If you are a Christian that supports gay marriage/relationships...

[StaceyinLA]

Can you please share with me how you came about that as it correlates with your faith/religion?

 

Obviously in conservative Christian circles, this is not an acceptable position. I was against gay marriage for a long time, but am now accepting and open to it. I guess I reached a point where I realized it just wasn't about me and who was I to judge others for who they loved.

 

Of course, this puts me in a weird position with some friends, but also with myself, as I need to be able to let go of my former religious beliefs on the subject (or should I).

 

What and how did you form your beliefs regarding this subject in accordance with Biblical teachings?

 

This is a genuine and sincere question, and I am really trying to gain knowledge because of the beliefs of my conservative friends - I want to have something to offer when it is brought up in discussions. I would appreciate it if the topic could be civil.

[3 ladybugs]

I look at it from a children's perspective. So yes the church doctrine is completely against gay marriage but it is also about forgiveness.

 

I have a VERY hard time telling anyone they can NOT have a child or adopt. Exception to this would be child indangerers. So when 2 gay people go into having a child together, I expect them to co-parent that child for life. A gay person doesn't accidentally have a child, there has to be thought involved. I have heard stories for years where because there was no gay marriage, someone walked away from a relationship and the child is the one who suffers emotionally and monetarily.

 

So I want gay marriage so there is a greater chance that if things go wrong, and there is a child involved, the child doesn't suffer. i don't see this as contradicting church policy as all churches help children.

[mommaduck]

Subbing and will be back.

[flyingiguana]

There are plenty of churches in which gay marriage is accepted.

[Joanne]

As you know, Stacey, I am no longer a Christian. But I do have an answer from when I was a Christian.

 

My last years as a Christian were spent feeling/knowing that "you" can take the Bible literally. If you do, you HAVE to pick and chose what literallness is true. That become nonsense to me once I examined it. So, I began seeing the Bible as inspired (by God) wisdom literature written in the culture of the span of those times - when hyperbole, "story", and parable were the literary learning agents.

 

I also "took" the Bible as a product of its time. *Inspired* by God but written by flawed human hands of a particular time.

 

Also, it's important to know that it was COMMON and EXPECTED in many regions that grown, married men, took young male lovers. I believe that the scripture may be "about that."

Many things (disease, addiction, medicine, science) were understood only on a superficial level. The response to unknowns and under-knowns is fear. Fear inspires reactive behavior, decisions, and becomes sanctioned in writing.

 

Finally, Jesus never said anything remotely about homosexuality. I had to believe if it was important to him, he'd remember to put in in the NT. ;)

 

 

[flyingiguana]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lee-jefferson/bible-gay-marriage_b_886102.html

Don't know if anything there will be helpful

[Pawz4me]

To the extent that I'm still a Christian, it's a very simple faith I have.  So I would cite the gospel of Matthew, Chapter 22 verses 36-40:

 

 

 

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?â€

³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^{[a] 38} This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^{[b] 40} All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.â€

 

Denying my neighbor the right to marry the person they love and want to build a life with wouldn't be loving them as myself.

[T'smom]

Lots of reasons. Jesus never said anything about homosexuality, but he did mention not judging others about a million times. People seem to pick and choose things from Leviticus, why do we make such a big deal about homosexuality and not wearing clothing of mixed fabrics?!?!

 

But the really big thing is that Jesus never tried to force anyone to follow Him or follow his laws. He accepted people's free will. If a Christian believes gay marriage is a sin, then by all means, they shouldn't do it. However, that begins and ends with an individuals belief/conviction. It is not up to us to tell other people what to do (or to try to make laws to force people to follow our beliefs) Nowhere in the bible does it tell us that we are supposed to try to change the government into a theocracy. Jesus didn't do that. He was all about changing your own heart, not changing someone else's behavior.

 

I am a Christian and I have been my whole life. But I am as far from conservative as it is possible to get, and it is solely because I desire to follow Christ. There are a LOT of us out there who cannot reconcile conservative ideas and following

Christ. Sorry if that was too close to the no politics rule.

[ktgrok]

there is a wonderful book called "The Moral Teachings of Paul" that is helpful in this regard. But mostly, I have two different reasons for being okay with gay marriage. 

 

The first is that it is my belief that the Bible was written by men,inspired by God, and contains in it many prescritpions that were for a certain time and place. I believe the parts about homosexuality are referring to the the gay prostitutes and such of the time, not gay marriage or loving relationships between equal peers. The time period had a lot of men having sex with boys as well, again totally different from what we think of as a gay relationship. 

 

Second, I think that if I am wrong, God will forgive me. That's what he does. And better to let two people love each other, in the spirit of love and forgiveness, and then realize I'm wrong than to cause bitterness and animosity and pain, and then find out that was wrong. In other words, I have to decide which is the bigger risk, and I think the God I know, the Jesus I read of in the Bible, would say to me, IF I'm worng, "hey, not what I meant, but I see that you were acting out of love and compassion, and so I get why you did it." 

 

Also the fact that Jesus never mentioned it makes me think this isn't a real salvation issue anyway. God has so many bigger issues to be upset about. When we have ended war and poverty and homelessness and child abuse and rape and murder, then lets sit down and worry about gay marriage. Cause Jesus talked about those other things, but not about gay marriage, so I don't get why we focus on them. The rest of the stuff gives us plenty to work on. 

[Sneezyone]

Lots of reasons. Jesus never said anything about homosexuality, but he did mention not judging others about a million times. People seem to pick and choose things from Leviticus, why do we make such a big deal about homosexuality and not wearing clothing of mixed fabrics?!?!

 

But the really big thing is that Jesus never tried to force anyone to follow Him or follow his laws. He accepted people's free will. If a Christian believes gay marriage is a sin, then by all means, they shouldn't do it. However, that begins and ends with an individuals belief/conviction. It is not up to us to tell other people what to do (or to try to make laws to force people to follow our beliefs) Nowhere in the bible does it tell us that we are supposed to try to change the government into a theocracy. Jesus didn't do that. He was all about changing your own heart, not changing someone else's behavior.

 

I am a Christian and I have been my whole life. But I am as far from conservative as it is possible to get, and it is solely because I desire to follow Christ. There are a LOT of us out there who cannot reconcile conservative ideas and following

Christ. Sorry if that was too close to the no politics rule.

 

This. Except that I that I am called to change my own heart such that I set an example worth emulating (which may or may not encourage someone else to change but that's not my goal at all). I am called to humbly follow *my* Lord, not to condemn or restrict others in His name.

[GailV]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lee-jefferson/bible-gay-marriage_b_886102.html

Don't know if anything there will be helpful

 

I've read various articles along these lines.  I found it very intriguing and helpful.

[FaithManor]

I have always maintained that any person's rights only extend so far as the exercising of them does not hurt someone else. Extending marriage rights to homosexuals does not impinge my right to heterosexual marriage but denying that right most certainly hurts homosexual families.

 

I prefer love and kindness over fear and hate. I think Jesus does too!

[AK_Mom4]

Because I am not called on by Christ to judge other people. God is quite capable of handling that Himself.

 

Because I am called to show compassion for my neighbor and I am called to protect the faith and life of children. Should I make a child's way more difficult just because her parents are the same gender? I don't think so.

 

Because I don't find homosexuality listed in the NT as one of the "deal-breakers" for being a Christian. We humans get bent around the axle with lots of rules about things that just don't matter spiritually and I think this issue is one of those things.

[texasmama]

For me, it came down to the fact that the state/country are not Christian so laws do not have to reflect any one religion's beliefs.  If someone asked me if I think whether or not God is pro gay marriage, I would probably say no.  But only God can answer that.  Gay marriage does not harm me in any way I can see.  I am not against it.  I am not for it.  I am neutral about it, I suppose, which is a weird position.  I am happy for the gay friends and relatives I have who can get married.  I got married, and I know they are happy that they can get married.  I love a lot of gay people so there is always "a face" on this "issue" for me.  I think many Christians don't really know any or many gay people so it is not personal.  It is vague, and they have the luxury of denying something to a group of people they don't even know.

 

But I live my life in a very "live and let live" manner, and I am pretty apolitical which helps me to not have to wrestle with these issues.  My church's official stance would be against gay marriage.  I don't feel the need to talk about the fact that I am pretty neutral on the issue.  I am pro gay adoption because of all the kids in foster care without permanent homes.  So there's that.  I don't discuss it with my church member friends, though.  I don't feel the need to.

[Denise in Florida]

I am not sure how typical I might be in this discussion but I am a Christian (and devout Bible reader   :001_smile: ) and I have absolutely no problems with gay marriage or relationships. 

 

There are two important aspects here, the equality of civil rights and the religious ritual.  For me there is no question that Christians should support laws applying equally to all and should argue on behalf of those who do not receive legal protections.

 

As far as the religious ritual itself, I don't think it any different than any other spiritual issue.  I know my sins.  I do not know that LGBT lifestyle is a sin.  The more I read, study, pray the less black and white the world seems.  The only true bedrock is grace, truth, and God's love and our need to get through this life together.  I think the harm done by the political and religious in fighting greatly outweighs the harm of same sex relationships. 

[Veritaserum]

For me it was internalizing Jesus's edict to love one another. I saw no love in denying same sex couples legal marriage. I saw hatred and judgment.

[LucyStoner]

You might be interested in this minister's thoughts on the matter:

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-tim-phillips/thank-god-for-gay-marriage-in-washington_b_1237249.html

 

Rev. Phillips is a remarkable and interesting man. He's dedicated his life to his religion and the selfless service of others.

 

He is also a married gay man.

[SquirrellyMama]

I think the Christian church has enough to clean up in the Christian church. Until we can say that we don't have immoral relationships, adultery, porn addictions, divorce, drugs, fighting between members, fighting between denominations etc... I don't see how we can look at others and tell them who they can marry. Honestly, I wouldn't tell them even if the church cleaned up.

 

I get angry at my own church about how we'll jump on non Christians for things, but give Christians a pass by saying, "I won't cast the first stone." I had one of those on my FB feed last night. I said he might not have so many stones being cast if he hadn't put himself out there as a morally superior. I have people telling me he never put himself out there like that.  I think through his words and actions he did.

 

They think I'm the crazy liberal once again. Most liberals think I'm that crazy conservative.  Can't win :crying:

 

Kelly

 

 

[Audrey]

I don't have any religious perspective to offer you, Stacey, but just wanted to say that your willingness to be accepting and to admit that is very admirable. 

[Ipsey]

Here's a gay Evangelical group where you can read testimonies and articles and exegesis of various Bible passages, so you can understand how gay Evangelical (born-again) Christians (and ones who have life-partners, husbands, and wives) understand the passages that are traditionally used to denigrate gay people.

 

These are Christians who are Evangelical, gay, and many of whom are in same-sex relationships, so that may be a perspective you haven't had much experience with.

 

It's very interesting, and you might find it thought-provoking as well, even if you don't agree with it. :)  Exciting to look at different sides. Good for you!

 

ETA: Here is the link.

 

http://www.t-e-n.org/

 

 

 

 

 

[kiana]

Second, I think that if I am wrong, God will forgive me. That's what he does. And better to let two people love each other, in the spirit of love and forgiveness, and then realize I'm wrong than to cause bitterness and animosity and pain, and then find out that was wrong. In other words, I have to decide which is the bigger risk, and I think the God I know, the Jesus I read of in the Bible, would say to me, IF I'm worng, "hey, not what I meant, but I see that you were acting out of love and compassion, and so I get why you did it." 

 

I love this, I really do. It's put into words what I've come to believe. 

[JumpyTheFrog]

OP, I think it would help if you clarified if you are asking about how people support gay marriage politically (even if they think gay marriage is a sin) or if you mean people who are theologically okay with gay marriage. For example, I am ok with gay marriage politically because it's not my place to force my beliefs on others about it. Theologically, I am undecided. I find some of the arguments that (for lack of a better term) "explain away" certain passages worth considering, but I haven't been fully convinced by them as of yet.

[JumpyTheFrog]

I would like to mention one idea I've read about that is interesting. Some celibate gay couples have what they call a "spiritual friendship." From what I have read, they commit their lives to each other, much like marriage, but they remain celibate because of their religious beliefs. They see this as a way to have many of the benefits of marriage without what they believe to be the sin of gay sex.

[monstermama]

Some other food for thought in regards to the New Testament passages: http://www.religioustolerance.org/homarsen.htm

 

I think too often we fall into the human trap of railing against sins that aren't ours, whether that's adultery or homosexuality or whatever, and we forget to focus on our own sins.  When I feel myself losing track, I like to reread the gospels.  What subjects is Jesus concerned with, and what does He command us to do?

[mom31257]

I support it because I think consenting adults should be free to live how they choose. It's about political freedom, which I can separate from my personal beliefs. I don't think supporting it politically has to mean that I don't think it is a sin. 

 

I still believe it is sin. I believe that if a person professes to be a Christian and is gay, they should abstain and live a celibate lifestyle. 

 

I don't believe churches and pastors should be forced to perform ceremonies. I personally have a theory that churches should just get out of the whole business of issuing marriage licenses. Leave that to the government. Church ceremonies could be performed after a legally binding ceremony has been performed by the court, and then it would be just the couple's affirmation in front of family and God. Those ceremonies could then be performed on a volunteer basis and shouldn't interfere with any laws. 

 

 

 

 

[Kathryn]

I "support" it in that I don't think the U.S. is a theocracy and therefore my or anyone else's religious beliefs should have no bearing on something that consenting adults choose to do that does no earthly harm to themselves or others. Personally, I have no opinion one way or the other as to the religious aspect. It doesn't affect me personally as I'm not gay, so I don't think I need to worry about whether or not it may be sinful. If my child turns out to be gay, they'll have to work that out for themselves, just like they would if they were an adulterer or an alcoholic or anything else someone might call sinful.

[Mimm]

Haven't read any replies yet.

 

I kind of came to a point where I didn't know if it was a sin. Then I decided that I didn't need to know if it was a sin because I'm not in charge of that. IF it is a sin, then it's not a sin against me, but against God. So... God can deal with it. God has chosen not rain fire and brimstone down on gay pride parades... so who the heck gave me that authority? No one, so far as I recall. I AM commanded to love all people though. I can treat my fellow humans with decency and respect and let them worry about their own stuff. Maybe when I've dealt with all my own sin and am this perfect awesome person, I'll go around worry about other people's sin.

 

This isn't to say I won't speak out when something is wrong and clearly hurting people. Recently I was posting about Josh Duggar, ATI, Ashley Madison, etc. These are actions people are taking that are clearly hurting people. Someone out there just living his life being his gay self? I just don't see that hurting anyone.

 

Also, I support marriage equality because even IF homosexuality was a sin, I do not believe our government should legislate morality. Something is a crime or it is a sin, sometimes it's both, but the government should be making laws about crimes, not sins. And homosexuality does not belong in the crime category. So it's really none of the government's business. And so they have no right to discriminate against any of their citizens. All of us should be equal right? Theoretically? :)

 

Bottom line? If I could eliminate 50 sins from this world so that no one could ever commit them again, homosexuality wouldn't even make the list.

 

I don't necessarily consider it a sin anyway. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm NOT wrong in treating people with love and respect, so I'll stick with that.

[Mimm]

Oh and for all the "love the sinner, hate the sin" types... Supporting legislation to deny people rights that you enjoy isn't loving. Stop saying you "love the sinner." You don't.

[rose]

I personally think that this would be a lot easier for Christians if they just quit messing in politics. Christians are supposed to be ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. An American ambassador in China doesn't get involved in Chinese politics. Likewise I don't think that heavenly ambassadors should be messing with worldly politics.

 

I realized years ago that the idea of a Judeo-Christian government is laughable. We can't legislate righteousness. Lying is a sin but we can't outlaw that. Should we start executing idolaters? Any half-way measures reek of hypocrisy. A church takeover of political systems is NOT what Jesus had in mind. A government will never "love their enemies." In order to defend itself or uphold laws it  must depend on force. If we as Christians are really going to take Jesus seriously we need to withdraw from politics. Sound politics are completely incongruent with Jesus' teachings. Calvin's Geneva should have shown us once and for all.

 

I think that homosexual marriage is a form of sexual immorality BUT I don't believe we should fight for it to be illegal. Adultery, fornication and second marriages after divorce (assuming first spouse is still alive) are also forms of sexual immorality but no one is fighting to ban those nor would it even be sensible to do so. Similarly I think that we will eventually allow polygamy and I won't fight that either. I would rather compel people to voluntarily leave their sins rather than force them to pretend that they don't have sinful desires.

 

One of the big reasons homosexual people want to be allowed to marry is for the security when dealing with separations and death. I had an uncle that married a man several years ago. His husband died about a year ago. His husbands family was really anxious to lay their hands on the inheritance but because they were married they couldn't touch it. Had they just been living together the family could have claimed that they were simply roommates. Honestly, I don't see why Christians can't just let the world work out these messy situation however they please. Why should we meddle with how someone wants their inheritance divided?

[texasmama]

This is a genuine and sincere question, and I am really trying to gain knowledge because of the beliefs of my conservative friends - I want to have something to offer when it is brought up in discussions. I would appreciate it if the topic could be civil.

I have pondered this part of your question since I answered.  I do not want to debate these issues with people.  I do not enjoy debating in general.  These topics really don't come up much in my circle.  I treat this issue like I treat the age of the earth issue, not engaging in discussion because I know it will not go anywhere.  I have very few hot button issues, and this is not one of them.  I will never be an activist of any type.  I just want to quietly live my life and allow others to do the same.  I do not wish to add to anyone else's pain or difficulties.  Other people, it sounds like you included, want to have some ability to defend your views with scripture, and that is great.  

 

The longer I live, the more I am embarrassed by the views espoused by many conservative Christians.  I think they do not represent Christ well.  If I go down on the wrong side of the issue, it will be erring on the side of grace and love.  My own "house" is not pristine, so I don't really need to worry about where other people stand with God.  Some of my favorite people are gay, and I love and support them.  

[City Mouse]

When I was religious, I always felt like it wasn't my place to decide that one kind of sin is worse than another. Glass houses and all that.

I have seen way to many straight people ruin families with "sinful" (would really like to put other words here) behavior, that I have no problem with loving, committed same sex couples getting married and raising children.

 

The kids have to be much better off in a committed family no matter the parents sexuality than children of heterosexual parents where one parent distroyed the family.

[livetoread]

When I was a Christian, I reasoned it through this way. Being gay and having a loving, committed relationship with someone else hurts no one. Telling people that their desire to do that is sinful and wrong actually does demonstrably hurt people.

 

So either God is arbitrarily deciding being gay is wrong (because there is no compelling reason to say it is otherwise), or people are misinterpreting what God thinks about the issue. I had a hard time thinking God actually arbitrarily decided it was wrong and then wanted his followers to cause harm by shaming gay people into denying their natures.

 

Since it causes no harm, it is always better to err on the side of love and compassion. I think there is ample evidence that Jesus wanted people to always interpret rules through the overarching lens of love. If you aren't sure about it, go with what is kinder. That made it pretty easy.

[sbgrace]

Justin Lee's book Torn is quite good. He is a gay christian man. His book is so loving, sincerely God seeking, and even-handed that I had my super conservative on this issue dad read the book from our library. He enjoyed it. http://www.amazon.com/Torn-Rescuing-Gospel-Gays-vs-Christians-Debate-ebook/dp/B0076DFG5S

 

I really recommend it for Christians on either side of the issue.

[mom2scouts]

Lots of reasons. Jesus never said anything about homosexuality, but he did mention not judging others about a million times. People seem to pick and choose things from Leviticus, why do we make such a big deal about homosexuality and not wearing clothing of mixed fabrics?!?!

 

Please don't use things like "mixed fabics" or shellfish as an argument if you're talking about Christians. Jewish civil laws have never applied to Christians.

[Aiden]

I believe that my religious beliefs should not dictate secular law in areas where there is no demonstrable harm to others. So to the extent that the government recognizes marriage, my religious beliefs alone should not prevent government from recognizing gay marriage.

[Luanne]

nm

Edited August 23, 2015 by Susan Wise Bauer
And that is not an answer to the OP.

[Luanne]

nm 

 

Edited August 23, 2015 by Susan Wise Bauer
Try to stay on topic so this thread has a chance.

[Luanne]

nm 

 

Edited August 23, 2015 by Susan Wise Bauer
Etc.

[Heatherwith4]

I don't have a lot of time to answer, so I can't explain fully, but I didn't want to ignore the thread. It's been a long process for me. At first, I realized it was none of my business to start with. I have so much to work on in my own life.

Our government isn't a theocracy, as others have said. Jesus didn't mention it.

Also as others have said, it seems that the homosexuality referred to in the Bible is of a different stripe what we see today with gay marriage.

Also, my job is to love. To tell two consenting adults wanting to raise a family that they have no business getting married does not seem Christlike to me.

And as others have said, if I'm wrong, then I'm wrong in extending too much grace and love. I'm good with that.

It does cause tension with people I know. I have gotten to that magic age where I just don't care what other people think of me anymore. I'm God's to accept or not.

[ktgrok]

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

 

 

And, if you really want to explore the real meaning instead of going with the modern english understanding, there is this, as a start. http://www.religioustolerance.org/homarsen.htm

[Sneezyone]

Luanne, can you explain how you reconcile your religious views with the secular law of the land? Or how you maintain those religious views and still manage to treat others with love and kindness (or do you?)? I think *that* was the OPs question.

[Laurie4b]

I don't have time to read all the other answers, but if no one has suggested the Gay Christian Network, I would start there: https://www.gaychristian.net/greatdebate.php   It is an incredibly respectful site where two points of view (lifelong celibacy or monogamous same sex marriage) are presented as Side A and Side B.  Justin Lee's book "Torn" (the site is Justin's) conveys a very sweet devout spirit and he "shows the math" for why he thinks gay marriage is not prohibited Scripture BUT it is not his intent to convince or persuade particularly, but to help "sides" understand each other. 

 

 

[StaceyinLA]

I'm sorry I'm just getting back here. I have read all the replies and I really appreciate the comments. I am about to go read some of the links posted.

 

I know there were a couple of direct questions so I'm gonna jump back up and try to get them and respond.

[StaceyinLA]

OP, I think it would help if you clarified if you are asking about how people support gay marriage politically (even if they think gay marriage is a sin) or if you mean people who are theologically okay with gay marriage. For example, I am ok with gay marriage politically because it's not my place to force my beliefs on others about it. Theologically, I am undecided. I find some of the arguments that (for lack of a better term) "explain away" certain passages worth considering, but I haven't been fully convinced by them as of yet.

I guess I wasn't clear. I admit initially I was intertwining the two, and based on comments, I can see how one doesn't necessarily go along with the other; that Biblically one could still believe it to be wrong while supporting it from a political POV.

 

I think the reason I did that is because I have always leaned toward voting on moral issues based on my own beliefs (I now see how on SOME issues, that could be inappropriate). After reading the replies, I totally see how narrow-minded that would be on this issue especially.

 

However, I am still very much interested in those that feel there is Biblical support of gay marriage, or at least not Biblical condemnation.

[StaceyinLA]

I have pondered this part of your question since I answered. I do not want to debate these issues with people. I do not enjoy debating in general. These topics really don't come up much in my circle. I treat this issue like I treat the age of the earth issue, not engaging in discussion because I know it will not go anywhere. I have very few hot button issues, and this is not one of them. I will never be an activist of any type. I just want to quietly live my life and allow others to do the same. I do not wish to add to anyone else's pain or difficulties. Other people, it sounds like you included, want to have some ability to defend your views with scripture, and that is great.

 

The longer I live, the more I am embarrassed by the views espoused by many conservative Christians. I think they do not represent Christ well. If I go down on the wrong side of the issue, it will be erring on the side of grace and love. My own "house" is not pristine, so I don't really need to worry about where other people stand with God. Some of my favorite people are gay, and I love and support them.

 

That is not always my MO. It's just that I'm in a group with some extremely conservative moms and when certain topics (like this one) arise, I'd like to be able to offer up something to at least slightly support my viewpoint, or at least enough to offer food for thought.

[StaceyinLA]

I don't have any religious perspective to offer you, Stacey, but just wanted to say that your willingness to be accepting and to admit that is very admirable.

Well I sincerely appreciate that.

[monstermama]

I think a lot of this comes down to how you treat biblical translations, as well, and biblical inerrancy.  If you view, say, the the King James version as divinely inspired down to using the exactly correct word choice, you're going to have a different view on it than someone who believes it's inerrant in its original language (but then you also have to chose which particular version of the text, etc).  I don't personally believe that there is a person, living or dead, who can or could understand God's will perfectly (besides, of course, Jesus) and set it out without being influenced by the cultural standards of their time.

[Alice]

I find this website very helpful for thinking about this topic. http://www.gaychristian.net/greatdebate.php

 

[Cammie]

My father is a church pastor who has performed gay marriages.

 

In our home the guiding principle was that God is Love.  Anything that falls short of treating others with love is falling short in the eyes of God.

 

The end.

[Veritaserum]

As the mother of a queer person who very well may choose a same sex marriage someday, I do not and cannot believe being queer (any identity or orientation under that umbrella) is a choice. It is not. Because I believe in a loving, merciful God who values each of us as individuals, I cannot believe that God would make someone gay and then say that person should be alone. That would be cruel. I do not believe God is cruel. I believe God is love. It is not loving to tell a person that a core part of their identity is sinful in a way that a heterosexual, cisgender person is not.

 

I see sin not as a list of things we must avoid "because God said so." I see sin as any deliberate act that harms another child of God. It would be a sin for me for me to cheat on my husband because of how deeply that would hurt him and our family. It is not a sin for two people to formally and legally codify their love into a marital relationship, regardless of their individual sexual orientations or gender identities.

 

I see scripture such as the Bible as a record of human attempts to interact with the divine. There are some Truths in it, but I do not see divinity in any edict that violates the commandment Christ gave to love.