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Readers are an integral part of Whosoever. We appreciate hearing from our readers, whether they have praise or hot coals to heap on our heads. With the new year, we're beginning this new feature of a reader forum. Here's some of the things our readers are saying.
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Editor:
Thank you for the insightful article by Candace Chellew Embracing the
Devil You Don't Know. While I'm not "out" yet, the article certainly gave
me strength to possibly face that event some day.
The first-hand thoughts, feeling and experiences in the article made me feel
as if I were also living it first hand. I know I will be better prepared to
face that day because of the article. I have some distance to go yet before
I'm ready to take the step.
I'll keep checking in on the Whosoever website for more inspiration.
Thank you.
RealGuyWI
Editor:
Thank you!!
It's about time that there was an organization that confirmed lesbigay
relationships. I believe that they can and are for the most part as
sincere and loving as any hetero relationship. I have several
"Christian" friend who, unfortunately believe that the words of Jesus
Christ condemn LBGT to everlasting hell. I have argued about this with
them but they do not believe that all are loved by Him. This may seem a
bit different to you but I'm a straight male who is involved in singing
with a gay choir and a member of their board. I believe that equality
for all is what the New Covenant is about.
Anyway, thank you again for being there.
Dennis
Editor:
It seems to me that this ministry is trying to maximize the "wiggle" room that
can be accomplished within a strict framework of beliefs that still hearken
to that of Biblical inerrancy. I fail to see any but marginal
differences--squabbling over textual hair splitting and minutiae.
It seems to me that the real basis of hope for any reconciliation of gays to
God would lie in relating to Jesus through a spiritual process rather than
trying to paper over and rescue a formal religious system which--despite
Boswell's arguments to the contrary-- "enjoys" a current as well as
historical antipathy to gays. That is why I personally despair at the
apparently studied lack of attention that so many gay outreach ministries
seem to cultivate regarding the neo-reformationist, Jesus Seminar luminaries
such as Marcus J. Borg (Jesus a New Vision) Crossan, Funk, Burton Mack, L.
William Countryman, et al.
I have yet to walk into a Christian book store anywhere in this country and
find these vital books displayed or even readily available. So, in the sense
of marketing practices in the arena of ideas, it would seem that you are also
"in bed with" the fundamentalist position. . . . not to be confused with the
"Missionary Position" -- a good read apropos Mother Teresa, by the way
GBryson777
Editor Candace Chellew responds:
Hi,
Thanks for your letter.
I understand your concern. There is a sort of "necessary evil" that Whosoever must engage in to reach the GLBT community and you've hit upon it. Yes, at some points we must discuss the Bible and the literal interpretations of it that the fundamentalists tout. Yes, at some points we must "get in bed" with them or "play on their field." Too many of our GLBT sisters and brothers come from this background. They cannot make the leap from "my background says the Bible condemns homosexuality" to the views of authors like Borg, Crossan, Funk, et al. They need to get there in steps. The first step is to overcome their belief that the Bible condemns GLBT believers. That's where Whosoever comes in. We assist them in that transition.
I'm not sure how much of Whosoever you've read, but if you get into some of the issues, you'll find the perspectives of Borg, Crossan and the others expressed within the pages of the magazine. Some authors are already there ... others are still evolving in their faith and are not quite ready to embrace these more progressive positions.
On the surface, I can see why it may look like Whosoever is trying to "paper over" an intolerant religious structure. In reality, we are trying to serve as a stepping stone that helps people overcome such a structure. Whosoever advocates for no specific denomination. In fact, our official stance is that we favor no church. No one has to return to any church to reclaim their spirituality. Church is not necessary. Your relationship with God, through Jesus, is what is supreme. Church, organized religion or any of its forms is not necessary.
I hope this clears up for you the true mission of Whosoever. Again, thanks for your letter.
Blessings,
Candace Chellew
Editor:
I came upon your web site while looking for ideas to use in a Bible
class.
It is a sad shame that gay people are treated with such abuse.
However, it
is even more sad that some people are telling them that lifestyle is
acceptable to God. Please read Romans 1: 18-32. (In particular,
around
verses 24-27.) I know that isn't the only passage that deals with
this
subject, but I do not have my Bible handy to find others at this
time.
Please read this before you continue to condone this behavior. In
Christian
concern,
Editor:
This morning I awoke to seek out something I can share with our Gay and
Lesbian Small Faith Group on Wednesday. An altavista search of Gay,
Christian, and prayer led me to Whosoever - what a devotion of love to which
you are attending!
Thank you especially for your January Devotional Journal - reminding me of
how I need and want to recenter my life around God and not just the busy-ness
of the world.
May the peace of God be with you always!
Njilankulu
Editor:
I just wanted to say that your creating this site was an excellent idea.
It is comforting to know there are places to turn to when I get
discouraged. Thank you for offering positive reinforcement to the gay,
bisexual, transgender, and even heterosexual community. I realize that
maintaining the website must be tiresome and grueling at times,
especially for one person; I just thought that recognition for your hard
work might help a bit. If I am any indication, you are affecting the
lives of many people out there, and I want you to know we appreciate it.
;-)
John
Editor:
Hello. I was very glad to see your web page. I am a Christian who has always believed that homosexuality was a sin and wrong. Then I met someone (a woman) and found myself attracted to her. I was attracted to her physically, but more so I think I fell for the person that she is...not with her gender so much as her person. I have had many problems with my roommate and best friend and this topic. She believes that is it wrong and will not support me with it in any way. That makes it tough because she is the only one who knows anything about it. The woman I met and I have been seeing each other and I still like her a lot. I have been trying to put everything together and have decided that no matter what relationship I am in, I am still in a relationship with Jesus. I just wish that everyone understood this. Thanks for your page. It is good to know that there are other Christians out there that feel the way I do.
Jodi
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