|
 The Power of the Bible
The Bible is a powerful book. What is more important to realize is that interpretations of the Bible are just as powerful. New Testament scholar, Mary Ann Tolbert, points out that every interpretation of a text in the Bible is a combination of the stories themselves and the interests, commitments, and beliefs of the person or groups reading the stories.
|
Homosexuality: Not a Sin... Not a Sickness
The most beautiful word in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is "whosoever." All of God's promises are intended for every human being. This includes gay men and lesbians. How tragic it is that the Christian Church has excluded and persecuted people who are homosexual!
|
|
Our Story Too... Reading the Bible with "New Eyes"
Most modern gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people are either afraid of the Bible or unfamiliar with its content, thinking that the the Bible has only bad news for them. While it is true that the Bible was written in the context of patriarchal, heterosexist cultures, the message and story of God's unconditional love in Christ can also be the "power of salvation" for our GLBT community.
|
What The Bible Does and Does Not Say
The Bible is a collection of writings which span more than a thousand years recounting the history of God's relationship with the Hebrew and Christian people. It was written in several languages, embraces many literary forms, and reflects cultures very different from our own. These are important considerations for properly understanding the Bible in its context.
|
|
The GLBT Family in the Bible… Founding and Following the Work of Jesus
One place to begin exploring GLBT history in the Bible is with the Biblical concepts of immortality. The Hebrew scriptures are not very clear about any consistent concept of life after death. The primary way that one would achieve immortality was through one's heirs. The worst fate that could befall someone was to be "cut off" from one's people.
|
The Bible and Homosexuality
Lesbians and gay men face discrimination because of societal attitudes. Unfortunately, these attitudes are often taught by churches and, sadly, the Bible is frequently used as a weapon to “bash” lesbians and gays. It is important to remember that such hurtful things are not a reflection of Christ, or the way God wants the church to be, or even what the Bible really says.
|
|
Same-Sex Relationships in the Bible
The stories of two prominent same-sex couples in the Scriptures provide gay men and lesbians with Biblical models of committed love in stressful circumstances.
|
What Does the Bible Actually Say About Homosexuality?
Knowing what the Bible not only says but means is important so that you do not allow anyone to dictate your walk with Christ or get you off track. When you stand before the Lord - you will stand before Him alone.
|
|
Reclaiming Our Place in Biblical Families of Choice
John is the beloved disciple "whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20, 24). He wrote as a Jewish man in the ancient middle east as one who was totally in love with Jesus as his soul friend. John teaches us how to be a soul friend. When the others betrayed, deserted, denied and perverted justice, only the beloved disciple actively tried to intervene and protect his dear friend and spiritual mentor.
|
Homosexuality and the Bible... Bad News Or Good News?
Lesbians and gay men face discrimination because of societal attitudes. Unfortunately, these attitudes are often taught by the church. Sadly, the Bible is often used as a weapon to "bash" gays and lesbians. It is important to remember that such hurtful things are not a reflection of Christ, or the way God wants the church to be, or even what the Bible really says.
|
|
Queer Spirituality
In recent years there has been an increased interest in spirituality. Today people have a variety of ways to address spiritual matters, some of which include: therapy, self-help books, workshops, retreat centers, twelve-step groups, meditation, exercise, and rituals. As a result of these various practices specific spiritualities are being manifested by groups with common histories, cultures, experiences, and ethnicities.
|
Coming Out as Sacrament
A sacrament is an act that mediates the grace and mystery of God. Coming out is a sacrament for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) people of faith because it sets us on a lifelong path of manifesting God's grace in our lives.
|
