I have a lot of opinions. We all do. We're all free to share those opinions. We are also free, in that "freedom of speech" defense, to receive praise, criticism, opposition, and acceptance of our opinions.
I don't always share my opinions, publicly at least, because the arguments that can follow are just too draining and pointless for me sometimes. I'm not sure what is compelling me to want to share an opinion today, but here I am.
God.
For me, God is a source of love, hope, acceptance, and guidance. That's how I was raised, at least. I was brought up hearing how God loved us all. I grew up with "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red, brown, yellow, black or white, they're all precious in his sight..." and "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so." We said grace before dinner and it started with "God is great, God is good." Not once in my life was any of that followed up with "unless you are gay."
Interesting.
Christians will tell you God is a loving God. They will say he wants the best for all of his children so they can join him in the Heavens. Yet in the same breath they will say that his gay and lesbian children cannot join him in Heaven. And in some cases, they say supporters of gays and lesbians will not be able to join him in Heaven either. Homosexuality is a sin, and therefore not acceptable in Heaven. Guess what? Go on, guess. No? Ok, let me tell you something - we all sin. In one way or another we all sin. Your sins are no better or worse than the sins you say will not get a group of people into Heaven.
My point.
I hear a lot of ignorant and hateful words come out of self-proclaimed "good" Christians mouths. Most of it is toward gays and lesbians. Are they really sharing the word of God? God's word isn't supposed to be about hate and condemnation. God is about love and bringing all of his children together. Yet so many are more than willing to tell the rest of us how awful it is to be gay. You're disgraceful. It's disgusting. You're being immoral. You're perverted. It's evil. You're going to Hell. But we accept all of God's children. Huh? That doesn't sound too accepting, if you ask me.
Now, I am not generalizing and saying all Christians are like this. I am speaking from personal experience with some of the Christians in my life. Most of the "good" Christians I know are truly GOOD Christians. They follow the word of God in a loving and open manner. Another persons race, sexuality, other religion (or lack thereof), and beliefs are just that - THEIRS and theirs alone. It is not for them, or anyone else to pass judgement. Everyone is welcome with open arms and deserving of love and a spot next to them in the afterlife.
My personal experiences.
I have been told I'm going to Hell. And not just once. The work I've done with and for assorted charities doesn't matter. The compassion I can show toward others no matter our differences doesn't matter. Anything good I've ever done in my lifetime doesn't matter. I am going to Hell. Why? Because of who I've supported and voted for in Presidential elections (totally not kidding on that one - it first was told to me because I didn't support GW Bush for a second term). Because I support my brothers and sisters in this world who are gay (see, if I were truly a good friend, and wanted to go to Heaven, I would show them the way to salvation and would work toward changing their sinful ways - aka turning them straight, because you know, being gay is just a choice and is like a switch that can be turned off and on).
I've been called a negative and hateful person who hates all Christians. This was based on an article I read and shared with friends. Admittedly, the title of the article was off-putting. But had the article been read, it would have been found to be a very interesting look at Christianity. Instead, I'm hateful for even thinking of sharing it with people.
Tell me. Does that sound like the words and actions of loving, kind, and accepting Christians? I'm curious where this disdain for human beings comes from. I choose to believe in a God that loves us all, no matter our differences, no matter our "sins". It's a shame, to me, that others can't believe in a God like that too, no matter how much they claim to.
As we embrace another Christmas, as well as, the end of another year, I hope your hearts are filled with love and acceptance. And I hope the new year brings about more positive and hopeful stories and lives into our world. Thank you.
