Notice for New Readers

Sorry I'm not able to add any new Labels at this time.  If people are interested in my writing about gay issues, I believe the last three documents are significant--they're showing in recent posts.  They're mainly written for Christian people, and Christian gays, but some others might have an interest, also.  Then, there's my first pamphlet which I wrote in 2013/2014.  There are some updates added, and people can go to the Archives for November 2022; and see the post "Accessing My Pamphlet."  This will show the dates where the pamphlet pages are found.  The Archives are in the sidebar.  Thank you.

God's Love--part 2

Here's an extra page for the pamphlet.

To Show God's Love...

In my life, I've reached a senior age.  On the way to getting there, I've faced different problems.  Sometimes it was nice when people gave me genuine encouragement--no lectures or criticism, just positive support.  And it was nice when I didn't give myself self-condemnation either!

Have written a Bible study pamphlet to try to give honest encouragement to the 2SLGBTQs in conservative churches....  Not for their sexual orientation, but for their lives in general.  If people have received this kind of support already, I think it's great.  But chances are, not everyone has?

Am not saying that conservative churches should never be concerned about sexual orientation.  In my church, we have rules for who can be an official member of the church.  But as far as I understand, anyone can be a Sabbath School/Sunday School member, as far as that goes [see pamphlet].

Homosexuality in India

From 1861, the Indian Penal Code in India had a criminal law against "unnatural offences."  This covered sexual behaviour between gay persons.  It wasn't until 2018 that the law was finally changed to allow consenting adult behaviour in private.  From 2009-2013 there had been some relief but the concession was overturned.  So, it took another five years to get a permanent change, it seems.  I understand this Penal Code now states that sexual orientation can't be changed; and I don't necessarily agree with that, but I believe people need freedom to make their choices.  And criminal punishments aren't appropriate, in my opinion.

Even with a change in 2018, I believe adults in India--or those who have emigrated from there--may have some trauma from how they were previously treated?  I believe we should have compassion for people; and we don't know what kind of personal struggles they've had...?  

A Message For My Church

 A little while ago, the pastor of my church told me about a problem at the church school.  Some gay people--he didn't say who--had requested the school to fly a rainbow flag, along with other schools in this area, as far as I understand.  The school felt that these people wanted them to approve of homosexuality...but I don't believe that was necessarily the case...?  I recently wrote a note to explain my views about the flag situation, and I gave it to the pastor....  I hope the school will come to some kind of an agreement with the gays...and they may need a little time to think about it...?  [Maybe some other schools will get an idea, also, if they meet the same request...?]

Islam and Homosexuality

A little while ago, someone brought up the religion of Islam to me; and they said Islam was not going along with our modern culture....  Have been doing a little study....

Some of the laws of Islam, and some Muslim countries, are very strict in their dealings with homosexuality [as of 2015].  There's a possible death penalty under Shariah law, as far as I understand [as of 2015].  Some other Muslim people have been re-examining the beliefs of Islam about homosexuality and they're watering down the issues....  They're compromising and excusing their views....  

Research has shown that in 2015, many Muslims believed the practise of homosexuality was wrong even if the Quran didn't address it much, if at all?  NOTE, added on September 11:  The story of Lot and the city of Sodom are included in the Quran, but there are different interpretations about them.  And otherwise, the Quran is less strict than the Bible.

Devout Muslims believe in Allah and they want to follow a code of morality.  It can be difficult for those who feel that they're inherently gay and who perhaps grew up with those feelings....  Sensible people understand that there needs to be support for gays within their religion but it's a challenge, and gays may spend time in confusion and dysfunction....  However, if Muslims want to hold to their standards, I believe it's their right to do so.  It's the same as in my church that I believe people are entitled to their beliefs.  

Instead of going along with traditional values alone, maybe people need to have a deeper look at the issues...?  They need to give some thought to these matters?  And if people decide on what's good for their own religion, then they can consider how they'll treat those outside of their religion, as I've been suggesting for conservative Christians....  According to my Internet research, there is some conflict within the Muslim faith?  But to be clear, I believe it IS OKAY for the different religions to have their beliefs and standards.  

My Third Pamphlet

Someone had recommended a special Bible commentary and a companion "study Bible," which were printed at the main theological seminary of my church in North America.  Was able to purchase these materials and work with them, along with other materials I've previously had, and I believe I was able to make a more professional pamphlet.  People might wonder if I'm a religious person(?)...but I can say I've had to reach out to God in the past years because I've had few other people to help me...!  So, I've prayed a lot, and have done my best, and I believe God has helped me.  I hope people will get some use out of this third pamphlet--and it may be my definitive answer to the conservative Christians and to their friends in uniform....  We'll see how long it takes everyone to respond to this latest information, or if we need to wait for them all...???  Sometimes there are things happening behind the scenes, and we may be able to carry on with our confidential business matters...?  [Please see the pages posted separately.]