Dear Angel,
I'm gay, but I'm also a Christian. Raised in a strict pentecostal church, I was taught being homosexual is an abomination. I don't believe that but most churches do so I conceal my sexual orientation at church and around church members. I love my church, but they wouldn't be accepting of my "lifestyle". Do you think it's wrong of me to hide the fact that I'm gay in church?
I'm gay, but I'm also a Christian. Raised in a strict pentecostal church, I was taught being homosexual is an abomination. I don't believe that but most churches do so I conceal my sexual orientation at church and around church members. I love my church, but they wouldn't be accepting of my "lifestyle". Do you think it's wrong of me to hide the fact that I'm gay in church?
Tom Rhodes
Dear Tom,
I am familiar with this issue, being forced to go to a christian school for 5 years! Its my opinion that this is a matter of interpretation.
Remember the bible was translated to English and many things were changed in the translation. The word homosexual wasn't in the original texts, actually it wasn't added until the late 1940s. The word sodomite isn't in the original texts anywhere. Being a homosexual isn't a choice, just like being left handed isn't a choice, and one is no more a sin than the other in my book. There are many churches that are gay friendly, however if your church isn't, I see nothing wrong with not disclosing the fact that you're gay. You have no reason to tell them, I'm sure none of the church members come to you to say "I'm hetrosexual!" or "I'm straight.", its not something you're required to tell anyone and I don't think there's anything wrong with not telling them. Your relationship with God is between you and God.
Remember the bible was translated to English and many things were changed in the translation. The word homosexual wasn't in the original texts, actually it wasn't added until the late 1940s. The word sodomite isn't in the original texts anywhere. Being a homosexual isn't a choice, just like being left handed isn't a choice, and one is no more a sin than the other in my book. There are many churches that are gay friendly, however if your church isn't, I see nothing wrong with not disclosing the fact that you're gay. You have no reason to tell them, I'm sure none of the church members come to you to say "I'm hetrosexual!" or "I'm straight.", its not something you're required to tell anyone and I don't think there's anything wrong with not telling them. Your relationship with God is between you and God.
Peace,
Angel Lopez
yourhispaniclover@yahoo.com
yourhispaniclover@yahoo.com
**The Beliefs and advice in this column are meant for entertainment purposes only and are not necessarily the views of West Virginia's Queer News. Please seek professional assistance for any serious problem that is impacting your life.