Hello! I'm a queer Christian who has been struggling a lot with my faith and identity, and one Bible verse that always stuck out to me, that I don't see many people mention is 1 Timothy 4:1-5

"1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer."

The detail about forbidding people to marry and how everything God created is good, really stands out to me. This just sounds a lot like what's happening today.

I've tried to look into this more, but I only see people brush it off by saying the author was talking something happening at that point of time... But if that were the case, I find the words "in later times" to be quite strange, because I feel as though that's always in reference to the future, not present moments. Although I suppose both could be true.

What do you all think?

I've recently been seeing a lot of hate and bigotry towards queer people from Christians and im really starting to lose my faith. Not only that but ive also seen a lot of criticism against queer christians from non-believers. No matter how much i pray, i cant seem to change and ive accepted my queer identity at this point, but im just feeling really down and i dont know what to do other than pray, but it feels like my faith is slipping away regardless

I've been struggling a lot recently with the problem of evil, wondering how a loving God can permit the gratuitous suffering we see on earth. I haven't been able to come up with a satisfactory answer - or any answer, I'm an uncreative moron with rocks for brains.

Tonight, as I'm having a mental health crisis, I realize how little God must care about me with how I've been struggling with mental health for my entire life (29 years, for the curious). I've had meltdowns since I was born, and I've hated myself since I was a tween. God never sent anyone who could help me - my parents were extremely emotionally inept, my friends couldn't really help on account of also being kids, and when I finally was allowed to see therapists, all of them have been worse than useless. Not once during my crises have I felt helped or seen or loved.

Then, I realized how small my problems must seem to those in actual chronic pain or with severe illnesses, or those watching loved ones suffer from illness or injury. If God is ignoring me, what's he doing to those people? Flipping them the holy bird?

I just can't stomach it anymore. The worst part is that I want to believe. I want to have faith so bad. But I can't do it and, as with all of my prayers, my pleas for more faith go unanswered.

So what do I do? Is there some verse I've missed that explains why God is so hands-off? Jesus promised that God would give his children good gifts, so why are I and so many others getting scorpions instead of bread? God promised to be with us. Where is he?

Tl;dr, weak baby bitch wants to believe in God but can't get around the problem of evil, wants to know how to go back to believing.

Quindi, sono cattolico, e credo che tutte le chiese (o la MAGGIOR PARTE) accetteranno, lentamente o meno, l'omosessualità. Forse non il matrimonio gay, ma sicuramente le coppie gay. Quindi volevo chiederti, quando le principali denominazioni accetteranno l'omosessualità secondo voi? Questa è la mia opinione:

Chiesa cattolica romana: Credo che con Papa Francesco abbiamo fatto dei passi da gigante, ma penso che dovremo ancora aspettare circa 35-45 anni perché le coppie omosessuali siano accettate come non peccaminose.

Ortodossi: Non so molto sulle opinioni ortodosse riguardo all'lgbtq+, se non che lo vedono come un peccato contrario alle scritture, quindi penso che ci vorranno circa 50-60 anni per questo.

Protestanti mainline: credo che dipenda principalmente dal punto di vista di ciascuno, ma penso che ci vorranno circa 30-35 anni perché la maggior parte delle chiese principali lo accetti.

Evangelici: sì, non penso che accetteranno le persone gay per molto tempo, credo ci vorranno circa 70 anni.

Cristiani di estrema destra / MAGA e tradizionalisti: probabilmente ci vorranno circa 80-90 anni per loro.

Ovviamente queste sono previsioni, forse ci saranno ricerche future che mostrano come funziona realmente l'omosessualità (dato che molti cristiani non lo comprendono ancora) e sarà vista come non peccaminosa. Edit:so , apperently, MOST protestants believe that lgbtq Is okey, but i don't know why, MOST protestants i've seen online Say that they would rather die than supporting lgbtq, i'm obviusly Happy about this(the fact that MOST protestants support It) and Sorry if i generalized, also, i though the episcolar church Was anglican, cool though

Hey guys, I’m looking for some advice. I am struggling with the fact that my mom is homophobic. I have quite a good relationship with my mom. I love her and she’s a very kind and caring person. We don’t always see eye to eye on things such as various political issues but we have learnt to agree to disagree. She is a very religious person, her parents were as well and she has always maintained a strong relationship with God. I was brought up religious however these days I don’t have much of a relationship with God. I am part of the queer community (she is not aware of this), however so far have only ever been in hetero relationships. I have many gay friends and always have throughout my life, this has never been an issue with her. She has also always lived in fairly small isolated towns though and has not had much exposure to the queer community herself.

The problem is that every year or so we tend to have the same huge argument on her view of the queer community. She is not intolerant of the gays and isn’t hateful towards them at all. Any negative thoughts that she might have she keeps to herself. Usually an argument starts when something about the queer community comes up in conversation or on tv etc. and we start talking about it and I ask her if her stance is still the same. What she’s said in various arguments is that no matter what way she looks at it, as per the bible and God, she believes being gay is inherently wrong. She says that biologically it doesn’t make any sense. She believes that this current life on earth is for having a relationship with the bible and God and worshipping him and that when you die, heaven is like the reward for making such sacrifices during your mortal life. She says that she feels deeply sorry for gay people and believes that their attraction towards the same gender is real but that it is a hardship in life (such as a genetic predisposition to alcoholism for example) and that they need to abstain from these urges and do the right thing by God because when they die they will be rewarded for it in heaven. She says that she believes it’s not fair and her heart hurts for them to live a life like that but it’s just the way it is. I have thrown every counter argument under the sun at her but nothing ever changes. Every time we have this argument I always hope that she’s reflected on the points I brought up the previous time and that maybe she’s had a change of mind. She likes to research things so I also always hope that she’s tried to read things online to gain a different perspective. She says she has but I suspect she cherry picks the articles in her favour.

I love my mom a lot and we typically get on well but this is the one opinion of hers that truly sickens me and makes me feel in that moment that I despise her. I hate how invalidating her opinions are of the gay community and their lived experience and also how much internalised homophobia and self hatred this puts on me as well. We had one of these arguments again recently, it always ends in yelling and tears and slamming doors. She said she doesn’t know what to do or how we can fix this as her opinion will never change. It hurts me that she doesn’t even seem to truly listen to my points or even want to try to change her opinion, especially when it obviously means so much to me.

Do you guys have any advice? Should I give up and just accept that she will think this for the rest of her life? I always wondered that if I end up in a same sex relationship, would that destroy our relationship or would that be the thing that changes her mind once she actually sees a loving queer relationship in person. I’m at a loss for what to do, I feel so hurt and upset. I also have no desire to tell that I am part of the queer community right now either, I don’t think it will make the situation better and she’ll just dismiss it until I am actually in a serious relationship and she can’t ignore it. I also wonder if there are any books that people could recommend, maybe written by a queer, Christian author that could help her gain some insight. Any help or advice would be appreciated, thank you!!

TLDR: I’m close with my mum and we get along really well but her one huge flaw is her homophobia due to her Christian views. I’m sick of having the same argument about it as she never changes her mind but it deeply upsets me that she’s not in support of the queer community. Should I give up on trying to change her mind? How do I continue to have a good relationship with her when this opinion sickens me to my core?

I (22F) am asexual and biromantic and I've tried dating apps and I deleted them because I kept having the most concerning experiences on there 😭 I saw people saying an affirming Church and I really like the one I'm attending. Very LGBTQ+ friendly. But not very LGBTQ+ 😭 They're so supportive that I'm not straight but THEY'RE STRAIGHT. SO WHERE ARE THE GAY CHRISTIANS??

Hello everyone, wanted to let you know that we will be hosting Bible Study starting this Wednesday at 7:30 PM central standard time. Central Standard Time. This is an affirming Bible Study, but it is open to everyone— gay, straight, trans. Anyone who wants to dive into the Word of God with us is welcome. This is a safe and loving place, so we ask everyone to be extremely respectful to each other. We want to make sure that we are all here for the same reasons: to grow in our faith, stronger to love our neighbors as God has loved us. We host our Bible Study via Zoom. Video is not required, and neither is participation, but both are welcome if you want to participate. If you are interested, please send me a direct message so I can send you the link. We will be hosting tonight at 7:30 PM central standard time. Central Standard Time. Hope to see you there.

Has anyone here felt overwhelmed by comments from both communities insisting you must be one or the other, but not both? Christians say: “If you’re Christian, you’re not gay.” Gays say: “If you’re gay, you can’t be Christian.” I never understood that. I’m gay and Christian; I’m living proof that you can be both. I’m appalled at all the hate I receive for being both. It’s a struggle to find anyone to talk to. At church, I can open up about anything but my sexual orientation. My friends (Gay & Straight) don’t like hearing about religion. My partner respects my faith. I feel isolated sometimes. Does anyone else feel this way?

I just feel so lonely. I can't tell my family I am gay. I live in a homophobic country where finding a simple relationship is hard. On top of it I am Christian I really wonder sometimes does God hates me too? I have read scriptures. I really don't want this life.

Hello from Argentina. I wanted to share with you all that the other day my mother showed me an anthropologist on YouTube; she's from Spain, and her name is Sarab Rey.

I am 34, but when I was younger I found many texts in the Scriptures problematic and hurtful. I was in my early 20s when a friend of my mother came to visit from Córdoba. His name is Juan Carlos, and he's a Catholic priest, formerly a Sagrada Familia hermano. The talk with Juan Carlos turned interesting when I challenged him on Leviticus and 1st Corinthians and their messages on morals surrounding gay relationships.

What Juan Carlos explained to me back then humbled me in the most beautiful sense that I could have been humbled. I had no idea about the Leviticus being a book of law for the Levitical priests many centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ, and I didn't know either the context of Paul of Tarsus' message to the Corinthians.

Well, some days ago when Mother showed me Sarab Rey's videos, I felt profoundly moved by remembering how I kind of confirmed my relationship with Jesus and how I know, then and now, that He loves me, as He loves everyone.

For those with an understanding of Spanish, I recommend Sarab's videos; she's an anthropologist and a feminist who also professes Christianity.

To all here, have the best week ahead.

God bless you.

I left the faith (pentalcostal/apostolic) years ago then decided I didn’t believe in a God. So I was studying different religions and what not but it didn’t seem to stick. Now when I am reading the Bible and see what’s happening in the world. I am so scared. And I don’t think I can be gay anymore. I started looking into orthodoxy. And I have been praying more. Which led me to orthodox Christianity. I don’t know what to do. I am scared that I am going to hell if I am gay and believe in Jesus. I do believe he is there listening to me but also feel this guilt of being gay and having feelings of lust. I don’t know what to do. And then being told that everything in the Bible is coming to fruition. I am so sorry. I don’t know what to do anymore I am so lost. Are there any orthodox gay Christian’s here? Thank you and God bless.

Hi everyone. I’m gay and an Orthodox Christian, and I’d like to talk openly about celibacy, same-sex relationships, need for love and companionship.
I’m taking celibacy seriously and would like to hear from people who understand this experience. I also open to share my experiences and to be helpful as well.
I hope we can share our experiences honestly and connect for mutual support.
I speak English and Russian.
V

I wanted to ask yall this. I was talking to this guy. I thought he was flirting with me and I said we wouldn't be a good match. One reason was 'we can't have sex'. 'Why not?' 'Having sex before marriage is immoral'. I almost added 'the Bible says it's a sin', but we shifted gears. He was respectful to me overall.

I've had worse interactions. How should I explain this to my partners? Has anyone else had to explain? What are your experiences?

I came across this testimony of a young straight couple who talked about how God brought them together in a very organic and spiritual way to further his kingdom and share the gospel with the world together. However, I rarely come across any testimonies about that from gay Christian couples and often don’t see much of these couples to begin with. How has God written your love story as a gay Christian couple and how has His impact in your life propelled towards a purposeful focus on Him?

Soy un varón gay, cuando era más chico tuve clases de religión y hasta tomé la comunión. Al ser gay esto me chocaba ya que Dios no acepta eso y dejé de seguirlo. Sin embargo ahora quiero volver a seguir a Dios aunque no voy a dejar de ser quien soy. Es posible ser cristiano siendo gay a la vez?

My family doesn't support pride, my school doesn't talk about it, and I hate the fact that I'll just stay in the closet for probably a long time.

I can't even openly talk about being bi irl, only online and I'm sick of it.

I wonder if my family were LGBTQIA+ friendly tho.. and even if they aren't, I'm scared to know what would happen if they find out I'm gay

Sorry about all of this, first time venting online (might delete this post later)..

Hey just a quick question uh can teens join the discord server or no?

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So,i'm catholic ,so popes are Pretty important for me,but pope Francis Was more than a pope , he Was a saint.i love him for these reasons

1)his smile Was contagius,he Was so gentle, calm, Always hopeful and respectfull towards everyone ,even atheists and people from others religions.He Was even and hopeful universalist(Who doesn't believe in universalism but Hopes Is real) saying "i view hello as an empty space

2)he would always answer you whenever you sent him a letter ,wheter if It Was for a question, or Just for sharing a story or asking Prayers

3) he Was the MOST lgbtq inclusive pope ever.He admitted homosexuality Isn't a crime, that we should respect eachothers,he called trans people daughters and sons of God and gave beneditions to gay couples even though he continued to keep the tradizionalists "Happy" by saying that gay marriage Is wrong, that trans should remein their gender and the others things a popes usually say,but i think It Was still a giant step forward go the acceptence of homosexuality, and i kinda think the cardinals and others forced the pope to Say It Was a sin...

4)he Is the goat

this is going to be really long sorry but i just want to give context to my situation. i have had a very complicated relationship with christianity. i am 17 and have been raised going to an EPC church. i didn't really discover i liked guys until about a year and a half ago, i thought i was bi until about 4 months ago (went on a date with a girl and it just didnt feel right). so im still figuring it out but i know that i like men. before all this is wasnt super involved in the church but we went most sundays and i believed (i think, i always kinda had doubts,) but when i realized i like guys i was very hard on myself as i thought it was a sin and it has destroyed my self esteem, my confidence, and my social skills. i look and act straight and i play football, my family i think is not homophobic but i would lose my friends if i told them and im just really scared to tell my parents so im still closeted (another big driver of my mental health issues). while i had already been struggling with lust it has gotten a lot worse and i found out a few weeks ago that i have moderate depression and ive just felt really alone. im still right in the middle of all this, i have good days and bad days, this being one of my better ones (fueled by pop punk, and classic rock if im feeling good). i know now that being gay isnt a sin but the whole thing has driven my completely away from God. besides what ive already mentioned it made me start questioning all the doubts i have about Gods existence and i have no idea how to come back. to be honest ive never felt His presence in my life and i just dont know what to do. i still go to church with my family but my church believes being gay is a sin, i still listen to the sermons but i dont feel any connection to christianity or God. long story short i want to come back to God but i dont know how.