Thursday, June 30, 2011

I pray too!

This is probably going to shock many of you, but I try and pray every night and I thank God for how he made me!

Gandhi said "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians." I don't remember what committee meeting I was at, I think it was the civil unions bill hearing, but the room was packed with "Christians" lining up to testify on the perils of homosexuality. First came comments for the bill, a handful of us spoke in favor, then came comments against the bill. Cue the freakshow!

A gentleman by the name of Gary Flom who drove all the way over from Torrington testified that there was indeed hope for homosexuals, they could join a program called Exodus International and convert from their wicked ways. Well guess what Gary? I don't want to convert! I love who I am! God made me this way and I thank him for it!

For the first time in my life I am truly happy! I have a wonderful daughter who loves me unconditionally. I have a great career. I have the most amazing friends in the world. And I Love Men!! Deal with it!

Of course Gary was there with all the WyWatch folks and their views are slightly different from mine. I took this off their website, it's a link entitled "why protect marriage in WY",  here are their conclusions;

Conclusions:
 Marriage was created and defined by our Creator and we have no right to 
change it!
 The primary purpose of marriage is to create families of one man, one 
woman and children to be the building blocks of society!
 Christian conservatives rightly conclude that homosexuality is a sin and not a 
right!
 There is nothing in the United States Constitution that grants homosexuals 
the right to marry!
 There is absolutely no scientific evidence to support the claim that 
homosexuals are born that way!
 Homosexual activity is a sin as described in the Bible and should be treated 
as such!
 If we do not stop the gay rights movement, our society as we know it today is 
doomed!
 There is no question that the overwhelming majority of the citizens of 
Wyoming favor a State constitutional amendment to define marriage as 
between one man and one woman


Wow!! Society is doomed???? That's the first time I've heard that one! So it just might surprise them to know that I pray to the same God that they pray to. The difference is I rejoice in gay people. My people, who have such a passion for life and just want to be treated the same as everyone else!

Jeran

13 comments:

  1. Jaren,

    I find this interesting and would like to better understand you point of view. If you’re willing to dialogue; would you mind if I ask you some questions?

    Thanks,
    Marc
    Salt and Light Perspective

    ReplyDelete
  2. What would you like to know Marc?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jeran,

    You said: “I pray to the same God that they pray to.

    What do you mean by that?

    Thanks,
    Marc
    Salt and Light Perspective

    ReplyDelete
  4. Must be one God for fundies and a different God for non-fundies. How can that be? And "there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that homosexuals are born that way?" Let's turn that around: "There is absolutely no scientific evidence to support the claim that homosexuals are not born that way." BTW, when fundies say "dialogue," they really mean "monologue."

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  5. What God do I pray to?? Why of course Dyonosis the god of wine! However he's usually drunk and chasing nymphs! Haha! sorry, but as the saying goes.. "ask a stupid question....."

    ReplyDelete
  6. What do you mean by that?

    It sounds like you’re describing a different god, Jeran. This is somewhat confusing because you say you pray to the same God yet you describe a different god. Would you be willing to ad clarity to this discussion?

    Thanks,
    Marc
    Salt and Light Perspective

    ReplyDelete
  7. Marc,

    Not to be rude, but I really think you are asking to have a "discussion" just to start an argument. Please, actually read Jeran's post! That would be a great start. Then, do some research. What a novel idea. Then, finally, have an intelligent "discussion." This generally includes using spell check and checking your grammar.

    As for what God is he praying to? Do you honestly believe that gays cannot be Christian? Do you feel that we as homosexuals are incapable of talking to "your" God? Let me remind you that Jesus himself talked to everyone! Loved everyone. You, yourself, are a judgmental person far from Christlike if you truly believe this.

    W

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  8. Jeran,

    It is quite all right if you don’t want to help folks understand your point of view. I thought it might help. I’m sorry if I troubled you.

    Thanks &
    God Bless,
    Marc
    Salt and Light Perspective

    ReplyDelete
  9. Marc,

    If you'd like to further understand how gays can be Christian and pray to the same God you believe in, I suggest you read a fantastic book by Mel White (a ghostwriter who wrote books for televangelists such as Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and Billy Graham)titled "Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay And Christian In America." It is an amazing book that will help you figure out the "gay" point-of-view and it will probably help open your mind and strengthen your relationship with Christ. Christ is, after all, an ALL loving God; Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, He didn't hold up a sign condemning or judging her.

    Check out the book,
    W

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great Blog jaren! Keep on praying, and laughing, and loving life, and celebrating who you are! You never know who or how many people you're helping by speaking up and speaking loud. We're with you,
    yer palz from good ol' wheaterville

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  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  12. Marc, I'm not sure what your not understanding?? Do you hate gay people so much that you can't wrap your mind around the fact that some of us pray to the same God you do?

    Here's my background, I grew around First Christian Church in Wheatland. I rarely missed a Sunday between the ages of 0 and 30. I was so involved at one point that I was on the board of directors, and I led the choir and praise team for years and years.

    The church was centered around studying of the Bible, no more no less. However you were expected to check your common sense at the door. They never talked about the verses that said women couldn't be in a position of authority, or that you should stone a disobedient child, or you can't eat shellfish, or that slavery is good, or you shouldn't be around women when they are on their period, but homosexuality was fair game!

    Since then I've been to congregations that explore those scriptures but also talk about who wrote them, what was going on in that country at the time, what the current thought processes and ideals involved. I've found these educated sermons to be a breath of fresh air. (please check all the other posts I've had on here about the bible and scripture.)

    So in conclusion Marc, God also gave me a brain! I can think for myself and he didn't make a mistake when he made me gay!

    Jeran

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  13. Jeran,

    I don’t “hate gay people” and I appreciate your otherwise kind response.

    Unlike you I didn’t grow up in the church. I did not receive Christ Jesus until late in life.

    I have heard from many people who share stories similar to yours. I find it tragic that people can attend and be part of a church yet not enter a saving relationship in Christ Jesus. Indeed I see that as an indictment on the church, not necessarily those who attend.

    Sadly I believe that most American churches over the last 50 years to today are a reflection of several described by our Lord Jesus in His Revelation to John. It amazes me how few churches today preach a clear Gospel message and fail to teach the whole of Scripture.

    I have not read all of your blog posts concerning Scripture but I would interested in discussing any of those points you find interesting in a sincere loving manner. We can do that here or in a variety of other methods available. I make this offer in earnest Jeran, because I believe that God gave each of us a brain, which gives us the ability to come together and share our thoughts in a way, which can glorify our Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ. If you’re interested please don’t hesitate to let me know.

    Thanks &
    God Bless
    Marc
    Salt and Light Perspective

    ReplyDelete