So well-said, Beau. I’ve been saying for a while now that “Christians” are more concerned about who’s sleeping in whose bed than the red letters of the NT.
I left the Evangelical church because it was all about purity culture and the demonization of lgbtq. Great article Beau. The Christian church should be about inclusivity and love. I have found a new home in the Episcopal church.
So thankful for this. I read and re-read and posted on my fb. I want to shout it from the rooftops. My husband subscribed so I’ll enjoy his subscription.
Beautifully written! There were so many beautiful quotes, but this part in particular struck me since it’s speaks volumes to the choices Christians have on this and so many topics, “The truth is, every generation gets some things wrong, and future Christians will likely look back at our debates with the same mixture of understanding and bewilderment with which we view past controversies. The question isn’t whether we’ll be perfect in our interpretation, but whether we’ll err on the side of love or the side of exclusion. Whether we’ll spend our energy building walls or building bridges. Whether we’ll be known for what we stand against or what we stand for.”
I am glad to hear that resonated with you, EK. It's so true. I want to be known as a Christian by what I stand FOR not what I am against. Thanks for sharing that.
I struggled with this in the late 1980s. It was a blessing to be essentially pushed out of the church I was in (that’s how it felt, whatever the facts on the ground) and into a nonprofit that practiced what my church should have preached: help for the homeless and most vulnerable. I had begun to seriously question my church’s stance on LGBTQ+ people—working for the nonprofit finished it.
Grateful for voices like yours and the commenters here who can distinguish between culture and the Gospel, and who can genuinely show the Gospel as Good News.
Gosh, that is so kind of you Robert. Your kind words and support mean so much to me. Glad today's essay especially resonated with where you are at today.
Have to respectfully disagree. There are several passages in the Bible that denounce homosexuality and they are not hard to understand. Other sins are denounced as well but homosexuality is more grievous because it involves the body wherein the Holy Spirit dwells.
So well-said, Beau. I’ve been saying for a while now that “Christians” are more concerned about who’s sleeping in whose bed than the red letters of the NT.
Thank you, Angie. Our priorities sometimes are so strange. Thanks for naming that!
I left the Evangelical church because it was all about purity culture and the demonization of lgbtq. Great article Beau. The Christian church should be about inclusivity and love. I have found a new home in the Episcopal church.
Thank you for the kind words. I have so many Episcopalian friends that I love deeply. Such a wonderful faith tradition. I appreciate you reading! :)
So thankful for this. I read and re-read and posted on my fb. I want to shout it from the rooftops. My husband subscribed so I’ll enjoy his subscription.
Yay! Thanks for reading and sharing, Lisa. Glad to have you both along on the journey!
Beautifully written! There were so many beautiful quotes, but this part in particular struck me since it’s speaks volumes to the choices Christians have on this and so many topics, “The truth is, every generation gets some things wrong, and future Christians will likely look back at our debates with the same mixture of understanding and bewilderment with which we view past controversies. The question isn’t whether we’ll be perfect in our interpretation, but whether we’ll err on the side of love or the side of exclusion. Whether we’ll spend our energy building walls or building bridges. Whether we’ll be known for what we stand against or what we stand for.”
I am glad to hear that resonated with you, EK. It's so true. I want to be known as a Christian by what I stand FOR not what I am against. Thanks for sharing that.
I like to say that Christians don't care *who* you love. We care *how* you love.
That’s a beautiful way to phrase it! Thanks for that.
Amen!! Don’t be distracted from the core message of the Good News of Jesus by cultural arguments that have nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus.
Very enjoyable read! I’m thankful there are other people wrestling with these questions.
Hey! Thanks, Tegan! You are not alone. :)
I struggled with this in the late 1980s. It was a blessing to be essentially pushed out of the church I was in (that’s how it felt, whatever the facts on the ground) and into a nonprofit that practiced what my church should have preached: help for the homeless and most vulnerable. I had begun to seriously question my church’s stance on LGBTQ+ people—working for the nonprofit finished it.
Grateful for voices like yours and the commenters here who can distinguish between culture and the Gospel, and who can genuinely show the Gospel as Good News.
You are always so supportive of my work, and I am grateful. Thanks for being here and for sharing so openly about your journey!
Thanks for the shout-out, Beau. I’m thrilled that we are part of the same church and get to walk together in our individual faith journeys.
I am thrilled as well. You are such a blessing to me and to so many in our faith community! It fun calling you my editor on Sunday. :)
Did you mean to say “It was fun … “? 😉
Dammit Beau. Thank you. I really needed this THIS day. I upgraded to paid today. You have been one of my top reads for awhile. Thanks.
Gosh, that is so kind of you Robert. Your kind words and support mean so much to me. Glad today's essay especially resonated with where you are at today.
I have so many thoughts and feelings reading this.
Of all my feelings gratitude is the biggest. Gratitude that there are still voices in the wilderness.
Voices who are willing to come out from among them and give so many of us hope
Thank you Beau!
I like💖
I comment 🗨️
I restack 🔁
AND
More importantly I share➡️
So once again, thank you both for such a well written call for us to love as Jesus does.
You have always been so supportive, Berta, and I am so so thankful. Blessings to you, friend. :)
Have to respectfully disagree. There are several passages in the Bible that denounce homosexuality and they are not hard to understand. Other sins are denounced as well but homosexuality is more grievous because it involves the body wherein the Holy Spirit dwells.