Can you be GAY and CHRISTIAN?

The words "gay" and "Christian" are not often used in the same sentence. If they are, it’s not usually in a positive light. References in the Bible have suggested that homosexuality is a sin and there are some die-hard Christians who won’t let anyone forget this. We’ve seen them chanting homophobic slurs and holding up offensive placards at Mardi Gras parades, town halls, even at funerals and weddings, all with the intention to discriminate and shame those who give in to their ‘temptations’!

Hateful speech disguised under the language of salvation has reined church services that are entirely dedicated to condemn homosexuality. Yet isn’t this intolerant behavior a sin itself, more so than whom a person loves? Does it not defy the essence of God, who is an all-mighty being of unconditional love and acceptance?

Perhaps those references in the Bible has been misinterpreted and taken out of context. Besides, are we really supposed to literally take in everything the Bible says to heart? After all, the Bible was not actually written by God, but rather by his followers and their interpretation of his word.

Of course there are varying degrees of acceptance amongst Christian groups. There are some that completely accept homosexuality while there are others that have placed idealized conditions upon it. For example, Dr. Michael Brown, president of the FIRE School of Ministry and director of the Coalition of Conscience, believes that it’s possible to have same sex attractions but it mustn’t be acted upon if you want to be considered a true Christian. However if you do practice homosexual acts, then it’s impossible to follow Jesus and therefore you are not a true Christian.

The basic notion is that being gay is not a choice, but RESPONDING to gay feelings is.

This ideology is reflected in TLC’s upcoming TV series ‘My Husband’s Not Gay’ which follows married Mormon men who are attracted to men. Each of them is in a committed and monogamous relationship with a woman. Although they do have same sex attractions, they insist that they are not gay and can overcome these feelings with their faith in God.

The show has been met with controversy by LGBT groups who claim the narrative of "gay but not gay" is an irresponsible and dangerous practice because it promotes denying one’s sexuality in favor of glorified, outdated doctrines. Christian groups have also raised their concerns by suggesting these men are completely immoral and therefore not deserving of God’s love and will be going straight to hell.

Ultimately these views serve to highlight the oversimplification of sexuality as either gay or straight, when reality tells us it is much more fluid than that. Perhaps these men are not gay, but bisexual? Surely if one is to believe that Jesus walked on water, than one can at least entertain the idea of somebody desiring both a man and woman?

You only need to take a stroll through any major city in the world to understand that we cannot compartmentalize people as either gay or straight. There are people who identify as bisexual, asexual, transsexual, transgender or queer, which are terms that extend beyond the normal binaries of orientation. Are they all destined for abomination? Is God punishing them? Or are they being punished by a society with prehistoric ideas of individualism and spiritualty?

Still the question remains - can you be Christian and gay? Is it possible for two identities at seemingly opposing ends of the spectrum to thrive harmoniously?

We must remember that before we start clinging and conditioning ourselves to any identity through gender, race, religion or social status, we are ALL human beings first. As human beings, the core of our existence is dependent on values that are also modeled in the Christian faith. These values include tolerance, love and acceptance.

So the answer is yes - you can be Christian and gay! You needn’t separate your faith from your being for they both make up whom you are.

Many may argue that thousands of years of Biblical principles cannot be wrong. But come on! Anybody can take a passage from the Bible and misconstrue it to validate any argument. Besides, the Bible reflected the culture of that time and during that time levirate marriages (where a man can take his dead brother’s wife and produce children) and polygamy were also the conventional norm. In today’s mainstream culture, even within the realm of Christianity, these lifestyles aren’t perpetuated, let alone accepted. Why? Because it’s not relevant to us! Times have changed!

If we were to obey and accept every Biblical reading as moral guidance, than we’d still have slavery, our children would be sacrificed, men would have short hair and not shave, women would be silent and the world would still be considered flat.

Now we all know the world is round! We also know the world is much bigger than we once thought and it’s full of things that we are still struggling to understand despite humanity’s spiritual and scientific maturity. Gay people exist and so do Christians – it shouldn’t be about accepting or ‘choosing’ one lifestyle over the other. When we start outlawing and restricting people we are only going backwards. True believers will love their fellow Christians no matter what and encourage their faith so that we can move forward to create a world that’s peaceful and loving, which is ultimately God’s wish for us.

Gay christians

Welcome to gay Christians, an Internet network of affirmative and supportive chat channels. Our "membership" draws support from a great variety of faith traditions, and our strength lies in such diversity. We affirm God's acceptance and love of all people, regardless of their sexual or affectional orientation.

GAY..... What does it mean to be gay?

What does being gay mean to you? What is your reaction to each of the following statements?

1. Being gay is having the capability to love a member of the same sex to a much greater depth than a member of the opposite sex.

2. Being gay is a matter of love, not a matter of sex.

3. Being gay is who you are, not what you do.

4. Being gay is part of you, not a separate entity.

5. Being gay is OK -- the sin is living a lie.

6. Being gay is not chosen, if it were, there would be no gays.

7. Being gay is to be ridiculed about something you can do nothing about.

8. Being gay is not changeable -- but it is liveable.

9. Being gay is accepting yourself when others are not accepting of you.

10. Being gay is being who you are -- even though you don't understand it.

11. Being gay is gentleness, warmth and sensitivity, when you are not at war with the outside world.

12. Being gay is different, and the definition of different is not "bad."

13. Being gay is reaching the autumn of your years and wondering why you have spent most of your life trying to get acceptance from people who don't know you and who don't understand you.

14. Being gay is YOU -- and nothing in this world is more important than that.

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  How do childhood experiences shape our calling? Dr. Una Mulale is the first Pediatric Critical Care Specialist from Botswana. Her goal is to implement tertiary healthcare structures in low-resource countries in Africa and around the world. This is her story. 

• Episode 036 |Why Culture Matters: Tim Keller
  

  People of faith differ on how much concern we should pay to the culture at hand, questioning what good can we really do engaging in a broken world. Can we really make a significant difference? Does God share these concerns? Every generation must answer these questions in the same way creatives, artisans, industry and civic leaders have done for two millennia. Tim Keller, New York Times Bestselling Author and Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City provides a fundamental perspective on why culture matters to God and therefore must matter to us.

• Episode 035 | A Conversation on Race and America: Greg Thompson, Michelle Higgins & David Bailey
  

  How can we work toward racial reconciliation in America? We live in a nation that at times feels more divided than ever. In this conversation, we'll explore the history of racism in America, how to better engage with our community and what blindspots we have when it comes to racial bias. To work for unity means taking time to listen well and take steps toward healing. 

• Episode 034 | Six Practices of the Church: Vocation
  

  We are all involved in some sort of vocation. No matter where or what it is, we know that God calls us to be faithful in those places. From home to office and beyond, we have the opportunity to practice vocation well in a way that makes the world a better place. 

• Episode 033 | Six Practices of the Church: Hospitality
  

  What does it mean to be part of a community? Is it different to invest in the Church or in the places you live and work? In this Episode, we talk about the importance of community, what it is and what it means to be a people of hospitality.

• Episode 032 | Six Practices of the Church: Formation
  

  The way that we build character depends on how we approach even the littlest habits and moments of our days. When we form habits that are good, they build up in our lives in positive ways, and when we foster habits that are not good, they can slowly destroy us. As we look at the practice of formation, we're asking about how what we believe influences how we live. What does it mean to live out our faith in the daily habits?

• Episode 031 | Six Practices of the Church: Identity
  

  The core of who we are is our identity. In the 4th episode of "Six Practices of the Church," Greg Thompson speaks to the importance of knowing who we are. When we lose sight of identity, we stray away from our God-given purpose. What does that identity entail? Who does God say we are? And how does our identity inform our culture?

• Episode 030 | Six Practices of the Church: Confession
  

  The origins of the Church are thousands of years old. Through generations that span cultures and millennia, we see that though history has changed the face of the broader world, the Church has always clung to core beliefs. In this time of turmoil, how can can the Church lead by example?  How can we become reacquainted with what Christians have always believed? 

• Episode 029 | Six Practices of the Church: Context
  

  This week, we discuss the importance of Context in the Six Practices of the Church. How do we love our neighbors well in this cultural moment?

• Episode 028 | Six Practices of the Church: The Way Forward
  

  The Christian church in the West is struggling to embody faithfulness in a culture that is rapidly changing. Many church leaders labor under a nagging sense that they need help?both in the work of understanding their culture and in the work of teaching their people to live faithfully within it. The goal of this series is to help leaders understand the character of our secular age, identify some specific challenges and highlight the opportunities that exist for the Church to bring hope wherever she exists. This seven-part series unveils the six practices of the church that have always brought hope to the faithful and love to their surrounding community.

  This Q series, hosted by Gabe Lyons, features an exclusive, commissioned Q Talk delivered by Dr. Greg Thompson and divided into segments for easy consumption. Each segment builds on the last and helps establish how the church can lead with love even in the midst of dramatic change within society.

• Episode 027 | Deborah Lipstadt: Denial
  

  One of the nation's foremost experts on Holocaust denial and modern anti-Semitism, Lipstadt's 2005 book, "History on Trial: My Day in Court with David Irving," is the story of her libel trial in London against Irving, who sued her for calling him a Holocaust denier and right wing extremist.The now-famous libel trial occurred when Irving sued Lipstadt over her 1993 book, "Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory," the first full-length study of the history of those who attempt to deny the Holocaust. The case grew into a six-year legal battle in which Lipstadt prevailed.

   
• Episode 026 | Pete Richardson: On Calling, Ambition & Surrender
  

  Many of us struggle to discern our role in God?s bigger plan for the world; some of us even struggle to see God?s plan at all. We?re unsure of our purpose, or uncertain of how we can use that purpose to bring renewal to our communities. Pete Richardson helps executive, church, and cultural leaders hone in on their life purpose and perspective. He reveals some of the questions we need to ask ourselves, and the results we can expect when we respond to God?s very personal assignment for each of us.

• Episode 025 | Spiritual Guidance for Artificial Intelligences: Kevin Kelly
  

  Culture, creatives, and the marketplace are becoming more interested in the development of Artificial Intelligence. In 2014, AI startups saw a 302 percent increase in funding. The potential to better our lives, solve global problems, and innovate completely new fields of study is exciting and humbling. But how should we think about these trends through the lens of spiritually? Kevin Kelly of WIRED magazine helps us understand what AI means for how our culture can and will change, and challenge us to consider the implications for religion, spirituality, and faith. 

• Episode 024 | Six Months to Live: Kimberly Kuo
  

  One-hundred-five people leveraged Oregon's "Death with Dignity" law last year. Some argue that compassion requires support of assisted suicide, that avoiding pain is a worthy pursuit. How should people of faith consider death and dying? Kimberly Kuo, writer and advocate, personally understands the agony of this choice and will help us explore whether it's more courageous to die as we please or trust God with our final days. 

• Episode 023 | Legitimacy: Malcolm Gladwell
  

  Who or what deems an idea legitimate? Many people of faith think because their ideas are true, everyone should listen, pay attention, and do as they suggest. Malcolm Gladwell helps us understand how the process by which ideas are debated, opinions are formed, and a process is communicated can have more to do with whether the idea is embraced as truthful. But Gladwell also helps us understand why the truthfulness of an idea isn't always as important as the legitimacy of it. 

• Episode 022 | Red States, Blue Cities: Governor Haslam & Mayor Dean
  

  As the electorate in America evolves and red states and blue states compete for control, one critical observation remains: cities overwhelmingly vote Democratic while rural, less populous counties vote Republican. The gap between urban and rural sensibilities is widening, leaving many questioning how unified can America really be? In an increasingly divisive political and partisan environment, lies a breakthrough story of leaders from different political ideologies working together to serve the people in their care. Tennessee Governor, Bill Haslam and Nashville's Mayor, Karl Dean, discuss the tensions and successes of working together, giving our country a model of how leaders can get along, despite their differences. 

• Episode 021 | Cease Fire: Gangs & Redemption: Dr. Paul David Smith
  

  Public safety coordinator for the city of Chattanooga, Paul David Smith, discusses Chattanooga's response to gang-related issues, community safety and mentoring. Smith is the former principal of Howard High School in downtown Chattanooga and the proud father of two children.

• Episode 020 | A Story of Faith and Persecution: Nik + Ruth Ripken
  

  This week we talked with Nik and Ruth Ripken, an ordinary couple with an extraordinary story. After the death of their son, they journeyed into the depths of the persecuted church around the world asking the question - Is Jesus Worth It? The film based off their true story of faith and persecution, "The Insanity of God," releases Tuesday, August 30th. Find out more and buy tickets at insanityofgodmovie.com.

• Episode 019 | Cosmopolitan Evangelism: Jon Tyson
  

  In a culture where religious pluralism has become widely accepted, there is a tendency to back away from evangelism?after all, it?s kind of aggressive and could be seen as intolerant. How do we communicate our faith in a way that resonates and does not offend?especially for those who might have built-in anti-Christian attitudes? Jon Tyson, founding pastor of Trinity Grace Church in New York City, offers insights into what it means to do evangelism in an urban, pluralistic, often hostile context. He says it takes recognizing a long-term view?that evangelism isn't the work of a moment and it cannot be about counting "how many" were saved today or this month or this year.

• Episode 018 | The Religion Of The Academy: Paul Lim
  

  Since the Enlightenment, Europe has observed the slow divorce of the church from the university. The same phenomenon has taken place in the United States, which we witness today in the religious ambivalence of schools like Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, all originally founded as Christian institutions. What does it look like to be an educated Christian in an age in which the intellectual elite have written off faith as bad scholarship? Paul Lim talks from experience and gives insight into faithfulness amongst academia's elite. 

• Episode 017 | A Day In The Life Of A Nun: Sister Joan of Arc
  

  From plays like the Sound of Music and movies like Sister Act, we have seen a wide array of interpretations of a nun's typical lifestyle. Sister Joan of Arc from the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, will explain how their convent located in Nashville creates a monastic framework for a daily life that stimulates growth of the interior life and directs minds to the things of God. Her story will grant the Q audience insight on a schedule filled with prayer and work, silence and students, laughter and quiet acts of community kindness. 

• Episode 016 | Educating The Media: Michael Cromartie
  

  Often Christians complain about being misrepresented by mainstream media, but could that change with intentional efforts? Michael Cromartie, Vice President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, has created opportunities for members of the national media to meet with evangelical leaders in hopes of getting the stories right. Filling a gap between faith, politics, and journalism, Michael promotes mutual understanding around the toughest, and many times misunderstood, issues of our time. 

• Episode 015 | The Irrelevance of Faith: David Kinnaman
  

  Christians face an unprecedented landscape at the intersection of faith and public life. Over 46% of our neighbors believe religion and people of faith are part of the problem in our communities, not the solution. As a growing list of contentious issues present themselves on the cultural front?such as racism, gender, euthanasia, sexuality, religious freedom and more?the Church finds itself on the margins of the mainstream conversation perplexed about how to engage. Public opinion suggests our views and beliefs are irrelevant and extreme, so how should Christians respond? David Kinnaman will equip you to confidently engage the most difficult conversations in the days ahead with courage, conviction and compassion. 

• Episode 014 | The Evolution of the Swimsuit: Jessica Rey
  

  Fashion matters. It influences the imagination and drives the way people uniquely represent themselves. The evolution of the women?s swimsuit is one place where there has been a visible shift away from modesty. In the current world of swimwear, small is often beautiful and less is considered more desirable. But designer and actress Jessica Rey asks, ?Who says it has to be itsy bitsy?? Rey argues that within the construct of modesty, there is a freedom?that modesty isn't about covering up what's bad, but about revealing dignity. 

• Episode 013 | Artists & Poets: Lecrae
  

  With a Cinderella story of drug-dealer-turned-Jesus-lover, Lecrae is the only artist to ever debut an album that simultaneously topped the Billboard 200 and Gospel charts. For any musician, such an accomplishment is simply an Anomaly, the very title of the album that got him there. Lecrae inspires us all to see the magic inside a personal story put to poetry and a poem put to song.

• Episode 012 | Our Refugee Crisis: Noel Yeatts & Jeremy Courtney
  

  The world is facing the worst refugee crisis since WWII. Over 11 million Syrians have been displaced, and while some try to seek safe harbor in Europe, the vast majority will never leave the region. In the face of human depravity and under an enormous threat of violence, some are leading the way. How is the Church responding? What are the ways we can continue to help and ensure Christian love is experienced even in the worst of conditions?

• Episode 011 | Foster Care & Adoption: Brian & Julie Mavis
  

  As adopted children of God, how can we reflect that relationship to the world we serve? Action must be taken to provide care for children in the foster system who?ve never experienced the love of a family to call their own. Adopt Colorado Kids executive, Julie Mavis, shares the results being achieved as communities respond to foster, adopt, and care for kids. She and her husband, Brian, are transforming foster care in Colorado and providing a vision on how every state can offer a turnaround story to children who need it.

• Episode 010 | Snowboards and Calling: Kelly Clark
  

  What if following your passion leads to worldly success, to weatlh, fame, and power? What does service look like from here? Can you balance the pressures of success while seeking to make disciples? Snowboarder/Olympic Gold medalist Kelly Clark has wrestled with these questions while blazing a trail of calling as an athlete. In this episode, hear how her Christian faith pushes her toward excellence, as well as how she fosters a servant?s heart.

• Episode 009 | Our Secular Age: James K.A. Smith
  

  The term ?secular? is perhaps overused when referring to government, schools, business and western culture in general. But is the secular something ?out there?? Or are we all ?secular? now? What?s changed? And is secularism the last word? In this episode of the Q Podcast, Philosopher and theologian James K.A. Smith gives us context for this shift and how Christians can effectively engage it. 

• Episode 008 | Unlikely Allies: Ted Trimpa & Jim Daly
  

  We?ve been drawing religious lines in the sand for hundreds of years, using varying standards to determine who?s ?in? and who?s ?out.? How can Christians work for peace within culture if we can?t get it right amongst ourselves? Ted Trimpa, gay rights activist, and Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, provide a model for peace-making, as two very different people working together to advance good. They recently worked on anti-human trafficking laws in Colorado, and in this episode, they?ll share wisdom on working with people that differ greatly from us.

• Episode 007 Q Denver | What's Happening April 21-23?
  

  This week, Preston Sprinkle is back interviewing Gabe Lyons on the vision and mission behind the upcoming Q Conference, April 21-23 in Denver. Did you know that 42% of Americans believe people of faith are part of the problem in our world? Q Denver will prepare you to engage this new reality and a changing culture, we will explore what renewal and faithfulness might look like in society today?for both you and those you love.

• Episode 006 The Gay Conversation | Q+A With Our Listeners
  

  In this episode we respond to several questions from you, our listeners. While this series invokes many passionate responses, we offer our opinions on a few of the questions that keep rising to the top. New York Times Bestselling Author, Preston Sprinkle, author of People To Be Loved joins Gabe Lyons, Founder of Q and author of Good Faith to discuss.

• Episode 005 The Gay Conversation | Public Square: Politics and Baking Cakes
  

  How should Christians faithfully engage our political system when the government is at odds with historic Christian belief? Is our role to win legal decisions or simply to bear witness to God?s kingdom through the way we live and love? In the wake of the Supreme Court's Obergefell ruling, questions remain about the role of Christians institutions in our changing public square. Russell Moore, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptists joins us to discuss the legislative landscape around religious freedom, LGBT rights, pluralism and the future of Christian institutions in America.

  Key Contributors: Claude Alexander, Os Guinness, Russell Moore, Rod Dreher, Stanley Carlson-Thies, Dee Allsop.

• Episode 004 The Gay Conversation | Ministry: How Should The Church Move Forward?
  

  Many people who identify as gay have had a poor experience in their local church. In this episode we discuss the term ?gay Christian?, the science behind the ?born this way? theory and practical ways the church can be a more welcoming place in general. In addition, we will hear personal reflections from Christians who experience same-sex attractions yet choose to live a celibate life. We?ll also learn hear how the Church can fulfill relational longings that go beyond sexual expression.

  Key Contributors: Tim Keller, Justin Lee, Eve Tushnet, Mark Yarhouse, Christopher Yuan, Ann Voskamp, Annie Downs.

• Episode 003 The Gay Conversation | Relationships: How Do I Love and Support My Gay Friends?
  

  Most people today have a personal friend who identifies as gay. For some Christians, this can create unique tensions and dilemmas about how to best support and love friends, family members and co-workers well, even while holding to the historic Christian position. In this episode we hear practical wisdom on handling invitations to gay weddings, how to respond if your child?or parent?comes out, the limits of theology and what it means to truly display Christian love to someone with whom you may disagree. 

  Key Contributors: Jefferson Bethke, Russell Moore, Caleb Kaltenbach, Tim Keller.

• Episode 002 The Gay Conversation | Theology: Not What the Bible Says, But What it Means
  

  One?s theology will determine everything about how they engage the gay conversation. In this episode, the Christian view of identity, sexual ethics and historic belief about human flourishing comes under the microscope. We define terms and consider how historic Christian arguments interact with the newer, gay-affirming points of view. From Leviticus to Paul, we address Jesus? words around this topic and explore the Christian perspective on sexual design, gender difference and marriage.

  Key contributors: David Gushee, Wesley Hill, Tim Keller, Scot McKnight, Preston Sprinkle

• Episode 001 The Gay Conversation | Context: Owning Our History
  

  As our culture?s affirmation of gay sexuality grows, what does this mean for Christians and the Church? In this episode, we address why we created this series and the tensions that exist around the Church?s posture towards this conversation. David Kinnaman, President of the Barna Group and co-author of the forthcoming book, Good Faith, is one of several contributors giving insight on the latest research on Christians and extremism.

  Key Contributors: Debra Hirsch, David Kinnaman, Caleb Kaltenbach, Tim Keller, Julie Rodgers

• Episode 000 The Race Conversation | Race, Reconciliation and The Gospel
  

  "Implicit Racial Bias" refers to subconscious preferences for members of our own group. This silent and subtle tendency to "otherize" has loud and lasting effects, from perpetuating racial prejudices inside society to reinforcing personal hidden biases.