I was blogsurfing and I came across a blog that reminded me why I'm disturbed about this sort of thing (so far, at least).
This blog chronicles a guy named Nathan's progress at forsaking his "practice" and "walk" in homosexuality (not just the stereotypical homosexuality chock full of porn and leather, but he wants to get rid of even a genuinely pure interest/ love for a guy). He details how constantly blessed such a feat and journey makes him.
I write then to raise the moral question. Is the notion of changing any part of your fundament healthy, right, and/or God- pleasing? Is it dangerous or necessary to work to change who you like? I mean, what would happen if a straight guy decided that he would no longer be straight? Natural or unnatural, is it his decision to make?
I go to school in the Bible Belt and have a friend who is Christian musician and fears that if he comes out in his town, he will lose many opportunities to worship and lead praise and worship publicly. Which Christ is it that would advocate defrocking the pastor or layperson who earnestly seeks to worship Him?
I don't mean to go on a tirade here, but I think it's worth discussion. Can I get some comments and feedback? I'd love to discuss this a little.
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2 comments:
in my denomination (the presbyterian church in the usa - bible belters call it the "liberal one," i think), we are essentially at war with one another over the issue of homosexuality - more specifically, over the issue of ordaining men and women who are sexually active and not straight. being the leftie that i am, where i come down on the issue is pretty obvious, i think. but my belief is that sexuality is something with which we're born, though it may take us several years to discern what ours may be. and i think, more than anything, that matters of the heart must be - by default - closer to the very word of God, if that makes sense. what i'm saying is, if you know something in your heart, i'm much more inclined to trust that than i am to trust an overliteral reading of scripture, which i believe to be a function of the brain. all this to say that i think if you're gay, you were born that way and God's good with that (being that God created you).
i also recall a quote from a sermon given at a conference held by a group working for equal rights in ordination in my denomination. i can't remember it verbatim, but it went something like this: "if we are to believe that we are created in the image of God, who are we to deny that image in other people?"
in looking at how much i just wrote, i hope that i understood your question correctly.
Thanks for the comment, Stuart. I don't think anyone can really misfire on this one, as there are just so many opinions out there.
That sermon quotation reminds me of a slogan of a gay- affirming church: "I am whosoever!" referencing the word as it occurs in John 3:16.
And then, on the other side of the fence, I know pastors to not allow gay ministers to speak from the pulpit. If they are allowed to speak at all, it's from the floor. This is as if the "no sin is greater" message they preach doesn't apply for women who like women and men who like men.
I think there is no wonder young people are taking their exodus from the church. Our doctrine of love's bastard child is an intolerant religious side that eclipses the love laborers.
Or maybe I answer my own question incorrectly lol.
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