Christan and major anxiety over sexuality

Well, I'm not Christian so my perspective won't be the same, but I certainly don't think experimenting with your sexuality is sinful nor do I think being gay or bi is wrong. I think if you need to do this then you should. I don't think religion has a place in telling someone what kind of personal relationships people should have. But it sounds like you need to resolve the conflict between your beliefs and your identity. There are ways to be religious and gay, but how you want to do that is up to you.

 

I'm Christian and Bi. While it is not easy easy being Christian and not straight it is do able. I find that I am happier being honest about who I am (in the right circumstances). The pastor at the church I was going to until my car broke knows I'm bi and that I a wife and is still supportive of me. I have many good things about Chi Aphla. I was apaft of United Christian Ministry and they worked with chi alpha.

 

I have explored the relationship between homosexuality and Gods word rather exstensively. I suggest reading the book "taking a chance on God" .. I can't recall the author of the top of my head, but I think it could help you deal more intimately with your relationship with God. You will not burn in help for being gay

 

You seem to be stuck in a bit of a loop on this issue, so I would ask you to refer back to our previous conversations where you talked about the conflict between faith and sexuality and reflect on what we discussed. Much of what we talked about then applies here.

The arguments that are put forward about sexual morality and immorality are usually based around a narrow, one-side understanding of The Bible. Short verses are snipped out of huge and complex chapters with little appreciation for original language, meaning or context. It's the fundamentalists deliberate approach to scripture and you need to realise what they are doing and why they are doing it. Chi Alpha is not going to appraise you of deeper facts, details and concepts around Christianity or develop your understanding beyond base ideas. You need to decide if they helping you to mature in the Christian faith, or (as I believe) stunt your development and exert control with all of the talk of sin and hell.

 

I agree with this. I really don't think this is the best place for someone in a vulnerable place in their self acceptance to be imho. I think you need to maybe work on accepting yourself first, take a step back from your beliefs and reevaluate from a place of strength. I fear these people are going to reel you back into shame and self hatred.

 

I have a childhood friend whose family, though not involved in Assembly of God, is affiliated with a similiar church with similiar teachings. I don't think I can do enough to warn you that these churches are very toxic. They seem very welcoming on the outside but these places are not in your best interest. They can really trap you and make you feel helpless and then use that to manipulate you. I don't have anything against Christians or Christianity, but there are so many other choices that aren't basically a cult. Which is what these things are. If your faith and finding a church benefits you more power to you, but please don't do damage to yourself by getting further involved in this. My relationship with my fried has never been the same since her family became heavily involved in the church. It changed her and not for the better.

 

Okay Scorpion, let's consider that statement a little. Many Christians talk about being like Jesus (and holiness and walking with God), but when you strip back the veneer is that what you actually see? Does their attitude, behaviour and ideology align with the teachings of Christ, as we know them? I would suggest quite strongly that they don't. Any church that cultivates an atmosphere of fear and oppression towards another human being cannot possibly claim to emulate Jesus or be sympathetic to his teachings. One of the greatest themes that we find in Jesus' teachings is to refrain from judgement and condemnation and to live a life that is centred around love, without exclusion or denigration. It's quite dishonest to say that you follow Jesus while tolerating homophobia, transphobia, rejection of immigrants, asylum seekers and the poor, and support for acts of violence, love of money, power or status. The sad reality is that many churches are infected with some or all of these values today and have totally diverged from the fundamentals of Christianity, lending more support to political leaders than they do to the Lord. In summary, it is they (and not you) that need to be put right with God.

You say that Chi Alpha has brought some stability since 2016, but I have counted a number of different threads that you have created here on EC where you have expressed concern or anxiety about their evangelical approach. Is it therefore accurate to say they have brought stability and friendship, or is it more likely they have brought an illusion of stability and friendship, providing you toe the line?

Have a think about these things and consider your next step.

 

Officially I go to a Christian church but I personally have more Unitarian beliefs. In my opinion I don't think homosexual feelings are sinful. It's all natural, God's creation, sex is beautiful.

 

I was actually going to recommend this to the Op. I think Unitarian Universalism is a great alternative for a lot of Christians who don't feel welcome.

 

So who is Zach? Does he hold any position of authority within the group, or is he just spouting his own opinions as fact?

You're clearly in touch with a different set of ideas about Christianity, but you are becoming distracted by the narrow minded views of people like Zach. Have confidence in yourself and the path you have chosen and take time to explore those more progressive ideas. You made the decision to join XA, so why not do the same with a more liberal and grounded group of Christians who will not pass judgement or seek to change or manipulate you? There you may find some real friends.

 

I'm a Bisexual Christan if that makes sense

 

Bisexual and Christian are just fine together .god doesn't make mistakes. You are on the right path ..be yourself ..no one else can be you. Beleive in your self

 

As am I.