Love and Religion

As alike as we humans are to one another, we are quite different and unique. We spend a lot of time figuring out how we are better than the other person, or why our way of thinking is better than another group’s, or even how one nationality is beneath that of another.

Turn this attention to religion and watch out! Each religion, denomination or sect, asserts its creed in general and specificity. It’s the latter that loses luster in discussions. Specific application of denominational theology to life’s experiences is a tough thing to do, especially while keeping propriety, and good manners.

So many denominations have chosen to tackle big issues and then suffer the reactions of many. Abortion pro or con? Does church and denomination survive divorce? How about political creed or ideology? If those topics are managed well, then add to the mix a discussion on homosexuality.

It seems God’s love has strings attached in the mind of many men and women. It seems religions have a lot of trouble wrapping their arms around sexuality in the main, let alone those who are gay. Yet, sexuality – straight, gay or any other way – is a human condition. Love ought to survive our relation to these topics. The people who are living differently than others know what I mean. Those in the majority are often in the minority on a host of other topics. They don’t want to be judged or left loveless because of those differences.

Why then do they do the same with those people who proclaim themselves to be gay?

I have yet to find a person who wanted to be gay. They just are. It took a while for most of them to understand they are gay, so no decision is involved. It is happenstance and accepting the reality of it. That is tough enough. Add choice to the mix and the decision is much more difficult.

Those who are different learn the ups and downs of life in a hurry. They understand acceptance and rejection. They fear loss of support. And loss of being loved, by others and their institutions, and of course, God.

Seems to me this whole approach is contrived. God loves his creation. He loves his people. He – or she – hopes they love him or her. But the people should never doubt that God loves them. Who they are, what they are, and what they are constantly becoming. That is the nature of love. It is nonjudgmental. It remains true through thick and thin.

Most protestant denominations have worked through their theology relating to homosexuality. Most have done so over a long timeline marked by bitter disputes and destructive results to their denominations. The destruction, of course, is loss of some membership and even creation of new denominations. Sad but true; even people of love and openness find hate and closemindedness. Love and understanding seems lacking.

Theology is complicated and often divisive. On the other hand, love remains the healer and ought always be the first and last element of understanding such matters. My hunch is conclusions will be healthier for all.

God is love. Try meaning it.

January 15, 2024

 

 

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