Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented

Atheists and Christians, Unite!

2012-02-06T06:07:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, we posted the following article about how some Christians were advocating killing atheists because of their lawsuit to remove a cross from the 9/11 site. You can read the article here.

We wrote the following comment which accompanied the article post: "On behalf of all Christians, we at CToBM want to apologize for these atrocious words of hate and violence from so-called 'Christians'. We are so sorry and let us clearly state, They Do NOT Speak for Us. Time to stand up and tell them that we Rebuke them."

Member Lisa Hull wrote, "such hate...how to counter such hate...?

In response, we wrote, "how to counter such hate? Like this -> 'Hey, all you beautiful atheists out there, we at CToBM LOVE YOU WITH ALL OUR HEART!!' {HUG} - That's how. ;-)"

As a result, member Justin Werner posted a stirring comment that we thought was worth putting up on our Blog.

"This middle-aged, atheist/agnostic gay man needs a little bit more than a well-meaning hug. Platitudes are cheap. Apologies are cheap. You want to counter Hate? Start calling your congressmen, your senators, it's easy to do. Start emailing the White House. It's easy to do. Contact the school boards and schools *personally*. Write letters to the editor. Blog. Demonstrate. Make some noise. Get your church to dispense with one Sunday of sermons in favor of taking *action*. Vague assertions of love, prayer, and big hugs? Meh.

"If you as Christians are not shouting this from the rooftops, if you are not making it absolutely crystal clear to everybody on this planet that this is NOT who and what you are, then you are *complicit* in every act of Hate by those so-called "Christians" who are oppressing people who *aren't* Christians.

"Do I sound angry? I am. I'm boiling. I'm apoplectic. I am filled with the pent-up rage and pain of a lifetime of this crap. Consider [ http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/one-towns-war-on-gay-teens-20120202 ] and tell me I should not be angry. Please, I urge you to read this and tell me to be calm."

We have to agree. Let's all do our part by doing more than just typing words on a screen.

(update: Just came across this wonderful blog post that compliments this well. Christians Need Atheists)

"You Have Heard it Said, But..."

2012-02-05T11:53:00.002-06:00

We are accused of being "False Teachers" from time to time on Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented. Seems to be happening more and more as our numbers grow. Who are our accusers? Fellow Christians, of course. You know, those Christians who take the bible literally, or at least those verses that suit their belief system.

They don't like it that we embrace our LGBT brothers and sisters unconditionally, without judgement. They don't like it that we disregard the verses in scripture referring to the word "homosexual" as an abomination.

In reality, we are following in the footsteps of the Christ. During his short life here on earth, he continually turned his back on those who considered themselves law abiding followers of God. Followers who knew what the Word instructed them to do and followed it to the best of their ability.

Then comes Jesus, the Christ.

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca, ' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell." [Matt. 5:21-22]

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. [Matt. 5:27-28]

"It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery." [Matt. 5:31-31]

You get the point. So, we say to our fellow Christians who believe we are false teachers, you have heard it said in the bible, but we have been shown by the Holy Spirit a better way. It is popular and politically correct in Christian circles to take a stand against homosexuality. So much so that Christianity today looks more like the world than a group of Christ followers. What is unusual in the 21st Century is to find Christians loving unconditionally, without fear of being right or wrong theologically. Surely, the Christ will not ask us "did you get your theology right?" I would venture to say that He would instead greet us with "did you love my people?"

"If you lived on the world's terms, the world would love you as one of its own. But since I picked you to live on God's terms and no longer on the world's terms, the world is going to hate you. When that happens, remember this: Servants don't get better treatment than their masters. If they beat on me, they will certainly beat on you. If they did what I told them, they will do what you tell them. They are going to do all these things to you because of the way they treated me, because they don't know the One who sent me." [John 15:19-21]

As a Christian of over 20 years who stayed within the confines of what I was taught as sound theology according to literal interpretations of the Bible, I am shocked that my fellow Christians rebuke me because of the shift I've taken toward unconditional love. Yet, I should not be shocked, so says Jesus.

Posted by: Janet C. from CToBM

Living in an Upside Down World

2012-01-29T08:46:00.000-06:00

The following was written by one of our members, Robynne Sapp. Robynne is a lovely Christian woman enjoying life with Dotti, the love of her life.

Yesterday, I saw a post on one of my friend's Facebook wall - the one from foxnews by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. In that article, Driscoll equates homosexuality to rape, incest, beastiality, adultery and pedophilia. YIKES! I had to write a response to my friend, who is a straight female.

Hi -

I've been thinking more about that article by Mark Driscoll and in an effort to explain where I'm coming from I thought maybe I could paint a picture for you. I'm going to send it to Mark Driscoll as well. Please know that I am writing this because I consider you important enough to me that I want you to know how I feel and what I think....and what really, truly affects me/us. Lovingly, Roby.

-----

Imagine feeling attracted to boys when you were 17 years old, but never telling anyone and never acting upon that attraction simply because your church and society was telling you that heterosexuality was sick and sinful. You were taught that, to be heterosexual was an abomination.

Then imagine spending the next 18 years trying to pray away your heterosexuality. Imagine dating women because the church and society said that was "the right" thing to do. That if you got help, you could be healed of your sinful heterosexual feelings.

Imagine being forced into therapy, even shock therapy, to rid you of these sinful heterosexual feelings.

Imagine feeling miserable trying to be someone you are not, day after day, month after month, year after year.

Imagine censoring everything you say and did. Lying and hiding so that no one in your world would ever find out your deeply hidden truth - that you really liked men.

Imagine getting to a point that you simply don't know what else to do. You have spent the past 18 years trying to be homosexual. You have dated women, but it never felt right. You figured that you could probably find a woman that you liked enough, marry her and maybe adopt some kids and nobody would ever know your truth. You realize that this wouldn't be much of a happy life, but what choice do you have? After all, you are a Christian and there are no other options.

You come to a crossroads in your life. God hasn't taken away your heterosexuality, so you need to figure out how to live your life with it. But how do you do that when God does not accept you as you are (or so you've been told)? I mean, it seems to be clear in the Bible, because that's what you've been hearing from the pulpit your whole life, and that's what Dr. Dobson says and that's what Mark Driscoll preaches and writes about on Foxnews.com. After all, these are educated men. They must be right.

You feel that you most surely must be an abomination and you think, "How could I go on living with myself knowing that God sees my love for someone of the opposite gender in the same light as God sees rape, pedophilia, incest, adultery and prostitution?"

Feeling desperate for answers you make a decision to go on your own journey to discover what the Bible really says or doesn't say about heterosexuality. You decided that IF, at the end of your self-determined time of study, you are completely convinced that what people like Driscoll and Dobson have been saying is true, that the Bible does condemn heterosexuality, you might want to just find a way out. You can't imagine living your life without God, but you can't figure out how to reconcile your faith/spirituality with your heterosexuality and go on living your life with God, so something has got to go. You consider that the best solution to this "problem" would be to commit suicide.

--------

Fortunately, my story doesn't end like that, but it could have and almost did. When I went on my journey of discovery (with the help of loving pastors, theologians and friends), I found out just the opposite. God love me just as I am and that the Bible has been used and misused for centuries to justify horrific acts like savage murders, war, slavery, the subjugation of women, denying inter-racial couples the right to marry, and so on. It's never been OK and it's not OK now. I chose to live as the Gift God made me to be.

Unfortunately, there are young people in the world today who will read Mark Driscoll's article and will believe what he says, see no way out, and choose to kill themselves.

Unfortunately, there are parents in the world today who will read Mark Driscoll's article and will shun their gay child and kick them out of the house and family in an act of "obedience" to God.

Unfortunately, there are legislators in Washington State today who will read Mark Driscoll's article and feel justified in continuing to uphold policies of discrimination and deny us equal rights and marriage equality.

Unfortunately, there are extremists in the world today who will read Mark Driscoll's article and go savagely beat and hang some young gay man in Laramie, Wyoming on a fence post to die.

Unfortunately, there is a mom and dad today in Lynden, Washington who might read Mark Driscoll's article and go on believing that their lesbian daughter is living in sin, displeasing God, is equal to a rapist and continue on refusing to celebrate their daughter's loving, committed ten year long relationship and marriage to the woman who adores her. Because if they do so, they would be sinning against God.

Learn more about Robynne and Dotti at:

Stand Up Speak Out - Two Women and a Poodle

Inspired by Underwear

2012-01-28T19:07:00.002-06:00

Tristan running for that hug

In June 2010, CToBM was inspired by underwear.

I came across a blog post that was going viral called "I Hugged a Man in His Underwear Today and I'm Proud." It was written by Nathan. The name of the blog was it seems to me. Nathan is part of the The Marin Foundation. The are located out of Chicago and their unique approach is one that strategically reaches out and partners with both religious and LGBT organizations; working closely with each to make a sustainable, structural difference for the Kingdom in today’s socially driven secular and religious cultures. Every year they conduct the "I'm Sorry Campaign" which sets out to apologize to the LGBT community for the ways Christians have caused harm and to show their commitment to making things better in tangible ways.

We are grateful for the work they are doing and it is our goal to extend that healing on Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented. The man in the underwear did have a name. His name was Tristan.

Here's the follow-up blog to "I hugged a man in his underwear" http://naytinalbert.blogspot.com/2010/06/updates-hugging-man-in-his-underwear.html

by: Janet Conrad, CToBM Creator

Tribbles Aren't the Trouble, Labels Are

2012-01-21T10:35:00.000-06:00

Personality tests. You know the ones. Those like the “Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.” Some people I know fall neatly into one category or the other. Me, not so much. In all those kinds of tests I took, I was usually all over the map. They’ve never really been able to classify me.

These tests seem to be designed to “pigeon-hole” people, and try to put them in neat little boxes.

I’ve found that boxes, labels and “catch-phrases” oversimplify the vast complexity of our humanity. They also, to be sure, oversimplify the vast complexity of our sexuality.

Labels may be fine for canned goods, but not always for people.

I’m writing here what is the most open, public, and personal statement about my sexuality; not to just talk about myself, but more to add my voice to a current discussion that all too often is a divisive “issue.” One that, to me, has shades of gray where many only see black or white.

I used to consider myself gay. Then I considered myself ex-gay.
Now, I’m an “ex” ex-gay.

I’m not really bisexual. I certainly do not consider myself “straight.” Again, labels can be very problematic.

Here’s what I do know: I am a man who has chosen to live in a monogamous, heterosexual relationship with the woman I love.

That doesn’t mean I’m not still attracted to men. Those who deny attractions outside of their committed relationships are often the first to act on them.
Neither, contrary to accusations I’ve received, do I believe it is hypocritical or “denying my true self” to not act on those attractions. Many straight men are still attracted to women other than their spouse. To be faithful to the one you love, while still being sexually attracted to others, is NOT hypocritical. It is, in my opinion, just part of existing as sexual beings.

Timothy Kincaid, over at Box Turtle Bulletin, introduced me to the term “Spousosexual;” a term I believe was coined by Dr. Warren Throckmorton.

Spousosexual: when a person is primarily attracted to persons of the same sex but has found that affection and love for their opposite-sex spouse engenders sexual attraction to that one person of the opposite sex.

Again, I don’t like labels, but I guess that one would come the closest to describing me.

In “Thou Shalt Not Love: What Evangelicals Really Say to Gays,” Patrick M Chapman suggests that sexuality exists on a continuum. This can help explain why not everyone can so easily be crammed into pre-determined categories. Mr. Chapman’s book, by the way, is the single most complete and thorough treatment of the subject I’ve ever seen. He writes from the viewpoint of a gay Christian anthropologist.

[Update: I've since found another simply wonderful book called "A Time To Embrace." Together, these two books are pretty much a complete library on the subject.]

So, anyway, I went through so-called “reparative therapy.” I used to be part of an “ex-gay” support group. I no longer promote “ex-gay” ministries. I did receive some positive input throughout my therapy, but I’m convinced that if the “ex-gay” factor had been removed, the positive aspects of counseling could have been retained. For me, the promises of a changed orientation are, at best, exaggerated. Most often, they are downright harmful.

I personally cannot continue to encourage anyone to pursue any kind of “reparative therapy,” but neither would I deny them their choice, or belittle them for it.

HOWEVER, I must say that of all the people I have personally known who say they “came out” of homosexuality, none of them ever quit being attracted to those of the same sex. I guess I can’t say, as some do, that it’s impossible. That would require me to have all knowledge of all people throughout all time. In essence, I would have to be God.

I can say that in all my years, I’ve never seen it happen. I have seen many who have said it happened, end up proving it didn’t. Many people in the movement now admit that usually, the only change is in behavior, and not in orientation. And as one man from the documentary “Through My Eyes” has said, “Well, that’s just not good enough.”

At the same time, I can not label as “liar” those who claim a different experience. How terribly arrogant, and simultaneously ignorant to do so.

Click here to read the rest of this post by guest blogger, David Foreman. David has been involved in “church” much of his life. He's been an elder, a co-pastor, a worship leader, etc. etc. In December of 2007, he and his wife finally came out of organized religion. They still function in many of the areas they used to, but they now do so in a more free-flowing, organic fashion, outside the walls of what they have called “the church.” He's not big into labels, but he would call himself a “non-religious Jesus lover.”

Giving Birth

2012-01-06T10:52:00.000-06:00

(Written by Guest Blogger, Ellen Fenner)

Don't get all excited — I’m not having a baby. That’s my gift to humanity. One of me is enough!

But if you ever read what I write, you’ll notice a theme.

I’m a reluctant religious fanatic.

I don’t actually want to take part in any of the organized versions but I am fascinated by all of them. Reading people’s ideas about faith and humanity is like crack to me. I’m addicted, and these days my drug is amply available. Facebook alone assures me a lifetime supply — I’m one happy junkie!

But I don’t go in for the hardcore stuff. Can’t afford it. It’s too much of an investment so I get what I can when I can.

I got a good nugget the other day regarding God’s command to us to “be fruitful and multipy”. Most people look at that and say it means that God wants us to have lots and lots of babies (does that mean they should be good at math and not be fruits? After all, “fruits” can’t multiply. Hmmm…. another subject to explore). In a world where our population is causing us some major labor pains, could that possibly be interpreted differently?

I come from a large family. Ten of us, if you include my crazy parents who thought this would be a good idea. You don’t see those numbers much these days and if you do, it’s often within a religious sect known as the Quiverfull movement where women have as many babies as their reproductive organs will withstand (see: Duggar Family. I’m fairly sure that Mrs. Duggar’s uterus must be made of kevlar).

But not all of us were cut out to give birth to human beings. Sure, biologically the goods are all there, but could it be possible that others of us were meant to be impregnated with ideas, or abilities that help us to better serve those whose gift it is to raise children?

I can’t compare what happens for me to actual childbirth since I haven’t experienced it, but my life seems to cycle through “pregnancies” — the initial glow of an idea, the morning sickness with the changing hormones caused by anxiety, the eventual realization that this is really going to happen and I’m going to have to deal with it, and finally the “get this thing outta me before it kills me!!” stage.

That’s the birthing process of a creative idea. Where I have trouble is with the thought of having to raise the idea to adulthood. I know the soul-crushing angst of aborting ideas over and over again so I practice birth control. I sabotage conception all the time. I’ve even thought of just giving birth to a concept and letting someone else raise it but I’m too afraid of what will happen to it if I give up control.

Maybe this is the world we’re living in. Someone tried to tell me that we have to give up all control to God but I just can’t wrap my head around that idea. As human beings we have mastered control over so much in our lives and yet we are just as out of control as ever.

What would the world look like if we didn’t stand in the way of creation?

(Ellen is a member of CToBM, Owner of Ellen Fenner Mural Designs and has her own blog called Downright E-fenzive)

River of Love

2012-01-01T07:32:00.001-06:00

"Several years ago, my family and I visited the Grand Canyon. We stood on the edge of the South Rim and marveled at the vast expanse of the canyon and the Colorado River twisting its way through the floor of the valley a mile down. Though we knew the river had carved this canyon over a period of forty million years, and perhaps even longer, it was still difficult to imagine that the same water that falls so gently on the Midwestern fields of our home could have altered these layers of rocks so dramatically."

"Can the persistent presence of love have a similarly dramatic effect on human lives, wearing down our hardness of heart? Yes, of course. I have seen it firsthand. Does it happen as quickly as we would like? Hardly ever. But there is progress, however glacial. There is a power present in this slow dripping of grace, which eventually cuts through the dross of hate, revealing the goodness beneath. Should boulders of hatred attempt to restrict this current of grace, then grace like flowing water will find another path, will over time erode the stone and freely flow. This is the power of God, exercised not in overwhelming and sudden force, but in gentle and gracious persistence that eventually, but inexorably, makes beautiful the landscape of our lives." (from: "The Evolution of Faith: How God is Creating a Better Christianity" by Philip Gullley)

Our hearts cry is to slowly and steadily show this dripping of grace until the hard hearts of our fellow Christian brothers and sisters come to a place where they will comprehend the fullness of God's love for all people. May that love remove their fear and replace it with peace.

"God Said"

2011-12-31T09:21:00.001-06:00

As Christians, we like to hoard God for ourselves and lay claim that He speaks to us and through us and it is our obligation to tell the world exactly what He said. We call it "a Revelation from God".

In the book "The Evolution of Faith: How God is Creating a Better Christianity" by Philip Gulley, he provides a litmus test to ensure that our motives are right and we don't run off telling everyone we meet that "God said this to me".

He writes:

"I ask myself these questions:

1. Will my obedience to this insight result in the betterment of others, especially the marginalized?

2. Does this revelation call me beyond self-absorption and empower me to love and include others in my life?

3. Is this prompting the most loving and gracious response I can imagine?

If I can respond positively to these questions, I begin to suspect my insights might be divinely prompted. But because I can never be absolutely confident in that, I hold that revelation loosely, as one would a fragile living thing, not wanting to mistake my will for the divine will. But even as we realize the possibility of misinterpreting the divine will, this should never blind us to the presence of God's gracious activity in our world. We never know when we'll encounter the Divine Presence."

Hopefully this helps us to guard our mouths when we feel God has prompted something in us. As well, may it guard us from others who proclaim that God spoke to them and they feel an obligation to tell us so we will follow it.

Our Own Flesh and Blood

2011-12-11T07:31:00.000-06:00

The boy in this video is Our Own Flesh and Blood.

We posted a blog article by John Shore on the Page. Below are two responses we received.

By member Roger Strange-Burlong

"I hear him and I cried watching him cry. I was bullied at school and nearly committed suicide at 10 years old. I was standing on the window ledge about to jump. The only reason I didn't was because I had a very small hope that things would get better, and they did.

In fact I have been through some terrible times in the 37 years since then and that little hope has always stayed with me and has grown over the years, because things have always got better. The reason I was bullied was because I was shy. The bully who nearly drove me to suicide was my teacher.

The reason why someone is bullied is irrelevant to a degree, it is the bullying itself that is unacceptable. No one should have to go through what this young man is going through and there is no reason that makes it acceptable.

Social attitudes have changed here in the UK a lot over the years. When I was growing up one of my brothers struggled with his sexuality and it screwed him up a lot. He still has a lot of issues to this day. He didn't come out until he was 30, he was very much tormented inside and to some degree still is.

The thing he worried about most was how the family would react. For most of us it was pretty much a non issue. His sexuality is irrelevant to me. In more recent times my son who is bisexual has had no problems. He not so much came out as it was just a normal part of life for him. He told me casually in conversation over dinner about his sexuality. It had about the same impact on me as 'I like dogs!' or 'Red is a really cool colour!'

I was interested because it is part of who he is, but other than that it is not important. My only concern was that he might get bullied. Turns out he never has been. All of his straight male friends accepted his sexuality and his friendships stayed unchanged. He is now 23 and still has not had any problems due to his sexuality.

The USA on the other hand on a social level is way behind us on sexuality, as it is on many other social issues. For example routine infant circumcision was stopped here in 1949 because it is medically unnecessary.

But I do see change coming in the States, and it does usually catch up with Europe eventually, so I have hope that within a generation that young people in the USA will no longer have to go through such cruel bullying just because of who they are.

Just a side thought on the evangelical angle, I have heard some say 'well it is not surprising he hates himself as he knows what he is doing is wrong!'

Dogma and doctrine are hard to change, but Christians Being Tired of Being Misrepresented is a good place to start and for us to have our voices heard.

'A person's sexuality is only important if you want to have sex with them!'

As for sex outside marriage. Same sex marriage is due to come into full affect in 2015 in the UK. But we do have civil partnerships right now."

By an Anonymous Member

"I can't stop crying as I know and feel his pain as I and many others have been bullied, not just at a young age but at whatever age we are today. In fact I just had many from the Fundamentalist side attack me this past week over the thanksgiving holiday. I would love to tell you it did not hurt, as it did, but thanks be to God for His faithful love I can and do overcome it. May God bless any of you who are being assaulted or bullied and May you draw close to Him who loves you dearly."

------
Isaiah 58:6,7 "is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every enslaving yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house - when you see the naked, that you cover him, and that you hide not yourself from the needs of your own flesh and blood?"

Dear Fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Is it not time to stop hiding ourselves from the pain all around us? That pain may very well be caused by our lack of interest, our lack of understanding, our lack of compassion, our lack of listening. Are we so afraid to being theologically correct that we forget that a human being is hurting next to us? Wake-Up fellow Christians. Do you not know that while holding tightly to your theology you are oppressing another human being? Is that the fast our Lord would have for us? You are fasting (separating) to keep yourself pure from the "evils" of this world, when in fact, you are a direct participant to that evil. Wake Up! We are commanded not to hide ourselves from the needs of others. Scripture does not differentiate the color, age, size or gender of that "other". It is time to begin to feel our own flesh and blood. The flesh and blood we have been hurting, bruising, rejecting, hating. It is time, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, to repent - yes - it is us that need to repent. We must ask Jesus Christ to forgive us for our fear, our lack of understanding, our numbness to the needs of others, the damage we have done. Dear God, forgive us.

Hell No!

2011-12-04T08:21:00.002-06:00

I share the following video (shared with me by one of my FB friends) because I am frequently asked, "Where might I go to read scholarly and understandable work that will help me articulate what is happening within me and around me?"

What appears as a "new spirituality" is not new at all. It's been around for eons. What religion has done, however, is to attempt to incarcerate, and then to fossilize, around a narrow understanding of spirituality, as well as God.

But, as we are witnessing all around the globe and among all religions, is that the Divine will be bound by no tradition and no single way of understanding or experiencing divinity. I like the freedom to think, to experience, as well as to appreciate, what my tradition has taught me about knowing God.

I know that, not everything about Egypt was evil to the Israelites when Moses gave them their freedom to venture to a new land. So, I encourage you to be grateful, not hateful, toward the spiritual tradition in which you were raised.

Be grateful for new ways of experiencing God and of articulating that spiritual experience, too. Be grateful for your freedom, but don't turn it into another incarceration - the writings of Spong and Borg will help you avoid this, while maintaining a healthy appreciation for Divine truth expressed in and through ALL spiritual traditions. [Steve McSwain]

You can find more insightful commentary and inspiration from Steve at: http://www.stevemcswain.com/

Check out his blog at: http://www.stevemcswain.com/blog

Who Are We?

2011-11-27T12:58:00.003-06:00

A member of our Page asked the following question;

"I have a (possibly daft) question: How many people who follow this page/group are actually church-going, living, practicing Christians? Just, I've been following this group for over a month, and I'm a tad confused......I've read this group's description info, but still can't fathom whether this is an e-meeting point for Christians with certain ideals or something else..... :o)"

So, this was our response;

"I guess I'm confused by the question. Many here do attend church regularly, some do not either by choice or lack of options that suit them. However that doesn't make a Christian. Those of us that are Christian here would agree that we are living, practicing Christians. So I guess that is what confuses me by your question. I think our description info, ThisWeBelieve, and Our Posture pretty much states what we believe Christianity to be.

"We welcome ALL people who also feel, as we do, that the evangelical right-wing is NOT indicative of Christianity nor do they represent us as Christians. We also feel that, unlike many other Christian pages, we are firmly making sure that this page is a safe place for those that have been shut out by those very churches and right-wing Christians. We accept and affirm LGBT people as we believe they are children of God as well. We don't buy into the 'love the sinner, hate the sin' here. We also welcome and support those that are non-believers. They also have been treated pretty badly and lied about by right-wing Christians. So I'm just not sure what your question is.

"We are different things to different people. For some we are a safe haven from the Christians that have maligned and abused them. For some we are a place of fellowship. For some we are inspiration for them to follow and learn more about Christ's teachings. But above all, we are a place for all who feel that Right-Wing Evangelical Christians have got it wrong and we are tired of them misrepresenting what Christianity is really about. Christ and His teachings. -(dave)"

Just in case you were wondering..........

God in a Box

2011-11-23T19:26:00.000-06:00

Nathan Lang, president of Raindance Productions and a partner in Spot 82 Pictures contacted Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented last week. Seems like we have much in common.

He is currently writing, directing and co-producing God in the Box. God in the Box is a documentary film, which explores the mystery and controversy behind what God looks like and means to us as Americans in the 21st century. In the midst of today’s fractured and confusing claims on God, the film asserts two basic questions:

What does God mean to you? What does God look like, to you?

The filmmakers embark on a cross-country journey with their small, mobile studio (and main character), The Box. They invite people to step inside and share what they see in their mind’s eye, and if possible, draw what God looks like to them. Along their journey, the filmmakers set The Box up on iconic street corners and diverse locations across America.

A remarkable collection of scholars, archeologists and religious leaders help examine the material and put it into a historical and relevant context. The surprises and revelations about our current interpretations of God come to light, as small glimpses inside the minds of others helps illuminate a much bigger picture.

What a wonderful concept, finding out that God doesn't just live inside a Christian box or a Muslim Box, or a Religious Box. God lives in human hearts of all shapes, sizes and colors.

Take a moment and watch the Videos. Maybe you'd like to get involved.

Will the Real Christian Candidate, Please Stand Up

2011-11-11T15:47:00.000-06:00

Jesus and the Woman at the Well

I voted for George W. Bush. Not just once, but twice. Why? Because at that time, the only thing that mattered to me was that he publicly professed to be a Born Again Christian, Pro-Life and Pro-Traditional Marriage. That was the only criteria I needed to make my choice.

Looking back now, I realize how naive I was to think that a man who made those proclamations would represent me and my Christian faith. So, what is the real test of a Christian Candidate?

Jeff Fulmer, author of the book, "Hometown Prophet", wrote a blog article called, "The Real Christian Candidate". In it, he outlines 9 areas that a Presidential Candidate can be measured with when "proclaiming" to be a true Christian.

#1 - End Wars

#2 - Have compassion for the sick and desperate.

#3 - Being on the side of the poor.

#4 - Do not coddle the rich and privileged.

#5 - Protect the treatment of foreigners.

#6 - Respect other faiths without being threatened by them.

#7 - Stop judging your opponent, but focus on your strengths.

#8 - Take our responsibility to be stewards of the earth seriously.

#9 - Expect to be persecuted knowing that Jesus was falsely accused.

I wish I would have taken the time use this measuring stick in 2000 and 2004. You can bet I will in 2012.

You can read Jeff's full article here: "The Real Christian Candidate"

Posted by: Janet from CToBM

~ Protected ~

2011-11-03T18:19:00.000-05:00

Protecting those who have already been abused by religion is one of our higher priorities. We are not here to tell another person what is right or wrong for them. Instead, we’ve tried to create an atmosphere where people can come together, share their stories, struggles and engage in a civil discussion about a specific topic.

As we discuss, we don’t always agree, but there is certainly a respect shown with the understanding that the other person who reads our comment has heard all the arguments about why the Christian community won’t accept them.

When do we ban someone from our Page? When the discussion jeopardizes the protection that we have created for those who have already been ostracized. Sometimes new members don’t get it. They blast onto our Page excited to find us, only to realize that arguing about how they think another person should conduct their life destroys the atmosphere of inclusiveness. Seriously, by arguing any point that alienates everyone who does not fit a certain mold is not only destructive but pointless. Our world is not black and white like many of our fellow Christian brothers and sisters would like to think. It’s messy and very grey.

As a result, we’ve been accused of not being inclusive at all. There comes a time when a person is required to use their God given insight and ability to think beyond themselves. Please don’t come to the Page expecting a platform to voice your opinion about a subject that will alienate those who reside there. Those “residents” trust us, as Administrators, to preserve that safe atmosphere.

It pains us greatly to ban anyone from the Page. Banning hurts people and that isn’t what we are here for. Do you know what else hurts people? Fundamentalist Christians who invade our space, trying desperately to make their voices heard by telling the rest of us how we should live our lives. They just don’t get it. It’s one thing to tell a close friend how you feel about the choices they are making. It is quite another to march into a Social Media platform and blast others with your opinion on subjects that have been used by people of faith to ostracize.

What is our process for banning someone off the Page?

(1) We give them a warning and direct them to the "Our Posture" and "ThisWeBelieve" tabs located on our Facebook Page.

(2) If the person persists in the same direction, we provide them with the following scripture;

“Avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions, since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.” [Titus 3:9-11]

(3) If the thread of conversation continues in a judgmentally destructive path, that person is banned.

We have now removed the ability for our readers to comment on this blog. This is regretful, but not uncommon with blogs that deal with the same types of issues we address. While most of the comments were encouraging and uplifting, it was becoming obvious that those we had banned were finding there way here to continue their arguments. Please accept our apology to all those who enjoyed commenting here, giving us suggestions and feedback. Our email address is located on our Facebook Page and provided here for you as well.

Onward and Upward - and away we go!!

Posted by CToBM

The Practical Christian Interview

2011-10-30T10:32:00.000-05:00

We were given a unique opportunity to be interviewed by Rev. Guy Lynch from Unity Church of Las Vegas. Rev. Guy has a radio program called "The Practical Christian" that airs every Saturday. He is one of those rare ministers who understands the teachings of Jesus Christ, which is to love thy neighbor without exception. Our neighbors include those we find uncomfortable to accept in the Christian community.

The conversation was delightful, insightful, and compelling. I was encouraged to know that we are not alone in our frustration with the misrepresentation of our faith by mainstream Christianity. We talked about Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Pat Robertson, the Religious Right, the misconception about our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, and exploring ways to dialogue with those we disagree with in respectful ways.

Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented is looking forward to partnering with The Practical Christian so that our voices can be heard in an environment that only hears the bigotry and un-Christ-like voices.

The program lasted one hour. We hope you will take the time to listen and let us know your thoughts. Click on October 29, 2011, which is when it aired.

The Practical Christian

Posted by: Janet Conrad (creator of CToBM)

The Real Sodom

2011-10-15T17:21:00.000-05:00

Surely, we can agree that institutional rape, as well as, ignoring the oppressed and the poor sums up this story and not the misdirected interpretation that is used to condemn our brothers and sisters.

Servant of All

2011-10-10T15:09:00.000-05:00

He sat down and summoned His Twelve. "So you want first place? Then take the last place. Be the servant of all."

Mark 9:35

Can't We Just Get Along?

2011-10-08T11:20:00.004-05:00

If you don't participate in some of the dialogue happening on our Facebook Page, Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented, you have probably missed some fantastic exchanges between members. Every so often, there is a conversation thread that commands attention. Below is one of them. You may not agree with the conclusions of this conversation. That is personal. The goal and purpose of posting this is to show that respectful dialogue can happen when we stop and listen to one another with mutual respect.

One of our members posted a question to the rest of us. This was the question asked by Justin Andrew Romp-Samson:

"Alright, so a lot of pictures on this website are awesome and i love the purpose of this group...but there is one thing that is killing me. There is a picture that says straight Christians are for gay rights. I know that we are commanded to love all people and to tolerate all people. When does tolerating gays/muslims/everyone else turn into accepting their truths and what is right for them to what is right for us? Why is it "ok" for Christians that know what the bible says to participating and fighting for gay marriages? There is a difference in letting gays/muslims/everyone else into the church and accepting them into the church knowing that God will move in them....just a rant and I want some opinions please....."

The following are the responses. Permission was given to use this dialogue by those who participated.

Jack Bennett
"Progressive Christianity does not consider homosexuality to be sinful and Progressive Christianity openly acknowledges that God works through other major world religions and that Christians can benefit by learning the truths and insights they offer."

Justin Andrew Romp-Samson

"Sweet that sounds good, but where does the bible fit into the first part, and where does Christ fit into the second part....I'm not a person that likes to bible thumping by all means, I myself believe in relationship evangelism but beyond that, my point is for anyone to consider Christianity as their own faith, Christ has to be in the center and Christ is the only way...that is what Christ himself said right?"

Rachel Oblak

"Have you ever researched some of the scholarship available on the Bible and homosexuality? The passages used to defend anti-homosexual rhetoric are far from clear cut. If you look into it, you may find that there is room for supporting gay rights, accepting homosexuality as not a sin, and allowing lgbtq into the church. For starters, check out The Children are Free, Stranger at the Gate, and Boswell's Christianity. There are others, but those are three off the top of my head."

Rachel Oblak

"Oh, and it was Paul who is translated as anti-gay, not Christ. Christ can still be the center of your faith without accepting everything Paul said. They're not synonymous. The first book I mentioned particularly goes into some of the passages in which Jesus can be interpreted as not condemning homosexuality and even supporting it to some extent. (Hopefully that peaks your interest because it's a good book to read, even if you don't ultimately agree with it). There is also a good documentary: Fish Out of Water and another one that I can't remember the name of, but it's on netflix and goes over some of the things involved with Soulforce."

Jack Bennett

"The first thing to remember is that there was no word for homosexual in ancient Hebrew, Aramaric or in Ancient Greek. In the Book of the Prophet Isaiah in the 56th Chapter, there in black and white are the questions of the outsiders of the foreigner and the eunuch; the former asking why he had to be cut off from the House of Israel and the latter lamenting that he would become “a dry tree”.

The Prophet gave a grand reassurance to both.

Isaiah 56:4-7

4 For thus says the Lord :To the EUNUCHS who keep my Sabbaths ,who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant,5 I will give, in my house and within my walls, a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off. 6 And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath, and do not profane it, and hold fast my covenant— 7 these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.“

Foreigners and those whose sexual identity was ambiguous at the very least were embraced by God and they were to be given the highest honors within God’s House of Prayer.

God states “all”;

not “some”,

not “only”,

not “all but”,

just “all”!

God does not exclude eunuchs, i.e. homosexuals.

Also

Eunuchs in the Christian Testament

Matthew 19:11-12

“But Jesus said unto them, "All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

For there are some EUNUCHS WHO WERE SO BORN FROM THEIR MOTHER'S WOMB (not made at birth, but born that way), and there are some eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men (castration), and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs (or celibate) for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it"”. (parentheses mine)

A eunuch is usually a male who has had his testicles removed therefore losing his desire for the opposite sex (that is why they could guard harems). Now answer me, was Jesus speaking in the first phrase, of a man-child born without testicles(it would be highly unusual), or of a person born without a desire for the opposite sex (i.e. homosexual, a much more probable meaning)? Remember there is no word for homosexual in ancient Hebrew, ancient Greek or Aramaic. Whichever is the meaning, they are not condemned or called sinful by Jesus!

Will Richardson

"My thoughts on Levitical 'abominations'. I've got a friend whose son has a tattoo. My friend hates them and I'm sure it's an 'abomination' to him. But he still loves his son. Are we not all guilty of some abomination in God's eyes?"

Jack Bennett

"Leviticus also considers many common practices and things to be abominations. Rounding the corners of your head, i.e. haircuts or eating lobster for instance. There are many other 'thou shalt nots' in Leviticus. To concentrate on only 1 or 2 verses in the entire book while ignoring the rest seems rather hypocritical is it not?"

Rachel Oblak

"The levitical law also groups homosexuality in with instructions for temple worship, leading many scholars to assume that it refers to temple prostitution with young boys (a common practice at that time in different cultures around Israel). But even that aside, Hebrews and many Pauline books are pretty adamant that the Law was removed and passed away, and a new law of love was in place. As for the NT, the word translated as homosexual was a made up Greek word not found before Paul's invention of it. There are many possible translations that are ignored in favor of a tradition of shoddy linguistics. The truth is, we can't know what it meant completely. We have to guess. And when guessing about a word's meaning, it's best to not built a major doctrinal stance on it. Especially in light of the fact that, as stated above, Jesus did not condemn people who, at the very least, were rumored to be gay."

Jack Bennett

"And primarily as a Christian the words of Jesus, the Christ out weighs all other statements found in the Scriptures. Like I showed above regarding what Jesus stated in Matthew 19:11-12"

Rachel Oblak

"‎Jack Bennett, have you also heard the alternative to the Centurion story? The word translated as servant could also have meant male partner . . . which has huge significance since Jesus healed him."

Jack Bennett

"Yes I have heard that before but I don't see it as strong as the statement in Matthew. Also there is the story of Phillip baptizing the Ethiopian Eunuch. And if the eunuch viewpoint is in fact wrong; still Jesus nowhere states the LGBT people or homosexuality is in fact a sin. If it is such a determining factor and the greatest sin as the fundies suggest don't you think he would have even 1 statement condemning it if such were so?

Justin Andrew Romp-Samson

"that is very true...and i my self do not see it as 'the greatest sin', a sin is a sin...period. and this has been in fact a VERY interesting blog of sorts. But for me there is to much in the bible (not in the OT....thats what Jesus is for) that is against it. To throw out every instance of 'anti-gay' is like ripping it out of the bible and only reading the parts that a person agrees with. I myself am very accepting of lgbt in my church (I'm a youth pastor) and I know that it's not my place to judge, that it is God's place to judge and to change people like he changed me, but to accept the belief that it's not a sin at all and God condones it is like saying it's ok to have more than one partner, cheat on your wife...blah blah blah...I donno that's just my thought"

Justin Andrew Romp-Samson

"BTW, I also want to thank everyone for having a civilized conversation with me....can't stand people that are not civilized when talking about something like this...."

Jack Bennett

"Respect earns respect. The admins here do not suffer trolls."

Will Richardson

"Even though I'd grown tolerant of gay people, I was on the fence about gay marriage until one time when I wanted to go out of town and couldn't find a dog-sitter. A friend suggested my next door neighbors, who I didn't really even know. They were a couple of gay guys and they happily agreed to take care of my dogs. They acted just like any heterosexual couple and turned out to be really nice guys After getting to know them I asked myself. 'Who am I to say they can't get married if they want to?' I didn't catch 'the gays' from them, but I did catch a case of tolerance."

Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented

"I love this discussion! Justin, you might want to check out Canyonwalker Connections. Kathy Verbiest Baldock is a dear sister who has done the most amazing job of looking at the whole LGBT thing through a truly Biblical lens. I hope you'll poke around on her website and see what she has to say. Thanks to everyone for this great discussion! I love this! (Penny)

Jack Bennett

"Thank you Will Richardson for that last statement."

Rachel Oblak

"Too much against it in the NT? I always found the NT the most easily debunked as far as that goes. I'd strongly encourage you to research the matter more, looking into the research of people who have studied the linguistic aspect of it in particular. I can only think of three passages in the NT that were translated in that way. I would strongly encourage you to reconsider your stance, especially as a youth pastor. Coming from someone who has been through the "we love you but hate your sin" thing, there is not difference in the way it comes across to people questioning their sexuality. You're dealing with those who would be most likely to be questioning it as they go through puberty and stuff. Taking a stand on something that you haven't fully researched yet could be incredibly harmful to those kids. The suicide rate among lgbt is already too high as it is. It's been consistently shown that sexual orientation doesn't change. Telling them that their sexual orientation is a sin has devastating implications for people who 1) didn't choose it and 2) can't change it. I respect the civil tone you've kept, but I BEG you, for those teens' sake, to carefully reconsider the alternatives. Even do some research on homosexuality in general, the science aspect, the genetic aspect. You sound reasonable and seem to genuinely care about your job and your faith. Please Please Please look into this more. There's too much at stake to rely on tradition on this matter. Soulforce has some great resources on their web page. Check them out. Read the books that I mentioned. But don't condemn teens to a life of misery and self-hatred over something that is confusing at best, mistranslated at worst. Remember that Christians used to use the Bible to justify racism and oppose interracial marriage. And they were dead convinced that there was no other way to take those verses . . . that's considered ludicrous today. Is it such a stretch of the imagination to consider if the stance on homosexuality is any different?"

Rachel Oblak

"You liken it to having multiple sex partners or cheating on your wife, but that's not the same at all. With that you have the ability to love . . . you can love your wife. What choice does a gay person have? Either they're forced to live in the closet (a lie). Or they could get married to someone they can't truly love (another lie), very often ruining that person's life and breaking both their hearts when they discover that they can't force an attraction that isn't there. Or they can remain celibate. There's no legitimate option of a loving, monogamous relationship in there. By saying that they're sinning by marrying someone of the same sex, you condemn them to a life without love . . . a life without the most sacred relationship. That's not something that should be forced on anyone for any reason."

Will Richardson

"I told you about the gay couple who changed my mind on gay marriage. In case anybody wonders what drove the final nail in the coffin of my homophobia and convinced me a person can indeed be gay and be a Christian, listen to this song.

Brad Duncan

"I want to throw in my two cents: first of all I agree being gay is not a sin. Second, even if it were Christians do sin, even habitually or as a matter of choice, or ignorance, or predisposition, whatever. Consider the alcoholic Christian who is chemically addicted. We would say he is a Christian but also an addict. Deciding whether a persons behavior is a sin or not really has nothing to do with whether or not Christ saves them, loves them, and has a relationship with them. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. BTW, judging is also a sin :)! And those that discriminate against gays are committing that one."

Will Richardson

"This was a great conversation. A good example of what Janet called 'respectful dialogue'. I copied and saved the whole thing myself because I too, felt it was worth preserving."

Rusty Horn
"I agree with what Will said earlier. I was homophobic throughout my young adulthood until I actually came to know some gay people. In particular, one lady whose music I hear on a jukebox at the Most Wonderful Bar in the World, otherwise known as Jack's Guitar Bar (now sadly defunct) in Nashville. I thought it was a guy with a high voice. She later played there and we became great friends, chasing women together and bragging about our conquests. Let me tell you something. That girl is a DUDE. She was BORN THAT WAY and nobody can tell me different. I owe my open-mindedness to her, and I'm very grateful. :)"

Desperate

2011-09-11T07:09:00.000-05:00

Because this expresses it perfectly..........

Psalm 31 [The Message]

I run to you, God; I run for dear life. Don't let me down! Take me seriously this time!

Get down on my level and listen, and please - no procrastination! Your granite cave a hiding place, your high cliff aerie a place of safety.

You're my cave to hide in, my cliff to climb. Be my safe leader, be my true mountain guide. Free me from hidden traps; I want to hide in you. I've put my life in your hands. You won't drop me, you'll never let me down.

I hate all this silly religion, but you, God, I trust. I'm leaping and singing in the circle of your love; you saw my pain, you disarmed my tormentors, You didn't leave me in their clutches but gave me room to breathe.

Be kind to me, God - I'm in deep, deep trouble again. I've cried my eyes out; I feel hollow inside. My life leaks away, groan by groan; my years fade out in sighs. My troubles have worn me out, turned my bones to powder.

To my enemies I'm a monster; I'm ridiculed by the neighbors. My friends are horrified; they cross the street to avoid me. They want to blot me from memory, forget me like a corpse in a grave, discard me like a broken dish in the trash. The street-talk gossip has me "criminally insane"! Behind locked doors they plot how to ruin me for good.

Desperate, I throw myself on you: you are my God! Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me. Warm me, your servant, with a smile; save me because you love me. Don't embarrass me by not showing up; I've given you plenty of notice. Embarrass the wicked, stand them up, leave them stupidly shaking their heads as they drift down to hell.

Gag those loudmouthed liars who heckle me, your follower, with jeers and catcalls. What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, Ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world. You hide them safely away from the opposition. As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces, you silence the poisonous gossip.

Blessed God! His love is the wonder of the world. I panicked. "Out of sight, out of mind," I said. But you heard me say it, you heard and listened. Love God, all you saints; God takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone.

Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up. Expect God to get here soon.

Lord, Hear Our Prayer!

Take Heart, My Friend

2011-09-04T09:06:00.000-05:00

Introducing our first YouTube video. May you feel the warmth of the Divine as you comprehend how much you are loved.

Christians Creatively Criticizing

2011-07-31T18:21:00.000-05:00

Here at Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented we walk a fine line between criticizing unChristian behavior and not becoming the kind of Christians we are criticizing. Case in point;

This week, we posted a link showing Ann Coulter talking to Joy Behar about ex-gay therapy. (Joy Behar and Ann Coulter) Apparently, heterosexual Ann believes that this therapy works. One of our members shared it on the Page with the following comment;

"Ann Coulter claims she 'had a friend that found God' and was 'not gay anymore'. Really? I've always known God and God has always known that I was gay. So I have little faith that 'ex-gay' therapy works or is even needed. It's only there to make straight people who feel uncomfortable with gays continue to be 1st class citizens."

What followed was frustrated anger. That anger was justified because of the hurt and pain caused by Ann and people like her who use their public positions to make ignorant statements in the name of God. Although justified, was it right? Here were just a few of the comments;

"Ya think we could maybe 'pray away' Ms. Coulter? Or perhaps do something about 'her' notorious Adam's apple?"

"She needs to focus on praying away the hateful attitudes she has towards others and less on everyone else's issues."

"That is a man. Now, I don't have a problem with that but apparently HE would."

"Personally I think she's really a man..............answers a lot of questions"

And so on....

The next day I posted this question to our member;

"How in the world can we confront and expose without becoming just like the one we are confronting and exposing? We refuse to stand back and float in a spiritual cloud, yet lashing out is not constructive."

We are proud to share with you the remarkable responses. Here's hoping you will receive encouragement and maybe some tools when wrestling with the same tight wire we face daily on CToBM.

Linda - "Its a daily struggle not to wish them dead. They are crazy makers!"

Bob - "She is one of the best examples of love your enemy on the planet today. As a follower of Christ who also happens to be gay, praying for her is almost as hard as praying for Westboro. But pray we must. This following Christ thing involves crosses to bear, and she fits that bill. I have been called many things in my life, but being called a forgiver is one of the things that makes be happiest. I forgive you Ann for being exactly as you are, exactly as God made you, even though I do not like you, I love you with the Love of Christ. I pray that he will open your eyes, and lead you right out of the darkness and into the light of understanding, and compassion. I pray that he will show you how to live up to the greatest commandment and to show love to those you have hurt in the past. I pray that he uses you to heal rather than to hurt. Amen."

Richard - "Speak truth instead of lies. Speak calmly instead of shrilly. Attack the ideas, not the person."

CToBM - ‎"If someone says, 'I love God', and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also." 1 John 4:20,21

Bob - "And while I'm at it I pray for each and every one of the gay community and every liberal and every other member of every group that Ann has insulted, hurt, picked on, or inflamed in the past that they might also heal and they hatred they feel for her might morph into compassion for others and love for her and those like her who have yet to become enlightened and filled with Love themselves. Amen"

Carrie - "Is there a middle ground between floating in a spiritual cloud and lashing out? If you feel like there is some effective action that can be taken or something that could be said, try not to do it or say it from a place of negativity."

Garry - "Always think of John 13:34 when confronted with hate, it will remind us of how Jesus wants us to treat each other."

James - "Someone will have to get their hands dirty and do battle with them so the majority can stay above the fray...a sacrificial lamb, so to speak..."

Jack - "‎1 Corinthians 13:1. If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, and I do not have love, then I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal."

Bonnie - ‎"'And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.' Mark 6:11 I know you are right about lashing out is not constructive, but, I sometimes feel provoked to "overturn their tables", because of the hate they spew. I am gradually learning to 'shake the dust off my feet' in protest. Trouble is, you cannot educate those unwilling to learn."

John - "It is ok to be abrupt and angry. Clergy don't get there often enough while injustice grows around us and feeds on our apathy. Most of us need to be slapped upside the head. We need to be TAUGHT humility. 'comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable' It doesn't have to be violent. It doesn't have to be name-calling, but a 'correction' is almost always interpreted as personal whether it is or not. Perhaps it is my 'problem' but I cannot muster 'happytalk' for the likes of Coulter or Bachman. They are ignorant, attention-seeking, hateful, clowns. They are refreshed by the site of violence and if that isn't pure evil I don't know what is."

Alexandria - "I'm a professional mediator, which is actually applied nonviolence. My immediate knee jerk response to your question is a mediator response. Mediators don't tell people what to do, but we lead them to find their own way by asking questions. If you ask deeper and deeper questions, the fallacies and falsehoods are exposed. Force people to dig past the sound bites."

Ellen - "I've had the same reaction to some of the anti-Coulter rhetoric, amazed that it can be as awful as what she puts out. But on the other hand, the vitriol that has been expressed toward gay people and the insistence that we can't possibly be Christian hits at the very core of our souls. While I know there are far more 'good' Christians, one clanging gong can drown out a whole host of them. In my more lucid moments I can pray for her. The rest of the time? You don't even want to know what comes out of my mouth. :P"

Anton - "Unfortunately Alexandria people are being conditioned to resist reason.The mantle of victim hood, The Alinsky meme, and the godless/socialist/liberal slurs all mean that that they consider anyone who disagrees the enemy and will resist at all cost. The truth is these are the propaganda tools used to prepare us for war."

Jim - "Is it lashing out to say calmly, 'Ann Coulter, you are completely and absolutely factually wrong! And all your claims therefore become lies.' If said in a polite tone, I don't see that as lashing out."

Anne - "Alexandria & John & All: I have been dealing with some pretty scary fundamentalist thinking lately, and I tell you, the devil can indeed quote scripture. A, it would be so refreshing if the media did ask questions, hard questions, of her and Bachman and their ilk, but they don't seem to, so we have these angry discussions here and elsewhere, and we find some comfort in numbers... But even if they DID ask questions, the fundies always say the same thing: the sound bites may be from the Bible or tea party rhetoric, but they won't or can't go deeper. It's a stone wall. That's what so infuriating. And crazy making. And I see that and I am just as crazy and pissed off as the rest of sane ones, and it doesn't feel sane (or Chtistian) at all but there it is."

Fritz - "Are we to be disciples? We discipline our children in love, but don't beat them to death. We can teach the truth in love and pray that it falls on receptive hearts. The Anne Coulters of the world aren't going to change; they thrive on our agitated reactions. I truly believe that our voices, collectively, are growing louder and will eventually overpower the evil. Let God do the rest; only He can bring her to her knees, not us."

Brandy - "Lead by example, its the best way to show others how a Christian should be without turning into the kind of monsters we fight."

Barbara - "I don't think that confronting and exposing in the traditional way will work unless an Edward R. Murrow kind of person takes her to task in a very public setting. I think the best way - maybe not the most satisfying way - to deal with her is to let her burn out naturally. Eventually her star will decline and her 15 minutes will be up. In the meantime, go about our business and let people realize by our works that her brand of Christianity is not the last word. And pray that we can love the unloveable."

Angie - "Odd that she calls Liberals 'Demonic'. She needs to look in the mirror and remove the plank from her own eye before she goes after needles in others."

Linda - "Bob: 'I forgive you Ann for being exactly as you are, exactly as God made you, even though I do not like you'. Bob, I don't think God made Ann like that. Everything else, I agree with you."

Bob - ‎"Linda, here is my problem with your statement, I have to believe that if I am what I am (gay and tall) because God made me this way, then I have to believe that he also made her the way she is (arrogant and stupid and self righteous and hateful)."

Mary Ann - "I seldom say anything here, though I read most posts and many of the comments. This is what I tell people quite often: If it were easy to be a *real* Christian, there would be ever so many more of us. It is unbelievably difficult to turn the other cheek, to pray for those who treat us badly, to love our enemies, to return good for evil. If we are going to be Christians instead of just saying we are (and, frankly, it's a lot easier to say it than do it), we have no option about how we respond to Ms. Coulter. We must follow Christ, even when He leads us against our own inclinations. Maybe especially when He does."

John - No Bob, God(dess) gave her reason and free will, not 'willfull ignorance' and a heart of hate. Those are post-partum disordered choices. Being gay is not a choice or a personality disorder as she would have you think. It is the way God made you and it is beautiful, like being left handed.

Alexandria - "I was trained as a lawyer and as such am really familiar with the belief that anger is something that needs to be countered with defensive walls and responses. However, there's another view, which is that anger (and, also, many positions which seem irrational) is often a clue to a deeper fear, anxiety, or other emotion. If those are uncovered and the needs causing them addressed, it can enable to person to let go of some of that anger. So actually sometimes if you lean into the emotion and explore it rather than defending against it, the person feels more heard and can begin to develop a higher level of trust that their needs will be met through normal channels of discussion ... Of course all this is in general and protective court orders etc are sometimes appropriate but a lot of good can come from listening with open ears and minds to really 'hear' not just the anger our enemies express, but what is the underlying fear or pain that underlies it. I'll try to read more about this conflict later tonight. Our whole society could benefit from skills taught in the book Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg. And I'd love to put in a plug for the certified Nonviolent communication trainer Theresa Latini who teaches at Luther Seminary and who will be speaking at a conference in Columbia, SC, held Sept 23 - 25 and hosted by my presbytery's peacemaking committee. :-) This stuff is really transformative. And conflict transformation is what we need."

Paul - "A long time ago I received this advice: Do not argue with a fool, the fool has more practice at it and will drag you down to his level and win."

Dave - "I'm reminded of two examples in the bible. 1) turn the other cheek. Growing up, being bullied for being gay, my parents always told me...turn the other cheek. Be the Christian and the bigger person. They know not what they do. Did that help me any? Yes and no. On one hand it grounded my faith, on the other it caused severe issues was being assertive. Thankfully I overcame those issues. Later in life my Mom has regretted those teachings. It would have been better for me to stick up for myself. I always had a fear of doing just that and my response to her was 'What if I got expelled?' and her response was 'I would have been right there at the door of the school to pick you up.' So turning the other cheek has it's merits, but I think you have to choose when, how, and why. 2) Jesus angry in the temple with the wealthy merchants. Did Jesus sin by becoming angry? No. His anger was righteous. But we are also reminded of Ephesians 4:26 Be angry, and sin not. Let not the sun go down upon your anger. I think we have the right to be angry when we have been wronged, and believe me Ann Coulter and the rest have wronged us and continue to do so, and I especially agree with Ellen in that their vitriol always seems to be directed toward us gay people. And it HURTS!!! I believe we can be angry, we should temper our anger so it does not turn to violence, and then as Ephesians suggested, pray about whatever is angering us (or whoever) before 'the sun goes down'. We want to aspire to be like Christ, but He knows we are human. We have human hearts and human feelings. We do get angry. We do get hurt. We also hurt others sometimes. But those that do it continuously without thought or care, or like Coulter with intent, should be called out. I think this is an issue that not everyone is going to agree on. But we should all be able to come to some sort of common ground of what is acceptable and what is not."

Spiritual Infidelity

2011-07-26T14:25:00.005-05:00

I feel like I’m having an affair. Not a physical affair, but a spiritual affair. I’ve been faithful to the same lover for 26 years. But, something has happened. I’m being enticed by another lover. This lover says that Hell is not real and that there may be different paths to the Almighty One.

Wait! There was security in knowing about what the future was after we die. I had done all the right things and said the right prayers – it was what was expected if you were to secure your eternity. I was happy. I was connected to Him. He was my husband, my deliverer, my protector, my provision, my peace.

I was drawn away. It started with a simple encounter. I encountered a homosexual. Before this encounter, I had never listened to anyone who lived that lifestyle. The opportunity never presented itself – maybe I put myself in a safe place away from diverse people. Surely, as was taught from the pulpit, we must not entangle ourselves with the sinful world, for we are Christian, set apart as His Bride.

But, I listened. The layers of hate, fear, and judgment melted away with every word. After he was finished speaking, all I could do was cry. I was seduced by compassion. That was the first step to my affair.

I wanted to hear more, so I joined a Christian gay chat room. After confessing that I was straight and the reason for me being there was to ask for forgiveness for hating them without cause, I began to ask questions. Was it possible to be gay and Christian? Again, I was seduced. I was seduced by the love of Jesus Christ working actively in the lives of these beautiful people in this room. Listening to their struggles while obeying the Bible when it talks about not fornicating, but how their Christian brothers and sisters were denying them legal unity with the one they loved. I was broken.

My faithful lover kept quiet as I was led down a path of questioning my Christian foundation. The One who had carried me through life’s difficulties was now standing to the side letting me make my choice. My Choice! He gave us choice? How is it I fight so hard to remove that same choice from others? Seduction entered in again, this time through my anti-choice position. I hate abortion and in the process, I’ve hated women who have them. Yet, the One who was quiet didn’t hate me as I made my choice. How is it that I should hate those who make theirs? The seduction of compassion enveloped me yet again.

Something is new. Something has changed. I don’t like what I see in those I once followed so faithfully. The leaders of the faith looked different, hateful, judgmental, and hypocritical. No! I will no longer stay. I rejected my Republican identity by no longer being registered as one. I no longer look at Israel as my ticket to God’s favor. I refuse to believe politicians when they say they are Christian just to get my vote. I now align myself with those who look after the needy and less fortunate. Party lines have been erased.

Then that Book came along. You know the one, “Love Wins”? I came face to face with my Christian foundation, the foundation that was solid, strong, unwavering, and confident. I melted in the warmth of love, a love I had never felt before. It was magic and revolutionary. The family I once shared my life with was condemning the author for heretical posturing. Yet, I didn’t feel bad for reading it or agreeing with it. I was seduced by truth, a truth I had never heard before.

So, here I am. Changed. Uncertain. Invigorated. Scared. Excited. Expectant. There He is my secret lover. But I now realize it is my faithful lover of 26 years. It was Him all along. He took me to a different place, a special place. One that not many will go to because it’s too uncomfortable and looks a lot like infidelity.

~Let Me Be Your Guide~

"Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding." [Proverbs 3:5]

"If you go the wrong way - to the right or to the left - you will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the right way. You should go this way.'" [Isaiah 30:21]

Dear child of mine,

This is a time unlike any other you have gone through - a time in which you suddenly find yourself looking at life from a new perspective. It is as though everything has shifted and the boundaries of your world that were once so sure and secure seem somehow blurred and uncertain. You may be tempted now to do something radical, to make some move or change in an effort to escape the pain you are in. But, this is not a time for making big decisions. It is, instead, a time to stay still and wait until all the dust has settled and you can accurately assess where you are. Nor is this a time to lean on your own understanding, but a time, more than ever, to trust in me. I will help you know when to make any kind of move or change in your life. And in that day, it will be my voice behind you speaking softly to your spirit, saying, "This is the right way. Come, my child, and walk in it."

Let me be your guide,
God [1]

(1-Taken from "Postcards For People Who Hurt", by Claire Cloninger, 1995, Pg. 70, Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas)

Post by: Janet from CToBM

Unaware Yet He's There

2011-07-23T14:24:00.000-05:00

Did you know that He dances over you when you are unaware? He sings all around you, but you do not hear a sound.

This has nothing to do with theology. This has everything to do with Agape Love, the kind of love God has for us. We cannot comprehend it. Could it be that our inability to comprehend this love results in our lack of it towards others? I would be so bold as to say that it is because we do not love ourselves that leads us to not love others.

If I judge you as a sinner, that makes me feel better about me. A signal of insecure faith in the Jesus we Christians say we believe in. Let it not be. For if we truly comprehend the love Christ has for us, we will be free to love others unconditionally.

In case you have forgotten how much you are loved......

"O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.

"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.

"If I say, 'surely the darkness shall fall on me', even the night shall be light about me; indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You. But the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You." [Psalm 139:1-12]

My prayer is that we are able to comprehend this Love. It's vital that we at least try.

Getting to Know You!

2011-07-20T21:05:00.000-05:00

In an effort to highlight the various members who post their blog links on the CToBM Wall, I decided to place them here from time to time to give all of you a chance to read them and get to know your community members.

There is amazing talent out there and we are honored that you have chosen CToBM to share your stories and thoughts. We may not always agree, but we do respect the diversity. That diversity is what teaches us, strengthens us, challenges us, and even offends us. Change isn't comfortable. So, let's walk together as we change into better people.

Jason M Dye participates on the Page on a regular basis. He also blogs faithfully and has posted our blog on his site. His latest post is called The New Bullies: Grandma Peace Activists, Christian Feminist Bloggers, and Consumer Advocates. He challenges the new definition of "bully" in the political and fundamentalist arena.

Dan Martin makes the following statement, "We who name Jesus’ name, need to rediscover the fact that Jesus cares more about people seeking him, than he does about people thinking the right stuff about him." Check out his blog Nailing it to the Door.

Nathanael Sawyer Vitkus is new to our community and he brings inspiration to anyone who has been moved by God into a new direction. Nathanael is walking through that door that some of us have already walked through, the door of LBGTQ advocacy. Enjoy this journey by reading his blog, Nathanaelvitkus.

Don't know much about member Thom Curnutte, but looking forward to knowing more. This post from his blog was on our wall today, so I thought I would share it here. Check out, Faith in the 21st Century.

Last, but not least, is Rev. Mark Sandlin. Rev. Sandlin has been a member of CToBM since day one. He is also a Co-Administrator to the Facebook Page, The Christian Left. In addition, he maintains his own blog called, The God Article. In this post, he reveals in one sentence the difference between Charity and Justice.

If you are member of CToBM and would like us to feature your blog, email us at christiansmisrepresented@gmail.com

It was never between you and them anyway!

2011-06-26T18:04:00.001-05:00

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may not be enough. Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.

It never was between you and them anyway.

[Mother Theresa]

Straight Christians, Ex-Homophobes, We Love You!

2011-06-05T16:51:00.001-05:00

My husband and I attended our first Gay Pride Parade.

This is the sign I held while my husband took pictures. These pictures show the participants looking our way as they walked by, trying to read the sign and comprehend the words.

What wasn't captured in these pictures were the hugs, the thumbs up, the yells of support, and words of appreciation.

There were many lulls during the parade where the participants had to stop for a minute and wait until the line began to move. While standing, they read our sign. It took them a few minutes to register what the sign really meant. Then, all of a sudden, you could see they understood and comprehended.

Two ladies came up to us and said, "we saw your sign and it really made me teary - so I had to come back and give you a hug. Thank You."

I cannot count how many times our picture was taken holding the sign. Some were even polite and asked if they could take our picture.

A young women yelled out to me, "I wish you were my mom!" I spontaneously yelled back, "I wish you were my daughter!"

Was our sign so unique, so rare, so extra-ordinary that people were taken back by it?

One woman yelled out, "Tell that to the rest of them", meaning, tell your fellow Christians.

I yelled back, "We are, We are, We are."

You could hear, "We love you too!" or "Now that's an awesome sign".

It felt like we were quenching a deep thirst in them that had been there a long, long time. The truth is they quenched a deep thirst in us that had been there a long time. Our thirst to physically express to them how much God loves them.

So, don't be surprised if this sign shows up in a blog somewhere.

Pro-Life Hate

2011-05-25T08:03:00.002-05:00

I thought oppression meant no choice?

"I was reading your comments on the liberal "Christian" board, and frankly, you make me sick. I have a daughter who lacks a 17th chromosome. It's called Smith Magines syndrome. Karen is 29 now, but she lacked that 17th chromosome at conception or shortly thereafter when all the chromosomes were in their neat little rows. I guess you'd like me to take my daughter from her room, where she laughs and is happy, and throw her off a cliff. Judge not, lest you be judged. Everybody deserves life. I don't for one second believe that God moved you from being pro life to being pro choice. You moved away from God. Think about what you are saying, and the next time you see an obviously disabled person, I hope your heart breaks just a little."

This is a message I received on my private profile on Facebook. Don't know this woman, but obviously I upset her. No, I didn't respond. No point.

I remember being Pro-Life. It was simple for me. Pro-Choice meant you were a murderer, period. No further conversation needed. I don't care what you have to say, I refuse to talk to murderers. You are heartless and obviously not Christian. Shame on you for calling yourself one.

Pretty clean, black and white, nicely packaged - not requiring much thought. The problem is that life isn't black and white, nicely packaged or clean. It's messy and complicated. That realization came to me while watching the 2008 conversation between John McCain and Barack Obama and Rick Warren. Mr. Warren asked that difficult question about abortion to both candidates. The contrast in their answers were striking.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Obama

WARREN: That was a freebie. That was a gimme. That was a gimme, OK? Now, let’s deal with abortion; 40 million abortions since Roe v. Wade. As a pastor, I have to deal with this all of the time, all of the pain and all of the conflicts. I know this is a very complex issue. Forty million abortions, at what point does a baby get human rights, in your view?

OBAMA: Well, you know, I think that whether you’re looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, answering that question with specificity, you know, is above my pay grade.

WARREN: Have you –

OBAMA: But let me just speak more generally about the issue of abortion, because this is something obviously the country wrestles with. One thing that I’m absolutely convinced of is that there is a moral and ethical element to this issue. And so I think anybody who tries to deny the moral difficulties and gravity of the abortion issue, I think, is not paying attention. So that would be point number one.

But point number two, I am pro-choice. I believe in Roe v. Wade, and I come to that conclusion not because I’m pro-abortion, but because, ultimately, I don’t think women make these decisions casually. I think they — they wrestle with these things in profound ways, in consultation with their pastors or their spouses or their doctors or their family members. And so, for me, the goal right now should be — and this is where I think we can find common ground. And by the way, I’ve now inserted this into the Democratic party platform, is how do we reduce the number of abortions? The fact is that although we have had a president who is opposed to abortion over the last eight years, abortions have not gone down and that is something we have to address.

WARREN: Have you ever voted to limit or reduce abortions?

OBAMA: I am in favor, for example, of limits on late-term abortions, if there is an exception for the mother’s health. From the perspective of those who are pro-life, I think they would consider that inadequate, and I respect their views. One of the things that I’ve always said is that on this particular issue, if you believe that life begins at conception, then — and you are consistent in that belief, then I can’t argue with you on that, because that is a core issue of faith for you.

What I can do is say, are there ways that we can work together to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, so that we actually are reducing the sense that women are seeking out abortions. And as an example of that, one of the things that I’ve talked about is how do we provide the resources that allow women to make the choice to keep a child. You know, have we given them the health care that they need? Have we given them the support services that they need? Have we given them the options of adoption that are necessary? That can make a genuine difference.

McCain

WARREN: Let’s go into the tough ones. That was just a gimme.

MCCAIN: All right.

WARREN: Let’s deal with abortion. I, as a pastor, have to deal with this all the time, every different angle, every different pain, all of the decisions and all of that. Forty million abortions since Roe v. Wade. Some people, people who believe that life begins at conception, believe that’s a holocaust for many people. What point is a baby entitled to human rights?

MCCAIN: At the moment of conception. (APPLAUSE). I have a 25-year pro-life record in the Congress, in the Senate. And as president of the United States, I will be a pro-life president. And this presidency will have pro-life policies. That’s my commitment. That’s my commitment to you
~ ~ ~ ~

God used this exchange to change my heart and mind, open up my heart and show me that life is complicated. I thought about the many times God showed me compassion when I made wrong choices. He helped me to deal with those choices and brought restoration back into my life.

But, God Gave Me That Choice. Pro-Life advocates are compelled to protect the unborn. Bravo and congratulations for you. Your cause is honorable. Will you also be compelled to protect the lives of gay people? Will you also be compelled to stop execution of men and women on death row?

I love what one of our members has repeatedly stated on the Page. His name is "Jack" and he says, "To the Pro-Life Advocates, if you knew your baby was gay, would you fight as hard to save it?"

I pray for that woman who wrote the nasty comment to me. May God open her eyes and show her a better way.

Evangelicals Anonymous

2011-05-23T10:54:00.001-05:00

Evangelicals Anonymous has been developed for those who were once deeply rooted in the movement of saving souls, dictating life for others according to scripture, involved in politics to change the moral values of the country, and felt special because of it.

The following is for those of us who are recovering;

Evangelical Anonymous Creed

1. I will no longer look at other human beings who are not Evangelicals as less than worthy of the benefits I thought I had because of my evangelicalism.

2. I will no longer vote for people running for public office purely on the basis that they proclaim themselves to be "Christian".

3. I will think for myself, not believing everything preached to me from the pulpit.

4. I will love and accept my homosexual brothers and sisters, even if that means being rejected by my fellow evangelical friends and family.

5. I will not try to convert every person I meet who does not proclaim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

6. I will no longer feel bullied by other evangelicals if I state that I am Pro-Choice. To me, Pro-Choice does not equate to Pro-Abortion.

7. I refuse to allow the label "Evangelical" to define who I am. Instead, I will re-define that label for myself and to others.

8. I will not be arrogant in my knowledge of the Holy Scriptures.

9. I will not be defined by Conservative Right Wing politicians. I will no longer allow them to speak for me because they no longer represent me as a Christian.

10. When I am in church, I will no longer feel pressured to raise my hands during the worship service. I now understand and comprehend that Jesus accepts worship from my heart and that I don't have to manifest outward displays of affection to show Him I love him.

11. I will no longer be afraid of Atheists, Agnostics, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Catholics, etc. Since I'm not afraid anymore, my fear will not show itself in hate - thus - contributing to peace on earth.

12. I will listen more and talk less.

13. I will learn to dialogue respectfully with those whom I do not agree with.

14. I will pray for the President of the United States whether he/she is a Democrat or Republican. When I say pray, I mean pray blessings and wisdom over him/her - not hateful prayers or satan rebuking prayers.

15. I will no longer refer to the President as the Antichrist if he/she is not a Republican.

16. I will not sit quietly by while so-called "Family Value" politicans commit adultery in their marriages. Instead, I will raise my voice through my vote to send a message that those who choose to portray themselvs as high moral christians publically will be held to a higher standard.

17. I will be humble.

18. I will ask for forgiveness more often.

19. I will say "I love you" more often.

20. I will _________ . (fill in the blank)

Mixed Aroma

2011-05-22T10:25:00.000-05:00

You've done it. I did it. Re-visit that book on the shelf that you read years ago. "What's So Amazing About Grace?" by Philip Yancey comfortably sat in my hands this week as I flipped through the pages looking at those highlights and underlined sentences.

Suddenly, I came across Chapter Seventeen called, "Mixed Aroma". This chapter mirrored who I was (and I'm sure many of you were) in the 1990's - a Fundamentalist, Evangelical, Right-Wing Conservative who felt compelled to stand up for righteousness in this evil world, especially the evil President Clinton whom we all knew was the Antichrist.

Mr. Yancey shows us in this chapter how we smelled to the rest of society - and ashamedly continue to smell like today. My prayer is that as Christians, we stop stinking and begin to produce beautiful scents that people around us want to smell.

It begins;

"I had a rude introduction to contemporary culture wars when I visited the White House during Bill Clinton's first term. My invitation came in a roundabout manner. I have little personal involvement in politics, and mostly avoid the subject in my writing. But in late 1993 I grew concerned about the alarm, even hysteria, over the state of society being voiced in evangelical circles. I wrote a column that concluded, 'Our real challenge should not be to Christianize the United States (always a losing battle) but rather to strive to be Christ's church in an increasingly hostile world.'

"The editors of Christianity Today magazine titled my column rather sensationally, 'Why Clinton Isn't the Antichrist'. I got a handful of letters, mostly from people contending that Bill Clinton is the Antichrist. Somehow the column found its way to the President's desk, and a few months later when President Clinton invited twelve evangelicals to a private breakfast, my name made the list. Some of the guests represented church or parachurch organizations; some hailed from Christian academia; I got invited thanks mainly to the catchy title on my column. ('Well, Bill, you've got to start somewhere,' said Al Gore when he saw the title 'Why Clinton Isn't the Antichrist.')

"'The President has no agenda,' we were assured. 'He simply wants to hear your concerns. You'll have five minutes each to say anything you want to the President.' It took little political savvy to realize that the President was convening us primarily because of his low standing among evangelical Christians. Mr. Clinton addressed some of those concerns in his opening remarks, confessing, 'Sometimes I feel like a spiritual orphan.'

"As a lifelong Southern Baptist, he was finding it difficult to locate a Christian community in Washington, D.C. - 'the most secular city I've ever lived in,' he told us. When the First Family went to church, they attracted a media circus, hardly conducive to a worship experience. Few of Clinton's staff members (whom, of course, he had appointed) shared his concern for faith.

"Moreover, the conservative Christian community had disassociated itself from him. When the President jogged through the streets of Washington he saw bumper stickers like this one: 'A vote for Bill Clinton is a sin against God.' Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry had publically labeled the Clintons 'Ahab and Jezebel.' And Clinton's own Southern Baptist denomination was under pressure to censure his home church in Arkansas for not kicking the President off its membership rolls.

"In short, the President had not experienced much grace from Christians. 'I've been in politics long enough to expect criticism and hostility,' the President told us. 'But I was unprepared for the hatred I get from Christians. Why do Christians hate so much?'

"Of course, everyone in the Lincoln Dining Room that morning knew why the President stirred up such animosity among Christians. His politicies on abortion and homosexual rights, in particular, along with reports of his own moral failings, made it difficult for many Christians to take seriously his profession of faith. A respected Christian leader had told me flatly, 'Bill Clinton cannot possibly be sincere about his faith and hold the views that he does.'

"I wrote an article about that breakfast, and a few months later another invitation came from the White House, this time offering an exclusive magazine interview with the President. The interview took place in February 1994, most of it conducted in the Presidential limousine. After Mr. Clinton gave a speech at an inner-city school, David Neff, the editor of Christianity Today, and I accompanied him on the long ride back to the White House, where we would continue the conversation in the Oval Office. The limousine, though spacious, still cramped Clinton's long legs as we sat facing him. Taking occasional sips of water from a paper Dixie cup in order to soothe his perennially strained throat, the President answered our questions.

"Much of our conversation revolved around the abortion issue. David Neff and I had planned strategically how to bring up the tough questions, but as it turned out they came up naturally. That morning all of us had attended the National Prayer Breakfast and heard Mother Teresa boldly dress down the President for the plague of abortion in this country. Clinton had met with her privately after the breakfast, and he seemed anxious to continue the discussion with us.

"My article that resulted, 'The Riddle of Bill Clinton's Faith,' reported his views and also explored the question raised by my friend. Can Bill Clinton possibly be sincere about his faith, holding the views that he does? I had done much research, including conversations with his friends and associates from childhood, and the evidence seemed clear: Clinton's faith was not posturing for political expediency but an integral part of who he was. Except during college days he had attended church faithfully, had been a lifelong supporter of Billy Graham, and was an avid student of the Bible. When I asked what Christian books he'd read most recently, he mentioned a title by Richard Mouw (president of Fuller Theological Seminary) and Tony Campolo.

"In fact, I found it almost impossible to understand the Clintons apart from their religious faith. Hillary Clinton, a lifelong Methodist, believes we were placed on earth to do good by serving others. Bill Clinton, a Southern Baptist, was raised in the tradition of revivalism and 'going forward' to confess sins. Sure, he messes up during the week - doesn't everyone? - but come Sunday he goes to church, confesses his sins, and starts over.

"After our interview I wrote what I thought was a balanced account of President Clinton and his faith, giving considerable space to the issue of abortion, in which I contrasted his waffling views with the moral absolutes of Mother Teresa. I was totally unprepared for the firestorm of reaction. I wonder if my mailman will ever recover from the strain of lugging bags of angry letters to my mailbox.

"'You say Clinton has biblical knowledge,' said one; 'well, so does the Devil!! You got snowed.' Many writers contended that evangelicals should never have met with the President. Six drew parallels with Adolf Hitler, who cynically used pastors for his own purposes. Several more likened us to the church browbeaten by Stalin. Others recalled biblical scenes of confrontation: John the Baptist and Harod, Elijah and Ahab, Nathan and David. Why hadn't I acted more like a prophet, shaking my finger in the President's face?

"One person wrote, 'If Philip Yancey saw a child about to be run over by a freight train, I believe he would stand comfortably out of the way and lovingly ask the child to move instead of making an effort to scream and push the child out of harm's way.'

"Less than ten percent of the letters had positive things to say, and the vicious tone of personal attack caught me off guard. One reader wrote, 'Perhaps the move from the flatlands of the Midwest to the rarefied and reclusive atmosphere of Colorado has short-circuited Mt. Yancey's oxygen supply and dimmed his discernment.' And another, 'I hope Philip Yancey enjoyed his cozy eggs Benedict breakfast at the White House because as he was busy wiping the yoke off his fuzzy face (lest it run down his back), the Clinton Administration was forging ahead with its radically anti-theistic and amoral agenda.'

"In twenty-five years of journalism I have received my share of mixed reviews. Even so, as I read through stacks of vituperative letters I got a strong sense for why the world does not automatically associate the word 'Grace' with evangelical Christians." [pages 225-228]

It seems like history is repeating itself. Will we ever learn?

Frustrated by the Misuse of Christanity

2011-05-14T11:21:00.000-05:00

I love Jesus Christ! I know the Holy Spirit is my comforter, counselor and the conduit of God. Do I believe with my whole heart that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, lived to die, died to free us from sin and now sits at the right hand of God? Yes, yes, yes!

I am a Christian, damn it! Why should I feel ashamed? Why should I flee the very thing that has carried me through two divorces, helped me raise my children while keeping my sanity, lifted me up when I was at my lowest point? I cannot deny the supernatural strength and peace that I've experienced while reading the Bible. I cannot deny that God has spoken to me, deep inside my spirit. That voice instructed me to do things that others said didn't make sense, but in the end protected me from bitterness and things that would have otherwise destroyed me.

I am a Christian, damn it! Why should I feel ashamed? Have leaders of my faith abused their positions by using the precious message of Jesus Christ to bring condemnation to their listeners? Yes. Do politicians use their Christian faith to polarize groups of people with moral issues? Yes.

Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry that men have misused and abused you while holding up a banner that says "I'm a Christian". Should I throw away what is a part of me? Is it okay if I tell those guys, "Hey you idiots - you do not represent me" and still say I am what they claim to be - A Christian?

All I can do and all we as Christians can do is begin to Represent Jesus Christ in the right way.

We need to STOP arguing about whether homosexuality is a sin and START loving people because they are human beings.

We need to STOP debating whether abortion is right or wrong and START excercising the true meaning of GRACE. Grace for a pregnant woman contemplating abortion and grace for the woman who chose abortion. What really matters is how we treat a woman.

We need to STOP throwing our theocracy around like it's a gavel to the world and START acting and speaking in ways that draw people to Jesus Christ, that same Jesus who showed us mercy and grace.

I am a Christian, damn it! A follower of the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I respect others who do not follow my Christian faith and choose another faith. It's okay if we don't believe the same way. We should respect one another and show grace. I'm still a Christian.

Am I willing to keep that label even if I am persecuted for it? Yes! I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What I AM ashamed of is hypocracy and hate by unChristlike men and women whose behavior does not represent "Christian".

Why should I be ashamed just because a few like Pat Robertson, James Dobson, Sarah Palin, Ralph E. Reed Jr. and people like that continue to sit in large "Christian" airplanes ramming them into tall buildings we call "society", destroying people and lives? Why should extremists control the whole body of believers?

Should the few who are racist, homophobic, radical pro-life murderer, pro-war monger Christians overshadow the rest of us who love, accept, embrace and do not judge? NO.

I stand here today - firmly - on the fact that I am a Christian! A follower of the Man named Christ who healed the sick, embraced the forsaken, sat with the sinner, ate with the cheater, associated with those that society rejected. That is the Christ I am named after.

"Heavenly Father, through your Holy Spirit give us the courage and strength to speak out against our modern day pharisees - but speak out in a way that stands out from them, not acts like them. Give us the wisdom and insight to find ways to express your unconditional Love, your amazing Grace, that Peace that passes all earthly understanding. Give us a voice in the midst of chaos, hatred, hypocracy, greed - a voice the cries in the wilderness 'Behold the Lamb of God who Takes away the Sins of the World' and not be ashamed." Amen.

Open Letter to the Members at CToBM

2011-05-01T12:37:00.001-05:00

Ear no evil
See no evil
Speak no evil

Dear Members of Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented,

What an adventure it is to run a Facebook Fan Page. I choose to be a "hands-on" Administrator, fully engaged in every post and comment. Sometimes it gets tiring, but your expressed thoughts and perspectives always energize me.

The one thing I cherish on this Page is the diverse points of view. Some of your views are difficult to read. I say difficult because it brings conviction to my soul and challenges me to go beyond my own space and feel yours. When you express your painful experiences related to the "Church", the shedding of things that I hold dear, and your head on confrontation of something I've said or posted - well - it is uncomfortable.

Uncomfortable - Being uncomfortable - isn't that where we should be? We are all too aware of the comfortable place many Christians find themselves in, that place which is surrounded by people who agree with everything you say, worship in the same way you worship, interpret the Holy Scriptures the same way you interpret them. CToBM is not one of those places.

There are times when links are posted that offend some readers. So much so that they cannot stay. Particularly when those posts are related to homosexuality. When newcomers arrive, they soon realize this isn't the Page they thought it was.  We have a colorful array of members from all walks of life and faiths.  Because every single person here adds something to the Page that we all can learn from, I challenge new arrivals to stick it out.

I refuse to only post articles, OpEd's, videos, and other Pages that make us comfortable. If people wish to join Pages where they are surrounded by a non-confrontational, less challenging, "Kumbaya" atmosphere, there are plenty of those out there.  We cherish unity but are not afraid of diversity.

Tight Rope - It feels, at times, like I'm walking on a tight rope, barefoot. On one hand, the purpose here is to encourage you through song, uplifting scripture, and thought provoking articles. Then, there are times when the news oozes with UnChristian behavior that must be confronted. But then you challenge me to not criticize lest we become the very thing we are confronting. So, back to encouragement through posts displaying examples of positive Christianity.

The bare feet are building callus' while learning to walk that rope. I love this statement made by one of our members, Scott Elliott, in response to a link I posted today to a Fan Page criticizing Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious order established in 1950 by Mother Teresa of Calcutta.  He states, "I gathered from glancing at the posts and replies that, generally, those on that page criticise Mo T's order for failing to do what they never intended to do: that is, they don't provide medical assistance for the dying. I think critics of the church frequently commit that logical fallacy or one like it. It seems to be a variation on the Straw Man theme. The energy, the moral outrage at the "failure" is the shocking part. I think it is incumbent on Christians to engage with the anger, without defensiveness, *without agreeing,* but with respect and certainly not in retaliation. NOT an easy task."

That last sentence is underlined because Scott stated exactly what our goal is.

The Art of Conversation - A lost art don't you think? Christians on this Page are tired because there has been a breakdown of dialogue resulting is people walking away from diversity. Diversity is not scary if respectful communication is active. For anyone who isn't famliar with the word, Communication, here is the Wikipedia explanation.

"For a successful conversation, the partners must achieve a workable balance of contributions. A successful conversation includes mutually interesting connections between the speakers or things that the speakers know. For this to happen, those engaging in conversation must find a topic on which they both can relate in some sense.
Conversation is indispensable for the successful accomplishment of almost all activities between people, especially the coordination of work, the formation of friendship and for learning."

I don't know about you, but I am interested in friendship and learning.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope it gives you a better understanding about the purpose of this Page. When I post something that appears to be the complete opposite to what you may think is appropriate for a Christian Fan Page to post, take pause. It just might be something that pushes you to that uncomfortable place, that place where God confronts our conformity and rigidness - making way for new revelation about something we might never have looked at before.

Sincerely,
CToBM (Janet)

"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds!"

2011-04-10T12:10:00.002-05:00

Taken from the Holy Scriptures, the book of Matthew 23 from The Message. My words in Blue.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples (and today's Christians)

"The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers of God's law. You won't go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. (preachers you see on TV and behind the pulpit do refer to the Holy Scriptures. If you stick with the Holy Scriptures alone, you won't go wrong) But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don't live it. They don't take it into their hearts and live it out in their behaviour. It's all spit-and-polish veneer."

"Instead of giving you God's law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules, loading you down like pack animals. (They always have to put conditions on the Holy Scriptures. Instead of just reading the Scripture to you and allowing God to speak through scripture, they like to interpret it for you and tell you how you should understand it) They seem to take pleasure in watching you stagger under these loads, and wouldn't think of lifting a finger to help. (They tell us to pray in the Spirit continually, speak the right words over our life minute by minute, don't say the wrong things or else what you say will come upon you. Pray at least 1 hour, or maybe 2, a day to keep yourself pure before God. Only listen to Christian music and Christian media. Put teaching CD's in your car to be continually fed the Word of God, by them) Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroided prayer shawls one day (nice fancy cars, houses and clothes) and flowery prayers the next (and boy, can they every pray eloquently in a crowd). They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent prositions, preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called 'Doctor' and 'Reverend'." (or bodyguards all around them to protect them from ??? who knows?)

"Don't let people do that to you, put you on a pedestal like that. You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates. Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. (Think for yourselves. Don't believe everything that is taught in the name of God. Just because they are in a so-called prominent place, doesn't mean they are better than you. God tells you things that He may not tell them) Save that authority for God; let Him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of 'Father'; you have only one Father, and he's in heaven. And don't let people maneuver you into taking charge of them. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them - Christ."

"Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty." (and how many christians in high profile postions ~politicians, celebrity wanna be politicians, presidents of christian organizations~ would step down right now?)

Now, Jesus turns to the Frauds and says;

"I've had it with you! You're hopeless, you religion scholars, you Parisees! Frauds! Your lives are roadblocks to God's kingdom. You refuse to enter, and won't let anyone else in either."

"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You go halfway around the world to make a convert, but once you get him you make him into a replica of yourselves, double-damned." (They don't want you to have your own thoughts and own beliefs. They want you to always be in agreement with what they are telling you. Don't challenge what they are teaching or else you are considered disobedient)

"You're hopeless! What arrogant stupidity! You say, 'If someone makes a promise with his fingers crossed, that's nothing; but if he swears with his hand on the Bible, that's serious.' What ignorance! Does the leather on the Bible carry more weight than the skin on your hands?" (They don't think twice about taking advantage of their tax except status as a non-profit organization. But if you interpret the bible differently from them? Bless the ones that they curse, love and embrace the ones they reject? Heaven forbid)

"And what about this piece of trivia: 'If you shake hands on a promise, that's nothing; but if you raise your hand that God is your witness, that's serious'? What rediculous hairsplitting! What difference does it make whether you shake hands or raise hands? A promise is a promise. What difference does it make if you make your promise inside or outside a house of worship? A promise is a promise. God is present, watching and holding you to account regardless."

"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You keep meticulous account books, tithing on every nickel and dime you get, but on the meat of God's Law, things like fairness and compassion and commitment - the absolute basics! - you carelessly take it or leave it. Careful bookkeeping is commendable, but the basics are required. Do you have any idea how silly you look, writing a life story that's wrong from start to finish, nitpicking over commas and semicolons?" (You strut around proclaiming how righteous you are. Yet, you support the killing of homesexuals in other countries or discriminate against them in your own country, all on the basis of your theological hairsplitting interpretation of the scripture. When in reality, the more important thing would be to show compassion and fairness. You worry about every word in scripture but are careless with your mouth and actions).

"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You burnish the surface of your cups and bowls so they sparkle in the sun, while the inside are maggoty with your greed and gluttony. Stupid Pharisees! Scour the insides, and then the gleaming surface will mean something."

"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You're like manicured grave plots, grass clipped and the flowers bright, but six feet down it's all rotting bones and worm-eaten flesh. People look at you and think you're saints, but beneath the skin you're total frauds." (Actually, only those you've fooled into following you think you're saints. Those outside your circle can see right through you)

"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You build granite tombs for your prophets and marble monuments for your saints. And you say that if you had lived in the days of your ancestors, no blood would have been on your hands. You protest too much! You're cut from the same cloth as those murderers, and daily add to the death count."

"Snakes! Reptilian sneaks! Do you think you can worm your way out of this? Never have to pay the piper? It's on account of people like you that I send prophets and wise guides and scholars generation after generation - and generation after generation you treat them like dirt, greeting them with lynch mobs, hounding them with abuse."

"You can't squirm out of this: Every drop of righteous blood ever spilled on this earth, beginning with the blood of that good man Abel right down to the blood of Zechariah, Barachiah's son, whom you murdered at his prayers, is on your head. All this, I'm telling you, is coming down on you, on your generation." (Yes, the blood being spilled in Uganda is on your hands. The suicides of hurting people because of your condemnation is on your shoulders. Those whom you condemned were considered righteous. You cannot avoid the consequences of your words and actions).

Are they hopeless? That's not our call. So, we say a humble prayer for our modern day scholars and pharisees. We pray that You will touch their hearts, change their perspectives, and move them in a different direction. May You bring them to a place of repentence and protect us from fallling into the same traps. Amen.

Christians Will Hate You

2011-04-03T09:08:00.000-05:00

Christians look more and more like the world. They would vehemently disagree with that statement because in their minds they are standing firm on the Word of God and making strides to preserve the integrity of The Bible as it applies to morality as they see it.

As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors for the Lord Jesus Christ. An ambassador is an "authorized representative" of the one who sends you. Blogger, Mark Lee, writes about the characteristics of Christians that are currently being portrayed by Fundamentalist in his most recent post called "Who is this Right-Wing Christian Republican Tea Party God?"

When Jesus was referring to "The World" in his teachings, we don't think about the "world" as being Christians who are entrenched in this world through politics, dominionist mindsets, and their insistence that the Christ they follow should be followed by the world at all costs. What would happen if Jesus was referring to anyone, ANYONE, who entangles himself with the world's way of being and doing? His words take on new meaning.

The words in Blue are mine.

John 15:18-19
"If the world (christians) hate you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world (or the extremist christian community), that community would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world (that extreme community), but I chose you out of that world (that community - away from the fundamentalist way of thinking), therefore they hate you."

John 16:1-3
"These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble (or be offended). They will put you out of the synagogues (out of their churches); yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you (through their hateful words of rejection, highminded attitude that you are unholy because of the way you live or in some countries actually take away your life) will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me." (They think they know the Father and Jesus, but they've forgotten the basic teaching to Love Unconditionally).

Today's Christians see their persecution as something righteous because of their rigid stand against such issues as abortion and homosexuality. In reality, standing with those who rigidly stand against these things is easy. EASY. Your Christian circle supports you and loves you for taking such a stand.

The Kingdom of God is an upside Kingdom compared to the World. The persecution you are getting for taking such a rigid stand isn't because of the beautiful love that flows out of you. It isn't because of the love you show those you disagree with. It isn't because of the upside Kingdom of God you are living in that tells you to do good to those who hate you. NO! You are being persecuted because you persecute.

At Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented, we are hated because of the violent stand we take to love unconditionally. That is offensive to the Christians of this World. We live in a Kingdom that says "love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." [Matt.6:44] And that Kingdom is not of this world.

We pray for our worldly Christian brothers and sisters. We say to you, "we love you".

Stopping the Crazy Cycle of Hate

2011-03-13T14:46:00.000-05:00

As affirming Christians, the hate and anger we once felt towards the LGBT Community has now been re-directed towards our fellow Christian brothers and sisters. This is becoming a vicious cycle of perpetual unChristlike behavior. How do we stop this?

This post from Nathan, Director of Pastoral Care for The Marin Foundation, called, "I hugged a man in his underwear and I am proud", displays perfectly what happens when one side chooses to stop the hate.

One of our most vocal members expresses the frustration felt by many of us.

She writes, "How do I shake my personal anger at my Christian brothers and sisters who keep insisting that we 'hate the sin, love the sinner'? It can't be done. The 'sinner' feels HATED, period. Perception is reality. If the 'sinner' feels the hate is aimed at him, it's aimed at him, and no amount of, 'No, really, I don't hate YOU, I just hate your lifestyle,' is going to change that. I TOTALLY accept my LGBT loved ones. The people I'm having a hard time with are my Christian loved ones who feel it's right to be judgmental. Yes, I see the irony here. I just don't know how to get past it."

There comes a point where we must stop this crazy cycle. Now, sitting on the 'other side', can we love our anti-gay Christian brothers and sisters? Let's take a deep breath.

In response to this article posted on the Page, "Obama ‘bullying summit’ invites leader Dan Savage who blamed Christians for gay bullying" , the following comment, submitted by one of our members, was like a slap in the face. A slap that was desperately needed, I must say.

"I am 64 years old, a former Catholic seminarian, and gay. I am no longer a believer in Jesus Christ for several reasons, one of which is the horror of having to be told that the way I was made is sinful. Dan Savage articulates this horror and understands its impact better than most gay people. Until you guys accept that we are gay by God's doing, then there will be very little peace with us. End your superstitious reliance on Semitic tribal prohibitions and THINK about God and what you believe about God. You guys are like computer chips which have been badly programmed. Jesus never said a word about gay people or gay sex. Accept us as God made us and go about making yourselves holy. We'll take care of ourselves, thank you very much."

In an effort to 'right' the 'wrongs' within our faith, we must look like fools. We've turned our 'righteous indignation' from one group to another, from one opposite to the other opposite. We need grace and mercy to reconcile ourselves away from perpetual disputes to emulating the presence of the One we proclaim to follow. Most of us accept that we are who we are by God's doing. That isn't what destroys our peace. It is the qualities of hate we see in our fellow Christians that destroy our peace - those qualities are a mirror of what we see in ourselves at this very moment.

We humbly ask forgiveness and seek the path of peace, love and holiness.

Paths, Gates, Crowds, Choices

2011-03-11T19:34:00.001-06:00

The picture I have in my head is this: Crowds of people. On one side is a huge gate where the Christian masses are walking together in unison. This crowd all think the same thing and believe the same thing, theologically. They love each other and accept one another because they all agree. If you want to join them they will welcome you as long as you accept their teaching and interpretation of the Bible.

I was one of them, walking in "the flow". I thought I was walking in the correct direction based on Matthew 7: 13-14 "Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."

But wait! Why are so many traveling this way? It says that there are few who find it. Then I look in a direction that I've never looked before.  Over there - just to the right. Another gate. Not many people. In fact, the people over there are the very ones that I once condemned according to my taught theology.

They look very different from the crowds of people I'm walking with. They look like the kinds of people Jesus hung out with. I want to go there!   This will be difficult because the crowd I'm walking with are all moving together. I don't care. I MUST get to those few.  In order to get there, I have to push my way through this crowd. It isn't easy because people are upset with me.  I'm going against the flow, ruining people's purpose and vision. "Hey, Stop it!" they yell, "you are stepping on our toes!"  What the hell is wrong with you! You are ruining our flow!"

I have to elbow my way as I walk (sometimes crawl) across the masses, getting knocked down, kicked, accused of compromising my faith and tolerating "abominable" sin. I am shamed by those whom I thought were my family. My knees and hands are getting dirty and scraped. I get kicked in the face when I'm on the ground crawling. I fall down several times, but get back up and continue.

I finally reach that narrow path. It's pretty quiet. As I look ahead, the gate isn't as grand and beautiful like the one I was walking towards.  There's something true about this one. Something real. Something human. Dirty, paint chipping off of it, hinges rusted. It's a gate that I know I will fit through if only I can get to it.

I finally reach the small crowd gathered along this small path leading to the small gate. I'm overwhelmed with love and unity. They welcome me with open arms and quietly embrace me.  The wounds that I received during my journey are tenderly cleaned and tended to. I'm home.

We don't know when the gate will open but we walk together. Some of the people I now walk with never had to fight the crowds because they were never accepted in the first place. You can hear the yells of hate and condemnation coming from the huge crowd directed at us. Scripture is being called out and you can hear the name of Jesus Christ rise in the air as that mass of people walk like a sea of water flowing over land.

Am I standing on the narrow path Jesus spoke of in Matthew? I think so. If I'm wrong, at least I know Jesus will say to me, "Child, you may not have walked on the path that was described in the scripture, but you loved my people and that is what I asked. Welcome home."

The Bible as Sacrament of the Sacred

2011-03-06T09:19:00.000-06:00

As a Fundamentalist, I always considered the Bible as "God's Words" to me for instruction, encouragement, discipline and life for my spirit. That left me with the question, "If I'm not reading my Bible daily does that mean I am ignoring God?" Guess I've been ignoring God alot lately.

When speaking to ex-fundamentalists, the one word that resontes with all of us is "Guilt". Feeling guilty for not doing the things we are told to do as Christians. Therefore, continually falling short. Guilty when we don't pick up God's word to communicate with Him and allow Him to communicate with us. It was, and still is, a terrible way to walk as a Christian.

The following is an excerpt from the book, "Reading the Bible Again for the First Time - Taking the Bible Seriously, but not Literally" by Marcus J. Borg. I must confess, there are some things that Mr. Borg says that I do not agree with. However, since reading this book, the guilt that I once felt about not picking up the Bible to "meet with God" is slowly melting away. As a result, I can feel the closeness and presence of God in such a way that I never did before. Guilt has been replaced with Peace. I no longer look at the Bible as the only means by which my Heavenly Father speaks to me. My spirit is free to allow the birds to talk for Him, that smooth jazz song to touch my spirit, and that child playing in the playground as God saying to me "I'm his child". I hope these words will do the same for you.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"In the study of religion, a sacrament is commonly defined as a mediator of the sacred, a vehicle by which God becomes present, a means through which the Spirit is experienced. This meaning includes the two (or seven) Christian Sacraments even as it is broader. Virtually anything can become sacramental: nature, music, prayer, birth, death, sexuality, poetry, persons, pilgrimage, even participation in sports, and so forth. Things are sacramental when they become occasions for the experience of God, moments when the Spirit becomes present, times when the sacred becomes an experiential reality.

"The Bible often functions in this sacramental way in the lives of Christians. It did so, for example, in the conversion experiences of many of the central figures of Christian history. Augustine's conversion experience happened when he heard a child singing, "Take up and read," which led him to read a passage in Paul's letter to the Romans that changed his life. Martin Luther's breakthrough from anxious striving to the experience of grace, as well as the movement of the Spirit in John Wesley's heart, happened through immersion in scripture. In each case, they epxerienced the Bible as a means whereby the Spirit addressed them in the present.

"The sacramental use of the Bible is also among the spiritual practices of both Jews and Christians. Meditation upon the Torah is an ancient Jewish practice. In the Christian tradition, a spiritual practice designed by Ignatius of Loyola involves meditating upon the images of a biblical text until they become animated by the Spirit. Another practice, lectio divina, involves entering a comtemplative state and listening while a passage of scritpure is read aloud a number of times with periods of silence between each reading. In these examples, the purpose of the practice is not to read or hear the Bible for information or content. Rather, the purpose is to listen for the Spirit of God speaking through the words of the biblical text.

"For many Christians the bible sometimes becomes sacramental in private devotional reading. As with the practices mentioned above, the purpose of devotional reading is not acquisition of content. Rather, it is openness to the experience of God addressing the reader through the phrase or verse, openness to the sense of the Spirit present within. In such moments the Bible becomes sacramental, a means of grace and mediator of the sacred. God "speaks" through the words of the biblical text.

"To see the Bible as a sacrament of the sacred also connects us back to the Bible as a human product. The bread and wine of the Christian sacrament of the eucharist are manifestly human products. Somebody made the bread and somebody made the wine. We do not think the bread and wine as "perfect" (whatever that might mean). Rather, to use a commen eucharistic phrase, we affirm that "in, with, and under" these manifestly human products of bread and wine, Christ becomes present to us. So also "in, with and under" the human words of the Bible, the Spirit of God addresses us.

"In the worhsip services of many denominations, including my own, the following words are spoken after the reading of a passage from the Bible: "The Word of the Lord." With my emphasis on the bible as a human product, I sometimes joke that we should say instead, "Some thoughts from ancient Israel," or "Some thoughts from the early Christian movement." But when I am being serious rather than flippant, I find the words used in the New Zealand Anglican Book of Common Prayer exactly right: "Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church." The Spirit of God speaks through the human words of these ancient documents: the Bible is a sacrament of the sacred.

Marcus J. Borg, Readiing the Bible Again for the First Time;Taking the Bible Seriously but Not Literally, (HarperCollins Publishers Inc., New York, NY, 2001) 31-33

Sarah Palin's 'rogue' Christianity

2011-02-21T09:46:00.000-06:00

"She has become sounding brass"

The following was written by Sally Quinn, writer for The Washington Post questioning Sarah Palin's christianity. It was written on November 17, 2009 and asks the same questions the rest of us would like to know, "Where is your Christianity?". Our prayer is that Mrs. Palin would return to the Christianity that the rest of us live in. That Christianity who's foundation is Love - the Love that speaks louder than words. Until she returns, her misrepresentation of Our Faith will continue to damage the message we are so desperately trying to convey.

Sarah Palin's 'rogue' Christianity

In her new book Sarah Palin writes that one summer at Bible Camp she "put my life in my creator's hands and trust Him as I sought my life's path." For Palin, this grand divine plan was "a natural progression." She writes. And later, "I don't believe in coincidences."

Which leads me to ask:

What does she believe is God's plan for her? Does she have any free will or is everything preordained.

Can she see something coming and change her mind despite God's plans for her?

Did God plan for her to become Governor of Alaska. If so, did God plan for her to step down. Did God plan for her to run for Vice President? If so why did she and McCain lose?

Did God plan for her to have a child with Down's Syndrome? If so why did she consider an abortion?

Did God plan for her to have a huge wardrobe? Then why did she apologize for it?

Did God plan for her to do the Katie Couric and Charlie Gibson interviews and be humiliated by them.

Did God plan for her to allow herself to be forced, against her will to do those interviews? If so then why complain?

Did God plan for her daughter Bristol to get pregnant while she was a teenager? Why was she then not thrilled. Did God plan for Bristol to get engaged and then break up, only to be left a single mother, dropping out of school?

Did God plan for Levi Johnson to be the father of her grandchild? Did God plan for Levi Johnson, who she now calls Ricky Hollywood, to pose nude for Playgirl and go into "porn" as she told Oprah. If so, why does she find it heartbreaking?

I find it all very confusing.

Certainly Palin could say that God planned for her to publish a book that would be a huge, bestseller, go on Oprah, and make an enormous amount of money. Why would God choose her? Why would God look at the suffering around the world of so many millions and say, Sarah, I'm going to give you all of this.

Perhaps God wants more out of Sarah Palin.
You would think that God would ask of her to live her life as an example to others of a compassionate loving, caring person. One of the most powerful examples of God's love in the Bible is that of forgiveness. Turning the other cheek. But Palin's book is a screed against everyone who ever done her wrong.

She is angry at the campaign staffer for "forcing her to do things she didn't want to do", she is angry at the media for asking her questions she couldn't answer. She is angry at the father of her grandson for being a foolish teenager. She has used this book and all of her Christian charity to do nothing but settle scores. She names names and calls 'em like she see 'em. And she doesn't see 'em the way God might.

They are all of his children.

(By the way, in her book Palin writes about, how, during the campaign, she took a call from Pastor Rick Warren when she was showering and that he offered to pray with her."I said, absolutely! Pray away! I would never turn down prayer even with limited hours in a campaign day, standing in a few inches of water with a shower curtain for a wardrobe. You do what you've got to do." I know Pastor Rick. He is one of the world's great guys. He not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. His book, "A Purpose Driven Life" has sold more books in English than any other book in history except for the Bible. He and his wife tithe 90% of everything they make to the church. Their lives are devoted to helping other people who are less fortunate than they are. The opening line of his book may be one of the greatest opening lines ever. It is: "it's not about you." It is unthinkable that Rick Warren would write an angry book, out to settle scores and pay back slights. Perhaps Sarah Palin could learn a lesson from Pastor Rick.)

Why would she not simply write a book describing her life as full of blessings as they are, forgiving those who caused her pain or discomfort and show God the gratitude she owes him for everything he has bestowed upon her.

But maybe that wasn't God's plan for her. Maybe he decided that he would have her stray from the basic tenets of her religions beliefs. The dictionary defines "rogue' as "an individual varying markedly from the standard."

The standard for Palin's God and faith is love, generosity, mercy and forgiveness. Perhaps that's what she means when she says she is "Going Rogue."

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/sally_quinn/2009/11/sarah_palins_rogue_christianity.html

Chasing God and Missing Him

2011-02-11T12:32:00.000-06:00

Empty

God is getting ready to break out in America, even if He has to bypass her stuffy churches to break out in the barrooms! We would be wise to remember that He has bypassed the religious elite before to dine with the poor, the profane, and the prostitutes.

The Western Church, and the American Church in particular, has exported its programs about God all over the world, but it is time for us to learn that our programs are not progress. What we need is His presence. We need to decide that whatever it takes and wherever it comes from, we must have Him. And He wants to come - on His terms, not ours. Until then, the Absence of "awesomeness" will haunt the Church.

We can be inside praying for Him to come while He passes by outside. Worse than that, the "insiders" miss Him while the "outsiders" march with Him.

Tommy Tenney, The God Chasers (Destiny Image Publishers, 1998), 18.

Tell Us Your Story

2011-02-08T05:45:00.005-06:00

I'm 47 years old. I accepted Jesus as my personal Saviour when I was 20. Over the past 5 years, Jesus has placed me on a path that has been difficult, lonely, troubling, a testing of my faith, and transforming.

My Christian background is Evangelical, Charismatic, tongue speaking, prophet following, revelation seeking, moving freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, building oneself up in your most holy faith, speaking words of life over yourself and others because our words, as we speak God's words, are powerful and can change the atmosphere and circumstances.

We are God's partner and God needs us here on earth to speak for Him, to move in Power to show all those unbelievers that God is real and active. If you followed the teaching of Kenneth Hagan, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, Pat Robertson - well you were in the right place and hearing the true gospel. You have the ability to speak something into being because God did. Therefore since we are His children and called Christians (which means Christlike), then whatever Christ did we also have the authority here on earth - to do the very same things. We have power. God given power, but we must know who we are In Christ and use that power. Build yourself up, build yourself up....that is what we must do as Christians.

I attended the church where my pastor was closely linked to Kenneth Copeland - traveling with Kenneth around the world ministering. I honestly felt like I was connected to the Prophet, Kenneth Copeland himself, just by my mere membership to this church.

There was a lot of emotion, yelling under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, crying, shouting, falling under the power of the Holy Spirit and every other physical manifestation that could be displayed as a witness that God was moving in our midst. Approximately 5 months before moving to another country, I was feeling a bit worn out by it all. A person can only take in so much revelation - a new revelational teaching every Sunday. I remember telling my new husband "I haven't chewed on the last teaching, how can I think about the next one and the next." By the time I finally moved I was glad to be away from it.

The place where I moved to there weren't the same types of churches that I was used to. We tried a couple churches that were pretty mild. I didn't mind the break. After 1-1/2 years of being away from it, I began to miss the emotional boost I would get from attending church. My faith was tested because I no longer had that stimuli every Sunday. I didn't "feel" God. I stopped reading the word, stopped enjoying praise and worship, just stopped. I knew God and knew He did not leave me. However, it was an empty time.

We then found a church that we felt would meet our needs. After attending for a year, there was a conference at our church sponsored by WorldVision. The conference featured many speakers from all walks of life who focused on social justice. One session was from a man who was raised in a Christian family, attended church every Sunday, your typical Christian family. In his teens he began to have homosexual feelings. He fought them until he couldn't any longer. When he confessed his feelings to his friends and the church, they rejected him. He was no longer allowed to attend and was kicked out of the ministry. His family also rejected him. So, he left the church, the faith and entered into that lifestyle. He eventually returned to God and now speaks on behalf of the gay and lesbian community. He is married to an ex-lesbian but continues to wrestle with his homosexual feelings.

I couldn't stop crying. I saw myself being one of those church members telling him, "You are a Sinner!! It is YOUR CHOICE. If you choose to be homosexual then - I'm sorry - but we cannot allow you to worship with us or associate with us." My heart was repentent and humilated.

The main speaker at this conference was Tony Campolo. I had never heard of him before. This man changed my life. He challenged me to get beyond my Conservative/Republican mindset of anti-gay, anti-abortion, self-righteousness and God's chosen people way of thinking. He spoke about how Christians today, especially in the political realm, seek power. We as Christians vote for pro-life, traditional marriages and Presidents with so-called Christian values. He asked the question - "has that changed Roe v. Wade?"

I was taught, from the pulpit, that my vote was my SEED that I was sowing for God and that I must vote Republican because they stand for what is righteous in the sight of God. Campolo then stated that what we lack as Christians is authority. My ears perked up. We gain authority when we have demonstrated to those around us that we love them. Once they see this demonstrated through our actions, then we have gained the right to speak to them about our faith - the right and authority to share the word of God, to speak on behalf of Christ as a Christian. There are times when we do not speak a word for days, weeks, months, or years, but our actions speak for us. Through these actions we gain that right. It is then that unbelievers will ask us, Who is God? Who is Christ? How can I accept Jesus. He pointed out that Power is gained by force, but Rights is gained by servanthood and humility.

This was the beginning of what God was speaking to me about. I once read Philip Yancy's book "What's So Amazing About Grace". I picked that book up again recently and read it with a completely different perspective.

Taken from Yancy's book -
"Recently I have been asking a question of strangers - for example, seatmates on an airplane - when I strike up a conversation. 'When I say the words 'evangelical Christian' what comes to mind?' In reply, mostly I hear political descriptions: of strident pro-life activists, or gay-rights opponents, or proposals for censoring the Internet. I hear references to the Moral Majority, an organization disbanded years ago. Not once - not once - have I heard a description redolent of grace. Apparently that is not the aroma Christians give off in the world."

God is speaking to me - He's saying it's time Christians begin to act like Christians. I don't think He is pleased with our reputation. It is unfortunate that many high profile "Christians" like Pat Robertson and Sarah Palin say and do stupid things that fuel the fire of those that have either rejected Christianity or have turned away from the faith.

Here are two examples: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tim-graham/2009/11/20/sally-quinn-says-sarah-palins-rotten-christian-unlike-reverend-wright

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/01/13/haiti.pat.robertson/index.html

I understand that this is a generalization towards Christians.

Tony Campolo showed me that it is okay to not agree with the sexual lifestyle of Homosexuality, but I am called to support their efforts for equality as human beings. This has been a struggle for me because of my staunch Conservative / Evangelical / Republican background. Campolo is asked by the LGBT community to speak at their events because they know that when it comes down to it, he will fight for their justice.

I do not worshop Campolo. God has used him to change me. I find myself loving the LGBT community now. My heart is full towards them. My heart loves women who have chosen to abort. I do not like abortion, but I no longer call myself "Pro-Life". I am Pro-Choice which does not mean pro-abortion.

Also along this path I read a book called "Crazy for God" by Frank Shaeffer. I had never heard of this man before. His father is the late theologian and author, Dr. Francis Schaeffer. The book was difficult to read but it opened my eyes to how the Pro-Life movement was originated. I relate to Frank in that the Republican party does not represent my faith or positions anymore.

A couple of months ago I decided to log onto a Christian Gay Chat Room. I was nervous and didn't know how I would be received. The purpose for my "visit" was to ask for their forgiveness on behalf of the the Christian Church and me as a Christian for the way I used to feel and treat them. I entered, stated that I was straight, asked if I was welcomed. They said I was absolutely welcome to be there. They were very curious why I was there. As I began to share and ask them questions, they did not judge me but loved me. I found loving people there. People who had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was active in their lives despite their lifestyle. I WAS AMAZED. I always thought that God rejected them because of their lifestyle. The truth is CHRISTIANS have rejected them, not God. I was overwhelmed and humbled. I found friends. I was transformed a little more.

This change has caused division between me and my parents (who still live in the states and are still grounded and deeply rooted in what I left). They are staunch Republicans, Conservatives, "Proud" Tea Party Patriots, Pro-Life, Anti-Gay - all in the name of Christianity. It has been a difficult road for me. At the same time, I am grateful to be where I am.

I spent most of my life in the Republican, Ultra-Conservative, Rightwing, Evangelical Christian bubble. When you are in a bubble, you can't smell or feel the outside world. Oh, you can see it, but it doesn't effect you one bit. It is the "us" and "them" mentality.

My bubble burst and for the first time I could smell others and feel others. My perspective completely changed, thank God. I now consider myself a Christian who believes in justice for all, not just the elite or privileged. I relate more with the "Left" than the "Right".

My heart has become tender towards women who face the heartwrenching decision whether to have an abortion or not. I don't judge them anymore. I am now open to hear the difficulties and challenges that the gay and lesbian communities face. Most importantly, I am interested in how the Christian community has contributed to the sorrows faced by both.

I am not proud to be called an Evangelical anymore, although I am. My goal is to be the kind of Christian that brings people towards our Lord, not push them away.

I have come to understand what Tony Campolo states, "that wherever somebody is hurting, that's where Jesus is".

I hope to be used by God to heal the wounds around me.

"Anne"

Tell us your story. Email us at: Christiansmisrepresented@gmail.com

We'll post your transformation from Fundamentalist, Dominionist, Evangelical Christian conversion to Progressive Christian. We know there are thousands out there. We need to hear from you.

Christians are Tired of Being Misrepresented because...

2011-01-29T09:56:00.000-06:00

Lindsay: "Because I want peace around the world and a clean environment, which puts me at odds with a lot of members of my old church."

Stephanie: "Because I believe in equality for all people--regardless of their race, religion, sexual preference, socioeconomic status, etc. And it seems that most people around me think one cannot believe in such things and still be a Christian."

Melissa: "The cry of the poor is largely ignored. Since I acknowledge them, I am called a socialist."

Gregory: "'Christian' has become and adjective and not a verb."

Penny: "I don't think GLBT people are "sinners" and I am sick to DEATH of the mainstream church representing Christians as small-minded, mean bigots."

Jen: "We were told to take of others, help the poor, the widow, the lonely and imprisoned. Instead, we're told that they're a bunch of freeloaders and aren't worth our time. Jesus said when you help the least of these, you help Me."

Jeff: "Because I don't hate minorities and gays and believe in equality and freedom for all. Because I don't worship at the foot of almighty greed. Because I believe in peace and am against the practice of torture. And many other things as well."

Lorrence: "Because of people who post things like this;

Rep. Vs. Dem. philosophy: Was Jesus was a Conservative? Luk19:24 And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.' Luk19:25 And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas!' Luk19:26 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Whenever I hear 'Taxing the rich' from our Governer (or Obama), it puts a face on the complainers(Middle Class?) in Luke 19:25.'
'WTF? Please be more clear about your point. :)
'LoL, its a parable. Their not meant to be clear. =P'
Luk19:26 19:24 The Nobelman (Ronald Regan:), rewards those making hand over fist cash with a tax cut! Luke 19:25 IMO would represent those hard working Poor and/or middle class that just cant achieve the same wealth no matter what they do. Without saying it, we want what you have (ie. Tax the rich.).'

Jere: "Because whenever I tell others I'm a Christian, they automatically think I'm a bigot, a racist, a homophobe, and a hypocrite -- thanks to the wonderful example set by the folks of the Religious Right. And because I'm NOT a member of the Religious Right, the Religious Right itself considers me bigoted, racist, unpatriotic, unChristian, and anti-American. I just can't win. :) "

Jennifer: "Because I believe that God's Kingdom is the complete opposite of the earthly 'kingdom' or power structure."

Lori: "Because all my brethren on the "right" are not right about a lot of things. Because I am tired of the religio-politico :"right" PRESUMING that ALL Christians think as they do & they think they have a corner on the market on morality, patrio...tism, family values, righteousness & all that is good & light in the world according to the Gospel of prosperity & militant Conservative Dogma. Because I know that ALL idols have clay feet, including charismatic personalities as well as politicians. Because I know & understand the Commandments & it is no accident that first 3 make it clear we are to worship God (though his Son) & NOT a politician or political ideology, or a flag, or a book or a piece of paper. Because I was made by God & given my blessings in life from Him & I accepted His Son of my own free will & know that others can only experience the Grace of God if they too are allowed to accept Him freely & NOT because of a religio-politico mandate! Because I am not a Nazi & neither are any of us who dare to disagree with the increasingly strident, intolerant, ignorant, highly reactionary 'right'."

CToBM: "We couldn't have said it any better.

I Am Still Here

2011-01-22T12:16:00.000-06:00

Night Sky

Dear Child,

Do you feel at times as though your life has somehow become enmeshed in thick clouds through which you can see no flicker of hope? I ask you to think, my child, of how often you have seen clouds cover the night sky, blotting out any sign of the stars. Did you think when this occurred that the stars had given up shining? Did you think they had burned out and tumbled into the blackness forever?

No, that thought never crossed your mind, for you trust the constancy of the stars. You know that although they are hidden for a night they are still there, still shining, and you will see their light again.

Oh, my child, if you trust the contancy of the stars, can you not trust the constancy of the One who created the stars and set them in space? Though my love may seem dim and distant to you now, blotted out by the clouds of your sorrow, I am still here, shining constantly down upon you, and I will always be. There is no darkness in this world so deep as to put out the light of my love!

Believe it! God

So don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.
[Isaiah 41:10]

Taken from the book, "Postcards for People Who Hurt" by Claire Cloninger

Explode the Myths, Heal the Church

2011-01-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

Jack Rogers

Excerpt from the book, "Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality - Explode the Myths, Heal the Church" by Jack Rogers.

Page 33

"When we study the church's historical positions on race and the role of women, a clear pattern emerges: In each case, leaders in the church claimed that;

(1) the Bible records God's judgment against the sin of people of African descent and women from their first mention in Scripture;

(2) people of African descent and women are somehow inferior in moral character and incapable of raising to the level of full white male, "Christian civilization"; and

(3) people of African descent and women are willfully sinful, often sexually promiscuous and threatening, and deserve punishment for their own acts.

"How did they get it so wrong? They followed Scotish Common Sense philosophy and the theology of Francis Turretin, rather than putting their trust in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

"What is instructive about these examples is that a similar pattern is emerging today regarding people who are homosexual.

Those who oppose homosexuality claim that;

(1) the Bible records God's judgment against the sin of homosexuality from its first mention in Scriptures;

(2) people who are homosexual are somehow inferior in moral character and incapable of rising to the level of full heterosexual "Christian civilzation"; and

(3) people who are homosexual are willfully sinful, often sexually promiscuous and threatening, and deserve punishment for their own acts.

"The church is once again repeating the mistakes of the past. And, as I will show in subsequent chapters, the reason why many people fail to apply Jesus' gospel to the issue of homosexuality is that they are once again using a "commonsense" method of biblical interpretation and are following the lead of fundamentalist theologians whose methods are similar to those of Turrentin.

"We are thankful that most Christians no longer believe in racial and gender hierarchy. Why? What changed our minds? How was the church able to change? In the next chapter we will review the way in which a new, Christ-centered approach to biblical interpretation carried forth the best insights of the dissenting abolitionists and expanded and applied them.

"This christological approach, which used the whole Bible, with Jesus as its central character and interpreter, enabled the church to change its mind and heart on issues of race and women."

It's a facinating book providing intricate detail of the history of the Presbyterian Church beginning with pre-Civil War and it's struggle to come to terms with the misinterpretations of scripture (Gen. 9:20-26 - Slaves) and (Gen. 3:1-16 - the Curse of Eve).

One last quote from the book regarding slavery.

"Prior to and, for some, even after the Civil War, the leading theologians of the Presbyterian Church were absolutely confident that Africans were cursed and deserved slavery for both their nature and their willful sin. These theologians were not evil people per se. They were among the best thinkers and church leaders of their day. The church wholeheartedly agreed with them."

We at Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented refuse to listen to modern day theologians and their misinterpretation of scripture. It's time we look to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. He is the one who sets us free from hate, fear, lies - He shows us the Truth and it is that Truth that sets us free. Free to love unconditionally.

"For the Bible Tells Me So"

Check out the above link to find out more about the movie "For the Bible Tells Me So". Since its 2007 release, For the Bible Tells Me So, the groundbreaking documentary on homosexuality and the church, has been changing countless hearts and minds wherever it’s been screened. Now, a new companion study promises to extend the film’s reach even further.