different slant
I started writing another reply on Marc's thread and realized that I was getting well off his topic. It does concern something that is important to me however as I search for ways to deal with the abuse I experienced as a kid.
I honestly don't want to offend anyone but don't know how to be fully honest about myself without violating someone's idea of who I should be.
I am glad that some portions of the country are more supportive than others. A recent poll here in Minnesota found that 58 percent oppose g'y marriages and/or unions, however.
I am appreciative of the clarity on this issue that some Christians have acheived but can relate to what I think are Marc's doubts. I myself remain confused by all the many differences of opinion. It seems that everything in their scripture that specifically addresses it is either negative or downright condemnatory.
It would be clearer for me, I think, if "affirming" sects that have split off from Christianity would call themselves something else and so clearly disassociate themselves from the groups they so fundamentally disagree with (what is a sin vs. what is not a sin, who is saved vs. who is not saved, etc.).
I grew up being taken to (Christian-Lutheran, the "liberal" kind) churches every Sunday, Sunday "school" every Sunday, services on every single church holiday, sometimes twice on one day, Wednesday services during Lent, home devotions every night throughout the Advent season, etc.
My mother taught religion. My father's family helped to found a Lutheran Synod when they immigrated to this country. We frequently had pastors/ministers at home for Sunday dinner. I have relatives who joined the ministry.
All this and I am left only with the clear message that I am welcome but only as a second-class believer, regardless of what Jesus taught or seemed to teach or we say he taught (what's real after 2000-plus years of uninterrupted reinterpretation?).
I was torn down, emotionally disassembled by the abuse I experienced. I am gradually putting myself back together, creating new parts where they are missing altogether.
I don't want anybody's second hand comforts. I want to be self-reliant and not vulnerable to the whims of groups that, in fact, are not my allies but which, instead, often harbor and protect perps (yes, even "affirming" groups). There's something about the magic (resurrection, absolution, etc.) and secretiveness that just seems built right for deceptiveness.
One man's opinion. I see myself as a cult survivor.
I honestly don't want to offend anyone but don't know how to be fully honest about myself without violating someone's idea of who I should be.
I am glad that some portions of the country are more supportive than others. A recent poll here in Minnesota found that 58 percent oppose g'y marriages and/or unions, however.
I am appreciative of the clarity on this issue that some Christians have acheived but can relate to what I think are Marc's doubts. I myself remain confused by all the many differences of opinion. It seems that everything in their scripture that specifically addresses it is either negative or downright condemnatory.
It would be clearer for me, I think, if "affirming" sects that have split off from Christianity would call themselves something else and so clearly disassociate themselves from the groups they so fundamentally disagree with (what is a sin vs. what is not a sin, who is saved vs. who is not saved, etc.).
I grew up being taken to (Christian-Lutheran, the "liberal" kind) churches every Sunday, Sunday "school" every Sunday, services on every single church holiday, sometimes twice on one day, Wednesday services during Lent, home devotions every night throughout the Advent season, etc.
My mother taught religion. My father's family helped to found a Lutheran Synod when they immigrated to this country. We frequently had pastors/ministers at home for Sunday dinner. I have relatives who joined the ministry.
All this and I am left only with the clear message that I am welcome but only as a second-class believer, regardless of what Jesus taught or seemed to teach or we say he taught (what's real after 2000-plus years of uninterrupted reinterpretation?).
I was torn down, emotionally disassembled by the abuse I experienced. I am gradually putting myself back together, creating new parts where they are missing altogether.
I don't want anybody's second hand comforts. I want to be self-reliant and not vulnerable to the whims of groups that, in fact, are not my allies but which, instead, often harbor and protect perps (yes, even "affirming" groups). There's something about the magic (resurrection, absolution, etc.) and secretiveness that just seems built right for deceptiveness.
One man's opinion. I see myself as a cult survivor.