Original Comment:I think it’s absolutely hilarious that they didn’t think to reserve their domain. I actually came here to see if I could snag it myself. Kudos to you/yall for utilizing technology rather than remaining stuck in “tradition” Reply:Thank you for your message and for sharing your thoughts! We’re glad you found your way to this website and appreciate your recognition of our use of modern technology to teach and share love with others.
We also share a smile at the unexpected opportunity to secure this domain name along with a few others like it. With all the secretive meetings happening in the lead up to the launch, we were very lucky to have had a friend tip us off to what the name was going to be. My partner and I had already written most of an essay in response to Linda Hubbard's outburst in one of the discernment gatherings. That essay was reformatted and now makes up the love letter you see today. Thank you again for your positive note. If you have any thoughts or suggestions on how we can further our outreach and impact, please feel free to share. With love! 💜
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Original Comment:Who ever posted this very desturbing version of God's word in the Holy Bible is in grave danger, twisting and changing God's Holy Word to be what you want it to be is so very sad and a sinfull thing! You are denying God's word and saying the entire written Bible is wrong, a Christian Bible that has excisited for over 2000 years! Homosexial behavior and lesbian behavior is a very unnatural not of God behavior! Same sex marriage or any such relationship is perverted unGodly pagan behavior! Has nothing to do with not loving people, as a matter of fact, discipline is love! We are in the days of Noah again! Remember Noah? Or are you going to give your rendition of what you want the Bible to say about Noah! I'm am so offended by this unjust, untrue article of false information, you are very mislead and I will say prayer requests for you! You have lost your way! God created MAN and WOMAN! Not MAN & MAN NOR WOMAN & WOMAN! Even God's aminals he created know better than to perform such perverted acts! ! You are doomed and very lost if try to lead people to think Gay ...LGBT is in anyway accepted by God it is not! I can't suggest you read the Bible...because you have gone to a terrible level of effort to try to teach false information of what the Bible teaches. Reply:Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns. It's clear that you are passionate about your faith and committed to upholding what you believe to be the truth of God's Word. I respect your dedication and the time you took to express your views.
Even in the face of disagreements, I value dialogue and seek to understand diverse perspectives. We must acknowledge that the Bible has been interpreted in many ways over the centuries. Different denominations, scholars, and believers have found various meanings and understandings within its sacred texts. There are hundreds, if not thousands of different translations out there. This diversity of thought is not a sign of disrespect to the Bible, but rather a testament to its profound depth and the way it speaks to people in different contexts and times. The term "homosexuality" as we understand it today is relatively modern, and its inclusion in Bible translations is a topic worth examining. The first time the word "homosexual" appeared in any Bible translation was in the Revised Standard Version (RSV) published in 1946. Before this, Bible translations used different terms that did not directly translate to what we now understand as homosexuality. The original Hebrew and Greek words often translated to "homosexuality" in modern Bibles—such as "arsenokoitai" and "malakoi"—have been subjects of scholarly debate. These terms do not have a clear, direct translation to "homosexuality" and are more accurately understood within the context of their time. "Arsenokoitai" is a rare term and its exact meaning remains uncertain, while "malakoi" can mean "soft" or "effeminate," which does not inherently imply sexual orientation as understood today. Language evolves, and so do our understandings of human relationships and identities. The Bible has been translated and interpreted in various ways throughout history, reflecting the cultural and linguistic contexts of the translators. As our understanding of sexuality and gender has evolved, so too has the way we read and interpret ancient texts. My goal is not to twist or distort the Bible but to seek a faithful and accurate understanding of its teachings. In this regard, I think we’re actually seeking the same thing: Biblical Truth. By engaging with historical context and linguistic scholarship, we can strive to interpret the Bible in a way that is true to its core message, which happens to be love, justice, and inclusion. Jesus himself set an example of radical love and inclusion. He reached out to those who were marginalized and oppressed, offering them dignity and respect. Many of us see the affirmation of LGBTQ+ individuals as a continuation of this ministry of love and acceptance. We believe that everyone is created in the image of God and deserves to be loved and respected as such. You mentioned discipline as a form of love, and I agree that guiding and nurturing each other in faith is crucial. However, I also believe that love is about supporting one another, showing compassion, and striving for justice, not judgment. When we exclude or condemn people based on their identity, we risk harming them deeply and pushing them away from the very message of love and grace that Jesus preached. I want to assure you that I do not deny the Bible's authority or its sacredness. I also, strive to interpret it in a way that brings life, hope, and healing to all God's creation. This includes LGBTQ+ individuals, who have often been hurt by the church and society. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. This means listening to their stories, acknowledging their pain, and standing with them in solidarity. It's not about compromising our faith but living it out in a way that reflects the inclusive love of Christ. I welcome and appreciate your prayers and your concern for my spiritual well-being. At the same time, I hope you can also pray for all those who feel excluded and hurt by the church, that they may find peace and acceptance. Our journey of faith is one of growth and learning, and we can all benefit from listening to each other with open hearts. May we all seek to follow Christ's example of love, mercy, and justice in all we do. Original Comment:Hello, I just wanted to say I was deeply moved by your emphasis on love and inclusion. It's heartening to see that there are Christians actively working towards embracing and supporting all people, regardless of their gender or identity. The call to love and acceptance resonates deeply with me and I liked the way you provided context to the scripture text. I reread them after reading your site and it’s clear that these passages are being taken out of context. I just moved to Statesboro a few weeks ago and I haven’t really met many people who share these values toward LGBTQ+ people. I wonder if there is a plan to further engage with and support the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups in the future? Reply:Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience. It means a great deal to hear that our emphasis on love and inclusion has touched you. Your words of encouragement are a reminder of why we started this website and continue to advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate approach within our community. Congratulations on your recent move to Statesboro. Welcome!
I firmly believe that every person, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic, deserves to be embraced and supported. Moving to a new place can be challenging, especially when you’re searching for a community that shares your values. Statesboro, like many places, has a diverse array of perspectives, and it can sometimes be difficult to find spaces that are openly welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. I want you to know that you are not alone. I promise there are people here in Statesboro that share inclusive values, probably more than you think. As for the future, I unfortunately don’t have much specific to say other than I’m optimistic. With recent changes to the United Methodist Church, I believe some of those churches in the area will slowly start becoming more affirming. With people like you and me getting involved and staying involved, maybe we can even speed things up! Once again, thank you for your support and for sharing. Together, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and loving community in Statesboro. |