylor University, a school that is affiliated with the very conservative Southern Baptist Convention. The results of the study showed that 62% of the males and 65% of the females had premarital sex.
Lamparello quotes another study that reports the highest divorce rate in America belongs to born again Christians.
When people hear "fundamentalists" scream about "maintaining the sanctity of marriage," it can be pretty tough to swallow when you realize that trend. It makes non-christians look at christians like hypocrites.
You may have heared the phrase "clean up your own back yard." That certainly applies here. Could the right-wing be using the tactic of "the best defense is a good offense?" Could they be trying to take attention off the failures of "fundamentalits" to live by their own fundamentals by pointing out the preceived flaws of others, expecially homosexuals?
It's effective politics but not very effective godly living.
March 30, 2006
More on the Infamous Rep. Maggart
I recently wrote about Tennessee State Representative Debra Maggart's comments regarding her views on homosexuals as potential adoptive parents. To briefly summarize, she is opposed because of all the issues she feels GLBT people have, making them unfit in her view to adopt and raise a child.
Just in case there was any question about Rep. Maggart's statements being taken out of context or misunderstood, this article in Nashville's Tennessean newspaper should clear that up. She told the paper, "I don't wish to discriminate against anyone.....but (gays) have issues."
Yeah, and so do some legislators. In this case, ignorance and bigotry are two of them.
I address this issue again because I wanted to link a letter that fellow blogger Bill Ware, a Tennessee resident, wrote to Rep. Maggart. He makes some excellent points and it is well worth reading.
Hopefully Rep. Maggart can gain some understanding from Bill's words.
Just in case there was any question about Rep. Maggart's statements being taken out of context or misunderstood, this article in Nashville's Tennessean newspaper should clear that up. She told the paper, "I don't wish to discriminate against anyone.....but (gays) have issues."
Yeah, and so do some legislators. In this case, ignorance and bigotry are two of them.
I address this issue again because I wanted to link a letter that fellow blogger Bill Ware, a Tennessee resident, wrote to Rep. Maggart. He makes some excellent points and it is well worth reading.
Hopefully Rep. Maggart can gain some understanding from Bill's words.
March 29, 2006
It's Cool To Be Oppressed
That was the theme as I saw it coming from the conference "The War on Christians and the Values Voters in 2006." That title just stops me in my tracks, implying that voters who don't agree with this group's political positions do not have appropriate values.
Have you noticed how cool it is these days to be a victim and for your group to be oppressed? Everyone seems to be trying to position themselves or their group to be viewed in that light. I suppose it ties in with the old "everyone loves an underdog" axiom.
A pertinent quote in this piece was from Peter Sprigg from the Family Research Council:
'We believe what makes a family is one man and one woman uniting in marriage for a lifetime and bearing children from that union," Sprigg stated. "We are against anything that threatens the traditional family or undermines that idea," including pre-marital sex, pornography, adultery and prostitution." And yes, we are also against the practice of homosexuality," he added.
I'm sure glad he cleared up where they stood on homosexuality. Sprigg also ranted about the "gay agenda," which he said "demands full acceptance of the practice of homosexuality -- morally, socially, legally, religiously, politically and financially. Indeed, it calls for not only acceptance, but affirmation and celebration of this behavior as normal and even desirable."
Can you imagine the nerve of those homosexuals! Actually wanting to be treated like full-fledged members of the human race! Certainly Jesus wouldn't tolerate that, would he?
Actually, what he wouldn't tolerate is the hatred and demeaning organizations like the FRC propigate toward the GLBT community.
Sprigg added, "We believe what makes a family is one man and one woman uniting in marriage for a lifetime and bearing children from that union. We are against anything that threatens the traditional family or undermines that idea."
Okay, so to be consistent, they are also outraged at the rampant divorce and adultery among the hetrosexual community, right?
No, because that doesn't draw headlines and, more importantly, have people donating money to combat it. Slap the gays around for awhile, though, and the money rolls in.
Not quite a higher calling is it?
Have you noticed how cool it is these days to be a victim and for your group to be oppressed? Everyone seems to be trying to position themselves or their group to be viewed in that light. I suppose it ties in with the old "everyone loves an underdog" axiom.
A pertinent quote in this piece was from Peter Sprigg from the Family Research Council:
'We believe what makes a family is one man and one woman uniting in marriage for a lifetime and bearing children from that union," Sprigg stated. "We are against anything that threatens the traditional family or undermines that idea," including pre-marital sex, pornography, adultery and prostitution." And yes, we are also against the practice of homosexuality," he added.
I'm sure glad he cleared up where they stood on homosexuality. Sprigg also ranted about the "gay agenda," which he said "demands full acceptance of the practice of homosexuality -- morally, socially, legally, religiously, politically and financially. Indeed, it calls for not only acceptance, but affirmation and celebration of this behavior as normal and even desirable."
Can you imagine the nerve of those homosexuals! Actually wanting to be treated like full-fledged members of the human race! Certainly Jesus wouldn't tolerate that, would he?
Actually, what he wouldn't tolerate is the hatred and demeaning organizations like the FRC propigate toward the GLBT community.
Sprigg added, "We believe what makes a family is one man and one woman uniting in marriage for a lifetime and bearing children from that union. We are against anything that threatens the traditional family or undermines that idea."
Okay, so to be consistent, they are also outraged at the rampant divorce and adultery among the hetrosexual community, right?
No, because that doesn't draw headlines and, more importantly, have people donating money to combat it. Slap the gays around for awhile, though, and the money rolls in.
Not quite a higher calling is it?
March 28, 2006
GLBT People and Their Straight Spouses
I understand that one of the more difficult and painful situations a GLBT individual can find themselves is coming out to their straight spouse.
For my straight readers, just think about how you would feel if your spouse sat you down one day and told you their were gay or lesbian. It would have to be difficult knowing what to feel, but there would most certainly be a great deal of pain and confusion in the mix.
BOTH people in this situation would be paying the price for the GLBT spouse either not addressing their sexuality over many years or denying it and trying to live what they have been told is a "normal" life. Many of us have been through a divorce and there is never a good way to do it, but this has to be one of the tougher paths.
Essentially, the GLBT spouse is telling their straight spouse that the person who entered into the marriage was not an accurate reflection of who they truly are. This could have been self-deception, lack of self-awareness, or outright deception for reasons far too involved to address in this forum.
This is a lose-lose situation. True, the GLBT spouse might wind up with children that they love and find a true blessing out of this relationship. Ultimately, though, any individual can not maximize the gifts God gives them and fully realize His plan for their lives if they are not true to how He made them. It is also unfair to the straight spouse because it stands to reason there has to be something missing in this type of relationship. Of course there can be love and committment, but if one person in a couple is not being true to who they really are, I can't imagine their partner is receiving all they could out of a relationship either.
When the GLBT spouse becomes aware of who they truly are, or already knows it and summons the courage to move down that path, it is a difficult situation for everyone involved. There is an organization I ran across through a note in one of the Yahoo groups I belong to that can help. It is called the Straight Spouse Network. They offer information and support across the United States and beyond to help people work through these situations. If you or someone you know is facing this, I suggest checking out their website.
Just as importantly, we need to encourage anyone we know; friend, family, church member, whoever, to allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives to lead them toward the path God wants them to take. With GLBT people, that doesn't mean acting straight or trying to "change" and become straight. However God made us, that's how He wanted it and he can use us AS WE ARE to serve him and bring glory to Him and a life of fulfillment and peace to ourselves.
For my straight readers, just think about how you would feel if your spouse sat you down one day and told you their were gay or lesbian. It would have to be difficult knowing what to feel, but there would most certainly be a great deal of pain and confusion in the mix.
BOTH people in this situation would be paying the price for the GLBT spouse either not addressing their sexuality over many years or denying it and trying to live what they have been told is a "normal" life. Many of us have been through a divorce and there is never a good way to do it, but this has to be one of the tougher paths.
Essentially, the GLBT spouse is telling their straight spouse that the person who entered into the marriage was not an accurate reflection of who they truly are. This could have been self-deception, lack of self-awareness, or outright deception for reasons far too involved to address in this forum.
This is a lose-lose situation. True, the GLBT spouse might wind up with children that they love and find a true blessing out of this relationship. Ultimately, though, any individual can not maximize the gifts God gives them and fully realize His plan for their lives if they are not true to how He made them. It is also unfair to the straight spouse because it stands to reason there has to be something missing in this type of relationship. Of course there can be love and committment, but if one person in a couple is not being true to who they really are, I can't imagine their partner is receiving all they could out of a relationship either.
When the GLBT spouse becomes aware of who they truly are, or already knows it and summons the courage to move down that path, it is a difficult situation for everyone involved. There is an organization I ran across through a note in one of the Yahoo groups I belong to that can help. It is called the Straight Spouse Network. They offer information and support across the United States and beyond to help people work through these situations. If you or someone you know is facing this, I suggest checking out their website.
Just as importantly, we need to encourage anyone we know; friend, family, church member, whoever, to allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives to lead them toward the path God wants them to take. With GLBT people, that doesn't mean acting straight or trying to "change" and become straight. However God made us, that's how He wanted it and he can use us AS WE ARE to serve him and bring glory to Him and a life of fulfillment and peace to ourselves.
March 24, 2006
Unfit to Parent?
It is obvious that same-sex adoption is moving alongside same-sex marriage as hot-button issues in today's society which is why I visit that again with this post.
This particular story started when a straight GLBT ally in Tennessee emailed one of her state representatives regarding the debate in that state's legislature regarding same-sex adoption. As reported by Out & About, a newspaper serving the gay community in Tennessee, the response she received was mind-boggling.
Sara Dykstra shared the e-mail reply she received from state Rep. Debra Maggart. In stating her skepticism about the wisdom of allowing same-sex adoption, she wrote Ms. Dkystra:
“I am not convinced that just because our foster children desperately need loving homes that we should just place them in homes that are available when research also shows that most homosexual couples have numerous emotional dysfunctions and psychological issues that may not be healthy for children.”
Wait a minute, did she meet my parents? My birth mommy and daddy raised me, yet I grew up with the "traditional family values" of alcoholism, infidelity, codependency, dishonesty and, worst of all, old-school hillbilly music constantly on the car radio.
To imply that gays and lesbians are the only ones with "numerous emotional dysfunctions and psychological issues" is indefensibly ignorant. Perhaps narrow-minded thought like that contributes to dysfunction within the GLBT community.
Ms. Dykstra shared her reaction to Rep. Maggert's response; "My initial reaction when I read that was both shock and anger. I was surprised to hear such one-sided, ignorant and false logic coming from someone who is elected for the common good."
I wish I had been as surprised as her when I read this story. Ignorance is a tough nut to crack, but we need to keep chipping away.
This particular story started when a straight GLBT ally in Tennessee emailed one of her state representatives regarding the debate in that state's legislature regarding same-sex adoption. As reported by Out & About, a newspaper serving the gay community in Tennessee, the response she received was mind-boggling.
Sara Dykstra shared the e-mail reply she received from state Rep. Debra Maggart. In stating her skepticism about the wisdom of allowing same-sex adoption, she wrote Ms. Dkystra:
“I am not convinced that just because our foster children desperately need loving homes that we should just place them in homes that are available when research also shows that most homosexual couples have numerous emotional dysfunctions and psychological issues that may not be healthy for children.”
Wait a minute, did she meet my parents? My birth mommy and daddy raised me, yet I grew up with the "traditional family values" of alcoholism, infidelity, codependency, dishonesty and, worst of all, old-school hillbilly music constantly on the car radio.
To imply that gays and lesbians are the only ones with "numerous emotional dysfunctions and psychological issues" is indefensibly ignorant. Perhaps narrow-minded thought like that contributes to dysfunction within the GLBT community.
Ms. Dykstra shared her reaction to Rep. Maggert's response; "My initial reaction when I read that was both shock and anger. I was surprised to hear such one-sided, ignorant and false logic coming from someone who is elected for the common good."
I wish I had been as surprised as her when I read this story. Ignorance is a tough nut to crack, but we need to keep chipping away.
It's About Equal Treatment, Not Special Rights
Invariably when legislation is introduced in any legislative body proposing protections for GLBT invididuals, opponents point to the "homosexual agenda" promoting "special rights."
Since when is equal protection under the law a special right?
According to a report from Amnesty International, the GLBT community is still being plagued by unresponsive police and hostility from officers. The report offers the opinion that even when there are legal protections in place, attitudes of law enforcement personnel is a major issue that is frequently resulting in poor treatment of GLBT people.
There is still much work to be done toward insuring the gay and lesbian community has its rightful place as a full-fledged member of the human race, not some sub-species. A lot of that work needs to be done in the church. In fact, many of the loudest voices screaming out against basic human rights for GLBT people are church leaders.
I wonder what part of the gospel detailing Jesus' ministry inculdes discriminating against, well, anyone? I can't find it in my bible.
Since when is equal protection under the law a special right?
According to a report from Amnesty International, the GLBT community is still being plagued by unresponsive police and hostility from officers. The report offers the opinion that even when there are legal protections in place, attitudes of law enforcement personnel is a major issue that is frequently resulting in poor treatment of GLBT people.
There is still much work to be done toward insuring the gay and lesbian community has its rightful place as a full-fledged member of the human race, not some sub-species. A lot of that work needs to be done in the church. In fact, many of the loudest voices screaming out against basic human rights for GLBT people are church leaders.
I wonder what part of the gospel detailing Jesus' ministry inculdes discriminating against, well, anyone? I can't find it in my bible.
Adoption Institute Supports Gay Parents
Sometimes you hear something that makes so much sense, you just know that it will be an uphill struggle to get people to buy into it.
This Associated Press story is an example of that. A report issued by the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute features this quote:
"Laws and policies that preclude adoption by gay or lesbian parents disadvantage the tens of thousands of children mired in the foster care system who need permanent, loving homes."
This clearly makes too much sense to be easily assimilated into public policy.
Those who campaign for "traditional family values" would rather see those kids wait instead of letting the homos get ahold of them. They claim to be protecting innocent children, but what they are really defending is their own narrow-minded bigotry.
Now THAT doesn't make much sense, does it?
This Associated Press story is an example of that. A report issued by the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute features this quote:
"Laws and policies that preclude adoption by gay or lesbian parents disadvantage the tens of thousands of children mired in the foster care system who need permanent, loving homes."
This clearly makes too much sense to be easily assimilated into public policy.
Those who campaign for "traditional family values" would rather see those kids wait instead of letting the homos get ahold of them. They claim to be protecting innocent children, but what they are really defending is their own narrow-minded bigotry.
Now THAT doesn't make much sense, does it?
Shia Death Squads Target Iraqi Gays
According to this piece in the Gay City News, gay Iraqis are being targeted for persecution and execution. Making the situation even nastier, the report quotes a source about the death squads receiving advice fom Iran on how to target gay people. Who said those folks couldn't agree on anything?
Since the United States is over there with a rather large presence, you would think they're working on stopping the Badr Corps death squads. According to this repot, you should think again. These sources say that U. S. officials are meeting these concerns with indifference and derision.
Let me see if I've got this right. The United States leads an invasion of a sovereign nation to liberate the people from a brutal dictator (although we were told it was to protect us from terrorists). Our nation spends billions upon billions to fund this war and has been over there for three years now (despite assurances that would not happen). Over 2,000 American soldiers have lost their lives emancipating a nation that is trying to systematically exterminate part of its own population. Knowing that, this report says our military is not engaged in activity to stop it.
Can someone please tell me what part of that makes sense?
Since the United States is over there with a rather large presence, you would think they're working on stopping the Badr Corps death squads. According to this repot, you should think again. These sources say that U. S. officials are meeting these concerns with indifference and derision.
Let me see if I've got this right. The United States leads an invasion of a sovereign nation to liberate the people from a brutal dictator (although we were told it was to protect us from terrorists). Our nation spends billions upon billions to fund this war and has been over there for three years now (despite assurances that would not happen). Over 2,000 American soldiers have lost their lives emancipating a nation that is trying to systematically exterminate part of its own population. Knowing that, this report says our military is not engaged in activity to stop it.
Can someone please tell me what part of that makes sense?
March 23, 2006
Ignorance Is a Weapon, But It Can Be Defeated
In a recent "Bring It On" segment on CBN.com, Pat Robertson answered questions from youth regarding various issues. Two of them pertained to homosexuality and the answers reeked of ignorance.
To one teenager asking about attending events with a gay classmate, Robertson replied "If you go to these places, the next thing you know, you will be enticed into their lifestyle instead of him being enticed to yours."
To another youth asking about how to relate to a friend with two gay parents, Robertson responded, "It’s wrong for homosexuals to adopt. I think that they will lead children into the lifestyle they have."
I'm not saying Pat Robertson is an ignorant man. He has many published books to his credit and has built a media empire with CBN. That's why his statements really bother me. In his guise as a schollarly christian counselor, he is pushing his own agenda and propigating ignorance.
People don't get turned into homosexuals by hanging out with them or having gay parents. In the later example, the child may never learn how to throw a football, but he won't be physically attrected to people of the same sex unless he was born with that instinct.
Pat Robertson and his ilk don't want people to know that. He wants us to think homosexuals are evil, deviant beings who don't deserve some basic human rights.
I am happy to present evidence that there are a lot of people tuning him out. Results of a survey just released by The Pew Research Center shows that support for same-sex marriage and gay adoption is growing. According to the survey, 51% of the respondants were opposed to same-sex marriage, down from 63% in February 2004. Those who favor it are up from 30% to 39% during the same time period. Over a longer period of time, the survey shows support for gay adoption up from 38% in 1999 to 46% now.
Despite all the money and resources the "fundamentalists" have devoted to convincing people to discriminate or even hate homosexuals, it appears there are more people seeking the truth for themselves and arriving at a point of acceptance.
There is still a lot of work to be done here, though, and the efforts of our opponents will only intensify with results such as these. Those who are open-minded and accepting of people the way God made them will need to match the intensity of the narrow-minded to advance the cause of acceptance and rights for all.
To one teenager asking about attending events with a gay classmate, Robertson replied "If you go to these places, the next thing you know, you will be enticed into their lifestyle instead of him being enticed to yours."
To another youth asking about how to relate to a friend with two gay parents, Robertson responded, "It’s wrong for homosexuals to adopt. I think that they will lead children into the lifestyle they have."
I'm not saying Pat Robertson is an ignorant man. He has many published books to his credit and has built a media empire with CBN. That's why his statements really bother me. In his guise as a schollarly christian counselor, he is pushing his own agenda and propigating ignorance.
People don't get turned into homosexuals by hanging out with them or having gay parents. In the later example, the child may never learn how to throw a football, but he won't be physically attrected to people of the same sex unless he was born with that instinct.
Pat Robertson and his ilk don't want people to know that. He wants us to think homosexuals are evil, deviant beings who don't deserve some basic human rights.
I am happy to present evidence that there are a lot of people tuning him out. Results of a survey just released by The Pew Research Center shows that support for same-sex marriage and gay adoption is growing. According to the survey, 51% of the respondants were opposed to same-sex marriage, down from 63% in February 2004. Those who favor it are up from 30% to 39% during the same time period. Over a longer period of time, the survey shows support for gay adoption up from 38% in 1999 to 46% now.
Despite all the money and resources the "fundamentalists" have devoted to convincing people to discriminate or even hate homosexuals, it appears there are more people seeking the truth for themselves and arriving at a point of acceptance.
There is still a lot of work to be done here, though, and the efforts of our opponents will only intensify with results such as these. Those who are open-minded and accepting of people the way God made them will need to match the intensity of the narrow-minded to advance the cause of acceptance and rights for all.
March 22, 2006
It's Okay to be a Doubting Thomas
John 20:24-29 (NIV)
Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
This scripture directly ties in with one of the themes I like to write about on this blog. The notes included in my bible referring to these verses say:
"Some people need to doubt before they believe. If doubt leads to questions, questions lead to answers, and the answers are accepted, then doubt has done good work. It is when doubt becomes stubbornness and stubbornness becomes a life-style that doubt harms faith. When you doubt, don't stop there. Let your doubt deepen your faith as you continue to search for the answer."
If Jesus had not accepted Thomas' doubt as an attempt to grow in his faith, do you think He would have appeared to him? There are plenty of examples in both the Old and New Testaments where people question God. If they do it with faith and are seeking answers, He supplied them.
When I came to Believers Covenant Fellowship over a year ago, I had not resolved the issue of how God viewed homosexuals. I listened to what my future wife Brenda, Apostle Dale, and other members of the church told me, but I still had questions. I did some studying on my own and I prayed a lot. After some work on my part, I was at peace with the understanding of how GLBT people had equal rights to God's kingdom and should enjoy equal rights in our society.
I asked questions, sought out information, opened my heart and my mind, and got answers.
God blessed Thomas for asking questions because he was listening for the answers and accepting when they were presented to him. That is a great example for all of us to follow and one that is become tragically rare in today's soceity.
Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
This scripture directly ties in with one of the themes I like to write about on this blog. The notes included in my bible referring to these verses say:
"Some people need to doubt before they believe. If doubt leads to questions, questions lead to answers, and the answers are accepted, then doubt has done good work. It is when doubt becomes stubbornness and stubbornness becomes a life-style that doubt harms faith. When you doubt, don't stop there. Let your doubt deepen your faith as you continue to search for the answer."
If Jesus had not accepted Thomas' doubt as an attempt to grow in his faith, do you think He would have appeared to him? There are plenty of examples in both the Old and New Testaments where people question God. If they do it with faith and are seeking answers, He supplied them.
When I came to Believers Covenant Fellowship over a year ago, I had not resolved the issue of how God viewed homosexuals. I listened to what my future wife Brenda, Apostle Dale, and other members of the church told me, but I still had questions. I did some studying on my own and I prayed a lot. After some work on my part, I was at peace with the understanding of how GLBT people had equal rights to God's kingdom and should enjoy equal rights in our society.
I asked questions, sought out information, opened my heart and my mind, and got answers.
God blessed Thomas for asking questions because he was listening for the answers and accepting when they were presented to him. That is a great example for all of us to follow and one that is become tragically rare in today's soceity.
Training Program for LGBT Allies
I just ran across this because these folks found this blog and were kind enough to link to it:
There will be a program at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, Californina for allies of LGBT people on Saturday, April 8.
The goal of the program is to "train allies for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender persons in the faith community context."
The session runs from 9AM-1PM and there is no cost to attend, but they do need people to register in advance.
You can read more about the training and the people involved at their website:
Beyond Good Intentions: Equipping the Ministries of LGBT Allies
You can also contact the organizers for more information. I would encourage anyone in the Berkely area to check it out.
There will be a program at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, Californina for allies of LGBT people on Saturday, April 8.
The goal of the program is to "train allies for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender persons in the faith community context."
The session runs from 9AM-1PM and there is no cost to attend, but they do need people to register in advance.
You can read more about the training and the people involved at their website:
Beyond Good Intentions: Equipping the Ministries of LGBT Allies
You can also contact the organizers for more information. I would encourage anyone in the Berkely area to check it out.
March 21, 2006
Hate In God's Name In the Holy Land
Right-wing hate toward GLBT people in God's name is a popular pastime in the United States, but it is hardly an American phenomenon.
As if there wasn't enough going on in this part of the world to worry about, Rabbi David Basri in Jerusalem, a well known foe of gays, has lashed out again. Rabbi Basri is a prominent Kabbalah leader, the type of Jewish mysticism practiced by Madona and Roseanne among others.
The Rabbi, in his finite wisdom, has blamed gays for an outbreak of bird flu in Israel. Since there is, like in the U. S., an active political campaign promoting same-sex marriage, Rabbi Basri has said the appearance of bird flu is God's punishment. I guess He didn't have time to whip up a hurricane to comdemn everyone so He just dropped in some bird flu.
If you read the entire story, you'll see some of the hateful comments attributed to the Rabbi. If you take time to pray for the safety of people in this dangerous area of the world, may I suggest that you also pray for the wisdom of their leadership and that they may discern God's will for how GLBT people should be treated.
Regardless of if they are christians in America or jews in Israel, our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters are people too, not abominations.
As if there wasn't enough going on in this part of the world to worry about, Rabbi David Basri in Jerusalem, a well known foe of gays, has lashed out again. Rabbi Basri is a prominent Kabbalah leader, the type of Jewish mysticism practiced by Madona and Roseanne among others.
The Rabbi, in his finite wisdom, has blamed gays for an outbreak of bird flu in Israel. Since there is, like in the U. S., an active political campaign promoting same-sex marriage, Rabbi Basri has said the appearance of bird flu is God's punishment. I guess He didn't have time to whip up a hurricane to comdemn everyone so He just dropped in some bird flu.
If you read the entire story, you'll see some of the hateful comments attributed to the Rabbi. If you take time to pray for the safety of people in this dangerous area of the world, may I suggest that you also pray for the wisdom of their leadership and that they may discern God's will for how GLBT people should be treated.
Regardless of if they are christians in America or jews in Israel, our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters are people too, not abominations.
March 19, 2006
"Literalism of Convenience"
I'm linking to what I feel is an outstanding letter written by a columnist for the Miami Herald. He writes it regarding an incident in a Miami high school, but his column goes much beyond that. The writer, Leonard Pitts Jr., gets to the very crux of much of the biblical arguement that is often used to preach hate toward homosexuals in our churches.
Regarding recent activities by organizations like the American Family Association, he eloquently states,
".....people are ignorant in Appalachia, strung out in Miami, starving in Niger, sex slaves in India, mass murdered in Darfur. Where is the Christian outrage about that? Just once, I’d like to read a headline that said a Christian group was boycotting to feed the hungry. Or marching to house the homeless. Or pushing Congress to provide the poor with health care worthy of the name.
Instead, they fixate on keeping the gay in their place. Which makes me question their priorities. And their compassion. And their faith."
I feel very strongly these priorities need to be questioned, and it is up to us to ask these questions.
Regarding recent activities by organizations like the American Family Association, he eloquently states,
".....people are ignorant in Appalachia, strung out in Miami, starving in Niger, sex slaves in India, mass murdered in Darfur. Where is the Christian outrage about that? Just once, I’d like to read a headline that said a Christian group was boycotting to feed the hungry. Or marching to house the homeless. Or pushing Congress to provide the poor with health care worthy of the name.
Instead, they fixate on keeping the gay in their place. Which makes me question their priorities. And their compassion. And their faith."
I feel very strongly these priorities need to be questioned, and it is up to us to ask these questions.
March 17, 2006
The Boston Archdiocese and Gay Adoption
Catholic Charities of Boston has announced that it will stop placing children in adoptive homes altogether to avoid the issue of having to allow them to being adopted by a gay or lesbian couple. This report states that the organization, a big deal in heavily catholic Boston, has placed over 700 children over the last two decades, 13 of them with gay families.
This is one of those stories that I had to re-read a couple of times to make sure there wasn't something I was missing.
I think I understand it now. This organization has decided that it is better to leave children in foster homes or an orphanage than to place them with a potentially loving, stable, affluent gay or lesbian couple. Why?
Fear.
I don't think too many intelligent people think that being raised by GLBT adults makes a child become gay (note, I said intelligent people).
I believe religious organizations like the catholic church that condemn homosexuality do not want children influenced by GLBT people in any way. If they allow that to happen, the children might learn that there is nothing inherently wrong with homosexual people. GLBT couples function very much like hetrosexual couples. They're people who have made a committment to a person they love. The only major difference is that the other person is of the same gender, not a different one, something I've had an opportunity to observe myself.
Children growing up in these homes may come to think that the church's teaching are shallow and bigoted. They may place more value in what they see with their own eyes and the love and guidance they have received from their parents than the teaching of the church.
In the meantine, according to this report, there are 119,000 children awaiting adoption.
According to Catholic Charities of Boston, that's better than them winding up in the hands of gay or lesbian couples.
It never ceases to amaze me the lengths people and organizations will go to discriminate or just outright hate GLBT people, regardless of how it affects others, even innocent children.
This is one of those stories that I had to re-read a couple of times to make sure there wasn't something I was missing.
I think I understand it now. This organization has decided that it is better to leave children in foster homes or an orphanage than to place them with a potentially loving, stable, affluent gay or lesbian couple. Why?
Fear.
I don't think too many intelligent people think that being raised by GLBT adults makes a child become gay (note, I said intelligent people).
I believe religious organizations like the catholic church that condemn homosexuality do not want children influenced by GLBT people in any way. If they allow that to happen, the children might learn that there is nothing inherently wrong with homosexual people. GLBT couples function very much like hetrosexual couples. They're people who have made a committment to a person they love. The only major difference is that the other person is of the same gender, not a different one, something I've had an opportunity to observe myself.
Children growing up in these homes may come to think that the church's teaching are shallow and bigoted. They may place more value in what they see with their own eyes and the love and guidance they have received from their parents than the teaching of the church.
In the meantine, according to this report, there are 119,000 children awaiting adoption.
According to Catholic Charities of Boston, that's better than them winding up in the hands of gay or lesbian couples.
It never ceases to amaze me the lengths people and organizations will go to discriminate or just outright hate GLBT people, regardless of how it affects others, even innocent children.
March 16, 2006
Would You Take a Bullet for Christ?
In this fascinating example, one church was tested with that very question. Fortunately, no one was actually shot, but I found it intersesting to see how the congregation at that particular church. It really gives you pause for thought and, for those of you who are christians, hopefully helps you examine just how deep your committment to Christ REALLY is. I sure the members of that congregation did.
In the same post on the blog "A Christian Voice for LGBT Rights," there are examples of how there is a double standard of how we often evaluate our actions differently when they involve spreading the gospel of Christ. One of them is:
"Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says."
Things that make you go "hmmmm."
Happy pondering.
In the same post on the blog "A Christian Voice for LGBT Rights," there are examples of how there is a double standard of how we often evaluate our actions differently when they involve spreading the gospel of Christ. One of them is:
"Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says."
Things that make you go "hmmmm."
Happy pondering.
March 13, 2006
The Latest From Our Good Friends At the AFA
Yes, that open minded group called the American Family Association has a new company they want to ruin. They take credit for bringing NBC to it's knees and forcing the cancellation of the program "The Book of Daniel" because it did not portray christians as a cross between June Cleaver and Mother Theresa. Now, they are targeting the Ford Motor Company for another boycott effort.
Here are a few of the sinful acts (in their view) that Ford is guilty of.
o They were given a 100% score on this year's Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, the largest corporation to earn that score. We can't have corporate America promoting human rights, now can we?
o Ford has been on the DiversityInc "Top 50 Companies for Diversity" all four years of its existence. Diversity in the workplace? What heathens.
o They recruited homosexuals by advertising on "gay job sites."
o Ford targeted some marketing to GLBT people. What nerve this company has. They actually want to employ gays and let them drive the cars that Ford makes.
I suppose the AFA wants GLBT people to take the bus to pick up their unemployment checks.
There are other terrible affronts to society that the Ford Motor Company has committed according to the AFA. It's a lengthy list, Ford has apparently been very busy trying to destroy the fabric of our country.
Of course, what Ford is really guilty of is supporting organizations that have values which differ from those expoused by the American Family Association.
We just can't have that kind of thing in the United States.
Here are a few of the sinful acts (in their view) that Ford is guilty of.
o They were given a 100% score on this year's Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, the largest corporation to earn that score. We can't have corporate America promoting human rights, now can we?
o Ford has been on the DiversityInc "Top 50 Companies for Diversity" all four years of its existence. Diversity in the workplace? What heathens.
o They recruited homosexuals by advertising on "gay job sites."
o Ford targeted some marketing to GLBT people. What nerve this company has. They actually want to employ gays and let them drive the cars that Ford makes.
I suppose the AFA wants GLBT people to take the bus to pick up their unemployment checks.
There are other terrible affronts to society that the Ford Motor Company has committed according to the AFA. It's a lengthy list, Ford has apparently been very busy trying to destroy the fabric of our country.
Of course, what Ford is really guilty of is supporting organizations that have values which differ from those expoused by the American Family Association.
We just can't have that kind of thing in the United States.
Hammering a Point
I was channel surfing on my satellite radio on the way home (give a straight man a remote control, we surf, that's what we do) and ran across the Sean Hannity show on ABC Radio. Hannity is a right-wing conservative who appears nightly on Fox News (where else). I disagree with much of what he stands for, but I find it helpful to listen to opposing points of view from time to time.
Anyway, what really bothered me was not something he said but a statement from one of his callers. After proudly stating he was a republican, he told Hannity (I'm paraphrasing), "I'm a teacher, and there's five republicans and two democrats sitting at the lunch table every day. We hammer them pretty good but they still don't get it." Hannity applauded him for the effort he was putting into converting democrats and encouraged him to continue.
I wonder if that's how he teaches--hammers the lessons across to his students? Is that the only way people communicate anymore? Does anyone listen? Is a respectful exchange of ideas not cool anymore?
I'm not just talking about the right wing, either. When I listen to liberal talk programs, they are often calling President Bush a moron of idiot or a variety of other disrespectful names. All that kind of talk does is fire up people who agree with it and stiffen the resolve of those who disagree to force their point of view on everyone. There are ways to disagree with someone's actions or policies without stooping to name calling, but it's easier to take the cheap shot and maybe get a few laughs in the process.
It's hard to really understand both sides of an issue and have an educated debate. Who wants to make that kind of effort anyway?
If we're not careful, we might learn something.
Anyway, what really bothered me was not something he said but a statement from one of his callers. After proudly stating he was a republican, he told Hannity (I'm paraphrasing), "I'm a teacher, and there's five republicans and two democrats sitting at the lunch table every day. We hammer them pretty good but they still don't get it." Hannity applauded him for the effort he was putting into converting democrats and encouraged him to continue.
I wonder if that's how he teaches--hammers the lessons across to his students? Is that the only way people communicate anymore? Does anyone listen? Is a respectful exchange of ideas not cool anymore?
I'm not just talking about the right wing, either. When I listen to liberal talk programs, they are often calling President Bush a moron of idiot or a variety of other disrespectful names. All that kind of talk does is fire up people who agree with it and stiffen the resolve of those who disagree to force their point of view on everyone. There are ways to disagree with someone's actions or policies without stooping to name calling, but it's easier to take the cheap shot and maybe get a few laughs in the process.
It's hard to really understand both sides of an issue and have an educated debate. Who wants to make that kind of effort anyway?
If we're not careful, we might learn something.
March 12, 2006
Education.....What a Concept!
One of the major battlegrounds between gay rights activists and their opponents has been local school systems. The issue of how much to teach children about homosexuality and especially how it is to be presented are serious hot-button issues. This has often pushed emotions on both sides past the point of reason.
This recent AP story brings the concept of fair and reasoned debate back to the table. Groups on both sides agreed to set up a framework for this debate, one where everyone shares their views and listens to others.
It's a shame that this is so newsworthy, but at least it is good news. The battle will continue, but perhaps there can be less emotion, especially hate, and more understanding.
This recent AP story brings the concept of fair and reasoned debate back to the table. Groups on both sides agreed to set up a framework for this debate, one where everyone shares their views and listens to others.
It's a shame that this is so newsworthy, but at least it is good news. The battle will continue, but perhaps there can be less emotion, especially hate, and more understanding.
March 09, 2006
Who's Praise Do You Seek?
John 12:42-43 (NIV)
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Do you sit in church listening to rhetoric condemning homosexuals and not speak up, afraid you will be shunned by your pastor and fellow church members?
Are you a GLBT person who wants to seek God, yet doesn't because your partner or friends in the community would ridicule you?
Are you a believer, gay or straight, who doesn't make time to worship or tithe off the wealth God has provided for you?
Do you want to share Christ with a friend but are afraid of the negative response you might receive from them?
All of the above situations are examples of man putting the approval of other men (or women) above the approval of God. On the surface that sounds absurd, but we've all done it at some point in our lives. The bible shows us that this is wrong. Jesus will forgive us, but we need to acknowledge the sin of not putting His approval and His will as our priority.
Time spent in His service seeking His will and approval will reap more rewards than anything else we can do on this earth. We just need to value those rewards over the short-term monetary and/or social benefits often associated with activites outside God's will.
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Do you sit in church listening to rhetoric condemning homosexuals and not speak up, afraid you will be shunned by your pastor and fellow church members?
Are you a GLBT person who wants to seek God, yet doesn't because your partner or friends in the community would ridicule you?
Are you a believer, gay or straight, who doesn't make time to worship or tithe off the wealth God has provided for you?
Do you want to share Christ with a friend but are afraid of the negative response you might receive from them?
All of the above situations are examples of man putting the approval of other men (or women) above the approval of God. On the surface that sounds absurd, but we've all done it at some point in our lives. The bible shows us that this is wrong. Jesus will forgive us, but we need to acknowledge the sin of not putting His approval and His will as our priority.
Time spent in His service seeking His will and approval will reap more rewards than anything else we can do on this earth. We just need to value those rewards over the short-term monetary and/or social benefits often associated with activites outside God's will.
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