“It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. One never feels two-ness, –an American, a negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled striving; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.” — W.E.B. DuBois, The Souls of Black Folk
We all experience a divided self to one degree or another. We have identities within and identities without. DuBois calls this dividing line the “Veil.”
Homosexuality presents an additional layer of complexity, a three-ness perhaps, particularly for people in religious communities: to be a religious person in a modern world is already somewhat counter-cultural; it requires some courage. To be gay within that community requires even more, because of the additional sensation of otherness.
And yet isn’t God there for us precisely when we feel most alone, most threatened? Aren’t those the moments we yearn for something or someone to comfort us, to validate us and remind us of our humanness? Gayness thus presents one of the most fundamental challenges to religious communities. Can these two identities be reconciled, and if so, how?







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And yes Z is my actual nickname, which I go by, not a pseudonym.
... Read more Tue 22, 2008 8:57
But the intention of the question seems to be: can you be Christian and queer? Maybe. But if Bible is correct, you’ll definitely go to hell.
... Read more Fri 25, 2008 2:16
“Moses replied to the Lord, ‘Please, my Lord, I am not a man of words, not since yesterday, nor since the day before yesterday, nor since You first spoke to Your servant, for I am heavy of mouth and heavy of speech.’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Who makes a mouth for man, or who makes one dumb or deaf, or sighted or blind (or gay or straight)? Is it not I, the Lord? So now, go! I shall be with your mouth and teach you what you should say.’” (Ex. 4:10-11, with one addition)
Modern science has proven the speech impediment to be a biological disposition. It has also proven homosexually to be a biological disposition. In the passage quoted above, God chides Moses for complaining about a biological disposition that God had given him in the first place.
If Moses’ disposition couldn’t prevent him from worshiping God, how can a homosexual’s disposition prevent him or her from worshiping God, as well?
... Read more Mon 18, 2008 10:14
I really love the layout of www.askbigquestions.com. Looks good, keep it up!
anyways..
Im a very “strong” christian and I guess I have a couple questions on my mind..
I’ve been thinking a lot about dating.. but im not sure where to go with that.
My brothers have been telling me christian dating is the way to go.. so I’ve done a little research on fort collins christian dating and found some stuff on google
Would be sweet to hear your input.
... Read more Thu 21, 2008 2:37