I spent a very short time at the Capitol steps last night, protesting the upholding of Prop 8. When I left, I left in tears. There is so much anger.
I felt unwelcome there, in the midst of the grief and outrage. For once, I was hesitant to reveal myself as a Christian. Because we're the source of the problem. And that's the reason for my tears.
I wish I could make my brothers and sisters in Christ understand for a moment just what they are achieving. They aren't protecting the sanctity of marriage. That is between the two souls entered in that covenant. What they are doing is driving a group of people so far away from God's love that it will take a miracle to ever reach them. I don't think God's okay with that.
You tell me you don't hate homosexuals, but where is the fruit of your love? Don't lecture me on Sodom and Gomorrah. I've done some research on that and the depravity that so angered God was far beyond a man loving a man and entering into a committed relationship. If you're going to throw scripture at me, about homosexuality being an abomination, let's look at Luke 6:42, John 8:7, Matthew 23: 22-24. Pray on those for a while.
And here's another thing that the Church doesn't realize. This door that they are opening, forcing the Bible into law? That swings both ways. Separation of church and state protects freedom of religion and if you think for one minute that the Church can influence legislation without being influenced by politics, you are wrong. The Church was never meant to be a governing body. We are in the world, but not of it. We are a safe harbor for those in need and the money that has been spent passing this legislation should have been spent ministering to those in need. The direction of right-wing Christianity scares me. There is no good end to this path and maybe I'm a nervous nellie, but persecution begets persecution. And no matter what you say, this is persecution.
No matter who you are, what you do, who you love, know this. God passionately loves you. He wants to have a relationship with you. And there are plenty of Christians out there who feel the same.
9 comments:
Excellent post. I am not a religious person nor am I raising my children to be. I'm raising my children to be fair, to be kind, to have no prejudice for things that shouldn't be judged.
BUT I have PLENTY to say about those who so easily sacrifice the rights of others simply to secure their golden spot in the afterlife. All I can do is shake my head.
So, Ms. Jennie, once again you hit the nail on the head.
You, my darling, are a TRUE Christian - in the very basic "do unto others" sense of the word. I just wish there were more people out there like you.
People who use religion as an excuse to hate others are truly the lowest of the low.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Well put!
I am a Unitarian and, unfortunately, I have seen the same 'us' vs. 'them' in our congregation. We left because of it - an intolerance towards Christians. I knew that wasn't so. So I believe it is a human condition. One that we all need seek forgiveness for.
I personally am very sick of the word "Christian" coming up in political conversations! The basis of our country is that they should have absolutely nothing to do with each other! The Christians couldn't maintain prohibition of alcohol and they won't be able to maintain prohibition of gay marriage. In time, enough of the old farts will die off, and we know the younger generation is much more tolerant. I call it natural selection- "God's way of weeding out the bigotted!"
Thank You Jennie.
-God
PREACH IT SISTA!!!!
wow. you said what I want to say so badly....that's what TRUE Christianity is about. LOVE not HATE.
I just wish more people could see that truth and embrace that truth.
I admire you Jen for taking the time to stand up for your beliefs. It's not always easy to do, and you're right - God commands us to love one another. I leave judgment up to Him.
Very beautifully and compassionately expressed. I have many friends, parents, students who know I am gay and judge me on my teaching not my sexual leanings and many of them come to terms with their religious convictions in different ways.They express their love to me frequently and even my Mormon friends do not spend money to support anti gay campaigns.
I love what Ramona said about those whose goal is to secure their spot in heaven. Their motives are not to save homosexuals.Of all the Christians in the world, i still think "narrow is the path and few who find the way."
thanks for writing this.
xoxoxo Charlie
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