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rachel-annabelle asked: In terms of the homosexual question you just answered. I'd say from a christian perspective that everyone struggles with different aspects of sin, whether that be swearing, sexual sin, or homosexuality.
I agree entirely with what you said about God seeing us for who we are and knowing if we are gay.
Being gay is not a sin at all, its just how you are made.
however, what the bible does tell us, is that homosexual practise is a sin.
I know many christians who are gay.
Just as we struggle with sexual sin before marriage, gay people face the struggle of resisting their urges to further their homosexual feelings.
Whether they do sin in this way or not, no way affects their "chances" at heaven, because god allows anyone who believes in him to enter his kingdom.
My gay christian friends who want to be more like Jesus, have accepted that celibacy is the right thing to do.

This is very very true. Especially the last sentence. Because honestly, that’s my view. If my gay friend is staying a virgin until they’re married (which they can’t do, sorta forcing them to either remain celibate for the rest of their life, or go against that rule) just like I plan to, I can’t see why there is so much against them. If they are after God with all their heart and abiding by their rules, I can’t see why they should be condemned. 

errolwiththepost asked: Alright. Since I personally know the individual who runs this blog, I feel like I need to throw my two cents in about Homosexuality and Christianity.

I do not have any experience with homosexuality outside of the Christian faith. I have always been pulled towards the Lord, and I have always answered His call to ministry. For example: I have worked in Christian schools, gone to a Christian University (for both my Undergraduate and Masters degrees), volunteered for Vacation Bible Schools for over half of my life, taught Sunday School, been employed by Christian summer camps, been a Youth Pastor, been a Discipleship Group Leader, and am currently the Nursery Director for a church that I have been employed at for over four years. Not to mention the fact that I have personally attended several youth groups, bible studies, church choirs, and Christian camps, as well. In fact, I was even seriously considering being a missionary.

Now, I want you to know that I say none of this to brag. Christianity is about faith and love, not a contest on who is better or who knows more than who. The reason that I have outlined all of this is to let whoever reads this and possibly thinks "She probably just doesn't study the Bible as hard as I do," know that this is just completely untrue.

Now let me finally get to my opinions on homosexuality. As you may have possibly guessed by now, I do not think that it is a sin. Am I personally gay? No. But do I know people who are? Yes. And I can tell you with 100% certainty that they did not choose to be that way. Several of them would do anything to fit into "the norm." If they could deny who they are so that their fathers would not disown them, so that they could be invited to family celebrations, or so that they didn't have to hide who they are from their employers, they would. Sadly, they cannot do this anymore than I could change my own sexuality. I was born this way, and so were they. There was never a point in my life when I ever thought "I wonder if I'm gay or straight? Which one should I decide to live my life as?" and neither did they. For arguments sake, however, let's consider the possibility that I had asked myself such a question. Why on earth would I choose to be gay? What would the upside be? Not only does a significant part of the population feel that gays should not be afforded equal rights, but there are a large number who WANT THEM DEAD. And why do they want them dead? Because of who they want to go home to at night. If we approach this from a common sense perspective, I would have to be clinically insane to want to purposefully associate myself with a group targeted by so many for such a reason.

As for all of the verses that you have the ability to throw my way, just know that I have the ability to throw many your way, as well. Due to this fact, I will refrain from doing so. As I said before, this is not a contest about who knows more about the Bible. I've done my research and you've all done yours. What it all ultimately comes down to, for me, is what I know of God, His creation, and the gay, Christian individuals in my own life. When I take all of this into account, all I see homosexuality as is a different kind of love. One that I, myself, cannot relate to or truly understand, but still love, and I cannot find it in my heart to condemn that.

goldrimmedgrin asked: I believe that God is love, and to fully love, you must fully accept somebody. so if God fully loves everybody, he accepts them.
We all sin and God sees every sin as equal, so why is homosexuality different from any others?

Yes. No sin is above another in terms of wrong-ness. Lying is as bad as murder and all that. 

mikestoleyobike asked: Could you further elaborate on what you mean about God made us just as we are? If God makes homosexuals the way they are, would that also mean He makes pedophiles, alcoholics, and drug addicts the way they are ?

Actually, I have thought about this, too. Because I realize my thoughts might have flaws with this area. (And honestly, I think it’s just one of those things that we won’t know until we’re dead, you know?)

But yeah. I suppose that God did make us these things, the bad with the good. But he also made us with the choice (free will) to turn away from all that. To repent and worship him. 

bindmyyhearttothee asked: Oh man, run from that church you are going to. Do not let anyone tell you even your mislead pastor that the bible is outdated. That is ridiculous. You are right the bible tells us to not eat pork but that was in the old testament when we were under the law and Jesus died and we are now under grace they said that once under the law but how can anyone think that saying something 5 times, 3 being in the new testament where we are under grace be outdated or wrong. Does he think that adultery is outdated too, or fornication. Oh my heart goes out to you because this is a serious issue. send me a message with your email or facebook and I can talk to you more about this because your pastor is dead wrong and you need to know the truth and I am hear to help you out

I will not run from my church. It’s my family. 

Also, the person who said that, if I remember correctly, was a former youth pastor at a church I went to years ago.

Your sympathy is very nice, but not needed. I know what I believe. I believe that my God is awesome and might. He loves me. I believe that Jesus died for every sin in the world. After this, what else is there?  

lazarusad asked: Good Job on your outreach...

Thank you. 

tearsanderasershavings asked: 1 timothy 10 refers to Practicing homosexuality as being against the sound doctrine and 1 corinthians 6 says homosexuals will not inherit thee Kingdom of God. It also goes on to say that some people in Corinth were once homosexuals but they were cleansed, sanctified, and justified by Jesus Christ and the Spirit of God. I think that shows us homosexuality is not planted in us by God and is a sin. What do you think? I do believe God loves homosexuals because God lS love. He loves every sinner which is why he sent a savior bu I think homosexuality is a sin never the less. What do you think?

This is where I honestly do not know. Like I said, there are things we can’t possibly know until we can ask God ourselves, no matter how much reading of the Bible we do. 

I just have such a hard time truly believing that being homosexuality is a sin. I have so many friends who are, and I just can’t see myself walking up to them and saying, “God loves you for who you are, even being gay. But oh, it’s a sin. You have to stop being who you are for him to truly accept you.” It just seems so hypocritical. 

mo3kingbirds asked: You are the first Christian I know of that shares my beliefs on homosexuality vs God. While I don't really believe in God myself (but do respect Christians and those who do) I'd like to think if there is a God, that He would be just as you described him. I guess I just wanted to thank you for being such an open-minded Christian-I've met and know far too many who are far too close-minded and it's sort of left a bad taste in my mouth whenever the subject of Christianity comes up. But thanks for giving me some hope for the future of Christianity :)

You’re very welcome. I’m glad I could be a little hope for your views! It means so much that you would send such a message. 

bindmyyhearttothee asked: I am a born again Christian who has struggled with homosexuality for the past 9 years and I recently have surrendered my life back to Jesus and for you to say that you think God made them as they were breaks my heart. I know in heart My God does not approve of homosexuality. Not to say he doesnt love them because of course he does but My God is a just God and there is no where in the bible that says its okay. 5 times in the bible it condemns it, 2 in the old testament and 3 in the new and I really liked your blog but I think that you should def read and study deeper in what the bible is saying. Im reading a book called The Gay Gospel and its about pro-gay advocates who misread the bible and I think you should get a hold of that book and see what you are missing. Its a sin like any other sin and its not natural or good or anything. It is a sign of the times that "christians" would say yeah God made gays, like he made drunks drunks and druggies druggies. I do not doubt that you are a Christian but I think you are mislead. God calls us to be pure and I do not know one gay who doesnt sleep with their partner. The man who founded the Metropolitan community Church cheated on his wife with a man while she was in the other room. The gay church teaches on love which is great but they forget to teach on sin and hell because they want everything to be A Okay when its not. Thats all I have to say.

I’m not sure what to say, but I don’t feel like I’m mislead. I feel like God lead me to this answer…but I have read those parts of the bible that say it’s a sin and condemns it. But it also condemns things like eating pork, etc. Things that we have left behind. It has laws about stoning women who are not virgins when they are married. It says it’s ok to have slaves and such. All of these things have become outdated. 

I heard once (and this is just something I heard said. I’m not backing it up with the Bible or anything, so this is just my experience) from a pastor that he thought that maybe some things in the bible can become outdated. The bible needs to fit the time it was written in. Now, the laws they had back them seem silly. I can see that homosexuality can become one of those things. 

But I really appreciate you giving me your honest message. 

Anonymous asked: I don't mean to play devil's advocate or anything, but I just want to clarify. In your answer about homosexuals, you said that God created people to be gay. Do you really believe that it's not a choice? Just wondering. In every piece of scripture I've read, it seems to me that it's a choice.

Based on my answer, yes, I believe that they are born with it. It’s not so much a choice. This is based on that verse that says that God sees our days before they’re even lived. That doesn’t leave so much choice to me…but it could be something very complicated. God created you with the potential to be gay and then you choice to be it or not. But God still had a hand in making you that way, etc. 

And no! Playing devil’s advocate is just fine. It makes us think harder. :)

pinsnip asked: I love your tumblelog. I have followed quite a lot of other tumblelogs like this but your recent answer to allofthemebersfell's question is exactly why I don't see myself unfollowing this one. This tumblr isn't just about pretty verses and encouragement. It's like bible study on your dashboard.

I like how you discuss questions and address them truthfully. I'm a Christian myself, and I completely agree with your feelings about homosexuality. Your answer helped me understand my own opinion much better. I've always wanted to look for a bible verse that told me that God does love everyone, regardless of sexual preference. Years of studying in a Christian school has left me frustrated about legalism; but deep down, I believe that's how He is. Of course the bible is filled with verses about his love for us, but I was never able to single out a verse regarding homosexuality. Thanks for sharing the psalm!

Thank you so much for the wonderful message. I have to admit, I was a little nervous about posting my answer to that question. It does go “against” what many Christians believe. I don’t want to rock the boat any. This Tumblrlog, above all, is to worship and praise God. But I felt like I should answer the question, since it was asked of me. 

Thank you so much. I’m glad that a few other people at least share my opinions on the subject! Honestly, I only recently worked out my bit of “proof” with that psalm. I have always believed many of the things I said, but like you, never had a specific verse in the Bible to back up my reasoning. I was so happy to find this psalm. I’ve read it many times before, and only a few months ago read it again when I was having a sort of religious debate with a friend, and worked it out from there. I felt so at peace with myself that night. I knew that I was lead to that verse by God. I could feel it. I’m so happy for it. 

So thank you so much for liking what I shared! I’m only too glad to pass it on. :)  

dontwatchthat-watchthis asked: From a Christian perspective, how do you feel about homosexuality?

I can only speak for myself, as a Christian. I don’t pretend to speak for everyone for this subject. 

But this is my opinion on the subject: I don’t necessarily think that gay people are damned to hell. I just can’t justify that in any way. My God is a forgiving and loving God. Of course, I don’t know everything. No on will, until we die and are face to face with Him. But I feel that somewhere in my heart, God loves homosexuals. He made them as they were. 

I feel like my “justification” for this belief comes from Psalm 139. 

 ¹ You have searched me, LORD, 
   and you know me. 
² You know when I sit and when I rise; 
   you perceive my thoughts from afar. 
³ You discern my going out and my lying down; 
   you are familiar with all my ways. 
⁴ Before a word is on my tongue 
   you, LORD, know it completely. 
⁵ You hem me in behind and before, 
   and you lay your hand upon me. 
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, 
   too lofty for me to attain.

This first part tells us that God knows us, more than we know ourselves. He knows if we’re gay, straight or Democrat (hehe) before we know it ourselves. And more importantly, he made us that way.

 ¹³ For you created my inmost being; 
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 
   your works are wonderful, 
   I know that full well. 
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you 
   when I was made in the secret place, 
   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body; 
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book 
   before one of them came to be. 
¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts,^[a] God! 
   How vast is the sum of them! 
¹⁸ Were I to count them, 
   they would outnumber the grains of sand— 
   when I awake, I am still with you.

This verse says that he knitted us together and saw our unformed bodies, knows our days before they are even lived and that our “frame was not hidden from you.” 

I’ve done a lot of thinking on the subject of homosexuality, because like most modern teens, I have many friends who are gay. I love my friends like I do my family; I don’t want to see them in Hell because of who they are. 

But then I was lead to this psalm. I read it and it just spoke to my heart. If God created us, every fiber, and knew what we would grow up to be and do, he then created us to be gay or straight. Why would he create something, just to hate it? To doom that person to Hell, with no real chance of getting to Heaven because of what God made them? I don’t see that happening. God loves what he made us, though He might hate what we do and all the mistakes we make. 

But if I were to come across a gay man or woman, who loved God with all their heart. Who followed His word to the letter, prayed, gave their all and had undeniable faith, how can this person be sent to Hell? Now, I said before, I can’t know this. I like to hope that God would decide out of his heart not to punish this person…it’s like that thing with “Well where to babies go if they die? They don’t believe in Jesus, so they can’t go to Heaven, right?” Or the argument for, “What about the boy in Africa who has never even heard of Jesus or God? Never had contact with the outside world and then dies. Will he get the chance, in a sort of in-between world, to believe?” It’s these things that you can’t possibly answer until you see God face to face. 

And that is my very long answer to your very simple question. I don’t know if homosexuality is really “right” but I believe fiercely that just the fact that someone is born gay shouldn’t make them get a one way to hell ticket, you know? I know plenty of Christians that are Gay. Is their belief useless? Their worship to God any less? I don’t think so, but that’s just me. 

Thanks to all of you. I hope I can keep up my posting. It’s been a little short lately and I apologize! 

But I thank God for each and every one of you. :)