Has mankind gotten religion wrong? I don’t mean completely wrong, but have we made the small things the main thing and the main thing irrelevant? I suppose that depends on what you fell the main things is. I think it’s the gospel as an expression of God’s love. So I think the church has gotten away from having the main thing be the main thing.

The question of whether mankind has gotten religion wrong is a complex one that depends on a variety of factors, including one’s definition of religion, one’s understanding of the role of religion in society, and one’s personal beliefs and experiences.

On the one hand, religion has been a source of inspiration, guidance, and community for billions of people throughout human history. It has given rise to some of the world’s greatest works of art, literature, and music, and has motivated countless acts of charity, compassion, and service.

On the other hand, religion has also been responsible for some of the world’s most horrific acts of violence, persecution, and intolerance. It has been used to justify war, genocide, and oppression, and has been a source of division and conflict between different groups of people.

Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on one’s perspective and experience. For some, religion has been a powerful force for good in their lives, while for others it has been a source of pain and suffering. If we are honest, we will all admit that this divide is true and do everything we can to change everything we are doing in and for the church to work towards a vision of faith and spirituality that is grounded in love, compassion, and respect for all people. 

I am a pastor in a christian church. When I came out of the closet publicly last fall, I was met with this kind of division from the church — some were loving and yet some were filled with hate.

Coming out as transgender was a very personal and emotional experience, with my process varying widely from others I imagine due to differences in circumstances, support network, and cultural context. Some people may feel relieved and empowered as I was to finally be living as their authentic selves, while still others may feel anxious, isolated, or even unsafe. I know I felt that way while living a closeted life.  

For many transgender individuals, coming out involves telling family members, friends, coworkers, and others in their social circle about their gender identity and their decision to transition. Sometimes it all begins by telling one’s spouse. This can be a challenging and sometimes risky process, as not everyone may be accepting or supportive of their identity as some individuals may face discrimination, harassment, or violence as a result of their gender identity, which can make the coming out process even more daunting.

Despite these challenges, many transgender individuals find that coming out is a necessary and ultimately rewarding step in their journey towards living as their authentic selves. By being open and honest about their gender identity, they can build stronger relationships, find support and community, and advocate for greater acceptance and understanding of transgender experiences. I try to encourage other to be open in my role as a pastor.

The Bible does not specifically address the topic of transgender identity as we understand it today. However, there are some verses that are often cited in discussions of gender and sexuality.

One such verse is Genesis 1:27, which states, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This verse suggests that gender is an inherent part of a person’s identity, and some Christians interpret it to mean that people should embrace their biological sex as assigned at birth.

Another verse that is often discussed in this context is Deuteronomy 22:5, which says, “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.” Some Christians interpret this as a prohibition on cross-dressing or on changing one’s gender identity. for the transgender person, this text is an after-thought as he/she doesn’t feel they were created in the other gender to begin with, so the text is irrelevant to the one experiencing gender dysphoria.

However, it’s important to note that the Bible is a complex and multifaceted text, and different Christians may interpret these and other verses in different ways. Additionally, many Christians believe that the most important principle in interpreting scripture is the overarching message of love and compassion, and may therefore approach discussions of gender and sexuality with a focus on empathy and understanding rather than strict adherence to specific verses.

In Matthew 19:12 I am encouraged to read where Jesus mentions eunuchs in the context of a discussion about marriage and divorce. He says, “For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others–and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”

Now the text is not only about divorce, but it does give definition to one whose genitalia was altered or one who was born very different from the gender norms believed today. This can be read as Jesus said some were born with gender dysphoria and took actions to correct their genitalia and it should be accepted. It should also be noted that Jesus spoke about a great many things that people should avoid in their life.

Jesus encouraged his followers to avoid a variety of sins, including: Hypocrisy, Greed, Pride, Anger and Dishonesty.

Overall, Jesus’ teachings emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and justice, and he encouraged his followers to live in a way that reflected these values. While he did not provide a comprehensive list of sins to avoid, his teachings focused on cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with God and with one another, and on living a life that was characterized by kindness, generosity, and service. 

Jesus didn’t speak out against the eunuch and the question of transgenderism.

In Matthew 19:12, Jesus acknowledges that there are people who do not fit neatly into the categories of male or female, and he suggests that some people may choose to forgo sexual relationships altogether for the sake of serving God.  Being a eunuch was not considered an abomination in and of itself in the Bible. In fact, there are several examples of eunuchs in the Bible who are portrayed in a positive light, such as the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:27-40, who was converted to Christianity by Philip and baptized.

It’s worth noting that the term “eunuch” in Jesus’ time referred to a wide range of individuals, including castrated males, people with intersex conditions, and those who simply chose to live without engaging in sexual relationships. It’s therefore difficult to make broad generalizations about Jesus’ views on gender and sexuality based solely on this passage. Being a eunuch therefore was not considered an abomination whether they chose to change their sex by altering their genitalia or were forced by society.

So somehow many in the church are hung up on some things being an abomination when Jesus never suggested as such.

The word “abomination” is sometimes used in the Bible to describe certain behaviors or actions that are considered to be detestable or repugnant to God. In Leviticus 18:22, for example, it says, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”

This verse has been interpreted by some Christians to mean that homosexuality is a sin or that homosexual behavior is inherently immoral. However, it’s important to recognize that the concept of an “abomination” in the Bible is not always straightforward or easily translated into modern concepts of morality.

It’s important to remember that the Bible was written in a specific historical and cultural context, and it reflects the beliefs and attitudes of the people who wrote it. While the Bible contains many valuable lessons and insights, it should be read and interpreted with care, and with an awareness of its historical and cultural context. The bible suggests nothing specifically bout homosexuality.

The term “abomination” typically refers to something that is considered to be extremely repugnant or morally offensive. It can be used to describe a wide range of behaviors, beliefs, or objects that are considered taboo or forbidden in a particular culture or religious tradition. In the context of the Bible, the term is often used to describe behaviors or practices that are considered to be sinful or immoral according to Jewish or Christian religious law. However, it’s important to recognize that the concept of an “abomination” is subjective and can vary depending on cultural or religious norms.

In the context of Leviticus, the term “abomination” is used to describe a wide range of behaviors that were considered taboo in ancient Israel, including eating certain foods, wearing certain types of clothing, and engaging in sexual practices that were seen as deviant or impure. While these behaviors were considered sinful under the Levitical law, it’s worth noting that this law was specific to the Israelites and was not necessarily intended to be universal or timeless.

Furthermore, many Christians believe that the teachings of Jesus and the message of love and compassion in the New Testament supersede the specific laws of the Old Testament. While there is debate among Christians about the morality of homosexuality, I contend that the overarching message of the Bible is one of acceptance, forgiveness, and love for all people and that includes loving neighbor as self regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Living in a closeted world (hiding my queerness from others my whole life) was a world I was led to believe I was a disappointment to God. My life, so society and the church led me to believe, was a life where God would continually hate the idea that I was made at all. God created me ir order to hate me.  This is where the hurtful use of the term abomination lands — on the person God made that is different.

In our society today, this debate over sexuality has uncovered a platitude of anger and hatred we call homophobia.

For example, the idea that it is not socially acceptable for men to wear nail polish is a cultural norm that varies widely depending on the specific context and society in question. In some cultures or subcultures, men wearing nail polish may be accepted or even celebrated as a form of self-expression or fashion statement. In other contexts, however, it may be seen as breaking social norms or gender expectations.

The reason why this gender norm exists in some cultures may have to do with the traditional association of nail polish with femininity and beauty standards that are typically associated with women. In some societies, there is an expectation that men should adhere to a certain set of gender norms and behaviors, including wearing masculine clothing and grooming styles. By deviating from these norms, men may be perceived as not conforming to societal expectations and may face social stigma or discrimination as a result.

I find comfort in knowing that cultural norms and gender expectations are not fixed or universal, and they can change over time as society evolves and attitudes shift. As more people challenge traditional gender roles and express themselves in new and creative ways, it’s possible that the idea of men wearing nail polish may become more accepted and normalized in certain contexts. Ultimately, the choice to wear nail polish or engage in any form of self-expression should be based on personal preference and individual freedom, rather than social norms or gender expectations.

I have read a great deal about the roots of homophobia and can suggest that they are complex and multifaceted. Homophobia can be traced back to various cultural, social, and historical factors. Read that again — homophobia is a manmade attribute lived out in society. There are factors that have contributed to the development of homophobic attitudes and beliefs. Many religions and cultural traditions, which are manmade constructs, have historically taught that homosexuality is immoral or sinful. This has contributed to a perception of homosexuality as deviant or abnormal, and has reinforced negative stereotypes and attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals.

The lack of understanding and awareness about sexual orientation and gender identity leads to misconceptions and stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people. This can fuel fear and prejudice, and make it harder for people to accept and embrace diversity. Let’s face it, some people were just made differently.

Traditional gender roles and expectations often reinforce the idea that men should be masculine and women should be feminine. This contributes to the creation of a culture that is intolerant of gender non-conforming individuals, including those who are gay, lesbian, or transgender. LGBTQ+ individuals have historically been marginalized and discriminated against, both legally and socially. This has contributed to a legacy of fear and mistrust between LGBTQ+ individuals and the wider society, and has made it harder for LGBTQ+ people to live openly and authentically.

It’s worth noting that homophobia is not universal or static, and attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals have changed significantly in many parts of the world over the past several decades, but it still exists and is still very painful to experience. My hope is that as more people become aware of the diversity of human sexuality and gender identity, and as LGBTQ+ individuals gain greater visibility and representation in media and society, it’s may be possible that homophobia and other forms of discrimination may continue to decline.

So did God make a mistake when I was made? No, there is no evidence to suggest that God made a mistake when creating LGBTQ+ individuals. The idea that being LGBTQ+ is a mistake or a sin is a belief that is rooted in certain religious and cultural traditions, but it is not a universally held view.

Many LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies believe that sexuality and gender identity are natural and diverse aspects of human biology and psychology, and that they are not inherently sinful or immoral. Furthermore, many religious and spiritual traditions have embraced the idea that all people are created in the image of God, and that diversity and difference are part of God’s plan for humanity.

It’s important to remember that interpretations of religious texts and traditions are highly subjective and can vary widely depending on the individual and the cultural context. While some people may view being LGBTQ+ as a sin or a mistake, others may view it as a natural and beautiful expression of God’s creativity and love. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how they interpret their own faith and spirituality, and to show love and compassion towards others regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Homophobia, whether defined by religious institutions and christianity in general, has at least begun asking question and having dialogue about how to interpret the so called clobber passages against the LGBTQ+ community and what is mean for contemporary understandings of sexuality and sexual orientation. Some argue that these passages should be read in their historical and cultural context, and that they do not necessarily apply to modern concepts of consensual, loving same-sex relationships.

For me as a queer pastor and many christians like me, there are many other themes and values in the Bible that speak to issues of love, compassion, justice, and inclusion, and still many other religious and spiritual traditions that have embraced the idea that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are created in the image of God and are deserving of love and respect.