This morning I ran out of Milk. It happens. So I popped on some clothes and headed down to the shop. I am walking up the street and see two men (one on each path opposite sides of the road) wearing a shirt, tie and pants. Both the young men are good looking. The one on my side of the road approaches me.
He introduces his self. I am smiling at the beautiful man and then he starts talking about Jesus Christ. Damn, I’ve been caught by a good looking man! He tells me that Faith in Christ can help me resolve personal and family challenges. He discusses at lengh about family being important. (I don’t disagree with that.)
I explain that I am gay and pagan, which he seems to ignore. Usually they recoil in horror and walk away. We discussed where the church is (I asked!). He gave me a leaflet. And then we parted, him continuing his journey to convert/persuade and me continuing my journey to the shop.
I think it is very clever that they use good looking people to draw you in. Overall it was an odd experience. I looked at the leaflet, it appeared they where mormons. I looked up their views on their website that they gave me, they are not positive on the gays:
“People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are.
(from: http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/glossary/glossary-definition/homosexuality, Accessed online: 4th July 09)
But that is most christian religions for you. I have many christian friends (including some mormon’s). However homosexuality is seen in nature, so is it not natural? (I won’t get in to that debate!)
However this young man did look like he had gay tendencies. I feel sorry for him growing up being oppressed religion and that condems gay, lesbian and bisexual people. I pray that he finds his way.
Write soon,
Antony
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Having worked for some time in gay rights in the UK and even though I was brought up in the Church of England, christened and then as a teenager confirmed, for many years I have had no time for organised religion of any sort.
If a person wishes to have a personal belief in a god then I will respect and, indeed defend, their right to hold that belief. What I detest and agree with you about, is the organised church.
I have met many catholics who are gay, let alone jehova’s witnesses, who were so unhappy at not being able to intellectually or emotionally reconcile being gay with their learned religion. I cannot see but that most church’s oppressive gay people, just as most of them have oppressed black people, those of other religions and even women and children for centuries.
I am personally close to thinking that some churches should be outlawed.
I was brought up as a Catholic and didn’t agree with it’s points of view on sexuality (among other things). I think it depends what you mean by organised religion.
I am a pagan. Paganism to me is more balanced and about personal empowerment. Indeed as a pagan you don’t need any one to act as an intermediatery between you and god (god/goddess/higher being).
Pagan’s as such don’t have churches but do come together to celebrate festivals (see Pagan Festivals). You could interpret this as an organised religion. But what I love about pagan people is that the majority don’t judge. They also don’t tell you that your own practice of the religion and your interpretation are wrong.
I think people should have personal choice when it comes to religion. I just feel that people shouldn’t:
1. Force their views on others (including standing on the street preeching, starting wars, etc.) and
2. Brain wash the vulnerable (let people think for themselves!)
Hugs,
A x