[SolInvictus]

Having previously struggled with fundamentalist religion and my sexual orientation, I hope I can help in some way.

First, my view of God is that it is both male and female, yet neither at the same time (I believe God is a spiritual entity that connects and exists within all life). My pastor at the UCC church I attend views God as both "mother and father."

While fundamentalists typically ignore certain passages, in particular, they also ignore passages describing God as "she." These passages are found in Proverbs, Wisdom of Solomon, the Kabbalah, and describing the "person" of the Holy Spirit in the feminine. Likewise, God is also referred to as He.

The recent book I reviewed, Where the Edge Gathers, by Yvonne Flunders, describes her opinion that transgender persons are "reflections of God" in that God is both male and female.

I support these interpretations, and it allows seeing God in a broader perspective. Similarly, interpreting Biblical Scripture literally, limits the understanding of the Divine. Stories and parables, in my opinion, illustrate lessons to study and guide - not to be taken literally. Joseph Campbell, in his book, The Power of Myth, desribes this more completely and coherently.

If I may suggest, perhaps attending some progressive churches will also help you on your journey. The UCC has provided an uplifting experience for me as I see that God loves me just as I am, and helped me rediscover the essence of Christianity, spiritually and religiously.

Good luck on your journey.