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I ran across this site while searching for info about homosexuality and the Bible. For a long time, I suspected that my son was gay or bisexual, and he finally told me that he is gay, about a year and a half ago. I have never felt that being gay is a choice. I have four boys, and Shane was the only one who ever basically tried to self-destruct with drugs. It all makes sense to me now. I had been a member of the LDS church for 22 years, and I was really struggling with the gay comments from members during church. Other doctrine and church history that I just kind of ignored in the past, started to weigh heavily on my mind, and in February, I left the church. The article about What the Bible Says - And Doesn't Say - About Homosexuality made sense to me, but I guess I'm struggling with whether any of the Bible is true. I want to believe, but I tend to avoid it now because I don't know what the real truth is. I don't know if that makes sense. Obviously, I'm searching, but don't know where to look. For 22 years, I had a purpose in the church, and now I feel lost. Is there a particular denomination that accepts gays? I live in a small town of about 25,000, so I doubt I would find it here, so I'm not sure what to do. Can anyone out there relate?

Hi Bren and welcome to the site. This is a great site and you will met others shortly who have had similar experiences.

Gennee

:wave::love::pray:

Thanks Gennee - appreciate it.

Hi Bren,

I have gone through a struggle in some ways like yours. I came to realize that the Bible cannot be read literally. If one does that, then one must explain away all manner of contradictions. It was a crisis of faith for me. But as time has gone on I have come to love the Bible in all its poetic imagery and stories and lessons. It has become more meaningful when I have come to realize that I do not have to believe it literally, but I can read it for the meaning that God has for me at this place and time. I grew up in a very conservative denomination which spelled out everything I was to believe. It was easy to believe what was handed to me, but it is much more meaningful now when I can say, "God I do not understand much about you, but it is OK that I don't." To submit my faith to God and not to rely on what someone else tells me to believe has brought me closer to God.

My church, the Episcopal Church is generally quite gay-affirming and is a place with a strong emphasis on the Word of God and the work of God in our lives. I recommend the Episcopal church to everyone. I also know some very supportive Lutheran (ELCA) congregations. Those two denominations are in most areas.

A great book on the Bible and Biblical interpretation is The Good Book by the late Peter Gomes.

Your son is fortunate to have a father who is loving and accepting. Too many gay youth have had to face life without that support. I pray for God's blessing on your spiritual journey.

(I am always willing to talk if you ever want to PM me. I do not visit the forums often, so I miss much of what goes on.)

Pablo

Hi Pablo,

Thanks for your nice message. Actually, I'm the mom, rather than Shane's dad. Thank you for sharing your experience and insight. There's a really nice Methodist church here, but I just don't think they will be tolerant of my beliefs about gays, so I'm thinking I may keep looking. I was very involved in my former church (LDS) and it has been difficult to leave, but I'm not quite ready to get very involved in any church just yet, until I know what to expect from the members in this area. My son doesn't live here, but I'm still very protective of him.

Thanks again, and feel free to PM me also, if you need to chat.

Hi Bren,

Sorry for getting the gender wrong. I guess being a part of our male-dominated society I assume everyone is male unless I am specifically informed otherwise. :lol:

For me being part of a faith community is very important. My life would not be complete without it. I pray that you will find a place where you fit perfectly.

Pablo