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Replies to '06/06 "I'm Gay, OK?"'
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October 19, 2005, 4:17 pm PDT
 Quote From: ldd1222 As a faithful Christian active in my church, and the gay son of a retired Southern Baptist minister, I find many of the comments on this topic disturbingly hateful. My God is loving and welcoming, not feared and exclusionary. Too bad many of you don't have the same one--you're missing out!
I grew up in the south where many residents seem to have the same negative attitudes about homosexuality that I've read here; however, many of them--as well as many of you--have gay friends and relatives who are closeted out of fear, or are ignored, frowned-upon, forgotten, or otherwise overlooked. (I think of the gay brother of a prominent business man in the church where my dad was pastor when I was in high school. You would think he'd be targeted for bashing, but people "overlook" it because he is seen as good person in an influential family.)
I am a responsible Christian man, a loving son, faithful brother, favorite uncle, loyal friend, successful business man. respected alumnus of a prestigeous college, and a competitive athlete. My sexuality isn't an issue in these relationships or settings, nor should it be--but because of hateful and closed-minded people, I will remain to be publicly closeted. I do that out of respect for my dad and to deflect attention from myself, because of his prominence in our area and the perceived negativity given to being gay by many people. Also, I'm in a very quiet relationship with someone who is known in athletics in our area, and that would be a career killer for him.
I'm sure many will discount it, but for the viewpoint of a minister, read Rev. Bruce W. Lowe's "Letter to Louise" regarding how the Bible really treats homosexuality. I found the website and letter by wandering around the internet a few years ago. Click on http://www.godmademegay.com/ and then on the link "Read the Letter." I hope it is an eye-opener for many of you.
I'm thankful my dad had a ministry based on healing, love, and service to the Lord. He didn't hate me because of my sexuality, but loved me as his son who also shares his genetics and his name.
There are many more thoughts in my head, but I'll close with this: God is Love. Remember that.
D yes, God is love, but he is also just, and he must punish sin. if homosexuality is a sin, which the Bible clearly states, then God MUST punish it. in the first paragraph you wrote, you said "My God is loving and welcoming, not feared and exclusionary. Too bad many of you don't have the same one--you're missing out!" do you realize what you've just done? that's a clear example of idolatry! when you say "my God" you're creating a God in your own mind, one who allows you to live the lifestyle you want to. the God of the Bible is loving, and he will accept you as you are when you come to him, but you must REPENT of your sin, which means that you turn away from it and dont live in that lifestyle any longer. Read Ecclesiastes 8:13, Revelation 14:7. These verses and many others tell us that we SHOULD fear God. And in some ways, God is exclusionary; not everyone will enter his kingdom. in fact, he says that the road which leads to hell is wide, and the road to heaven is narrow. I hate to be judgemental, because that's not my place, but I do want to give you a point to ponder. Salvation is not based on forgiveness alone. God cant just forgive us of every sin and let us walk away to return to a life of sin. In order to be saved, one must repent of his sins and TURN AWAY from them, rather than continue in them. I could probably go on all day, but I wont. I would, however, appreciate if you'd consider what I've said, and I'll check back later if you want to say anything else to me. |
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October 19, 2005, 4:58 pm PDT
Quote From: ldd1222 As a faithful Christian active in my church, and the gay son of a retired Southern Baptist minister, I find many of the comments on this topic disturbingly hateful. My God is loving and welcoming, not feared and exclusionary. Too bad many of you don't have the same one--you're missing out!
I grew up in the south where many residents seem to have the same negative attitudes about homosexuality that I've read here; however, many of them--as well as many of you--have gay friends and relatives who are closeted out of fear, or are ignored, frowned-upon, forgotten, or otherwise overlooked. (I think of the gay brother of a prominent business man in the church where my dad was pastor when I was in high school. You would think he'd be targeted for bashing, but people "overlook" it because he is seen as good person in an influential family.)
I am a responsible Christian man, a loving son, faithful brother, favorite uncle, loyal friend, successful business man. respected alumnus of a prestigeous college, and a competitive athlete. My sexuality isn't an issue in these relationships or settings, nor should it be--but because of hateful and closed-minded people, I will remain to be publicly closeted. I do that out of respect for my dad and to deflect attention from myself, because of his prominence in our area and the perceived negativity given to being gay by many people. Also, I'm in a very quiet relationship with someone who is known in athletics in our area, and that would be a career killer for him.
I'm sure many will discount it, but for the viewpoint of a minister, read Rev. Bruce W. Lowe's "Letter to Louise" regarding how the Bible really treats homosexuality. I found the website and letter by wandering around the internet a few years ago. Click on http://www.godmademegay.com/ and then on the link "Read the Letter." I hope it is an eye-opener for many of you.
I'm thankful my dad had a ministry based on healing, love, and service to the Lord. He didn't hate me because of my sexuality, but loved me as his son who also shares his genetics and his name.
There are many more thoughts in my head, but I'll close with this: God is Love. Remember that.
D God is love! But he cannot and will not sweep sin under the rug. He is holy and just and cannot ignore sin. The Bible is very clear on repenting and turning from sin. God loves you and wants to forgive you, but that requires a truely repentant heart. You either believe God's Word or you don't. Satan is a deciever and I pray God will open your eyes. I say this sincerely and in love. God bless you. |
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