Would Jesus Discriminate?
Tuesday May 15, 2007
I often wonder if Jesus were alive today what he would say about gay and lesbian relationships. I grew up in the Catholic Church and the official church doctrine is against any kind of acknowledgment of gay and lesbian relationships. But even so, there are many practicing Catholics who don't buy that church teaching. They say Jesus is for love and would never find love wrong. There is no one belief amongst Christians regarding the place of homosexuality in our society. I just found this amazing site that not only affirms gays and lesbians in a Christian context, but breaks down some of the common Bible versus that have been used against us. For example, I just found out that the Bible only mentions homosexuality six times. Five of those are examined and explained from a different perspective. Decide for yourself. Would Jesus discriminate?
Comments
I really like this website. It helps explain a lot of things in the Bible that I have wondered for years. I always had a hunch that David and Jonathan were more than just friends…
I have loved the Lord all my life, and tried to be heterosexual because of Society, my family, and my God. Finally at almost 50 years old, I decided to come out. I still love the Lord and He still works in my life. I have not felt any spiritual distance between us since I have publicly stated I am a Lesbian. In fact, nothing between Jesus and I has changed. What has changed is that those who used to call me “sister”, now call me sinner. It saddens me that my Savior, who came to save “the world”, and “is not willing that any should perish”, is represented as only coming to save the heterosexual world. I live in gratitude and happiness because I know Jesus does not descriminate…and I thank God…His Father, that He does not!
I have loved the Lord all my life, and tried to be heterosexual because of Society, my family, and my God. Finally at almost 50 years old, I decided to come out. I still love the Lord and He still works in my life. I have not felt any spiritual distance between us since I have publicly stated I am a Lesbian. In fact, nothing between Jesus and I has changed. What has changed is that those who used to call me “sister”, now call me sinner. It saddens me that my Savior, who came to save “the world”, and “is not willing that any should perish”, is represented as only coming to save the heterosexual world. I live in gratitude and happiness because I know Jesus does not descriminate…and I thank God…His Father, that He does not!
I have loved the Lord all my life, and tried to be heterosexual because of Society, my family, and my God. Finally at almost 50 years old, I decided to come out. I still love the Lord and He still works in my life. I have not felt any spiritual distance between us since I have publicly stated I am a Lesbian. In fact, nothing between Jesus and I has changed. What has changed is that those who used to call me “sister”, now call me sinner. It saddens me that my Savior, who came to save “the world”, and “is not willing that any should perish”, is represented as only coming to save the heterosexual world. I live in gratitude and happiness because I know Jesus does not descriminate…and I thank God…His Father, that He does not!
I actually just did a powerpoint presentation on “Christianity and homosexuality” for my AP World History class. I didn’t really examine any passages that would be gay-supportive, but spent most of the time focusing on refuting the passages that are usually used against us.
Interestingly enough, I also found a lot of research giving examples of homosexual relationships in early Christian history (not displayed in the Bible). In fact, many churches, up until around the 13th century, performed committment ceremonies or “marriages” for homosexual couples. Thanks to history– most of the documented cases are about males, but the idea is still very interesting. Also, I found the story of St. Bacchus and St. Serge… two gay Christian martyrs who were granted sainthood by the Catholic church. If any of you are interested in some scholarly research on the topic, check out the work of a man by the name of John Boswell. His big work is called, “Christianity, Social Tolerance, and homosexuality.” There are some other great books out there as well. A good mix of arguments dealing with cultural differences, as well as some very specific comments on possible translation problems.
I had enough info to fill an hour long time slot, and have to way to record it all here… but it is definitely worth something gay Christians, or those who WANT to believe in Christianity but don’t think they can, should look into.
I’m an 18 year old lesbian, and there was no way I would let myself believe God/Jesus wouldn’t accept me.
When I struggled with my sexuality, I held Jesus at bay. When I asked Him to come into that part of my life, He did so, and began showing me Christian GLBTQ groups. One of the biggest is the church organization called Metropolitan community Church. Your readers can look for a local church at their website: http://www.mccchurch.org//. They have churches not only in many states in the US, but also in a number of other countries. The most exciting thing for me is that I have felt and seen the Holy Spirit working in these churches!
Just wanted to share that info…for those who didn’t know!
When I struggled with my sexuality, I held Jesus at bay. When I asked Him to come into that part of my life, He did so, and began showing me Christian GLBTQ groups. One of the biggest is the church organization called Metropolitan community Church. Your readers can look for a local church at their website: http://www.mccchurch.org//. They have churches not only in many states in the US, but also in a number of other countries. The most encouraging thing for me has been that I have felt and seen the Holy Spirit working in these churches!
Just wanted to share that info…for those who didn’t know!