I've recently come across your page, and this post (along with others) have really resonated with me. I have been in and out of church for most of my teenage/adult life (I'm now 38), and I have always left because the church has been harmful to people like me. I'm gay, and the church as an institution obviously condemns people like me. Despite this, I returned to church a few months ago because I want a relationship with God. And as I look around the world and my church I can see how their condemnation, which is often so public and hurtful, actually PREVENTS people from coming to Jesus at all (whether alone or through a church), even though the role of the church is to make disciples of the world. I just don't know what to do with it all. I understand what the bible says, trust me I really do, and that is something people like me have to wrestle with internally and publicly. But I just feel deeply, for all the people that will never get to have a relationship with God, because the church has condemned them before they even had a chance. And that... that feels more unbiblical than my homosexuality.
Hey Friend, thank you for sharing this. I agree with you so much on this. I grieve especially as enter June and how so many Christians will talk and behave around this community. There's a difference between having our theological stance and dehumanizing people. Christians certainly have a long way to go around this area. I hope you meet Christians that see the dignity in you <3
I ran in to an old friend recently, a woman in her late 30s. We used to go to the same church years ago. As we caught up, she told me how genuinely good her life is now, she is over 3 years sober, is married and has a one yr old girl. Her smile was radiant. I asked her about church and she said going to her AA meetings is her church. She is accepted there, loved there, welcomed there. My heart is so glad she in a good place in her life now, but as I went on my way, I thought how we need churches for all people, no matter what they come with. Thank you for your words here, Pricelis!
I've recently come across your page, and this post (along with others) have really resonated with me. I have been in and out of church for most of my teenage/adult life (I'm now 38), and I have always left because the church has been harmful to people like me. I'm gay, and the church as an institution obviously condemns people like me. Despite this, I returned to church a few months ago because I want a relationship with God. And as I look around the world and my church I can see how their condemnation, which is often so public and hurtful, actually PREVENTS people from coming to Jesus at all (whether alone or through a church), even though the role of the church is to make disciples of the world. I just don't know what to do with it all. I understand what the bible says, trust me I really do, and that is something people like me have to wrestle with internally and publicly. But I just feel deeply, for all the people that will never get to have a relationship with God, because the church has condemned them before they even had a chance. And that... that feels more unbiblical than my homosexuality.
Hey Friend, thank you for sharing this. I agree with you so much on this. I grieve especially as enter June and how so many Christians will talk and behave around this community. There's a difference between having our theological stance and dehumanizing people. Christians certainly have a long way to go around this area. I hope you meet Christians that see the dignity in you <3
I ran in to an old friend recently, a woman in her late 30s. We used to go to the same church years ago. As we caught up, she told me how genuinely good her life is now, she is over 3 years sober, is married and has a one yr old girl. Her smile was radiant. I asked her about church and she said going to her AA meetings is her church. She is accepted there, loved there, welcomed there. My heart is so glad she in a good place in her life now, but as I went on my way, I thought how we need churches for all people, no matter what they come with. Thank you for your words here, Pricelis!
thanks for sharing friend. And that's a big amen there! What a blessing to hear how far along your friend is in her healing journey!