Sexuality and religion...

[Thedukeoftrumpet]

Do you think that a person could be both gay and Christian (the religion)? A friend I was arguing with said no.

[Sailor Mars]

Sexuality and religion have nothing to do with each other. Figuring out you are attracted to the same gender doesn’t mean you can’t believe in god and follow Jesus Christ. I don’t understand the question.

[Just JT]

Sexuality and religion have nothing to do with each other. Figuring out you are attracted to the same gender doesn’t mean you can’t believe in god and follow Jesus Christ. I don’t understand the question.

I agree to a point. More of an old school catholic belief is against same sex orientations and perceive it to be a sin. So it does have a relationship
But I also believe that like sexual orientation, religion and many beliefs people don’t really choose. You just believe it in your heart and soul I guess
Who you are what you believe and stuff is simply who you are, and that’s that.

Think about the food you dislike the most. You can make yourself eat it and pretend you love it. But you know inside you that you hate it

So yes I do believe someone can be gay and a Christian. I am one myself

[Tim the Enchanter]

I think you can be gay and also be a Christian. I mean it's not like you're stopped from believing in God.

[NeonBlueButterfly]

According to the church I go to, the answer is no. That probably means that the real answer is yes.

When it comes down to it, the church doesn't get to decide what you believe or don't believe, nor does it get to award you the title of Christian. If you think you're a Christian, then you are. If you think you're not, then you're not. You can be bi, gay, trans, a shape shifting alien from beyond the galaxy... it doesn't matter. Your belief is your own, and if you believe there's a God, then I'd have to imagine that he/she/it would be accepting of you as you are, regardless of who you love.

[SeansLittleBro]

I think you can be gay and also be a Christian. I mean it's not like you're stopped from believing in God.

I am Gay and I am a Christian....God is presented as a loving God who loves everyone...that in itself to me means if I wasn't supposed to be gay then God would not have made me gay...simplistic, but how I feel

[Gwen]

I remember a person in high school who was gay and Catholic. When we talked he always told me that he just accepted what he did was a sin and he'd probably be going to Hell for purposely doing 'evil'. I think the church (Catholic and Orthodox at least) are pretty clear about where they stand on sexual orientations, you can still go against the church but hold that their beliefs are true. Humans were given free will so they have the power to understand something but still disobey.

For context I'm neither active in the Church nor am I believer so this is all just second-hand things I gathered.

[TheMagicPotato]

Isn't God a loving father that loves his marvellous kids?

I don't see why God shouldn't love someone for his sexuality.

[Abyssal Echo]

I'm gay and a Christian so I'd say yes you can be gay and a Christian.

[Atlantis]

TS&G :arrow: Religion and Philosophy

This probably fits better here, since it is more a discussion about religion.

[mattsmith48]

If you are fine with your religion being against you and being used to justify taking rights away you, nothing stops you from picking that religion.

[Axrow]

Not to be offensive, but I think the point has been missed.

God is love, yes. And he loves all people, including homosexuals. But that does not mean we can do whatever we want. God calls us to become more like Christ and put away the things of the world/way we were living before Him.
Also no one is born with a sexuality, but life and things that happen in our lives can affect how we view ourselves and other people. So in putting away the things of the flesh, it is better to choose spirituality over sexuality, because sexuality is what the world chooses.

That said, Jesus died to forgive all sins. So people who have done sexual acts are (struggling and being tempted is different to acting on it) able to be forgiven. In this case, yes homosexuals will be in heaven.

So you can be gay and a Christian but should you be? is the question. Because this life is not about ourselves and what we desire, but about giving glory to Him and seeking to strengthen that relationship with Him.

[Sailor Mars]

Not to be offensive, but I think the point has been missed.

God is love, yes. And he loves all people, including homosexuals. But that does not mean we can do whatever we want. God calls us to become more like Christ and put away the things of the world/way we were living before Him.
Also no one is born with a sexuality, but life and things that happen in our lives can affect how we view ourselves and other people. So in putting away the things of the flesh, it is better to choose spirituality over sexuality, because sexuality is what the world chooses.

That said, Jesus died to forgive all sins. So people who have done sexual acts are (struggling and being tempted is different to acting on it) able to be forgiven. In this case, yes homosexuals will be in heaven.

So you can be gay and a Christian but should you be? is the question. Because this life is not about ourselves and what we desire, but about giving glory to Him and seeking to strengthen that relationship with Him.

Hmm that’s not true either. Man does not live for god. Man lives for man. It’s the reason god gave us a conscious and a will and desires. We should be able to live how we want to with the freedom god has granted us. So yes, you should be who you want to be, or who you feel you are, and be able to do the things you want as long as they are moral and don’t hurt anyone

If god didn’t want gay people to exist, why did he allow us to be born or “to choose” to be gay? God gave us the freedom of choice and the freedom to make our own decisions. And he forgives us if we confess to our sins

That being said, I don’t believe in one God and Jesus :P I believe in a lot of them

[hjhj]

Before I say anything, I'm Christian and Pansexual (Can have attraction to any gender)
I believe that under Christianity if you truly believe and follow God, you will go to heaven. No matter what sins you may have committed. (There are a few possible exceptions) But if someone is gay believes in God then they should be able to go to heaven with no effect from them being so. I agree with what Mars has said above and I think that people do have the choice, it is fully up to them.
Many homophobic Christians will quote verses that are out of context or have bad logic, I have put a link below to a video that explains what the Christian Bible says about being gay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leIcLYj3I3U
My church tries to accepting of everyone and they have had talks and/or have alluded to being gay not being evil. Basically, being gay won't really affect if you go to heaven or not. Our church also teaches things like all sin is seen as equal by God, it's all sin and all the same. I do believe there are exceptions there and things that are terrible and worse than other evil.
In the end, your sexuality isn't the largest factor involving you going to heaven, if you truly believe and follow God then you will be let in. If you just say you follow and truly do not in your heart, you will not.

[Axrow]

Hmm that’s not true either. Man does not live for god. Man lives for man. It’s the reason god gave us a conscious and a will and desires. We should be able to live how we want to with the freedom god has granted us. So yes, you should be who you want to be, or who you feel you are, and be able to do the things you want as long as they are moral and don’t hurt anyone

If god didn’t want gay people to exist, why did he allow us to be born or “to choose” to be gay? God gave us the freedom of choice and the freedom to make our own decisions. And he forgives us if we confess to our sins

That being said, I don’t believe in one God and Jesus :P I believe in a lot of them

Sorry I was referring to mainstream Christianity :P Where God is triune and Jesus is God. But the point I was making is yes we have choices we can make and yes we sin and can be forgiven. But does that mean we should be ok with sinning and just enjoy it? God is love, but He is also Holy and does not delight in sin, no matter what that sin is. So yes humans can choose things, but if we just use relativism, then we may be doing what we want sure, but that may not be what God wants us to do, whether that has any bearing on salvation or not. Does that make sense?

[hjhj]

Sorry I was referring to mainstream Christianity :P Where God is triune and Jesus is God. But the point I was making is yes we have choices we can make and yes we sin and can be forgiven. But does that mean we should be ok with sinning and just enjoy it? God is love, but He is also Holy and does not delight in sin, no matter what that sin is. So yes humans can choose things, but if we just use relativism, then we may be doing what we want sure, but that may not be what God wants us to do, whether that has any bearing on salvation or not. Does that make sense?

I understand what you mean but in terms of sexuality in relation to religion, especially Christianity, is being gay considered a sin at this point? Many things changed throughout Biblical times in ways of what was considered a sin and not a sin as well as how to redeem yourself or be redeemed.

[NewLeafsFan]

Just for the sake of the argument, lets say that homosexuality is a sin. (I don't believe that it is, lets just say so for my argument). If you commit any other sin, can you not be a Christian? If you rob a house, can you believe in God? If you use the Lord's name in vein, can you believe in God? I'm sure that you get my point.

I always think that it is so hypocritical of Christians to not be accepting. Acceptance, respect, not judging others; these are the basic morals of Christianity. Your 'Christian' friend is sitting back and judging others and gossiping about it. And doing it all in the name of God. To get back to my earlier point, is your friend a Christian? Christian people being unaccepting is nothing new. At one time, people quote the bible in support of African American slavery and this is no different. Just more discrimination. I often worry about how these 'Christians' would react if they have a homosexual child. The poor kid. Can you imagine?

[Axrow]

I understand what you mean but in terms of sexuality in relation to religion, especially Christianity, is being gay considered a sin at this point? Many things changed throughout Biblical times in ways of what was considered a sin and not a sin as well as how to redeem yourself or be redeemed.

God is always the same. His purpose from the beginning was to bring us into relationship with Him. Nothing in the law changed however, the law is still valid, except it has been fulfilled in Jesus (Him taking the penalty we deserve). There is no redemption in ourselves, only Him.

[Stanley02]

Do you think that a person could be both gay and Christian (the religion)? A friend I was arguing with said no.

You can’t be gay and directly follow THE BIBLE however you can be Christian by believing that Jesus Christ is the saviour Bla Bla bla

[Sword of the morning]

I know a lady from the local Catholic church she and her wife are devout Catholics. She balances her faith with the church by saying if it is wrong why would god create me on such a way. I gesus it depends on how you balance faith and sexulaity.

[JustMyHumbleOpinion]

I think that its really only the old testament that even mentions gay activity being a sin, which obviously the old testament is very outdated and most people (even Christians) don't follow stuff like this:

"If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death"-Leviticus 20:9

"If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death"- Leviticus 20:10

I think the whole antagonizing of gay people from the Christian community is mostly baseless and because they are kind of a easy target i guess.
I think you can be Christian and gay, as bar the old testament, the religion doesn't really condemn it completely (not like Islam does anyway)

[Just JT]

Axrow I think I get what your saying. But...I also think you may believe people choose their sexual orientation, which we do not.

So if it’s a sin to have same sex relations, then why does any sexual orientation other than straight even exist?

Since god made the heavens and earth, and humans, with free will, then why?

It’s no more a temptation of the devil than any other thing we like dislike believe in or anything else. If god is so loving then why would he want people who are not straight to live in an unhappy life and world by hiding what they truly are?

AND if it Is a sin, you can always ask for forgiveness, and repent. Isn’t Christianity beautiful that way?

We’re also talking about a doctrin that was written over 2000 years ago, translated and intreped how many times over? Opinions views morals and perspectives change. Even the Catholic Church is becoming more relaxed about same sex relationships.

Not trying to make this a debate, I just have a hard time believeing some things that Christianity claims to be this or that. My church, Christian, is open and affirming for all sexual orientations. Meaning we accept them into our parish, allowed to join, and marry in the church. So how can that be a sin of the Church isn’t allowing that?

[Axrow]

Axrow I think I get what your saying. But...I also think you may believe people choose their sexual orientation, which we do not.

So if it’s a sin to have same sex relations, then why does any sexual orientation other than straight even exist?

Since god made the heavens and earth, and humans, with free will, then why?

It’s no more a temptation of the devil than any other thing we like dislike believe in or anything else. If god is so loving then why would he want people who are not straight to live in an unhappy life and world by hiding what they truly are?

AND if it Ismaili a sin, you can always ask for forgiveness, and repent. Isn’t Christianity beautiful that way?

We’re also talking about a doctrin that was written over 2000 years ago, translated and intreped how many times over? Opinions views morals and perspectives change. Even the Catholic Church is becoming more relaxed about same sex relationships.

Not try8ng to male this a debate, I just have a hard time believeing some things that Christianity claims to be this or that. My church, Christian, is open and affirming for all sexual orientations. Meaning we accept them into our parish, allowed to join, and marry in the church. So how can that be a sin of the Church isn’t allowing that?

There are a few issues/misconceptions with what you have said.

It is the human who chooses to have sex. It is the choice of whether to act on the temptations. We live in a sinful world where many things exist. But again sin was brought into the world by choice.

Again it might not be who they truly are, but a process of life experiences, actions and choices etc. The goal isn't to live a happy life anyway, but to live a life that brings glory to God not ourselves. So in saying that you can just ask for forgiveness is a gross injustice of what Jesus did for us. As the Bible says, "Shall we sin so that grace may abound? By no means."

God's word is also living. It is not just a book. Many documents close to the originals still exist and God protects His Word and His gospel. Because to say that oh it's changed and not relevant actually means that we couldn't know God. But that is not the case.

The Catholic Church is different from Christianity so it doesn't relate. But again you are placing the value on what humans think rather than on God. Of course, people are going to change His laws or twist them, that doesn't make it acceptable to Him.

Then lastly, not agreeing with particular lifestyles does not equal hate or judgment on them, like people assume. They are still valued and loved, because no one is better than another.

[Just JT]

There are a few issues/misconceptions with what you have said.

It is the human who chooses to have sex. It is the choice of whether to act on the temptations. We live in a sinful world where many things exist. But again sin was brought into the world by choice.

Again it might not be who they truly are, but a process of life experiences, actions and choices etc. The goal isn't to live a happy life anyway, but to live a life that brings glory to God not ourselves. So in saying that you can just ask for forgiveness is a gross injustice of what Jesus did for us. As the Bible says, "Shall we sin so that grace may abound? By no means."

God's word is also living. It is not just a book. Many documents close to the originals still exist and God protects His Word and His gospel. Because to say that oh it's changed and not relevant actually means that we couldn't know God. But that is not the case.

The Catholic Church is different from Christianity so it doesn't relate. But again you are placing the value on what humans think rather than on God. Of course, people are going to change His laws or twist them, that doesn't make it acceptable to Him.

Then lastly, not agreeing with particular lifestyles does not equal hate or judgment on them, like people assume. They are still valued and loved, because no one is better than another.

Act on temptations, I get, but sex, it’s between two people, ideally between two people who are married. A marriage that Christianity (is becoming to) accept and acknowledge. And if that’s the case, within the sacrament of marriage, how is that a sin?

I’m not sure I understand what you mean by living by life expectations. Other than to think that people live a “straight” life when they truly are not straight.

How can someone be expected to bring the glory to god, if we are not happy in what we are doing?
Don’t we need to believe in our work and mission?
If we are not accepted openly, how can we happily, embrace god and gods work, and do gods work, truthfully, and be happy?
I understand what your saying here on this point, and we’ve talked about it in detail in Sunday school and youth group
And seems to me, and I’m no scholar, but I think god wants is to be happy

According to the Christian religion, that I’ve been taught, if you commit a sin, a truly repent, you can enter the kingdom of god. It’s not like you can ask forgiveness before to commit a sin, that I get. But when you say it’s not who they truly are....exactly my point...we don’t choose that. We simply are who we are. We can play the part of whatever Christian or whatever religion we believe, but we ma6 not believe in all those things of that religion

God protects his word how? There are populations of people who have common beliefs, and are pretty open about those beliefs. And individuals can come to that church or not. Free choice, free will. By no attending a church or aligning your values with a Christian faith based religion doesn’t negate the fact the fact that that population does not believe Jesus Christ does for our sins and we believe he is the son of god

I agree gods word is living, just as the Bible is. And if living, as in a human, as we are all made in the image of god, all grow. Part of growing is also change. And allowing for change. Kinda like the US constitution. (Bad example but). But it’s true. It’s living alive and so is gods everlasting love. And that being said, allows for change.....we do change as we grow.....so shouldn’t religion grow and change as it develops and grows?

I’m not catholic, but how is Catholicism different than Christianity?
I’m Protestant. And we spun off Catholicism, does that make me not really a Christian.

And lastly I’m not talk’g about twisting anything for what suits me, or hate at all. I’m simply living my life the best I can with the tools I have now, avoiding all kinds of hate I personally feel I deserve to hold for others. But I forgive. And that’s not easy sometimes. Not at all easy. If you know me then you know why

But it seem from what you say if my lifestyle doesn’t align with Christian values, I’m still valued, and not judged, and also not a Christian?

Last year I was baptized, this year I was confirmed. I joined a Christian Church.
Not catholic...and the church accepts me for who I am and my life style

So how is that wrong?

[hayley2003]

Act on temptations, I get, but sex, it’s between two people, ideally between two people who are married.

why is it ideal? why would it be lesser for those who are not married.

[Axrow]

Act on temptations, I get, but sex, it’s between two people, ideally between two people who are married. A marriage that Christianity (is becoming to) accept and acknowledge. And if that’s the case, within the sacrament of marriage, how is that a sin?

I’m not sure I understand what you mean by living by life expectations. Other than to think that people live a “straight” life when they truly are not straight.

How can someone be expected to bring the glory to god, if we are not happy in what we are doing?
Don’t we need to believe in our work and mission?
If we are not accepted openly, how can we happily, embrace god and gods work, and do gods work, truthfully, and be happy?
I understand what your saying here on this point, and we’ve talked about it in detail in Sunday school and youth group
And seems to me, and I’m no scholar, but I think god wants is to be happy

According to the Christian religion, that I’ve been taught, if you commit a sin, a truly repent, you can enter the kingdom of god. It’s not like you can ask forgiveness before to commit a sin, that I get. But when you say it’s not who they truly are....exactly my point...we don’t choose that. We simply are who we are. We can play the part of whatever Christian or whatever religion we believe, but we ma6 not believe in all those things of that religion

God protects his word how? There are populations of people who have common beliefs, and are pretty open about those beliefs. And individuals can come to that church or not. Free choice, free will. By no attending a church or aligning your values with a Christian faith based religion doesn’t negate the fact the fact that that population does not believe Jesus Christ does for our sins and we believe he is the son of god

I agree gods word is living, just as the Bible is. And if living, as in a human, as we are all made in the image of god, all grow. Part of growing is also change. And allowing for change. Kinda like the US constitution. (Bad example but). But it’s true. It’s living alive and so is gods everlasting love. And that being said, allows for change.....we do change as we grow.....so shouldn’t religion grow and change as it develops and grows?

I’m not catholic, but how is Catholicism different than Christianity?
I’m Protestant. And we spun off Catholicism, does that make me not really a Christian.

And lastly I’m not talk’g about twisting anything for what suits me, or hate at all. I’m simply living my life the best I can with the tools I have now, avoiding all kinds of hate I personally feel I deserve to hold for others. But I forgive. And that’s not easy sometimes. Not at all easy. If you know me then you know why

But it seem from what you say if my lifestyle doesn’t align with Christian values, I’m still valued, and not judged, and also not a Christian?

Last year I was baptized, this year I was confirmed. I joined a Christian Church.
Not catholic...and the church accepts me for who I am and my life style

So how is that wrong?


Ok, so if you acknowledge the Bible you'll see that many times pockets of mistruths are common. Gnosticism and Legalism for example (which still exist today in similar forms). What was said about adding these beliefs with Christianity?

Now yes fornication is wrong in the eyes of God, as sex was intended for marriage. And Christianity isn't really starting to acknowledge marriage, rather churches are emerging that accept it. Or some Anglican/United denominations. But if God sets up His definition of marriage in Genesis, then is gay marriage seen as a marriage in His eyes? Or just in human eyes?

Again if we look at Paul or Job or Moses or Jeremiah or Jesus' disciples etc., there were many trials and tribulations they had to face. Many gave up what they had to follow Him. We are to expect challenges because perseverance produces faith and character. The focus is not happiness, but joy comes in the Lord, in truly seeking Him rather than the desires of the flesh.

I'm pointing out that even though forgiveness is there, it doesn't mean we should keep repeating the same sins either. Rather we should be trying to become more like Him. And yes I understand the difficult things in your past have influenced your future, but the point is you are viewing Christianity like a religion. It is not. It is a relationship with Jesus and His truth is not something we should pick and choose at, because truth is absolute.

I meant the Bible is still valid. The Bibliographical test highlights that. God is the same and how scary would it be if He decided to change? To say I don't want to love them anymore? But that is not in His character. His laws are also still valid. They haven't changed. That is why for non-believers they are under the law. The only difference is we are saved by grace, because of what Jesus did.

Yes, Catholicism and Christianity are different. I would say Christianity emerged through Judaism rather than Catholicism tho. But yes we are considered Protestants.

The point of this is not to question whether you are a Christian or not, because only your beliefs and relationship with God can determine that. But sometimes misconceptions can affect the relationship with God, theological concepts and even lead others to believe something that may not be true.

[Naters2000]

Hey, I’m gay and a Christian. For a lot of gay people though, religion became a weight of depression and feeling like you’re disobeying God’s law.

[Uniquemind]

Ok, so if you acknowledge the Bible you'll see that many times pockets of mistruths are common. Gnosticism and Legalism for example (which still exist today in similar forms). What was said about adding these beliefs with Christianity?

Now yes fornication is wrong in the eyes of God, as sex was intended for marriage. And Christianity isn't really starting to acknowledge marriage, rather churches are emerging that accept it. Or some Anglican/United denominations. But if God sets up His definition of marriage in Genesis, then is gay marriage seen as a marriage in His eyes? Or just in human eyes?

Again if we look at Paul or Job or Moses or Jeremiah or Jesus' disciples etc., there were many trials and tribulations they had to face. Many gave up what they had to follow Him. We are to expect challenges because perseverance produces faith and character. The focus is not happiness, but joy comes in the Lord, in truly seeking Him rather than the desires of the flesh.

I'm pointing out that even though forgiveness is there, it doesn't mean we should keep repeating the same sins either. Rather we should be trying to become more like Him. And yes I understand the difficult things in your past have influenced your future, but the point is you are viewing Christianity like a religion. It is not. It is a relationship with Jesus and His truth is not something we should pick and choose at, because truth is absolute.

I meant the Bible is still valid. The Bibliographical test highlights that. God is the same and how scary would it be if He decided to change? To say I don't want to love them anymore? But that is not in His character. His laws are also still valid. They haven't changed. That is why for non-believers they are under the law. The only difference is we are saved by grace, because of what Jesus did.

Yes, Catholicism and Christianity are different. I would say Christianity emerged through Judaism rather than Catholicism tho. But yes we are considered Protestants.

The point of this is not to question whether you are a Christian or not, because only your beliefs and relationship with God can determine that. But sometimes misconceptions can affect the relationship with God, theological concepts and even lead others to believe something that may not be true.


Nobody gives or takes marriage in Heaven it is strictly and earthly band-aid concept on how to manage sin.

[Uniquemind]

why is it ideal? why would it be lesser for those who are not married.

It is sinful in part because sexual activity holds a strong spiritual component to it which is meant to bridge the gap between the physical world and the spiritual world.

Fornication makes a mockery of a quick fleeting pleasure with disregard to the consequences and responsibility of possible emotional bonding and creation of offspring who nobody would love and nurture.

This was especially true in ancient times, before condoms and birth control.

But even to this day sex has become a status symbol for guys, a burden or struggle to us women, and from a spiritual standpoint it hinders growth of the family.


Also understand we pee out estrogen from birth control pills, allowing us to have raw sex relatively safely, but it does come at environmental cost as waste water treatment plants can’t filter out the synthetic hormones.

[liberal raj]

religion is a machine used by the people of higher estate to dominate the people of lower estate and fulfill their selfish motives in the early times.till date it's used to keep people ignorant of the truth.....b/c conscious people has the ability to revolt against what's wrong.You can have faith in God but you maybe above all religions

[hayley2003]

It is sinful in part because sexual activity holds a strong spiritual component to it which is meant to bridge the gap between the physical world and the spiritual world.

Fornication makes a mockery of a quick fleeting pleasure with disregard to the consequences and responsibility of possible emotional bonding and creation of offspring who nobody would love and nurture.

This was especially true in ancient times, before condoms and birth control.

But even to this day sex has become a status symbol for guys, a burden or struggle to us women, and from a spiritual standpoint it hinders growth of the family.


Also understand we pee out estrogen from birth control pills, allowing us to have raw sex relatively safely, but it does come at environmental cost as waste water treatment plants can’t filter out the synthetic hormones.

WOW, only married people can experience this?

[Uniquemind]

WOW, only married people can experience this?

Not necessarily there is a dogmatic view regarding what constitutes a marriage ceremony. Some of it is ritual and really isn’t a part of the faith, it’s more to do with earthly custom.

So if by marriage you mean the officially ceremony, and then sex....I don’t mean to communicate that.

But my post was meant to give an answer regarding the danger of a society to outright accept fornication as an idealistic principle and why it is sin.


PS: guilty of said sin.

[Ethan19]

Ok, so if you acknowledge the Bible you'll see that many times pockets of mistruths are common. Gnosticism and Legalism for example (which still exist today in similar forms). What was said about adding these beliefs with Christianity?

Now yes fornication is wrong in the eyes of God, as sex was intended for marriage. And Christianity isn't really starting to acknowledge marriage, rather churches are emerging that accept it. Or some Anglican/United denominations. But if God sets up His definition of marriage in Genesis, then is gay marriage seen as a marriage in His eyes? Or just in human eyes?

Again if we look at Paul or Job or Moses or Jeremiah or Jesus' disciples etc., there were many trials and tribulations they had to face. Many gave up what they had to follow Him. We are to expect challenges because perseverance produces faith and character. The focus is not happiness, but joy comes in the Lord, in truly seeking Him rather than the desires of the flesh.

I'm pointing out that even though forgiveness is there, it doesn't mean we should keep repeating the same sins either. Rather we should be trying to become more like Him. And yes I understand the difficult things in your past have influenced your future, but the point is you are viewing Christianity like a religion. It is not. It is a relationship with Jesus and His truth is not something we should pick and choose at, because truth is absolute.

I meant the Bible is still valid. The Bibliographical test highlights that. God is the same and how scary would it be if He decided to change? To say I don't want to love them anymore? But that is not in His character. His laws are also still valid. They haven't changed. That is why for non-believers they are under the law. The only difference is we are saved by grace, because of what Jesus did.

Yes, Catholicism and Christianity are different. I would say Christianity emerged through Judaism rather than Catholicism tho. But yes we are considered Protestants.

The point of this is not to question whether you are a Christian or not, because only your beliefs and relationship with God can determine that. But sometimes misconceptions can affect the relationship with God, theological concepts and even lead others to believe something that may not be true.

Ngl, there's a lot of shit in the bible that could be quoted to show how backwards it would be to take it word for word. I think the denominations you refer to were caused purely off of this fact. It's one's interpretation of what was written.

[Agent X]

I think God intended man to marry woman, which is a fundamental theme expressed in many places through the Bible. The Bible also in many places condemns homosexuality. I personally believe that being homosexual is a sin in God's eyes, but I also think that God will forgive all sinners regardless as long as they are believers. In other words, one's sexuality is relatively irrelevant as long as one lives their life as a believer and holy life.

[Tim the Enchanter]

Sexuality and religion have nothing to do with each other. Figuring out you are attracted to the same gender doesn’t mean you can’t believe in god and follow Jesus Christ. I don’t understand the question.

I think he means how some religious people view gay people as sinners and are against the lord.

[Jaffe]

Definitely. There are christian congregations that accept gay people. They believe that the bible says to love everyone.. .without any conditions.


The goal isn't to live a happy life anyway, but to live a life that brings glory to God

If this is really the case... if we are not meant to be happy, no matter who we are, no matter who 'God' makes us ... then I think I will stay away from Christianity.

[Axrow]

Definitely. There are christian congregations that accept gay people. They believe that the bible says to love everyone.. .without any conditions.



If this is really the case... if we are not meant to be happy, no matter who we are, no matter who 'God' makes us ... then I think I will stay away from Christianity.

Although taken out of context, the point of saying that was not to suggest we shouldn't be happy but to be wary of selfish attitudes.

[Zachary G]

I am Gay and I am a Christian....God is presented as a loving God who loves everyone...that in itself to me means if I wasn't supposed to be gay then God would not have made me gay...simplistic, but how I feel

Couldnt have said it any better myself. I agree totally.

[Katie2003]

I believe you can. Everything I know about sexual orientation says that it is heavily influenced by genetics and that we are likely programmed at birth to be a specific sexual orientation. If you are religious and believe you were created, then accepting how you are shouldn't be an issue for anyone's religion to dictate. Diversity and acceptance seem the proper way for this to be handled.

I am openly bisexual, dating more girls than boys, yet I consider myself deeply religious and attend church every week with my family. No one that knows my sexuality has questioned it or mentioned that it could be inappropriate based upon religious beliefs. The mom of one of the girls I date the most and have sex with works in the church office and knows of our relationship and intimacy.

[Naters2000]

I’m gay and catholic, not really

[ska8er]

I’m gay and catholic, not really

Y Not really? :what:

[inactiveguy678]

I think like most catholics he is doubting his faith due to Catholicism stance on LGTB but due to certain things like Catholic guilt he still identifies as one being baptised and all. trust me I'm still somewhere there.

[Naters2000]

Y Not really? :what:

Not really meaning that it's not hard to be gay and religious. There are so many accepting people out there, and a great number of them are indeed religious.

[ska8er]

Not really meaning that it's not hard to be gay and religious. There are so many accepting people out there, and a great number of them are indeed religious.

Ur right Nate. Surprisingly my church has a
support group for anyone who is troubled.
There r some members that r counselors in
other LGBT organizations in the area. No one
is questioned of who or what they r.

[Char03]

Do you think that a person could be both gay and Christian (the religion)? A friend I was arguing with said no.

There are plenty of misguided people who think the same in my church unfortunately. But I am a Catholic and am bisexual and I feel I was born like this so it must me Gods will?