Hey

[BeyondBlessed]

My name is James. I'm from Evansville, IN. I had one year of college for multimedia, but now I'm working in a factory trying to pay off some debt and possibly go back. I just got banned a few days ago from a more conservative forum for my apparently offensive views on NCAA basketball (I like Memphis). I figured it was time to find a more accepting group of people. I spend a lot of time over on CF too with the screen name "WiredSpirit."

I've been on a long and strange spiritual journey. I left my home church when I was 17 because it got very political when a new pastor took over. I spent some time as a Methodist and in the UCC. I was media-inclined and I felt more comfortable in a megachurch with visual elements so I could serve and use my talents, so I eventually started going to a church similar to the one I grew up in and now I go there and to my home church frequently. One church used to be charismatic with roots in the Holiness movement, although its not anymore, and the other is an Independent Christian Church from the Campbell/Stone restoration movement. Neither are affiliated with any denomination.

My biggest issue is with how the Republican party has turned Christians into tools to win elections, and this has had a negative affect on the church's social witness. Instead of working to prevent unwanted pregnancies we're picketing abortion clinics. Instead of embracing people who are different we're attacking their liberties, etc.

[BruceChris]

You'll probably end up with a variety of nicknames, if you post regularly. The subject of the shortcomings of Christianity, or any other powerful institution in a society are usually best understood by members of minority or "out" groups, who are less rewarded for buying into the common assumption that all is right with the world.

You will find a LOT of similar criticism of the shortcomings of many churches, and religious leaders here, and you won't have to look far. One of the most common criticisms of conservative Christianity is that it often conspires with the Republican'ts to get poorer people to vote against their own economic interests.

Stick around, and you'll soon meet Udog and Andy. and of course Zerbie will give you a big welcome.

Namaste', Bruce Chris

[capeguy74]

I am a newcomer to SF as well. I'm curious, what is CF?

I am also a newcomer on gaychristian.net. Both soulforce and GCN have provided me with support and fellowship I never could have imagined were available to a gay Christian like me. In fact, until this week, I repeatedly condemned myself for my same-sex attractions as unbiblical and against God's will. I am beginning to change on that view, and the friendly people both here and at GCN are proving to be an invaluable resource for me.

So, with that, welcome to Souforce. I hope you find as much fellowship and support here as I have. And may God bless you on your spiritual journey.

Love in Christ,
Jason

[Zerbie]

Hello James. Welcome. :)

You'll find many who will relate to you and your viewpoints here. Glad to have you with us!

[Gennee]

Hi James and welcome to Soulforce.

Gennee

:wave::love:

[BeyondBlessed]

Honestly I did not realize this was primarily a GLTB forum. I found it on Google searching for "progressive christians" or something like that.

I think that's great, but this might not exactly be my niche.

[Zerbie]

This is a site for those who believe in a society inclusive of all individuals, couples, and families, regardless of sexual orientation. Since we advocate for LGBT equality, we have a lot of LGBT participants. Since the founder of Soulforce is Christian, we get a lot christian participants. But we have regular members who are straight, who are not christian - iow, we fit quite a range of people.

If you decide to stay (which would be great!), I think you'd fit in perfectly.
:)

[Vanessa White]

Don't know if you are sticking around, but you belong here as long as you advocate, as Zerbie said, for equal treatment/respect for LGBT persons; you can be an ally without having an LGBT orientation. We need as much support as we can get.

Hope that we will continue to see you around!! Peace, Vanessa :love:

[capeguy74]

Hey James,

I understand what you say about feeling like you might not fit in here. I wouldn't worry about that. From what I have seen in my first week on Soulforce, all are welcome, without judgment or persecution.

If you decide this isn't a place for you, that is perfectly OK. If you do decide to stick with us, I am sure I speak for many others in saying that we welcome you with open arms and a spirit of love. :)

Either way, I'm glad you stopped by, even if for just a short period of time. I wish you all of God's love and blessings on your spiritual journey.

In Him,
Jason

[Daniel]

You've got my middle name....good name!

So you've stumbled into a gay-friendly forum. How's it feel so far? Heck. It's not like you stumbled into a gay bar! :lol: That would be something else entirely.

So- you haven't said- but from what I've gathered so far- you are straight but not narrow. Is so- we need more guys like you around here. Hope you stick around and meet some other gay-friendly guys who like gals- like- say - Andy.

Now- if I'm misconstruing things, please feel free to set me straight- so to speak. ;):lol:

Oh....by the way....

Welcome!

Daniel

[tymejumper]

A lot of different types of people are here in the forum. There are a lot of gay people, but also straight. We have all kids of different religious views and beliefs here. Of course we have Christains. You're welcome to stay and you will find there are very nice people here to chat with. It is a place for open minds also and we like to have people who are for equality for all.

And Daniel, I would never dream of setting you 'straight' I like you very much the way you are!:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Shel]

I hope you do stick around here. I am new too and I really like the discourse. Also, I am from Memphis...How dare they kick you out because you like Memphis...GO TIGERS...they are still our champions... :-)

Shel

[matthewspeed]

Glad to have you here James. I have struggled for years with my homosexuality/christian issues. I went back into the closet for almost 10 years, experienced the ex-gay movement within the christian church, got married, the whole nine yards.

I am a christian and I am gay. Two wonderful things!

You will find many christians here -some lean on the conservative side and some more liberal. We all learn from each other. We all accept each other. We all respect each other. We look forward to your input.

Welcome!

-Matthew