Hi, My Name is Chad

[micah6.8.]

I'm 55, Pentecostal, really, really straight. After being raised in the Church all my life, being thrown out of Bible College (a point of pride), and later "going prodigal" for about 15 years, I came back to Jesus.

Later I came back to the church. :D I had figured out that church is full of fallible people just like me, and that what somebody told me the Bible said was not necessarily what the Bible said. Because I have had, and have, dear gay and lesbian friends I undertook to see what the Bible said about homosexuality. I discovered that it doesn't say much, and decided that the few piddly, and unclear, references to homosexuality were not enough to justify hostility toward, persecution and damnation of, probably 10% of the population (or anyone, for that matter).

Anyway, last week, after enduring the wailing and gnashing of teeth in my church that accompanied the election of Barack Obama, I went to my pastor to complain about the heavy dose of conservative right-wing Christianity that's routinely served up with the Gospel. During the conversation I shared with him my conclusions on the Scriptural view of homosexuality.

For two years I've been playing bass in the church worship team. Long story short, now my pastor is considering whether he should throw me off the team because of my "false doctrines." I'm not surprised. My wife, who was raised Catholic, is livid.

So I guess it's "money where my mouth is" time. I'm sad to think I might not be able to play in church any more, and to face the prospect of having to find a new church home. But I'm o.k. with it. I plugged in here to try to find some support, and plus maybe to learn more about the experience of being a GLBT Christian, about which I know very little.

"In everything give thanks, which is the will of God concerning you!"

- Chad

[keltic63]

You are just the guy we need! Thanks for stopping by Chad.


you can guess, that as a minority, we don't have as much influence or power as the conservatives would lead you to believe. the passing of Prop 8 should certainly prove that point. It is people like you, our allies, that we need to speak up WITH us, so people can start using the brains that God gave us, and start treating people in the ways that God has instructed us to. We're here for you Chad!


"false doctrines" huh? no room for disagreement at your church, you're either a believer or a heretic. wow. :eek:

[FoxInSox]

Chad,

I'm straight, too, and I totally hear you. I didn't think churches in New England would be as conservative as those in Dallas, but I guess so.

You are finding yourself in a painful position. I recently left an organization I love, with people I love, who have been part of my 12-step recovery for two years because the organization supports reparitive therapy. It's so painful, but it's the right decision. You will discern what you need to do as well.

Welcome :)

~Michelle

[ctozrn]

Welcome straight people!!!

We love the support and love that comes from SF straight members! It will take people such as you to help us in our fight for equal rights. People sometimes close their ears to the pleas from us....but when straight allies start talking people really start to listen. We need you here and to advocate for us!

Thank you and welcome!!

Christine

[micah6.8.]

Oh, plus there was a time, years ago, when I kept falling for lesbians. What's THAT about? http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e397/reifspano/Smileys/hmmm.gif

[alphie]

thanks so much Chad - I appreciate your insight

[tymejumper]

Oh, plus there was a time, years ago, when I kept falling for lesbians. What's THAT about? http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e397/reifspano/Smileys/hmmm.gif



Maybe it's because we're amazingly good looking and intelligent women???:lol:

Welcome straight guy, we love our straight allies and supporters. After what your church did to you, I guess you'll have to sit next to us in the back of the bus!:lol::lol:

I have never felt that this was an effective way to spread Gods love and word. It would seem that he did preach understanding and tolerance for those that are different...at least his son did. I hope that you find a more welcoming fold.

Much Metta

[micah6.8.]

Maybe it's because we're amazingly good looking and intelligent women???:lol:... Well, there's that...

[Pablo Rafael]

Hi Chad,

I am glad that you have joined our forums.

I have found that churches use the excuse of "false doctrine" to get rid of people that challenge them. I was kicked out of my church musician job at the Lutheran church (Missouri Synod). The pastor gave the reason as "taking the historical-critical approach to Biblical interpretation". :confused: However, everyone knows that the reason was that he didn't want any gays in the church. I am sure that would go as well for any straight person who dared challenge the denominational prejudice against gays.

It was no great loss, however. I am wonderfully accepted in the two churches that I am a musician at now, one Catholic, one Episcopal.

All of us, straight and gay, need to keep challenging the churches that support discrimination.

And there are churches that are affirming and welcoming. Christianity is not uniform by any means.

I wish you the best. Straight people like you who are willing to support the acceptance of all in the church are an inspiration. :tup:

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[micah6.8.]

Gracias, Pablo! - This is a loss for me, in a way; this pastor is somebody I think of (present tense) as a friend, and I care about the folks at this church I've attended for 5 years. But as I often say, "I love you too much to lie to you," and so this is the position I find myself in.

[Gennee]

Hi, Chad. Welcome to the site. It's sad :( that people are kicked out of the church because of differing opinions on an important topic. Maybe these churches are more interested in maintaining their culture rather than living the true gospel of the word. We're so glad to have you.

Gennee


:love::wave:

[tdogg]

Welcome to the Soulforce forums!! Glad you found us. Thanks for coming here, sharing your story and taking a stand for what you believe to be right. I appreciate the support (especially as a Californian whose marriage may become a question mark soon). :love:

Growing up in a pentecostal household and several churches, I never quite bought everything that was preached and taught. I didn't get what they said out of the bible I read. But then, I never considered myself to be a great Christian either. I now cling to some spiritual beliefs but not organized religious or literal bible translation (meaning biblical laws, rules & regulations). I'll leave that worry up to the fundies cause they are so good at it. :eek::lol:

Hope you stay around and become a regular. I think you have a lot to add in the mix. :)

Tdogg

[FoxInSox]

Chad,

It IS loss.

A complicated one for me. I feel really torn ... I'm really questioning what kindness looks like ... Asking hard questions about friendships with people who are intolerant of LGBT people ...

I hate that you are processing such a similar struggle, but I'm glad to not be alone.

~Michelle

[BruceChris]

I know that I have made this comment elsewhere, but I'll make it here too. I notice that almost always, lesbians seem to be COMPETENT at what they do. This is just one thing that I admire about them.

Maybe it's because we're amazingly good looking and intelligent women??? :lol: Yeah, probably that, too, Tyme

Edit: Oh, Yeah, Chad, I keep falling for lesbians, too. It seems to come with the territory

P&L, BC

[tdogg]

:love::love::love:

Our fellow sister and one of the most loving and kind people you will ever find. As exciting as the protest will be here Saturday, I find myself wishing I could join you in MN.

Did I mention that BruceChris is also an honorary lesbian, Chad? It's because he's amazingly good looking, intelligent and competent (not to mention a total sweetie). You better be careful, you could eventually be added to the list. :eek::lol::love:

[tymejumper]

The L card is in the mail.........:lol::lol:

[sauu4equality]

I was a straight ally for a long time. Even had the whole lesbian attraction thing going for a while. Then I got curious and umm...I figured out I was a little bit more than an ally ;).

[BruceChris]

O.K., But What I Want To Know Is, Where Is My Toaster Oven?

P.S.: And, oh, yeah, Sauu, congratulations on your realized Identity.

Peace and Love, Bruce Chris

[tdogg]

O.K., But What I Want To Know Is, Where Is My Toaster Oven?


I was hoping you didn't notice...I got it for a wedding present. :cool::D

I've wanted a toaster oven all my life and I finally got one!!! (Maybe if you're a good girl, Santa will bring you one for Christmas?) :love:

[BruceChris]

O.K., I've got to give credit where credit is due. Sauu should be the one to get the Toaster Oven

Peace, Love, And Much Celebration, Bruce Chris

[micah6.8.]

:love::love::love:

Did I mention that BruceChris is also an honorary lesbian, Chad? It's because he's amazingly good looking, intelligent and competent (not to mention a total sweetie). You better be careful, you could eventually be added to the list. :eek::lol::love:

everybody has seen the south park episode where the little boys all get a crush on their substitute teacher who, as it turns out, is a lesbian? hysterical!

[tymejumper]

I was a straight ally for a long time. Even had the whole lesbian attraction thing going for a while. Then I got curious and umm...I figured out I was a little bit more than an ally ;).


:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: I suspect that MANY of us find out about it that way. I have always had lesbian and gay friends and I am glad for it when I finally decided FOR SURE that I was gay(mid 20s, no more putting it off and saying it was a phase etc)it helped to explain a whole hellava lot!

[tymejumper]

There are certain parameters involved in getting the toaster oven. And besides, they are pretty out dated. Us lesbians move with the times ya know?;)

[tdogg]

I've always been late to catch up with the latest trends. Probably why I'm so excited about finally getting my first toaster oven. :D:lol:

[cimmaronmax]

Chad,

Thanks for the "Rednecks for Obama" greeting card you left at my introduction. In my county in rural Oklahoma McCain prevailed by a ratio of 83/17. I wound up on the short end of that stick but, thankfully, Obama prevailed across the nation. I, like you, am "really, really straight". When I posted here I thought I was sending a mesage to some activist travelling in a bus targetting religious colleges in the interest of furthering Gay Rights and hopefully dismantling some barriers to compassionate understanding. I hope the point of my post didn't get lost in the volume of the message. In short it is:

"I may not like, understand, or embrace the homo-way, but it seems reasonable to me that equal rights should be afforded to people of all types. I worked in Georgia with a fellow who said to me, "I might not agree with you, but I will give my life to protect your rights to believe as you do." I don't suppose gayness constitutes a belief system. Still, the idea that I don't need to be like you in order to support your right to be what you are seems pretty American to me."

I might add that someting that has "haunted" me for the last 40 years is that I suspect that one of my classmates in high school who comitted suicide may have been gay. It is something that I will never know, whether he was gay and if that contributed to his suicide. Be that as it may, we need to get our way of living and thinking straightened out to where someone's sexuallity should NEVER be cause for suicide.

You have given up something that was important to you You have followed your conscience and what could be more Christian than that?

[MCstudent]

I live smack in the middle of the "Bible Belt", and go to a really conservative Southern Baptist university (Mississippi College)..

I can definitely identify with the worry of being ostracized for standing up for what you believe to be Truth. There are still people not talking to me after my involvement with the Equality Ride visit a month ago- but its shows me who my true friends are. I was also concerned about what the administrations reaction would be, but I've since stopped worrying. If they haven't said anything to me at this point, I don't think they will.

I want to commend you on speaking your mind. I seriously wish my dad shared the same mindset you do- he's 59, and can't comprehend the fact that I can be a Christian AND support equal rights for GLBT people. Seeing your post gives me the hope that I still might be able to help him see the light :)

Anywho, welcome to the forums!