Christianity and Me

I was raised Christian. Roman Catholic, specifically. Most of my blood-family still is.

Additionally, I've known a lot of christians. I'm friends with some of them.

For me, though, I find it noteworthy that every single one I am really friends with is a Christian who has broken with the teachings of their respective Christian denomination on the subject of homosexuality. They think it's fine, that my relationship with my boyfriend is fine, and they want to be invited to our wedding when it occurs. This is a view that the churches of which they are part distinctly do not share, to our mutual sadness.

I know that there are some Christian denominations who are moving in the opposite direction on this, some now even calling for full civl rights at a legal level for homosexuals and blessing gay unions (though usually not gay marriage, a position similar to civil unions at a legal level). I'm happy about this. But, like my friends who break with the teachings of their own denominations, it seems to me that these groups are breaking from the mainstream of Christianity to do this. Research shows me they are vastly in the minority.

At its core, and by this I do not mean those teachings truest to Christ's vision but rather those teachings most universally accepted and agreed upon by the majority of christians, it still seems to me that Christianity when considered as a single entity is opposed to homosexuality.

I know not everyone agrees with this. Some think that I am listening too much to the vocal few who give christianity a bad name. I don't think so. I'm not just reading individual statements from crackpots like Fred Phelps or Jerry Falwell, I'm reading the official statements put out by church leadership in various denominations. The common official opinion seems to fall somewhere between "homosexuals are an abomination" and "homosexuals are loved by god, but they have to remain celibate to be truly christian because homosexual acts are abominations." But if I am listening too much to homosexuality's vocal detractors, perhaps it's because those denominations who are opposed to such thinking, who support gay rights and equality, are not vocal enough.

I can't begin to count the number of times I've been told I'm going to hell if I don't repent and give up my homosexual ways.

By contrast, I can probably count on one hand the number of times a Christian of any denomination has told me that I'm truly blessed for having such a loving relationship with my boyfriend. In fact, I'm pretty sure that every time it has been said it's been by the same person too.

This is why I say that Christianity is against homosexuality, and also think that as a group it gives aid and comfort to those who persecute homosexuals in the name of Christ.

Silence is aid too. Dissent needs to be heard.

I am very grateful for those individuals and those denominations who accept homosexuality and bless gay unions, and speak up for acceptance of homosexuality and equal rights for gay couples everywhere. But to my mind they remain the exception, not the rule, when speaking about the actions of Christianity as a whole. I do not think this is prejudice, since I do not make up my mind on whether any individual Christian is the rule or the exception till getting to know them myself. I'm sorry if this offends anyone, and I welcome the thoughts and comments anyone has on this subject.