Christians vs. Homosexuals. Us vs. them. This seems to be the attitude of many conservative Christians and the homosexual community. In fact, 91% of young people outside the church (ages 16-29) believe that Christians are antihomosexual and 80% of churchgoers subscribe to the same perception. Further, 87% of people who do not call themselves Christians identify the word “judgmental” with present-day Christianity. Let’s start by admitting there is a problem here.
Before I share of my experience of attending a PRIDE event this past weekend, maybe we should get some background information. I have grown up in an open, but conservative Christian home and have never experienced any sort of gay. lesbian, or bi (GLB) gathering. Starbucks was giving out free coffee at the event, and since I work part time for them, I decided to go volunteer. When I put this up on my twitter/fb status, I received all kinds of messages. I had some in joking manners questioning my sexuality (I should add that I am straight), some praising me for being a “light on a hill”, and one who said, “Way to go Siggy! We all know ya love the women….besides who could look at a man’s hairy butt and…..???? well, you know….”. The problem is, I do know. I do know that I worked with someone at Starbucks who chose a homosexual lifestyle because his parents were so overly-religious it pushed him to rebel in that manner (still his choice, but the fact remains this was his driving force). I do know that other homosexuals I’ve talked to and have found out that I am a Christian immediately believe that I think they are going to hell. What??? When I first meet someone, the last thing I’m thinking about is whether or not they will be going to heaven or hell. I want to know what they do for a living, what they enjoy doing, what makes them live and breathe, how their weekend was, etc. It is unbelievable how many walls you have to break through when trying to have a simple conversation with someone about faith. Or how their day is going. Read More
