Common Myths about Gay Christians

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Jay

I have to disagree with many of the basic concepts here. I agree that it might not be possible for someone to ever end entirely an attraction to a member of the same gender. However, I do believe that such thoughts must be immediately replaced by something that falls in the category of whatsoever things are good, holy, true, virtuous, of good report, etc.

Second, I have seen to many 'gay-oriented Christians' start off by saying that we are too harsh when talking about the issue. It always ends with them trying to persuade us that a pro-gay lifestyle is acceptable in the eyes of God. If it has ever failed to be that, I am not aware of it.

The homosexual movement could not conquer the church from without, so they have decided to take her from within.

I may not agree with them on every point of theological dispute. But I can't judge them based on the terms they use. After all... I'm going to spend all eternity "married" to a Jewish carpenter. lol

[Truthseeker]

Gay christian? soon we will have thief christian, violent christian, etc.... when will the foolishness stop?

[Truthseeker]

Originally Posted by Orthodoxy

Anybody who thinks this is such a "cut and dry" issue should read this interview with Justin Lee, founder of the Gay Christian Network.

I challenge you to read it. You do not have to agree with everything he says, but you should read it.

Also keep in mind that many call themselves "gay," but it does not necessarily imply gay behavior.

Refering to themselves as gay is quite telling.

[Aquila]

While the term "gay Christian" might insight hatred or criticism from many...it will certainly catch the attention of those believers who feel being gay has put them beyond God's love or the right to call themselves "Christian".

[bbyrd009]

Originally Posted by Jay

I have to disagree with many of the basic concepts here. I agree that it might not be possible for someone to ever end entirely an attraction to a member of the same gender. However, I do believe that such thoughts must be immediately replaced by something that falls in the category of whatsoever things are good, holy, true, virtuous, of good report, etc.

Second, I have seen to many 'gay-oriented Christians' start off by saying that we are too harsh when talking about the issue. It always ends with them trying to persuade us that a pro-gay lifestyle is acceptable in the eyes of God. If it has ever failed to be that, I am not aware of it.

The homosexual movement could not conquer the church from without, so they have decided to take her from within.

yup.

[Aquila]

Don't listen to haters who can't relate or understand what you're going through. To all my Christian brothers and sisters who are struggling with any sin and the flesh:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6pS5HCkgPI

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I may not agree with them on every point of theological dispute. But I can't judge them based on the terms they use. After all... I'm going to spend all eternity "married" to a Jewish carpenter. lol

As an individual you are not married to Jesus. Only the church body corporately is the bride. We each individually are children of God, and brothers and sisters of the Son.

[Orthodoxy]

Originally Posted by Jay

Second, I have seen to many 'gay-oriented Christians' start off by saying that we are too harsh when talking about the issue. It always ends with them trying to persuade us that a pro-gay lifestyle is acceptable in the eyes of God. If it has ever failed to be that, I am not aware of it.

There are many self-identifying gay Christians who are convinced that same sex relationships are acceptable to God.

BUT...

As I quoted Mark Yarhouse earlier,

"There are many young Christians who are choosing to remain celibate but who nonetheless share a common sense of experience with members of the gay community, and the use of the word 'gay' (as a self-defining attribution) is an honest account of their sexual attractions and reflects the resonance they feel with the gay community at that level."

And let's not pretend that the Church has always handled this issue perfectly in the past. We all should be aware of that.

But if some of us disagree about the labeling part, that's fine. I accept that.

[bbyrd009]

Originally Posted by Aquila

While the term "gay Christian" might insight hatred or criticism from many...it will certainly catch the attention of those believers who feel being gay has put them beyond God's love or the right to call themselves "Christian".

I agree here also, and would not deny anyone God's love. I hate to be the one to criticize, but when you literally affront "Christian" with any other symbol, you have lost your way. I can identify with your unwillingness to fruit, I have no children yet due to similar issues, but the difference is, I think, that I trust that I will outgrow this, and a gay would not make this admission.
If that defines you, I'm sorry, but gay is your god.
People who are Christian, and are aware of their issues, and currently do whatever for some release that they can admit they need to outgrow is a different story.
The bottom line is God loves you anyway. You are life. Act like it.

[Orthodoxy]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Most of the "gay Christians" that I know only call themselves "Christians", unless the context of a discussion is about subjects that would make being of homosexual orientation relevant. I am relatively certain there are such Christians reading our conversation.

Context.

In the church I attend everyone simply calls themselves a Christian. However, in a youth group service three or four kids stood up and addressed the crowd as "Cutter Christians". Their message? "Jesus was cut for the cutters." These are kids that cut themselves to release emotional pain through bleeding. And they have found peace in Christ. Sometimes they still feel like cutting... but now they are not alone and they turn to Jesus. The context of their message was proper for them to call themselves, "Cutter Christians". In the case of an internet article about the subject at hand, I don't think using the term "gay Christian" is altogether inappropriate.

Of course... if one word you disagree with can send you into a tail spin with regards to seriously acknowledging brothers and sisters in Christ who happen to struggle with homosexuality... I think there's a more serious issue than the word "gay".

Great post.