Life as a Christian Woman

I am swapping blogs with a fellow writer today. The issue of homosexuality and Christianity gains more and more attention in society’s headlines. Some Christians use the Bible to despise homosexuals. Some use the Bible to love them. Some homosexuals hate Christians for centuries of persecution. Some are Christians and find no struggle in their faith and sexual preference. But every human being deserves our ears, our understanding, and our attempt to live in this world together in the harmony God intended. To that end, I am handing over Life as a Christian Women to a woman of faith, courage, and compassion, who also happens to be a lesbian. I pray that you will give some serious thought to what she has to say. I also invite you to visit her blog at Lez Keep It Real to read my post, Were Arrested Christians Acting Christ-like?

Lack of faith a common misconception of homosexuals
By Lyndsey D’Arcangelo
Lez Keep it Real

Over the passing years, I’ve been asked numerous times if I believe in God. Normally, this would be a perfectly warranted question when engaging in an intellectual with another open-minded individual. But, when it is asked directly after the statement, “I’m gay,” leaves my lips, it’s quite upsetting. Unfortunately, this kind of awkward moment has happened to me on more than one occasion. But now that I have a moment to express myself on such a welcoming religious-based blog, I feel as though I can help clear up any confusion regarding homosexuality and faith.

There are many heterosexuals who are atheists. Being gay isn’t an admission of lack of faith. This common misconception happens far too often, as one is often associated with the other for no other reason than assumption. So, before the assumptions begin let me set the record straight. Just because I am gay doesn’t mean that I don’t believe in God.

I grew up Protestant actually. My family went to church together every Sunday at Brighton Church and then out for breakfast. I spent numerous afternoons rehearsing for the church choir and the Christmas pageant. My eyes beamed whenever I was chosen to carry the collection plate down the center aisle. And when the children of the congregation were asked to come forth for a special lessen, I was always first in line. Church was a staple in my family, and I have many fond memories of the church I grew up attending and the many lessons I learned in Sunday school.

When I was nine years old, my parents moved our family out to a suburb. We tried a few different churches, but none felt as right or as comfortable as the one we used to go to. Sometimes we’d make the 40-minute trip to Brighton for old-times sake. But it was never the same. I miss Brighton. I miss the wonderful family that was the congregation. It was at Brighton that I developed my faith in God, a faith that I continue to nurture to this day. Being gay has not affected my faith; in fact it has only made it stronger.

To say that homosexuals lack faith is not only an insult; it’s a slap in the face for someone like me. I am a much more spiritual and balanced person because I had to learn to love myself the way that I am and the way that I believe God made me. My spirituality is based on the principles I learned in Sunday school. I learned to treat others as I would want to be treated, to be honest and true, to act from a place of love, and to know that we are all perfect in the eyes of God. These basic principles helped to form me into the person I am today. These basic principles are the foundation of my faith.

I’d like to personally thank April for giving me the opportunity to swap blogs with her for a day. Taking advantage of opportunities like this help show just how similar heterosexuals and homosexuals are. We all have religious beliefs and faiths. The only difference is sexual preference. And when it comes down to it, how big of a difference is that really? After all, we are all human in the eyes of the Lord.

christian, religion, homosexuality, GLBT, christian women, faith