Gay Myth #5: We are Godless Sinners

It is difficult to write objectively on a topic that essentially contemplates my eternal damnation. To many Christian believers, being gay means going to hell. Period. So, unless I do something drastic and more socially acceptable - like becoming an ordained priest for example - I am destined to dwell in the pits of hell.

It doesn't matter if God made me this way (which He didn't if you ask many Christian crusaders - I clearly chose to be sexually attracted to men, either consciously or sub-consciously), living a 'gay lifestyle' is an abomination and can only result in fire and brimstone.

Nor does it matter that the few scriptures that even allude to homosexuality as a sin are subject to debate in regards to both literal translation and contextual meaning. No... these self-anointed soul-savers clearly have the inside scoop on the Word of God and are more than eager to share the true meaning of these passages with all who will listen.

As good Christians, most make sure to remind everyone to 'hate the sin, and not the sinner'. This means they will tolerate me and my lifestyle while they pity me for my certain damnation. Very pious, indeed. For the record, I so appreciate being tolerated. I once had to tolerate Athlete's Foot that lasted for several weeks, and it required an enormous amount of self restraint to keep from chopping off my feet. If not for my faith in Lotrimin, and an untapped inner-strength I had previously not known, I fear I would have smote (smitten?) my feet while pitying their fate. Tolerance has truly made me a better man. I can only imagine the patience and inner resolve it takes for a good Christian to tolerate the flaming forbidden fruits that frolic among them.

Sarcasm aside, I do think it's difficult for any gay man or woman to truly embrace a religion that espouses homophobic dogma. As I think about my LGBT friends, I have to say that most are not outwardly religious people - although I speculate that many of them have core religious beliefs. Conversely, I also know several gay men and women who are deeply religious and have found tremendous spiritual support through the minority of churches who openly welcome LGBT members. It's disheartening to know, however, that most churches continue to treat homosexuality as a sin and therefore treat gays with 'tolerance' rather than a welcoming embrace. Frankly, I find it unbelievable that ANY religion would turn away someone who is truly seeking spiritual enlightenment, and yet here we are.

For me, it's hard to reconcile the notion that God made me gay, and is condemning me for it (or at least for not 'overcoming' it). I recently read some advice on an Islamic site that instructs parents to teach their children at an early age that homosexuality is wrong, and that if they experience homosexual urges they must resist because they are being 'tested' by God. I'm sure this attitude is not unique to the Islam faith - it is just as prevalent in Christianity. I believe there is something inherently wrong with that way of thinking, and I will not accept it.

More importantly, I do not believe morality has anything to do with sexual identity. In my opinion, any secular faith that equates the two has let societal misconceptions and fears overshadow the true message that early spiritual leaders were trying to convey. Most religions are based on one simple rule: "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". This means you should have love and respect for others - promoting their safety, well-being, and prosperity - and you should strive to contribute to a better society.

At its core, that's what religion is all about. It has nothing to do with sexual identity. In fact, the very act of condemning and chastising gays for their sexual identity in the name of God is contrary to the basic tenets of religion. How does prejudice and bigotry demonstrate love and respect for fellow man? Leave the final judgment to your God of choice, but while in this life... Live and Let Love.

So are gays Godless? Clearly not. As I've said before, the LGBT community is as diverse as society itself. We represent the full spectrum of religious beliefs, in spite of the fact that we are ostracized by many of the religions we belong to.

And are gays sinners? You'll have to decide that for yourself. I've given you my view of it. For reference, here is a brief 'cheat sheet' on how many of the major religions view homosexuality.

• Christianity: varies by church denomination, but traditionally considers homosexuality a sin.
• Judaism: varies by Jewish sect. Scripture alludes to homosexual acts as an abomination - much like practicing idolatry, sinful sacrifices, and/or witchcraft, although the translation and context is debated.
• Islam: explicitly states that homosexuality is a sin. Many Islamic countries still punish homosexual acts with death. (Sure... and these people choose to be gay)
• Hindu: does not appear to reference homosexuality in religious texts, and so seems to have conflicting interpretations.
• Buddhism: does not appear that the Buddha addressed homosexuality directly in his teachings, and also seems to have conflicting interpretations.

For a far more comprehensive chart on various religious views on homosexuality, click on the following link at http://www.religionfacts.com/homosexuality/comparison_chart.htm. I'm sure you'll find it interesting.

Special thanks to http://www.religioustolerance.org/ for a wealth of information on this topic.