In what ways are Christians open to dialogue with members of the Gay community?

Question

If no bridge can be built between Christians and Gay people, or if the bridge is open only if gay people meet Christians' conditions either to deny their feelings exist or to pledge celibacy, the the gap between the two groups will be permanent.

What can you imagine would be the beginning point for a conversation between Christians and members of the Gay community? Can you imagine a world in which both groups are transformed through conversation?

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Answer 1

I am an MCCer so there is no conflict in my denomination between Gay and Christian.



Many of my fundamentalist Christian brothers and sisters suffer from doctrinal and dogmatic elitism. This manifests itself in bigotous comments and behavior.



Bigotry is only overcome by exposure and education contrary to the sterotypes that the bigotry stems from.



The more people that come out of the closet and live openly as who God created them to be; gay, Bi, Trans etc., the more straight allies will evolve. The HIV/Aids epidemic is a fantastic example. Since the disease is now recognied as an "anybody" disease instead of the old concept of being a "gay" disease, most churches are embracing supporting HIV/Aids treatment and prevention programs as well as church based care teams for those affected.



The other side of the coin is our Christian Allies need to come out of the closet as allies. For them to do this they need to know that "we" (the gay community) has their back. Too often our allies get discouraged because we won't stand up for ourselves. Matthew Shepards mom is a great example. She was and is on the front lines of promoting Hate Crimes legislation. Too often she is in front of legislators lobying and the local gay community is too afraid or unwilling to stand there with her. We leave her an our other allies alone blowing in the wind while we sit at the local clubs and fundraisers whining and crying some one shoud do something.



Ultimately, much blame rest on us, the gay community. If I do not stand up proud of who I am as a beloved child of God, why should I expect anyone else to think that I am a beloved child of God.

Answer 2

The difficulty is that both sides tend to approach the other with a view to confirming their own positions. Neither is particularly interested in the possibility of their own transformation, merely the transformation of the opposing position.



Coming from the pro-gay perspective, I'm probably no different in this respect. If the Christian position is as you've outlined (and in reality there are many Christian positions) then I have little to discuss. I won't deny my feelings, and I've never seen or heard any convincing moral argument for compulsory celebacy that evolves from a premise I share. I simply can't accept Leviticus and Paul as unquestionably authoritative aout my life, but this seems to be about all the moral thinking available from some religious conservatives.



My own moral imperatives are humanist. I would like to see a world where gay kids grow up with a positive and affirming model of their sexuality. At present the most visible models for kids are the bullying and intellectual vacuousness of religion contrasting with the commoditization of sexuality of the commercial gay scene. Neither are terribly sustaining, but I believe the first is extremely toxic and an impossible base on which to build a mature sense of sexual self. Most people find a way to move on from the second, or to put it in perspective.



In some ways the gap you speak of is a sad thing. At its best, Christianity can have a great deal to say about human dignity and love. Unfortunately, at this stage the brand appears to have been hijacked by zealots who have little real interest in the wellbeing of gay people, and whose main interest is in confirming their own ego positions.



No doubt some Christians would say the same about me.

Answer 3

Beginning? I’m sorry but if you believe that all Christians think like this, then it’s you that’s choosing not to join in the dialogue, not the countless Christians who are already building the bridges and extending a hand.



Fact is, you are never going to get all Christians to agree with you. I’m a woman. Think I can get all men to believe that I’m their equal. I have a Southern (US) accent. Do you know how many people make judgments about me whenever they hear my voice?



My advice to any gay person who has an earnest desire to become better understood by Christians, find a local church where you will be accepted and get involved. The more Christians who get to know you as a person, the more you influence understanding. Sure you will likely encounter some unpleasant reactions, but most of us deal with unpleasant reactions for one reason or another.



(POV of a Christian whose dialogue with members of the gay community generally begin when somebody picks up the telephone or writes an e-mail.)

Answer 4

Aren't you the one with the gay pastor? And you *still* believe that homosexuality is a sin? People make the Bible say whatever they want it to. That article is an excellent example. I suggest you sit down and read it for yourself. Anyway, like I said the last time I answered this exact question, I know not all Christians hate gays. I do consider calling homosexuality a "sin" hatred since it tells a person that a fundamental element of their character is morally corrupt and depraved and requires correction. If that's not hate, I don't know what is. Fortunately, not all Christians believe like you. Some ignore or twist their Bible to fit 21st century moral standards, which in my opinion is better than being stuck in the 15th century- the lesser of two evils, if you will.

Answer 5

I am of the opinion that christianity is too broad of a term to use in defining religion. Why can't a gay person be a christian? Why can't a gay person accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? I think it is crazy that this is even an issue. I grew up in a very homophobic home. Then I grew up and made some really great friends. Imagine my shock to find out a lot of my best friends are gay. All of the gay people I know are very loving, open-minded, humorous and intelligent. They are well spoken. This is what "christians" should be. I laugh at those who say that people choose to be gay. Maybe a small percent of people choose to be, but I ask you this. . .who are we to judge what challenges God would give someone in this life? I am not gay. I dearly love all my gay friends. Yes, some of them believe in Jesus Christ. They live their life the best they can. Shame on all thpse who cannot get past their own egos to realize that gay people are children of God too. He loves them and that should be good enough for you.

Answer 6

I think the dialogue can begin when Christians realize that one sin is not different from another sin. Should someone be kicked out of church because they gossip? hold grudges? lust in their heart? Church is for people to worship God. We can't cast stones and decide who God "approves" of and who he doesn't. We're all in the same boat in that we're lost without Christ. An alcoholic, a prostitute, the worst person alive that goes to church is seeking God. We cannot judge another person's place on that journey. Gay people should realize that a christian's opposition to him or her comes from a sincere desire to please God and also that they are not going to change some people's minds no matter what. Your journey to God may take a different path than theirs but take courage. Things do change, I've lived long enuf to see that. People are becoming more tolerant every day. Why it used to be considered a sin for a woman to wear pants to church, can you imagine that? I don't know if that addresses your question as to where to start dialogue, but the right attitude on both sides is important. Live by what you believe is right not by what others believe you should.

Answer 7

I have a homosexual brother-in-law whom I like and care for very much.



I can not and will not condone or accept his choice of sexual expression. Let me add that I feel the same way about a heterosexual's choice to live a hedonistic life style.



That said. A real Christian can and should have a dialog with anyone, but would never be able to the compromise and accept the life-style.



The same would apply to atheists, we could talk, but the belief system would be diametrically opposite. A bridge couldn't be built to span the gap.

Answer 8

The beginning would be for Christians to acknowledge the mountain of evidence attesting to the normalcy of homosexuality. They could try opening themselves up to avenues of thought that don't involve appealing to baseless "deific" condemnation. They could consider the fact that virtually every psychological authority on the face of the planet have been telling us for the better part of 4 decades, and in no uncertain terms, that homosexual orientation is normal, natural, healthy and not in the least bit a mental illness.



Then again, if scripture is the only thing they recognize as worthy of their attention, they should consider the fact that the Bible doesn't say nearly as much about loving, committed monogamous same sex relationships.



The passages in Leviticus (18:22 and 20:13), understood IN THE CONTEXT of the time and place, are not an admonishment against loving sexual relationships between people of the same sex but instead against sex as a form of domination and control. Besides, these passages are part of the Holiness Code which is not binding to modern day Christians (or anyone else for that matter).



The story of Sodom and Gomorrah was a warning against rape, inhospitality and xenophobia. The reason for Sodom's destruction is made clear in Ezekiel 16:48-50: pride, laziness, being inhospitable, neglecting the needs of the poor, greed, and idolatry (the worshiping of idols). Nothing about homosexuality is mentioned. If Jude 1:7 describes anything about the sexual immorality and perversion in Sodom and Gomorrah, it's describing RAPE.



1 Corinthians 6:9 was a mistranslation of the word "malakee". It's used elsewhere in the Bible to mean someone who lacks discipline or one who is morally weak, and never is it used in reference to sexuality or gender.



1 Timothy 1:9-10? Also a mistranslation. 1 Timothy was an admonishment against male prostitution, not committed, loving same sex relationships.



The words "physin" and "paraphysin" in Romans 1:26-27 have also been mistranslated. Contrary to popular belief, the word "paraphysin" does not mean "to go against the laws of nature", but rather implies action which is uncharacteristic for that particular person. An example of the word "paraphysin" is used in Romans 11:24, where God acts in an uncharacteristic (paraphysin) way to accept the Gentiles. When the scripture is understood correctly, it implies that it would be unnatural for heterosexuals to live as homosexuals and for homosexuals to live as heterosexuals.



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Short of demonstrating the meaning of the scripture, I suppose we could assign each Christian a gay buddy for a month to show them that gay people are just people. I'm not saying we force Christians to hang around for gay sex or anything, but to see just how "unscary" gay people are (sorry for using a made-up word).

Answer 9

Many Christian denominations have already welcomed homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgendered Christians into their congregations. Others are still struggling internally over the issue. Eventually it will be impossible for all but the most hateful and unsympathetic people to deny that homosexuality harms no one, and as it harms none, it is immoral to persecute homosexuals.

Answer 10

I don't think that there is any gap in the dialogue between a gay person and a Christian. A Christian is someone who loves the Lord and knows that he died for their sins and wants to live as though they love him. Because they know that he loved them in their sin they know that he loves all sinners and they want to tell them that the message of repentance is for all.

Answer 11

I respect the fact that a gay person will seek to find love. I've been too deeply burnt to trust my heart to another relationship. Only G-d can change my heart now.

I'm Jewish & have a gay co-worker & the female RN hitting on me! Funny how being Jewish gives me opportunity to talk about G-d without people turning me off.

Answer 12

I would say the same thing to a gay person as I would to a heterosexual person. You need Jesus, to forgive you of your sins and to help you live for Him. The Holy Spirit can do the rest. They should be loved and accepted like all people. God Bless.

Answer 13

I am a Christian and I don't condemn any homosexual. I treat them just like anybody else. That's what Jesus would do. He didn't condemn that woman who was caught in adultery so no Christian should condemn any gay person either.

Answer 14

Dialog about what?

I call myself a christian and I have many friends that are gay...that's their lifestyle. My lifestyle is to find a nice gal, get married and have 2 sons and a daughter before I get too old.

Gay men believe in dating other men.

So where is the dialog?

I and my gay friends talk about sports, cars and the weather..but that's it. I don't question their lifestyle and they don't dare question mine.



As a christian, I think that Marriage is between a man and a woman; period. If Gays want to have unions with other men, I don't care; but please do not call it marriage.

Answer 15

I am afraid for the most part you hit the nail on the head. Homosexuals would have to deny their feelings (completely natural feelings, btw) or remain celibate. I am not even sure that the latter would even be good enough for most Christians. (notice I didn't say ALL for all of you who will call me on it)

Answer 16

I talk to Christians all the time and the subject of sexual preference never comes up. When you meet people do you introduce yourself as a being gay?

Answer 17

I can be open to gays in dialogue but the Truth is the One to be preached.

You cannot expect to enter into the Father's house unless His rules are met. It is an abomination to the Lord.

Repent, confess, and be transformed.

Answer 18

I would love it if gay people would come to my church and learn of God and how much God loves them.



These people in the gay community are hurting physically, emotionally & spiritually. God can heal them and make them whole.



I go to the River of Life Fellowship in Kent WA. I only write this because the Pastor preached that it would be good if gay people would feel free to come to church as they are. They don't have to be righteous before they come to church. They come to church to find God. Also that if there are cigarett buds in the parking lot, that is good, etc. People need to realize that they need to come as they are. That is who Jesus invites. Jesus came that we can be restored in relationship with God. He did that by shedding His own blood to redeem us from sin.



When we confess Jesus Christ Lord and believe in our heart the Resurrection from the dead we will be saved. Then we are robed in Christ righteousness.

Answer 19

I believe that Gay people are just tempted all the time by satan obvious.and yea you need to learn to fight that teptation its just as bas as a straight guy lusting every women,If you realy know christ you would know what true love is.Cursed affection is what its called in the bible that will increase in the end times.Its just temptation and yea you can be saved.

Answer 20

the "dialogue" will start as soon as they start doing the love thing they are always claiming their religion is all about instead of just using it as an empty argument...

Answer 21

I should think it would be a Gay person wanting to know about Jesus

Answer 22

Please rephrase that! Not ALL christians are fundamentalists, in fact, most of us aren't and resent being thrown in with that bunch of bigots.

Answer 23

That's what gays hope to happen. They want to talk their way into getting their lifestyle accepted. Why do you think they adopted gay instead of queer. They even want it to sound better. It doesn't work for me.

Answer 24

Meet you halfway.

Answer 25

Nice weather today. (Question 2)

Answer 26

I'd tell them it's THEIR HELL, not mine and the sooner they go there the better.