Yesterday, after my post on Friday, I had the chance to talk with a guy for several hours about being Gay and why being Gay is not a sin.
I reminded him that it's only been in recent years that Gays have been demonized by people who call themselves religious. I pointed out that in the 30s it was considered a sin to drink alcohol, and that our denomination was one of the groups that lead the charge to prohibition. I reminded him that Jesus never once said anything anti-Gay, but that he did speak out against d-i-v-o-r-c-e, and yet, it is perfectly acceptable by for the anti-Gay people of today to shout "God hates Fags" while they are working on their second or third marriage (and of course eating their favorite shellfish – mmmmm, shellfish!).
I pointed out that God made me and that God loves me. I reminded him that even if I were sinning or had sinned by his definition that Jesus died for our sins and God loves me. I reminded him that being Gay does not equate with having sex, and that it was unfair for anyone to assume that just because a guy (or girl) is Gay, it doesn't mean they have 1000s of sexual partners.
Interestingly enough, the conversation turned from belief about Gay to a belief in hell. By the time we were done with that, he told me he was less worried about my being Gay and more worried about my not believing in hell. He was curious about what kept me on the path to God if I were not afraid of misstepping and being condemned. Again, I reminded him that I believe God is a loving parent and that I don't need to fear a made up monster to make me want to bask in the good that is waiting for me. I don't have to be running from anything to be running to God.
It was an interesting conversation, and I think it is why God called me to come to this thing.
Then, today, the "God Hates Fags" people were out front and many of the youth workers were out there heckling them. So maybe there's hope after all. While I still feel like it's a very oppressive environment, it is a little less oppressive today.
