A concise summation of Christianity’s response to homosexuality
Few Christians seem to have the courage of their convictions. They would rather impose their beliefs on others than question themselves.
This is an extract of an email that I sent to a ‘Facebook friend’ who I had known years ago, Ben Windle (his blog is accessible here). Like many such acquaintances, I had known Ben somewhat but had fallen out of meaningful contact years ago. When he was promoting what he represented as a ‘Christian’ response to same sex marriage, I engaged him in the following conversation:
I responded to your post because it hurt me personally. I enjoyed attending CCC in the West End as it was a great community and I had some awesome friends. However, I also was struggling with intense suicidal thoughts, constant depression and abject loneliness.
Interestingly, when I came out to myself (at 31) everything changed. Life is now worth living. You might say I had a meaningful conversion experience!
I’m married (your opinion on its legitimacy is irrelevant) and have been for the past 5 years.
I’m not telling you this to change your view (you lack my subjective experience to have a meaningful perspective) but you probably have more people like me in your congregation. You may think your taking a ‘christian’ perspective on your actions. Be aware of the consequences for those in your congregation. Check out these two blogs – one of mine and one on the topic from a pretty good writer. Here and here.
Windle’s response? To de-friend me from Facebook. An apt, concise summation of the moral and intellectual arguments of the Christian Church.
Sadly, this lack of capacity to engage is typical of all fundamentalist Christians I know. I believe it is not possible for them to reconcile the emotional hurt caused by their beliefs with living and breathing human beings. So, rather than grapple with their beliefs they de-friend them.
Personally, I would consider this an excellent time saver all round if it was not for the large number of young gay and lesbian Christians struggling with the false dichotomy of their sexuality and their spirituality.
If they could be spared the years of aching loneliness and despair that I endured, it is worth while trying to talk with bigots.
PS. Windle has been offered an opportunity to respond formally.
Ben Windle is a gutless wonder. It is extraordinary that a man who knew you personally and is a pastor could be so weak that he was unable to respond to your comments. It appears he does not have the courage of his convictions.
Alas, his response is exactly the same as every fundamentalist Christian I have met. When something does not fit within the narrow bounds of their belief system they seem unable to cope.