Hello from the Academic Fog

[Julie G.]

Hi Soulforce Community - I'm a doctoral student in Boulder, CO. I'm looking forward to learning more about SoulForce's approach to addressing the injustice and oppression that surrounds LGBT people in our country. I really like what I see thus far! My focus in grad school is diversity education and prejudice reduction/social inclusion. Personally, I am one of those folks who was turned off to Christianity early in life due to the exclusionary and restrictive ideals I kept hearing... and to think, that was long before I even came out!

Anyway - I'll do my best to keep up and participate with discussions, though I really ought to be writing a dissertation rather than chatting in online forums (tee hee)!

-regards, Julie:wave:

[Zerbie]

Welcome Julie in Boulder!
:)
This is a terrific forum. I hope you'll enjoy it here.

Personally, I am one of those folks who was turned off to Christianity early in life due to the exclusionary and restrictive ideals I kept hearing... and to think, that was long before I even came out!

Me too. I heard horrifying blasphemy from a "Christian leader" when I was a little girl otherwise unexposed to Christianity, and as a little kid will, I defined all Christians by that man's blasphemy for years after, believing him to be a true representative of them all. After all, he SAID he was. :rolleyes: Being on this forum has been really amazing! Here you will find so many Christians who are incredibly loving wonderful people - something I grew up believing to be by definition impossible.
So are you affiliated with any faith tradition yourself?

Anyway - I'll do my best to keep up and participate with discussions, though I really ought to be writing a dissertation rather than chatting in online forums (tee hee)!

-regards, Julie:wave:

Aww, man, me too!! :p
How far along are you in your doctoral coursework? Do you have a dissertation topic yet?

[paul]

Hi Soulforce Community - I'm a doctoral student in Boulder, CO. I'm looking forward to learning more about SoulForce's approach to addressing the injustice and oppression that surrounds LGBT people in our country. I really like what I see thus far! My focus in grad school is diversity education and prejudice reduction/social inclusion. Personally, I am one of those folks who was turned off to Christianity early in life due to the exclusionary and restrictive ideals I kept hearing... and to think, that was long before I even came out!

Anyway - I'll do my best to keep up and participate with discussions, though I really ought to be writing a dissertation rather than chatting in online forums (tee hee)!

-regards, Julie:wave:


Hi Julie :wave:,

Welcome to our world. I immediately thought of Zerbie when I read your intro...now you see why. Zerbie is one of our resident opera stars and we're particularly proud of her.

As to your "chatting online," just think of it as research and all guilt will go away. A little chocolate helps as well. I do hope you get involved here. There are some very wonderful people here, and many of them are Christians. I myself am a heathen :D, but the Christians here would be welcomed at my table any day...turns out there are many types and I think you'll find them pretty agreeable and thoughtful peoples. Nuff said. Hope you enjoy and become an active member.
paul

[Gennee]

Welcome to Soulforce, Julie.

Gennee


:love:

[Jennifer5]

Welcome :wave:

Love your picture:)

[antiochian]

Great to meet you, Julie! We'd love you to stop in from time to time, when you're not writing papers (I'm a student, too, feel your pain!).

[Pablo Rafael]

Hi Julie,

Hello from the far end of Colorado (the southwest). Always good to see someone else from Colorado.

There are so many people like you who have been turned off by the exclusive legalistic attitude of much of Christianity. It is time for the church to get back to the message of love shown by and through Jesus.

Glad you took time off from schoolwork to say hi. :wave:

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[Vanessa White]

I sense by the length of time since your introductory post, that you have been studiously focusing on your doctoral stuff. Don't forget to take some time out and come back and visit us; you need the break!!! Peace, Vanessa :love:

[pnggrad79]

Hi Julie,
Loved your avatar. Very cool! Do you have a partner or are you still looking? I am married, (albeit in Canada) and love being a lesbian! Anyway, good luck on your thesis and let us know if we can help!:D:D:D