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Good News for Gay Christians(Originally published in On Faith at washingtonpost.com.) There's an online group of 13,000 gays who profess their belief in Christ. The Gay Christian Network is a bit of a miracle, given how hostile some religions are to gays. While fundamental ministers decry the "homosexual agenda" and gay activists deplore "ex-gay treatment," the members of GCN must live the tug-of-war over their sexual identity and faith. That's why gay Christians will benefit from a recent report by the American Psychological Association that says efforts to change someone's sexual orientation don't work. This isn't news to the many GCN members who are survivors of the programs that failed to turn them straight. But it might be comforting to a number of teens in the online network who fear being sent to a "reparative therapy" camp by their parents. A new generation of gay Christians could be spared pointless misery now that the word's largest association of psychologists has definitively declared ex-gay therapy is quackery. With that cleared up, why then are there 13,000 gays at GCN - some traumatized by the ex-gay movement and others afraid of being subjected to it - who still want to be gay Christians? Because they believe God has room for gays who want to worship him. The conversations at GCN, online and at in-person conventions, don't ignore the scriptures that admonish same-sex attractions. Leviticus and Corinthians are discussed and debated. Weight is given to the fact Jesus himself never spoke directly about gays. The dogma matters to them because these gays care what the Bible says. They just want to be able to practice their faith without denying who they are. How gay Christians navigate this divide varies. Many at GCN embrace healthy, loving and monogamous same-sex relationships as the ideal. Others wonder whether celibacy is the best course for a gay Christian. And a few wish they weren't gay. That's where the American Psychological Association's report is especially helpful. Beyond demonstrating how reparative therapy is ineffective, counter-productive and harmful, the APA offers some added solace for the person of deep faith wrestling with their sexual identity. The APA makes it clear that an ethical therapist should inform gay clients that being gay is not a mental illness, gay relationships can be fulfilling and there is no treatment that will make a gay person straight. For those who want to stay in a religion that doesn't allow sexually active gays, the APA instructs therapists to "explore possible life paths that address the reality of their sexual orientation, reduce the stigma associated with homosexuality, respect the client's religious beliefs, and consider possibilities for a religiously and spiritually meaningful and rewarding life." In other words, rather than an all-or-nothing approach, therapists can work with clients to live within the rules of their faith through celibacy, find new interpretations of their existing faith or explore other faiths that accept gays more fully. The APA's focus on the ethical treatment of gays with strong faith is noteworthy because it provides options for Christians struggling with their sexuality. It tells them they are not sick or broken and that they do not have to abandon God because they are gay. Perhaps most important, the APA guidelines make it harder for the deeply religious parents of gay kids to find a licensed therapist willing to provide harmful reparative therapy. For the Gay Christian Network, that's 13,000 answered prayers. To read more about the report and to download a copy, click here. For more about the Gay Christian Network, check them out online: www.gaychristian.net
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34 Responses to "Good News for Gay Christians" |
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Aug 14th, 2009 at 10:56am
Jesus, please forgive these idiots and save our nation. Jesus is the only one who can save these perverted sodomites from eternal damnation in hell. God help us all. The ACLU hates Jesus and America and wants to see is destroyed.
Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:48am
ok here i go, is everyone sitting down ? some will want to stand after im finished, first good christian and homosexual is viewed by the christian right as a oxymoron, i dont agree entirely but im not far from this belief, secondly if you look at a dictionary lets say back to the middle seventies "gay" is a happy person, i enjoy calling myself gay but the connotation that i sleep with other men is disconcerting to me ( my preference )there seems to be an opinion that we are born homosexual, ( bisexual naturally ) i cant qualify that but its an assumption i am uneasy with, ( i dont know how else to put it we are sexual by nature but its procreation that i prefer to place it ) i do have friends that are homosexual ( as long as they dont become agressive sexually towards me we get along quite well, time for brass tacks i suppose, to be concise i wouldnt want my children to be inundated with homosexual materials as they are going thru their formative yrs, i honestly wish there was a way to interpret who can ? who will ? an who wont decide this lifestyle is appropriate for themselves, i have a request i am hoping out of respect it may be considered is their a name for the lifestyle that doesnt use the connotation of a happy person ? "gay" that the community could look at, p.s. my hometown has had its "gay" parade every yr on fathers day for quite some time, recently ( last yr ) it was on a different day i thank you for this consideration
Aug 14th, 2009 at 7:15pm
I went to the American Psychological Association web sight and read there report on changing gays to "normal". I could not find the word "quackery" anywhere. Could you be gay?
Aug 14th, 2009 at 10:35pm
I'm not Christian (I'm an atheist) or gay, but I know there are Christian churches that embrace gay members, so the presumption in this item that there is inevitably a conflict between Christianity and gay orientation is stereotyping of the worst sort.
I normally wouldn't bother commenting on such stereotyping, but it seems egregious on an ACLU blog.
Aug 15th, 2009 at 5:57pm
I don't go by what the A.P.A says, but what the Holy Bible says. I know...I know, the Old Testament also forbids eating shellfish, pork and other things I do on a regular basis, and I will explain that on a later post. Until then, Heaven and Earth will pass away, but the Word of God will not pass away, and Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Aug 15th, 2009 at 7:47pm
The ACLU wishes to make the rules we live by and yet uses every legal or otherwise means to stop the use of true Christianity for the same purpose. Freedom of speech only for opponents of Christian or conservative thought.
The ACLU has become a disgrace.
Aug 15th, 2009 at 8:40pm
if you are gay you going to hell
Aug 15th, 2009 at 9:59pm
Gay Christian that is the best oxymoron this world holds. On a civil liberties level I can respect their human equal rights. But even they know that when Christ judges them they won't be allowed into the gates of Heaven. The ACLU will be busy trying to defend their own sins before they can make a case against God for Gay Rights in Heaven. Good luck arguing against our Creator.
Aug 16th, 2009 at 2:42pm
I wonder how much the homophobes would like it if they were shipped off to camps for reeducation?
Aug 17th, 2009 at 11:09am
you no what i think of the aclu????? Id like to gut'em like i do the animals I hunt and slaughter.....HEHEHEHE
Aug 17th, 2009 at 1:27pm
God is not an ignorant bigot.
Aug 17th, 2009 at 6:13pm
What an oxymoron! There is no such thing as a gay Christian. Read the Bible!
Aug 17th, 2009 at 6:57pm
Oxymoron is right! There is no such thing as a Gay Christian. Read the Bible!
Aug 17th, 2009 at 7:06pm
What does it mean that my comment is awaiting moderation?
Aug 17th, 2009 at 7:17pm
Being gay is the same as being a sexual deviant. It is behavioral manner not a gender classification. Look at what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah! It is a sin like any other sin. God loves the sinner but hates the sin. The Bible says to call God (God's word)true and every man a liar! Those who do not believe in the word of God and who do not apply it in their lives are liars. Jesus is the only way to salvation and I pray for those who have ears to hear..listen!
Aug 18th, 2009 at 7:25am
We ALL have a choice to make. We are ALL going to one of the two: Heaven or Hell. Homosexuality is considered to be sexually immoral or a sexual perversion says God in the bible and people who are will not enter the kingdom of heaven. When I hear the words "Gay Christian", it makes me sick to my stomach. There is no such thing. Homosexuality is wrong. Period.
Aug 18th, 2009 at 10:56am
Those who are truly Christian and read the Bible and understand it know that homosexuality is describes as an abomination unto God. It cannot be stated any more understandably. It is a sin plain and simple. Were Jesus alive today He would not condone it and would say Go,and sin no more. Those who think it doesn't apply to them are only kidding themselves. At the final judgement it will be you and God. No ACLU, no lawyers, no defense, no backstepping. Better have Jesus.
Aug 18th, 2009 at 1:25pm
Wow. So many commenters stumbling about in the fog of their own self-righteous moral superiority. Sanctimonious bigotry and willful ignorance enough to raise a stench in the nostrils of the Almighty, who this gay Christian prays will have mercy on their immortal souls.
Aug 18th, 2009 at 2:13pm
All of the homophobes here are not making their religion look attractive. Why would someone want to associate with a group of bigots? The amount of hate against people due to their sexual orientation is quite distressing.
Aug 18th, 2009 at 4:25pm
I don't think it's fair to jump to the conclusion that you can't be a "gay Christian" I'm a Christian and I completely agree that homosexuality is a sin and is in opposition to the sexual life we were created to partake in, BUT do we say there's no such thing as "lying Christians" or "gossiping Christians?" We all fall short...
Yes, homosexuality is wrong and is not a lifestyle that Christ condones, but for those who find homosexuality a temptation it's about fighting the temptation and moving forward. As for the report on reeducation programs not working, I don't necessarily agree, but I would say if you're looking to please the Lord and get out of this lifestyle then go to Him... His healing can come in a moment and last a lifetime.
Aug 19th, 2009 at 12:39pm
Steve, I would be very interested in the next post you promised. I want to find the list of Old Testament sins that Jesus said apply to his followers or can be ignored. Until I see that list or guidance (and maybe not even then since I don't believe in fairy tales), either all the rules apply or none.
Aug 19th, 2009 at 1:56pm
For thousands of year scum have used the Bible to justify war,genocide and slavery and these anti-human rights tirades are just a continuation of that evil.They may consider themselves to be real Christians but they are in fact hipocrits and bigots.
Aug 19th, 2009 at 6:25pm
Roald, in the Old Testament..the Old Covenant...the Old Law, eating certain foods, ect. were forbidden. But in the New Testament...the New Covenant...the New Law, those things which were once off limits were cast away when the Lord Jesus said "It is finished" on the cross. Now if you read the New Testament, you will find that the Ten Commandments, sexual sins, witchcraft, ect are still covered in the New Testament. Read Acts 10, the account of Peter's vision and see that it's okay to have a rack of ribs from a Texas bar-be-cue and some king crab from the Cornelia Marie. But read Romans 1, or Revelation 21, and you will see that "the feckless and faithless...murderers.....SEX PEDDLERS......" are covered. Open the Bible and study it for yourself, and do some serious research. As for the belief in God a "fairy tale", I'm sorry you believe that way, I know I can't convince you that God exist, but after what I have seen, you cannot convince me He doesn't.
Aug 20th, 2009 at 3:26pm
Read #15 Comment. We have ALL sinned and come short to the glory of God. The only way to salvation is through Jesus by repenting (turning away) from our sinful nature. God cannot forgive us until we unless WE ASK for forgiveness and REPENT from our sins.
Let's not forget about the great deceiver (Satan). He loves the fact that people are turning from God and doing their own thing. Self gratification..whatever pleases us. Look at where that has gotten us. Our own History shows it. In 1910 crime was almost non-existent. Those migrating here were converting to Christianity and there was a question of whether or not they should keep the police force. What other country has been blessed by turning away from God? Salvation is for everyone and it is free for the asking but keeping it will cost us in one form or another.
Aug 22nd, 2009 at 7:55pm
speaking of Educational racism ponder this my educational loan is being split into two part and held for classes i haven't enrolled in yet which is a violation under the federal family education loan program Borrower's right and responsibilites statement. Which states if the loan amount exceeds the amount owed to the school, my school will forward the remainder of my loan money to me, unless i authorize the school to hold the remainder as a credit.I never authorize such a thing. The phoenix police department is behinde this for what i reported in early blogs. the same thing happen last year and i sent emails to my lawyer and he knews this would happen again. they don't know but there accreditation will soon by compromised for racial discrimination. Not just the finanical aid office i sent emails to the dean all upper adminisration seeking help. What did they do? block my emails from being sent to them. then somehow my check was released dispite what i was being told by financial aid they lied till the end. as for me i went on to have one of my most successful year ending with a 3.0 GPA. this is why it's so important to help stop racism in our schools and other places, and hold these people accountable for there actions. They pat you on the back wish you well and when you turn and walk away they do everything in the power to keep you from achieving your goals. special thanks to that person who sent the letter i got it. thank you for your support. If we want America to truly be a land of freedom, equal rights stop picking battels your willing to fight and stand up against all wrong doing remember thing change when people band together and speak loudly against certain things use the media the way they use us, make them earn their money, and report crimes that are worthy of news like whats going on hear in Phoenix Arizona i tell you it's a dam shame from the outhouse to the courthouse it's troubling. and to the President i would never vote for you again so soon have you forgotten the people voted you in and they are the last on the pole to get help, you talk a good game, but you have shown very little. it's not always good to start for the top sometime you have to attack from the bottom up, like crooket Judges Police school officals these are the thing that matter to people who stand in line 5hrs waiting to vote for you. dont for get where you come from, and how some people still look at you make a real difference while you can ....... Peace William
Aug 27th, 2009 at 12:34pm
Steve, Sex peddlers are prostitutes not homosexuals.
Why are we not burning down the businesses that stay open on the holy Sabbath or killing children who talk back to their parents? Or, for that matter, imprisoning people for praying to Buddha?
If you say people are free to practice or not practice any or no religion as they see fit, why all the fuss about gays?
Sep 17th, 2009 at 3:29pm
there is no such thing as a GAY Christian. If you live that lifestyle then you're not living a Christian lifestyle. There is nothing in the Bible that says being gay is ok. You can be forgiven for having been gay, but you can't live as a homosexual and still be a Christian. Yes I know the argument that you can't go by what the old testament says and then turn around and apply the new testament. WRONG. The new testament gave people a way to keep from recieving the punishments of the old testament, but the old testament's rules still apply.
There is no such thing as a Gay Christian. That is the same as saying Straight Homosexual. See it doesn't work very well.
Sep 22nd, 2009 at 3:59pm
first of all i am gay and second of all f*** all of you ignorent, homophobic, bible thumping, narrow minded, sick individuals. I feel bad for you i really do. its the 21st century we are all human grow up. believe what you want i don't give a s*** who you believe in or who your "god" is and that is my right. therefore, its my right to practice whatever religion i choose. i can be christian if i want to, what are you gunna do burn me at the stake because im gay. don't go bashing people for being who they are.
Oct 9th, 2009 at 3:57pm
Firt of all Amy. You are an example of how deviant your behavior is. Your conscience is seared (burned). It's all about you and how you want to feel good about what you are doing when it is morally and ethically wrong. You have to curse and act disrespectfully. Is this what the gay community has to offer? It doesn't matter what Century we are in God's word is the same yesterday, today and forever. You cannot be a Christian in name only but it action and if you are really sincere about being one, you should search deep down in your heart. Christians are not born but they are people like you and I who have all sinned and come short to the glory of God and admit that they need a saviour-Jesus who is the only one who can change our evil hearts and our lives. We need to repent (turn away)from our sinful behaviour and to be born-again by putting our faith and trust in Him. Christians are not perfect just forgiven but we strive to be like Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. God loves the sinner (us) but not the sin that we partake in.
Oct 9th, 2009 at 4:01pm
Also see #15 and #24.
Oct 19th, 2009 at 3:03am
I agree with D. Hayes, "Gay Christian" is in fact a blatant oxymoron. Perhaps if the "Gay Christian" would actually read his/her Bible, they would know that. And the "Gay Christian" should realize that the crutch, that they know of as the ACLU, won't be there for them on judgment day.
Oct 24th, 2009 at 1:03pm
Dear soul, Although I have not read the article, I would comment about the title. I assume that by, gay, sodomite (homosexual) is meant. If that is correct, then you may consult Leviticus 20:13 and I Corinthians 6:9-10 according to the King James Version. Thanks for taking the time.
Nov 7th, 2009 at 6:58pm
aclu hates god
Nov 9th, 2009 at 9:03am
No such thing as a "gay" Christian. I think the correct term there would be Sodomite. If one is not participating in homosexual activity then they are not homosexual according to Christ, however if one does actively participate in homosexual activity they are no longer a Christian. Just in the same way as a man that is committing adultery against his wife is also living in sin and is not a Christian.