A Free Social Network and Dating Site for Bisexual and Gay Men!
Religion and Homosexuality
I'll make this post short because I'm anxious to read responses - I don't understand how people who identify with being glbt can be religous. I understand that some religions are less strict about homosexuality/bisexuality than others, but I have yet to see any major religion that really supports, understands, and ACCEPTS glbt people for who they are. Why do people continue to support religions that tell them they can't marry, are going to hell, and who constantly reminds them they are going to hell? Why do people support something that doesn't support them? Can someone please explain this to me?
Tags: acceptance, bisexual, gay, hell, intolerance, marry, religion, suppo, tolerance
Views: 1
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Randy Stevens on -
Amen !!
-
Permalink Reply by Levi on -
I've done a little further research on this topic... Specifically relating to Christian beliefs and the Bible.
This may be of interest to some of you.
As you know many Christians tend to put heavy emphasis on what I like to call the 'damning' texts when it comes to homosexuality; leviticus, romans, corinthians (?) etc...
These texts taken out of context and standing on their own make it quite clear; 'Do not lie with a man the way you would a woman, its abomination'... (Paraphrase).
But read some context, and you realize these things may not be so clear as they seem.
I'm not out to prove that homosexuality is God given, or that every 'damning' christian is wrong... but I do wish to stir some thought outside the square.
I can't full heartedly argue anything because this text is largely open to interpretation, but in the words of Jesus;
"For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb;
and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men;
and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.
He who is able to accept this, let him accept it."
-Matthew 19:12
A Eunuch traditionally is a man who is infertile, unable to have kids (or specifically impregnate a female).
Jesus mentions three types;
* Man-made; AKA they had their balls cut off (not uncommon, it preserved 'singing' voices)
* Self-made; Choose to be celibate and not have sex despite desire (Eg- Paul)
* From Birth...
From birth... so maybe they were born infertile? (birth defect- missing some testicals or something =P ) ... Jesus was saying this long before genetic science, before modern marvels could solve sexual infertilities... So why does he say;
"He who is able to accept this, let him accept this"?
Why would people hassle an infertile birth defected man?
People in Jesus' time would not be trying to fix birth defects that cause infertility but 'orientation' perhaps. ..
I think Jesus is talking about homosexuals; Eunuch's from birth- unable to procreate, due to a lack of desire to have sex with women.
"He who is able to accept this, let him accept this"
-
Permalink Reply by brad310 on -
There is a distinction between one's spirituality and religion. Spirituality is personal, religion is social. I am agnostic, which means I do not believe in organized religion for myself. But I am open-minded to other people's religions. Some people confuse agnosticism with being an atheist. This isn't true. Both the religious and the atheists have clear cut answers to what they believe. My answer is 'I don't know' but I live my life in a positive way by living my life with integrity and doing good.
I also think there is a distinction between someone who is religious and someone who is anti-gay. I have a ton of Catholic friends who disagree with their church's doctrine and love and support me and want to see me marry the right man. There are many people who are gay-friendly who also identify themselves as Christian, Jewish, Muslim etc. It is important to embrace the people who love you no matter what religion (if any) they follow. Change comes from within, their views can alter their religion, I firmly believe that.
I also think we gay folk should follow a religion if that's what they need to help them spiritually. But I encourage people to be aware of what kinds of anti-gay initiatives their church may be supporting. If their church does have a history of that, or like the Mormon Church who are actually supporting anti-marriage equality groups with their parishioners' money in California, I would encourage these people not to give their church their financial support. Make personal donations to the causes you believe in, in the name of your church. Also, there are branches of many religions that are absolutely gay friendly: GLBT Mormons (Affirmation), Catholics (Dignity USA), Jews (Keshet), Muslims (Al Fatiha).
Never support anyone who is going to bring you down, tell you you're going to hell or tell you you're a sinner. Because you were born gay, their decision to be hateful or be part of a hateful organization is a choice.
:)
-
Permalink Reply by Charlie on -
Brad,
I really thank you for taking the time to respond to my post, and do it so beautifully. I agree with most of what you had to say.
What confuses me is people who are part of a church that does promote hate. Many sects of Christianity do not embrace homosexuality, and yet, gays still attend church and follow it whole-heartedly. I don't get that. Why do people continue to support places who do not support them?
It also affects me when people go to a specific church that is gay friendly, but the religion as a whole is not. For example, a few people who responses to this forum identified themselves as Evangelical Christians. While the church they attend might be accepting, that church is very open about it's negative views on homosexuality. So again I ask, why do lgbt people continue to support those such places?
I understand that people may need spirtuality, but who needs such a connection with God when they don't support you?
-
Permalink Reply by Levi on
-
" but who needs such a connection with GOD when they don't support you?"
Don't you mean, 'who needs a connection with a CHURCH which does not support you?"
Spirituality is about your connection with God, not about your connection with the church. In answer to your question though... people continue to go to gay-UNfriendly churches for a number of reasons;
* Tradition- Born and raised a church goer, its what you do every weekend, so you continue. (stupid I know, but its hard for many to break tradition).
* To pray with other fellow believers to 'God'. Church is not about the Church, its about God.
* Some church members may accept you for who you are, and your sexuality
* Its social, you have childhood 'church' friends there.
* It provides for your spiritual needs in other forms (even if it is negative towards sexuality, the church may provide support in other areas such as family breakup for example).
* It provides guidance in other areas- through biblical study etc. So while views on homosexuality may differ, you may have share beliefs or understandings about things such as... the other 9 commandments =P
Homosexuality is still very much a grey area for many churches and religions. Many people say 'love the sinner but not the sin' but others can't look past the issue.
I think many church's will shun homosexuality, while still trying to care for the individual in other ways... So yes, its in conflict.
One way to look at it, is that Church is like a caring mother that says; "Don't be a naughty boy, play safe, I love you, God Loves you"
Would you disown your own mother knowing she did the best job to raise you with best intentions since birth?
Likewise would you disown your own church knowing that its member's really do care for you... even though they shun your sexuality specifically?
As individuals, aren't we more than who we sleep with?
-
Permalink Reply by Scott Osborne on -
I'm with you, my friend. I don't understand that at all.
-
Permalink Reply by Trevor on -
People, regardless of sexual orientation, have a need to believe that there is something after life. With out this belief some of these people would not be able to find a purpose for living life. Why have GLBT members chosen Christianity vs less discriminating religious beliefs? Most likely it is because it was the main influence during their developmental years.
-
Permalink Reply by Draco on -
Because people are blind, simple as that. We all acknowledge spirituallity and look for greater truths and power, its just the hold that RELIGION has on people, that taunt that they produce telling you that you will have this if you do that but in the end, they are not even certain. Reality is not interpreted soley by religion, reality is created by our thoughts and actions. The need to understand things drives some people to the only thing that is within range for them, namely those religious orders that try to impose their beliefs on others. I say, look beyond that and find the answers for yourself. DO NOT be afraid to look for truth for fear controls many people, and that fear is what keeps many blindly rooted to these religious systems that condemn them instead of supporting them.
-
Permalink Reply by Basil on -
Its personal faith in god, a belief that overides the ignorance of other church members, I knew I was gay early in my life. I kept it to myself until I turned 34 and was in love with my then boyfriend. I did many things sexually that I kept to myself then I meet a man I fell in love with and knew than that I could not lie to my church, friends or family. I was a gay man and a Christian. I was at a point I was fighting internally I was going to kill myself, until I came out to a lady friend who told me what do I love both, I thought about it and realized I can be gay and love both.
I decided to tell my elder and knew what he would say before I told him, he told me I would grow out of 'THIS", we will find you a wife and we will pray and this evil will be exercised. What? I have no plans to marry a woman I was in love with another man and I told my elder this and was given a choice find a wife/girlfriend or leave the church.
I left this church and for me 'religion was not the issue' ignorance was. So for over ten years I had placed my faith in Jesus even closer to my heart until I went to a Community Center in a church near where I lived and I meet a man who told me about the church I had entered he and his partner were married there, WOW, it was a United Church of Canada I have been attending now four years, I was a part of the affirming project and in April we became an affirming church.
WE now have a diverse congragation with many gay couples some married in the church. In Canada since June 25th 2005 gay men and lesbian can marry.
I know when I find mr right my church will allow me to marry him. So I found my home my christian faith is stronger than ever and everyday I have my problems, but my faith and sexuality are no longer at odds.
-
Permalink Reply by Scott Ward on -
most people brought up in one religion will tend to stay in that religion, due to family / friends / social pressure as they grow up. this can cause many problems if their lifes direction places them in an opposing potion to their religion eddicts.
the person will then need to decide if they are going to stay with the religion they have been brought up within, which their own family is a part of, or leave. big dicision.
one thing to consider is why most religions are so set against gays. this is mainly because in history if a small settlement had to many gay people the community could die out. religion took it upon itself to solve this problem by making it against its code to be gay.
one other point is that christianity came about after the roman empire, homosexuality was apart of the rome way of life (some still think it still dose)
also religion dose not accept gays for the one main reason that gays do not have children that can be converted and indoctronated in to the religion
-
Permalink Reply by Bill on -
Wow, I find that their is alot more to religion than the so called religious groups out there. I go tha a church that says God loves everyone. I get my religion there. But my true religion or spirit lies within my concept of who God is to me. We all need a little grounding with our religion, so we focus on a group of people who worship God as an organization. You can find an Organized religion where you can do that as a group. Try a local MCC Church for example, or an Affirming United Church of Christ.
-
Permalink Reply by Marc Oz on -
Greetings
I am Marc and I am still a newbie here. I haven't had much time as yet to get involved.
So I feel this may be a great starting point.
Religion as such may not accept GLBTQI people but then when you go back to the really olde belief systems such as the American Native Indian, Australian Aboriginals you will find that GLBTQI people are accepted and even held in esteem eg future medicine men and women.
Just thought I would throw in my two cents worth
Always in love light laughter and the biggest hugs
Marc
This site is a free social network for bi and gay men. Sexually explicit contents are not allowed here. Users repeated upload sexually explicit contents will be suspended. Please see our adult content policy in our Help/FAQ section for details.
© 2012 Created by Bi_Gay_Men.
