Posted on 05/24/2013 8:24:27 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Between the faction of gay Christians who are happy with their sexual identity and "ex-gays," who say they've removed their homosexual yearnings, is a third group that gets little attention. These so-called Side B Christians identify as gay and believe it's not sinful to do so. But because they see acting on their orientation as ungodly, they commit to a life of celibacy.
Now, for the first time, a sociologist has taken an in-depth look at what makes Side Bs tick, particularly how they navigate their same-sex desires and their awkward position as stuck in the middle of ex-gay groups and content gay Christians. The study is small, but finds that Side Bs experience both tension and connection with these two groups. (The origins of the "Side B" term are foggy, but the terminology seems to come from the organization the Gay Christian Network, which labels gay Christians who do not see their sexuality as sinful as "Side A" and those who do as "Side B.")
"The networks overlap with these two groups very strongly, and they did often feel kind of caught in the middle, certainly," said study researcher S.J. Creek, a sociologist at Hollins University of Virginia.
The study of Side B Christians grew out of a larger research project by Creek looking into the lives of ex-gay Christians. This movement, which centers largely around the organization Exodus International, claims that same-sex desire can be stifled and that sexual orientation can be changed — hence the term "ex-gay." Numbers on ex-gay individuals are hard to come by, but Exodus International claims 3,000 people worldwide attend one of its ministry events each week.
In interviewing people who had sought help from ex-gay groups and then left, Creek found two distinct groups:
(Excerpt) Read more at livescience.com ...
Isn’t it impossible to be a gay Christian?
Yes, it is possible to be Christian and gay. They simply do not act on their impulses in the same way unmarried heterosexuals do not act on their impulses.
You’re confused again. It’s impossible to be an honest leftist.
The thing you work so hard at failing to grasp is that we all fall short, we’re all imperfect and therefore we sin. Christians repent of their sins and sincerely endeavor not to commit them.
This is something that anyone can do, regardless of their sins, or the degree of them.
Attempting to distort scripture into favoring or at least not condemning your particular, personal sin is ultimately not going to be of any benefit, though. Going along with it to appear accepting is not love, either. You’re leading them to their deaths.
you are very kind, thank you!
keep a smile, and keep faith alive
fhc
yes they will be shunned.
difficult for them, likely.
but who in this life is not shunned by somebody or some group of somebodies?
It is, methinks, a big part of “growing up” to learn how to deal with this simple fact of life.
They can do it if they put their mind and faith to it.
Not easy, not easy at all, but we all have learned, or have to learn how to handle this difficult part of life.
Best, fhc.
-————————————20.) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21.) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
22.) Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Tim. 2:xx)
ok thanks
I’m not leading anyone anywhere. I asked that because over the years here on FR, I’ve read that a homosexual cannot be a true Christian.
I guess it depends on who one talks with...sounds rather relative to me.
This is true, I also have a celibate Christian friend who’s never been married; she wishes she was, but she fills her life with activities, Christian and non, and manages. I guess the “hellish” part is realizing that your same sex attractions in and of themselves are so different and “wrong”, and your chances of ever finding a mate are proscribed by scripture, even if you found someone (as in the case of unmarried women finally finding someone). Also, she’s had many “deliverance” episodes with many pastors, groups and churches. We’re waiting on the Lord, in any case. Thanks for comments and prayers.
“I guess it depends on who one talks with...sounds rather relative to me.”
I believe it depends solely on what Scripture alone teaches about this topic regardless of what any individual(including myself) or religious group says about it.
For some scriptural examples of the Bible’s teaching on this topic:
Romans 1:24-27
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%201:24-27&version=ESVUK
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Corinthians%206:9-10&version=ESVUK
1 Timothy 1:8-11
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Timothy%201:8-11&version=ESVUK
Jude 7
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude%207&version=ESVUK
Bingo.
I agree. Wasn’t lamenting the fact they’ll be shunned, just hoping to portray the cruelty of the gay mafia, and the single-minded orthodoxy.
Not for a person that does not follow scripture.
I wouldn’t call that person a Christian then.
Some people use "homosexual" to mean: "a person who experiences same-sex attraction," whether or not they "identify as "gay", whether or not they seek same-sex romantic or sexual relationships, whether or not they see this as an unchangeable part of their personality.
Other people use "homosexual" to mean: "a man who has sexual relations with men, or a woman with women."
The first definition doesn't necessarily involve any kind of sin or rebellion. This "homosexual" could be a faithful, believing Christian, just like any other person who simply has a disorder of some kind.
A disorder in itself, is not a sin or a rebellion against God.
But the second sort --- the practicing homosexual who engages in behavior behavior that is forbidden by Divine and Natural Law---is not being a faithful Christian.
The second definition indicates prohibited actions. That's deliberate sin, and that's the problem.
I say, more power to them.
John Stoltenberg and Andrea Dworkin come to mind.
It's surprising how many lesbians end up marrying men.
The late PCA theologian Francis Schaeffer would distinguish by using the following terms: “homophile”(a person who deals with same-sex temptations and attractions) and “homosexual”(a person who engages in same-sex sexual acts). To quote Schaffer, “not all homophiles are necessarily homosexuals and not all homosexuals are necessarily homophiles.”
Regardless of one’s feelings, same sex sexual acts are always sin.
You would be correct.
Sodomy (deviate sexual intercourse) is a sin, and it is wrong whether it is engaged in by so-called homosexuals or so-called heterosexuals, and whether it is woman-woman, man-man, or even man-woman.
There are not a few men who would call themselves heterosexual and yet commit sodomy with other men, esp. under certain circumstances (e.g. prison, the military, or some other predominantly male environment.)
All the language concerning sex and gender has become confusing, as normal behavior has become more and more deconstructed.
And what a demonic project this is: the deconstruction of sex and gender. It is coming close to the core of deconstructing humanity per se.
See, it seems like it depends on who one talks to. thanks
And to replace the natural family with the state.
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