My Homosexual Agenda

agenda

I have a homosexual agenda, but it’s not what you think.

Today I was dialoguing in one of my progressive Christian groups, of which I am a member. There was a man who entered in the conversation. It actually was not much of a conversation, since it was very one-sided. He was there to sound an alarm! He began posting articles about there being a “homosexual agenda”.

A homosexual agenda??- I must have missed the memo! You see, according to these articles, and his own words, there is a cynical plan of the LGBT community to destroy the family unit, turn “questioning kids” gay, and to annihilate the Christian faith. Then, to top it all off, we will slide further down the slippery slope of depravity where pedophiles become accepted and welcomed in society, just as the gays have become accepted. The alarm was sounding loud and clear! We are headed to apostasy and perversion and God is  going to start burning cities, one by one (Yes, he actually said that!).

Now, I must admit that this kind of interaction is probably outside of the norm. I honestly was not even offended by him. Yes, I was shocked and saddened for this fearful man and the way that he was using his energy and religion, but not offended. Honestly, there is not much of a healthy conversation that can take place with someone in that state of hate and fear. I do, however, regret the thought of someone younger and more impressionable, who is wrestling with their faith and sexuality, to come across such a man. I usually choose not engage with this type of mindless exchange. As much as I would like to warn him about the pain that people like him are causing, he could not hear.

So, while this type of interaction was at the end of extremism, I do not think it is too far off from some of the thoughts and voices that are out there. Growing up in a conservative Evangelical environment, I do remember hearing concerns that there was some type of “work of the devil” to break apart the the family unit, water down biblical “truth”, and to influence the youth into questioning their sexuality with the goal of turning them gay. This was going to result in further apostasy, leading right up to Armageddon…and the gays would certainly play a part in it all. One can only imagine why there are several people in these groups who are a bit fearful to take a second look at what they have been taught.

I can understand the mindset of many of these people, especially when all they are ever told is that gay people are sinners who have chosen to be gay. This is beaten into them from the beginning and they are expected to line up on the right side of “truth”, and if they do not, then they are not part of the “faithful”! People want to feel included, especially in their family of faith where they have shared many positive experiences and even sensed the move of God’s Spirit, despite human weaknesses. God is so gracious and patient with us, even in our ignorance. His Spirit is always striving to steer us in the direction of love and peace, even though we fail many times. We, as the Church, certainly do not always have the right kind of agenda and we end up pushing others outside the Church doors.

So, here is my homosexual agenda.
I’m going to be really honest here, so please hear me out:

My agenda is to make this world a better place. A place where those who haven’t been included, will find a space of acceptance. A place where kids aren’t driven to depression and suicide. A place where grown adults don’t loathe themselves for years living in anxiety, loneliness, and maybe even addiction. A place where those who have been  marginalized become embraced and celebrated. A place where those who have been discriminated against will finally be granted equal rights and protection by law. A place where we can flourish, as normal members of society, whose unique gifts are valued. A place where the LGBT aren’t pushed out of the Church doors and stripped of their faith, but are included as full members and leaders in their faith communities. A place where all families are made stronger by the common love they share. We do not wish to turn your kids gay (we honestly don’t care and that just can’t happen anyway), but we can help ensure that those who so happen to be will have a better future. We want your marriages to succeed, just as we want our marriages to succeed. My agenda is to help push the world out of our dark days and into brighter days. I am a small part, but I am a part of a whole movement.

I am happy that we have spoken out and stepped up, and I believe that our best days are ahead. I am grateful that we have allies who stand beside us, who are cheering us on. I am proud to be part of a diverse family of faith, where the faithful know the love and grace of God and are eager to share it freely. I have met some incredible people and have heard some amazing stories…stories that give me hope and cause me to stand in awe. I have seen incredible men and women who are bold in their faith grab the torch and light the path for us.

So, I guess I do have an agenda, but let me put your mind at ease. It’s not what you think…it’s not what you have been told. My agenda is love and equality.

This is my agenda. This is our agenda.

 

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
    to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”


Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Luke 4: 14-20 (NIV)

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photo credit: Nathan Rupert – flickr, cc

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Lofgren-Robert2ROBERT LOFGREN is a gay Christian who wrestled with his faith and his sexuality and found peace. He strives to love Christ and to show His love for all people. Robert is an advocate for LGBT rights and building bridges between the two communities to which he belongs and is so passionate about — the LGBT community and the Church.

He lives in Orange County, CA with his boyfriend of seven years and two Boston Terriers.  Robert blogs at The Gay Post-Evangelical.
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