READERS' EXCHANGE

 

I have read and re-read your “Churches of Christ Debate Homosexuality” (April 1983), especially the part about the gay physician. I agree with your statement “every indication was that his orientation was natural and not learned.” I believe that being homosexual is a natural thing. My love for God is different than my love for any man on earth. I promised God many years ago that I would never love anyone more than I love Him. I feel that while I am as I am here on earth, I would like to have someone to love, to share my life and my God with, and I feel it will have to be a man, not a woman. Right or wrong, I still believe that God made me and loves me even if society says I am homosexual. --- Name withheld, though not requested.

From the scriptures we learn of no one ever telling Jesus that they loved him! Jesus tried to get Peter to say it, but Peter would only admit friendship. Why were they so reluctant? Were they intimidated by the thought that Jesus knew their real thoughts, feelings. and actions? Would they join us in singing, “My Jesus I love Thee”? --- Cecil Hook, New Braunfels, TX

Your publication awakened me to the fact that there were others in the Church of Christ who struggled with the same issues I was dealing with. That began the process of affirmation of my dawning consciousness. You freed me further by your permission to visit other churches. I’ve lived in this Pharisaical structure so long I needed permission! . . .I have had to leave. It has been the most wrenching, frightening, hurtful thing I’ve ever done. . .We are now at St. Phillips Episcopal Church. The peace we are beginning to experience is further confirmation that it was “right.” Our children have had a hard adjustment, but we talk constantly about “working out your own salvation.” I want to give them the tools to do this when the time comes. There are people at this church who have been immersed because they were led to that by God after studying. The Episcopal Church as a whole is open to the spirit of God. So I feel that at this time it’s where we must be. --- Paula Benton, Breward. NC.