Hello friends...

[jnm]

Hello friends. Just wanted to introduce myself quickly so that if you all see me lurking around you'll know a little about me. I feel a little odd here, as I'm not gay, but as a "straight" woman I'm at a point of honestly not prefering to label myself, as there just isn't quite a label that fits. I'm me, a happily single (probably long-term) me. I'm a seminary student at a rather conservative university (not scary conservative on most issues, but not a place that tends to be open-minded on issues of sexual orientation). Being one who believes firmly in the unity of the body of Christ, my hope is to work from the inside of the conservative christian community to bring about some change in some of these areas. I love Soulforce, but I also believe change needs to, at some point, come from within a group, so please keep me in prayer in this endeavor. I'm not terribly popular among some of my peers for the views and convictions I hold, but the convictions aren't changing anytime soon. I hope it is ok if a straight girl lurks around here and makes herself at home!
--jnm

[Zerbie]

Hi Jnm! Welcome. :)

Of course you're welcome to hang around here. This place is for all friends. :aparty: There are a few of us here who either don't identify orientationally at all, and/or are married. I'm one of 3 married girls here who I know post regularly (the other 2 being Lydia and Zimnah.) Like you, I don't feel represented by a label. We're all welcome to join and post, hey, it's a veritable party over here. :D

Thanks for posting your introduction and feel free to chime in to the conversations should the mood strike you.

[Pablo Rafael]

jnm,

I was glad to read your post, and I want to extend a warm welcome. It is good to meet others who are "conservative" but not dogmatic. I consider myself conservative and believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. It is good to remind people that "conservatives" are not all the stereotypical hate-filled homophobes. There are many of us who believe in God's grace and his love for all, straight and gay alike.

I totally agree with you that it is important to work from the inside of conservative Christianity. Change is most effective when instigated from within. I am a Catholic, a church body not known for its willingness to accept new ideas.

If there is a change in attitude, we will need people inside and outside of conservative Christianity to realize the truth. We also will need "straight" allies like you. I am convinced it is the "straight" people who will make the biggest impact. Please let us know your thoughts and observations.

Tu Amigo, Pablo:)

[jnm]

Thanks for the responses friends, and I also want to say a big Hola to Pablo. Tambien hablo espanol:-)

[scott snedeker]

Wow! am I impressed! Your venture into soulforce is probably more in tune with teachings of Christ --universal love and acceptance-- than any of your peers......and I think your awareness of this is what led you here.

I see belief in God as a matter of semantics. The order of the universe is incomprehensible to us. So we use a model to make an understanding that helps us to function. The question I feel cannot be who's concept of God is most accurate because we are all still infinitely unable to perceive the exact order of the universe.

Since our understanding of God is itself a model of the order of the universe (made tangiable for our limited intellect). Then one should choose the model that makes you feel the best and thus improves your ability to function. Understand that like other models it must be useful. A model that condems others I think is a bad choice beccause it causes you to fight rather than remove barriers to love. Your emotions are the best guide. A model that makes you feel special is good because it builds your self esteem. A model that opens your heart increases your capacity to love.

For me Pan is the best model. He is a historial representation of an ancient god worshipped for 4000 years. He was playful, very sexual, creative, made love to men and women and he was protective. He was worshipped long before the Olympians. His only negative trait was that he reportedly did smell like a goat.:lol: Man to man love pleased him. The symbol on my profile is his sigil which I also have tattooed below my navel.

Now do i really believe that the creator of the universe dances on goat hooves while playing pipes and seducing young shepherds? No of course not! But It does make the order of the universe appear playful, paternal and funny and is probably not measurably much further from the truth than any other model.

Scotty