I have been told all my life that homosexuality results in hell fire and brimstone. It is a "forgiveable sin" which requires us to repent, or turn from, our evil ways and then we can go to heaven. I was raised Pentecostal and "Born Again".
I do not see a way in scripture to reconcile my lifestyle with Christ. I believe and want to serve the Lord and, of course, go to heaven. However, once I met Kiersten and faced my sexuality and found happiness and peace and myself for the first time, I have not been willing to sacrifice my "new" life for God.
As a result I have "turned away" from my conservative Christian lifestyle as a whole since I don't see a point in pretending if I am not willing to sacrifice myself. I no longer claim to be a Christian because I do not want to be a hypocrite. I drink, smoke, swear...all the things I was raised not to do. In my heart I still believe, though.
Normally this does not trouble me too much, but certain circumstances bring on issues. For example, when I fly on a plane I get nervous. I realize if the plane crashed I am screwed. I always hope I have time in those last moments to repent, but then if I react prematurely would I have to walk away from the love of my life??
Ok, this is getting way too deep...sorry. Very difficult topic which is bound to bring out strong emotions on all sides.
Discussion Topic
Religion and being gay
Posted on 08/29/08, 09:55 am
Come on, lets make this a safe place to be very honest and open about our struggles with our spiritual backgrounds.
Personally, I do not feel religious. I do come from a judeo-christian back ground which has been a source of joy and freedom building for my spirit and my life. This background is probably why it took so many years to "come out". I wrestle with Gods word and my gayness.
I have found an online christian web site called "Whosoever" for G,L,B and T Christians
http://www.whosoever.org/index.shtml
The daily emails I get from our conversations on the site are illuminating and inspiring.
Lets talk.....
Personally, I do not feel religious. I do come from a judeo-christian back ground which has been a source of joy and freedom building for my spirit and my life. This background is probably why it took so many years to "come out". I wrestle with Gods word and my gayness.
I have found an online christian web site called "Whosoever" for G,L,B and T Christians
http://www.whosoever.org/index.shtml
The daily emails I get from our conversations on the site are illuminating and inspiring.
Lets talk.....
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Reply #1 08/29/08 12:07pm
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Reply #2 08/29/08 12:17pm
Hey Kim, I can relate. I went through a very dry spell where I felt Godless and alone. I got so hungry for the good things Christianity held for me (just Jesus's words in the New Testament do it for me) that despite my guilt and fear of damnation (if you want to call it that)I got back into he Bible and praying and thanking God for all that is in my life the blessings and the challenges and I feel more like myself, my true self. I guess I am risking ultimate judgment by loving a woman so I try I am trying to walk this out in faith...remember faith the size of a mustard seed?
Does your relationship to God have to go away entirely? Is it so black and white? Your love or God has to go? Even smoking, drinking and swearing might not be enough to keep Gods love and grace away!
(so says a hopeful one!)
Have you checked out some Christian sites for gays and Lesbians? They quote scripture and paint a strong case for us.
keep talking... -
Reply #3 08/29/08 1:57pm
I was raised in a household with a protestant mother and athiest father so we got kind of a mottled upbringing. I wish I could have more faith than I do, then again, I think I have faith in god, just not in religion. I beleive that love that is good and pure no matter what sex is not a bad thing and the gentle and loving god I know would never turn away from one of his children that truly loves him. -
Reply #4 08/29/08 4:12pm
I'm not a religious person, family was Hindu, just know that their religion doesn't appear to accept my choice. Not a big downer, my family still loves me, just not my choice. -
Reply #5 08/29/08 6:54pm
This is definitely a heavy topic to discuss. To be honest, I'm not even sure where to start. Growing up in a Catholic Church should say it all. On the lighter side of all this, I told my father that I still follow the religion 50 % just the "lic" part...haha (We all need a good laugh). I guess I'm just tired of the belief that lesbians and gays are going to hell.
I've started to realize many things. One of which is the bible was written by man. Although, that should be enough for all of us to think (just joking), this is a book that has been around "forever" and you can't help but wonder what is fact and fiction.
I've determined that most of my beliefs are due to my family, church, friends, etc. My beliefs have changed but I have had to change some of my friends and family in the process.
As far as repenting for my sins, I'm not even sure where I would start. I love my life and the person I have become. I realize there are times when I talk to God and wonder whether he is listening. I do know this, as long as I live a good life, I will go to a heaven. I picture heaven accepting everyone. I hope in the end that place does exists.
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Reply #6 08/29/08 6:54pm
This is definitely a heavy topic to discuss. To be honest, I'm not even sure where to start. Growing up in a Catholic Church should say it all. On the lighter side of all this, I told my father that I still follow the religion 50 % just the "lic" part...haha (We all need a good laugh). I guess I'm just tired of the belief that lesbians and gays are going to hell.
I've started to realize many things. One of which is the bible was written by man. Although, that should be enough for all of us to think (just joking), this is a book that has been around "forever" and you can't help but wonder what is fact and fiction.
I've determined that most of my beliefs are due to my family, church, friends, etc. My beliefs have changed but I have had to change some of my friends and family in the process.
As far as repenting for my sins, I'm not even sure where I would start. I love my life and the person I have become. I realize there are times when I talk to God and wonder whether he is listening. I do know this, as long as I live a good life, I will go to a heaven. I picture heaven accepting everyone. I hope in the end that place does exists.
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Reply #7 08/29/08 6:55pm
Sorry about the double post! -
Reply #8 08/31/08 8:03pm
Ive been told many times that being a lesbian means i will go to hell.I used to have such a strong faith ..im not sure any more..i always say the god i believed in ..believed in love and that means anyone man or woman..
im fed up of being in fights over whether it is right to be gay..i am gay and it is not going to change for anyone..its me..
i have my friends and my partner and sons..even tho my family dont except it and i do not see them now. -
Reply #9 08/31/08 9:42pm
I'm a spiritual person, but not actually religious. Does that make sense? I had a bad experience with organized religion a few a long time ago, so I have not been in a church since. I still have my faith, and my beliefs, I just practice them my own way. My sister told me I was going to go to hell for being gay. I told her I would reserve the house next door for her since she was living with her boyfriend before they got married and God doesn't see any one sin as greater than another. Sin is sin. It shut her up real quick. I have issues with the fact that we are told we are going to hell for our lifestyles, but there are ordained ministers that are gay. How can that be? -
Reply #10 09/02/08 6:22am
Ok my view is this.......the bible says we were all made in God's image right ? it also says in Psalm 139 verse 16....You saw me before i was born, every day of my life was recorded in your book........to me that says that God knew us before we were born He knew who we where and how our lives would pan out......that being the case, why would God make us the way we are just to chastise us and banish us to hell at a later date ? To me God looks at the heart, nothing else, man can interpret what he wants, twist it how he wants, but the words speak for themselves.
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