Tribe.net. Local Connections Mike http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/9b7f6761-a4ba-4c91-8517-d9ac93988aff 2008-03-24T01:11:43Z 2008-03-24T01:11:43Z

<div>Dear Dr. Laura, <br/>Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. For example, when someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. However, I do need some advice from you regarding some of the other <br/>specific laws and how to follow them. <br/>1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev.1:9). The problem is <br/>my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them? <br/>2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her? <br/>3. I know that I am allowed no contact <br/>with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual <br/>uncleanliness - Lev.15:19-24. The problem is, how do I <br/>tell? I have tried asking, but most women take <br/>offense. <br/>4. Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians? <br/>5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself? <br/>6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? <br/>7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here? <br/>8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they die? <br/>9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves? <br/>10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting <br/>two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them (Lev.24:10-16)? Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14) <br/>I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging. <br/> <br/>Your devoted fan, <br/>Mike <br/> <br/> </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 0 replies </div>

Mike 2008-03-24T01:11:43Z Mike http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/3a16a47a-cc5f-4ad5-88e3-cc033db99b54 2008-03-21T04:42:19Z 2008-03-21T04:42:19Z

<div> I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. <br/> <br/>He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed...' <br/> <br/>I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in. <br/> <br/>He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. <br/> <br/>He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them. <br/> <br/>I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? <br/> <br/>Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. <br/> <br/>The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child. <br/> <br/>He does not seem dissatisfied. <br/> <br/>He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. <br/> <br/>He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores. <br/> <br/>And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. <br/> <br/>His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights. <br/> <br/>And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips. <br/> <br/>He doesn't know what it means to be discontent. <br/> <br/>His life is simple. <br/> <br/>He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be. <br/> <br/>His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. <br/> <br/>He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. <br/> <br/>He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.. <br/> <br/>He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.. <br/> <br/>Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God. <br/> <br/>Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion. <br/> <br/>In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. <br/> <br/>It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions <br/> <br/>It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap . I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care <br/> <br/>Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God. <br/> <br/>And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. <br/> <br/>Kevin won't be surprised at all! <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/></div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 0 replies </div>

Mike 2008-03-21T04:42:19Z Mike http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/dcf90018-ad3a-4f7f-8817-1924f0894d76 2007-08-22T01:25:31Z 2007-08-22T01:25:31Z

<div>The GLBT community lost a good friend with the death of Tammy Faye. Tammy Faye was a gracious lady with some very admirable qualities, one of them being an awesome faith in a Creator God. When asked once about GLBT folks her response was something to the effect that we're all just made from the same old dirt. <br/>Tip Make a mistake? Click the Edit button to fix it. Submit Edit </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 0 replies </div>

Mike 2007-08-22T01:25:31Z Mike http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/fbfc26fc-d110-45ba-af75-d5cec492ee48 2007-08-14T01:51:09Z 2007-08-14T01:51:09Z

<div>I was just notiicing that one of our tribe members has two male cats named Adam and Steve. If that doesn't fly in the face of the right-wing fundamentalists, I don't know what does! Take that, Adam and Eve! Great job, Sir!</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 0 replies </div>

Mike 2007-08-14T01:51:09Z Rebel_Lioness http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/1fea677c-7af8-4a8a-afc3-011327b02c47 2007-08-14T01:43:05Z 2007-08-05T03:01:05Z

<div>hello tribe, <br/> <br/>i'm new to this tribe and while it appears that it has been quiet, i'm glad that it exists. this may have been discussed already, but i'd like to know about others' experiences in being queer and christian. more specifically, what does it mean to you to be queer and christian? <br/> <br/>for me, christianity is a philosophy and faith about peace and seeking wisdom from God, from the self, and from others. when i came out at 17 my family was shocked but not as unsupportive as i thought they'd be. i've heard some pretty terrible stories from others about being kicked out of their homes, beaten, etc., for being queer. <br/> <br/>anyway, my family never assumed that i was not christian just because i was queer. in some ways, my family believes that it is God's will and that He made me this way in His divine love. this is not to say that i haven't had problems and struggles with my family. i think what's upsetting to them, at least years ago, was that i would be denied "conventional" comforts, like marriage, children, and respect. they fear for my safety a lot of the time. <br/> <br/>anyway, my question is has anyone ever had struggles with their spirituality, faith and being queer? I'm assuming yes, but I'd like to hear others testimonies. </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 3 replies </div>

Rebel_Lioness 2007-08-05T03:01:05Z Rebel_Lioness http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/3a745715-f399-49e4-aa31-e10b97cd037d 2007-08-13T20:33:06Z 2007-07-25T18:52:53Z

<div>oh my goodness, i'm so stoked to find a queer christians tribe! hello, everyone my name is kara. i'm queer, feminist, and christian! i look forward to meeting and chatting with others. <br/> <br/>peace and love to all. may The Most High guide, bless, and protect us :) <br/> <br/>kara</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 2 replies </div>

Rebel_Lioness 2007-07-25T18:52:53Z smoorefu http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/de09587a-2bff-4287-b8b5-8623a2d4724b 2007-05-18T01:39:31Z 2007-05-18T01:39:31Z

<div> <br/>Does anyone here have any knowledge or experience of The Defenders? See http://www.dignityusa.org/defenders/index.html</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 0 replies </div>

smoorefu 2007-05-18T01:39:31Z happyinlife http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/a094e296-53f9-4cfd-aed4-1454640f1ef7 2007-03-22T07:00:57Z 2007-03-17T19:57:25Z

<div>they say there is nothing more powerfully than prayer. <br/>My boyfriend was involved in a hit and run accident, he only left the seen because he was dazed, the other person received a single stitch so it is now a felony charge. <br/>he has been in jail 60 days now and his trial is coming up on the 22nd, can you help me by saying a single prayer for him? <br/>I love him so much and just want him home as soon as possible. <br/> <br/>his name is Adam, <br/>Thank you so very much <br/>and God bless</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 2 replies </div>

happyinlife 2007-03-17T19:57:25Z David http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/f93329dc-7527-4a22-9973-3921ea030808 2007-02-16T22:25:07Z 2006-03-08T15:27:32Z

<div>I'm David. I grew up in the Episcopal Church. Although many are accepting of GLBT it is still difficult some times. I'm here because I like to know that I'm not alone :) <br/></div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 6 replies </div>

David 2006-03-08T15:27:32Z mara_schnookums http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/dec39b72-2be7-4791-b814-377118a5c1f9 2005-11-27T06:50:41Z 2005-09-20T23:29:06Z

<div>Hi there. I have corresponded with a few of you as you entered this tribe; but for the most part, I don't know many folks here. <br/> <br/>So, let's start the introductions (think cheesy church camp game): <br/> <br/>Your name: <br/>Where you live: <br/>Why you joined: <br/>Your favorite flavor of ice cream: <br/> <br/>Take care everyon. M</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 3 replies </div>

mara_schnookums 2005-09-20T23:29:06Z pinkpolarbrr http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/308c81f9-e58f-4764-86ee-518d633a780a 2005-11-14T00:37:31Z 2005-11-14T00:37:31Z

<div>Calling ALL kinky Christians! <br/>Ever felt your faith and your kink were in conflict? Come join others of like-mindedness and find out that there are thousands of thousands of people like you, and that they do NOT necesssarily conflict. Articles, Forums, Chat Rooms, Articles, Columns, Personals, Advice and Education can all be found at: http://community.kinkychristians.com/ ALL FREE!</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 0 replies </div>

pinkpolarbrr 2005-11-14T00:37:31Z http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/b9b36db4-6f94-4293-b458-98663da8eda9 2005-10-30T09:13:18Z 2005-10-30T09:13:18Z

<div>Why doesn't anybody ever talk in here? Are you ashamed?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 0 replies </div>

2005-10-30T09:13:18Z vreer http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/47e023bc-e2b7-403e-ac2a-dd6e786f6ed6 2005-07-09T22:17:11Z 2005-07-09T22:17:11Z

<div>Hi there, <br/> <br/>I'm asking this question both out of personal curiosity and bcause of a friend who studies in religion. I wonder what consequences your being TG (which I am also) has had for your belief and your religious thoughts. Has your way of believing hanged much since you got open about being TG? or did you start believing afterwards? or .. or ... <br/> <br/>thanks for an reply :) <br/> <br/>vreer</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 0 replies </div>

vreer 2005-07-09T22:17:11Z mara_schnookums http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/7f51b83d-01e4-423e-a3f3-c1dc65ff07dd 2005-01-03T23:02:34Z 2005-01-03T23:02:34Z

<div>I just got a packet of information on a conference at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. It's midweek, unfortunately. It looks interesting. it's called "Sex and the City of God: Intimacy and Wholeness". There is more info at http://www.psr.edu/page.cfm?l=84. <br/> <br/>M</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 0 replies </div>

mara_schnookums 2005-01-03T23:02:34Z mara_schnookums http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/018b4e22-cd48-4a0b-af7b-c19079a7ef05 2004-12-09T21:23:50Z 2004-12-09T21:23:50Z

<div>We have three members! That means we are an official tribe!! You may have already seen this website but http://www.soulforce.org is a great resource for queer christian activism and non-violent activism in general. Have you seen it already?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 0 replies </div>

mara_schnookums 2004-12-09T21:23:50Z mara_schnookums http://queerchristians.tribe.net/thread/24931676-f110-4599-9fd4-04bfb688f1df 2004-08-12T18:52:30Z 2004-08-12T18:52:30Z

<div>Welcome to the new space for queer christians on tribe! I hope this will be a safe and healing space for those of us that need it.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://queerchristians.tribe.net">Queer Christians</a> - 0 replies </div>

mara_schnookums 2004-08-12T18:52:30Z