Former Entertainment Weekly writer Grady Smith isn’t sure why he’s catching so much flack for “Coming Out As A Christian” in a blog post last week, in which he described feeling “embarrassed” and “censored” for being a gay man in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The essay itself is pretty much an advertorial for American beer brand Rolling Rock. But what’s even more interesting than just another letter about the “persecution” of Christians is the follow-up post he wrote Thursday — that’s the one where he admits to “silently suffering” over the agony of wanting to have gay sex and not wanting to offend his god. In it, he says that choosing to remain abstinent and “sacrificing my own sexuality to God” is a liberating and beautiful thing.
In an effort to field the “accusations and insults” he’s had to endure on social media (aww, poor him), the self-described “work in progress” explains why obeying the laws of a god who oppresses the happiness of his followers is not a “shameful” thing:
What do I mean by the term gay Christian? That’s simple. I mean that I’m a Christian man who believes Jesus Christ is the savior of the world. I believe he died and rose again and offers a way to Heaven for all people. I also happen to be a guy that finds himself attracted to other guys. Please hear this: those two facts are not mutually exclusive!
Now, I choose to not act on my gay desires because I think scripture makes it pretty clear that that’s not God’s ideal plan for people. I’m not angry or jaded about that fact, nor do I look at sacrificing my own sexuality to God as a tragedy. To me, it’s simple obedience — and it is not shame-based. I know that I was fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Heck, I was created in His very image! (And so were you!) But, like every other Christian that’s ever lived, I’m simply in the ongoing process of learning how to not give in to every natural desire that I feel — whether that has to do with sex or not.
If you’re in the mood for a real hoot, scroll down to his blog’s comments section. It’s a grand collection of religious fanatics who will no doubt use this essay as against us in the future. Sigh.
How about we take this to the next level?
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http://youtu.be/kJCvGFRBjrw
jezuzchrist
Old news. And I just saw this queen on Grindr. Next
Qjersey
Jesus said nothing about homosexuality.
And Queerty only cares because he’s “do-able”
hex0
LOSER! So sick of christian gays, i don’t care whether you’re the self-loathing type or suffer from cognitive dissonance, i don’t want to hear about you or your mythical sky daddy.
MMDD
“Now, I choose to not act on my gay desires because I think scripture makes it pretty clear that that’s not God’s ideal plan for people.”
Very sad. God does not have one “ideal plan” for all people. We all have our own gifts and our own paths to follow. I DO choose to act out on my gay desires RESPONSIBLY because I think Scripture, prayer, and life experience have taught me that being celibate is unrealistic and unfulfilling. For me, being in a loving, sexually monogamous relationship with another man is “a liberating and beautiful thing.” If celibacy is your gift, that’s fine; but I hope you recognize that it’s not the path most folks are going to be able to go down and find fulfillment.
DuMaurier
His choices have no relevance to my life, but as long as he doesn’t tie his beliefs in with legal campaigns against LGBT people (and I don’t if he does or doesn’t, as I’ve never heard of him before) they ARE his choices, and I don’t see why I or anyone else should have a problem with them, or snicker at them.
DB75
Ah, the old Side B argument. As a Christian, myself, I don’t agree. My opinion is that scripture does not state anything about gay people – but then again, I’ve spent the majority of my life in research and study of the texts.
Not all gay Christians are Side B. But, there are some. I suppose they deserve just as much press time as the rest of us.
manxxxx
How sad. His approach, particularly when he expresses marriage “to a woman,” doesn’t seem to be too far off from Exodus and similarly fashioned groups. It just doesn’t seem that his “experience” is going to end well in the long run. Sad. Very, very sad.
Billy Budd
There are three possibilities:
1) He was brainwashed in order to believe in this bullshit;
2) He is just pretending to be celibate and wants to get money from his “sanctity”.
3) He is insane.
robirob
Be gay, be Christian. Whatever. But please stop with the ‘help! I am being bullied / persecuted for my Christian belief!’ drama act. It’s never true.
Ken A.
Doesn’t advocate that everyone should or has to do this, its more like a straight guy or girl who gives their sexual desires up for their religious belief, nuns marrying Christ and priests–yeah don’t go there–taking an oath of celibacy.
Ken A.
PS He also did not say he is suddenly miraculously straight and wants a girlfriend.
James Hart
@DuMaurier: To each his own.
James Hart
@Qjersey: You have to admit, the guy’s very cute.
MMDD
@James Hart: Doesn’t matter. Nobody’s gonna get to play with his goodies.
1EqualityUSA
He can start his own movement, “Interruptum International.”
redcarpet
I don’t understand why he is so convinced God thinks his sexuality is wrong or shameful. He should know doctrine has been twisted beyond recognition to persecute us. There is such a thing as a sexually active (as in gay sex) good christian gay person.
DarthKitsune
Giving your sexuality to G-d is like taking the beautiful gift he gave you and tossing it in the trashcan while maintaining eye-contact. Don’t try and twist things and appease the small-minded assholes around you who secretly get off on two guys dumping uglies. G-d made you gay for a reason, now flaunt that shit and glorify his majesty, or whatever Christians believe G-d thinks about us mud monkeys.
hotboyvb81
@Billy Budd: ALL christians have been brain washed to some extent.
tricky ricky
yet another jackass who believes in the supernatural. descended from a syphilitic village idiot.
tricky ricky
his doctrine said owning slaves was a good thing. he might want to think about that. I bet his real problem is that he’s embarrassed by his little dick.
aliengod
I’m not sure why everyone is so up in arms about him. He’s allowed to have his beliefs. As gay people, we should be more tolerant of others.
jimstoic
My heart goes out to Mr. Smith. I’ve been there–I was celibate for five years because I thought that was what God wanted–and it’s a very lonely place to be. I’m not sure there’s anything anyone can say to help him find his way, but you’re okay how you are. Whatever good there is in this world will only be increased by your finding a way to love someone with every part of yourself. Keep an open mind. I’ve been in a LTR for 8.5 years and got married in April.
NoCagada
That’s just absurd. Every time I cornhole, I do it for Jesus!
LubbockGayMale
Can he explain to me how a god can give his creations the gift of personal choice, but then condemn them for their choices? Any god that punishes me for living as a gay man is not a just god. Either he/she created me as I am (his fault), or he allows me the choice of being gay (again, his fault for allowing the choice/free will).
enlightenone
@DuMaurier: Because, since you haven’t in all your wisdom, figured out it’s not just about laws, in fact gay youth aren’t much influenced by the laws than in having this tragic guy’s musings in the social media does. That is the harm and the concern!
enlightenone
@DB75: Actually they don’t when it causes harm or destroys a life. We did not have social media or cell phones in my youth. Thank r God!
enlightenone
@Billy Budd: Or just needs a gimmick to feel relevant or get a piece of the social media pie.
jmmartin
He’ll learn the folly of his sacrifice when he dies and doesn’t wake up anywhere.
barkomatic
Fundamentalist/Evangelical Christians have a mental disorder that needs treatment. Their behaviors are self destructive to themselves and others. I hope someday this condition is recognized as the disease that it is.
Lvng1tor
@DuMaurier: As misguided and cheating himself of all life has to offer I agree 100% on your post. My only issue is people like this making LGBTQ youth think they need to sacrifice their sexual desires in order to be close to GOD. It’s not healthy and leads to poor mental health, self image and actual health issues. Often leading to dangerous sex practices, abusive relationships and suicide.
Stache99
Why is it just the gay crap that they follow. Whenever I ask this simple question I always get a blank look stare from these rubes.
The bible is clear on allot of other sins. Don’t eat shell fish, don’t cut your hair or shave, slaves obey their masters, stone adulterers, disobedient kids, worshipers of other gods, psychics ,,,well, you get the point…
Billy Budd
This guy suffers in silence. If he is being honest about being a celibate, he suffers A LOT.
GymJockTX
What a bummer this gorgeous guy is going to allow the harmful brainwashing of his peers (some of whom seem convinced that Jesus was a hateful, judgmental redneck SOB, and that Jesus preached against homosexuality–which he NEVER did) to drastically limit the full scope of his life path. Can’t deny I’d love to toss back a few drinks at a local Austin club and have a debate with him.
We could go to a popular venue called The Ranch–very mixed crowd, and often the “straight college boys” get extremely touchy-feely friendly as the night progresses. Methinks Grady could use a little of that friendly touching to melt the walls he’s put up around himself–and his privates.
Whaddya say, Grady, first round on me?
Billy Budd
I agree that he is good looking, but he must be awful in bed. Imagine how guilty he would feel about it. He would not perform well. I don’t like repressed people, and I DO have first hand (or first dick) experience with repressed people.
DickieJohnson
Maybe, it’s a phase! It’s HIS path, and no one else’s f*ckin’ business. He’s not preaching that you have to do the same. None of you non-believers have the right to cram your BS in anyone else’s face either. Why can’t you be tolerant of others, and STFU ???
Stache99
@DickieJohnson: Sweetie were not the ones making You Tube videos about how much God hates you for having gay sex. He made it our business by being a big ol You Tube fame whore.
My point was that there’s no logic in his belief system. You can’t believe in one thing while ignoring the rest. You either believe in all of it or none of it. You so called believers are so full of it.
It’s a free world though. He can make them but we sure as hell can scrutinize them.
Billy Budd
@DickieJohnson: BECAUSE he is obviously and surreptitiously trying to set an example. Religious fanatics always try to set an example. Thsi video might contribute to trouble countless closeted teens, and might be used by righ wing nuts to condemn our “way of life”.
junk4sts
Good for him! I like his message. I think that he may be on to something. Because there are a lot of gay Christians out there who are confused and truly don’t have anyone to talk to.
He’s stepping into a serious mess, that will rain down hate and bitterness from both sides of Gay and Christian. Just look at the comments here, bitterness and hate.
I’m not going to say this as well as others might but here goes. I’m nearly 50 years old, when I was growing up the meaning of “Gay” to me was simple, it meant people who have sex with same sex partners. One could argue that there is more to being gay than just the sex, and I agree that if one chooses to live a gay life there are some less simple topics, one of the biggest being children. But what really separates a gay life from a straight life? Answer that question for yourself, but for me it’s about the gender of the group I feel sexually attracted to. So there is a physical aspect to being gay as well as mental aspect.
From a biblical perspective, the mental aspect is not directly dealt with, only the physical aspect is dealt with directly, and even then it’s only certain physical acts that fall into the “abomination” category. As a gay Christian one would want to stay away from the physical act that is an “abomination”. In all other relationship aspects I assume that all people are held to the same standard. It is not an accident that the mental aspect of homosexual love is not directly dealt with, I believe that this is because the concepts of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as they apply to relationships are universal to all relationships so to, the guidance given by the “Ten Commandments” when applied relationships is universal to all relationships. In other words, we are all, in the eyes of god, held to the same standard.
One big problem I see is that most “Christians” only see homosexual relationships as an “awful” physical act, ignoring or not understanding that there is (or at least, CAN BE) an emotional or mental aspect to a homosexual relationship. It appears to me that Grady understands that just like any other loving relationship a homosexual relationship is more than just a physical act, and as with all loving relationship, homosexual relationships are held to the same standard. He chooses celibacy because that’s the standard Christian single people are held to. He eludes to marriage to a woman, because that’s the Biblical definition of marriage as he understands it, and that’s also how Christians enjoy the gift of sex.
Humans have a strong capacity for love, within that capacity there is an underlying understanding that love is blind. This understanding easily explains how a man who identifies as gay can fall in love with a woman.
I think that for those who want to follow the Christian faith a dialogue like this will be priceless.
Billy Budd
@junk4sts: Sorry but what you just said is an enourmous amount of a four letter word.
DickieJohnson
@Stache99: @Billy Budd: As I said, it’s his path, and no one else has to take it. Troubled closet-teens have a jillion other social-media sources of BS to wade thru as well. Truly, I believe that with the growing acceptance of GLBT people, fewer and fewer will have trouble accepting their own sexuality. None of this is going to occur overnight, I’m sure you know.
litper
@DickieJohnson: go back to your cave, filthy self-hater!
litper
I’m sure it’s not long before we find this queen on Grindr! Ruin her life! Ruin it!
litper
@DuMaurier: he posts anti-gay propaganda videos!
litper
@aliengod: go to your cave Westboro Baptist Freak!
litper
@junk4sts: GO TO YOUR CAVE BIGOT!!!!
inbama
Is this a joke?
He’s sort of a pretty Scott Thompson.
Stache99
@masc4masc: He’s being purposely vague. “It’s not going to be easy guys but I’m going to be celibate for Christ”…..Well, um…why?
What he’s not saying at least publicly is that he believes that gay sex is evil and God will hate you for having it. It’s right there in Leviticus after all.
He wants others to believe the same insanity he does. Mostly young people at a critical stage in their lives who might see him as a role model because he’s young and good looking and a very polished speaker. He’s also a great pawn for Right Wing Christians.
enlightenone
@DickieJohnson: No it won’t happen “overnight” when there are YouTube videos like this one!
Sebizzar
This is why I am so glad I escaped the brainwashing/cult that is Christianity.
Billysees
@MMDD:
A good, intelligent and meaningful testimony —
” God does not have one “ideal plan” for all people. We all have our own gifts and our own paths to follow. ”
“…life experience(s) have taught me that being celibate is unrealistic and unfulfilling. “
Billysees
@DickieJohnson:
Good comment —
“…with the growing acceptance of GLBT people, fewer and fewer will have trouble accepting their own sexuality.”
Joincny
@DickieJohnson: It doesn’t seem like you’ve gotten past that troubled closet stage yourself. What makes you think you should be commenting on this situation?
MMDD
@Billysees: Thank you! 🙂
masc4masc
Hmmm where’s the ‘live and let live’ mentality you guys incessantly tell everyone else to live by? Maybe this is path he’s happiest on. It’s his life, right? He certainly seems more happy than like 95 percent of Queerty.
MMDD
@masc4masc: “Live and let live” is fine, but when you continually say things like “homosexuality and Christianity aren’t compatible,” which is the hammering point of so many conservative Christians, it’s important to point out that that isn’t necessarily true. It is NOT a black and white issue; there IS another way of looking at the issue and of looking at the Scriptures. It’s like saying creationism and evolution must contradict each other. They don’t necessarily have to do that; in fact, one can even complement the other.
enlightenone
@tdx3fan: Nor should we try to bring “logic” to your comments! You clearly aren’t a licensed therapist so you don’t get to diagnose. And it’s okay to be roommates and “play with” whoever would do you. And just a couple of tips: 1) If the relationship is “monotonous” there is not much love going on; and 2) People aren’t objects so they don’t belong to any one. Perhaps this belief is the cause of the monotony in your “relationship” and is not sexually fulfilling which in turn have you going from body parts to body parts! And last, but certainly not least I’m sure, it’s NOT just about laws, it’s legal for the most part what you do though you can still be fired at work, but there are many people that hate what you are and what you do sexually law or no law. Dogmatic religions play a big part in so many parts of the world. Case in point, this fairytales nonsense this video represents!
Ridpathos
Eh, whatever. Let him do what he wants. He’ll probably be hooking up at a glory hole later that evening anyway. These guys don’t really think it’s wrong to have gay sex. They mostly think it’s wrong to be openly gay.
masc4masc
@MMDD: But he’s not telling you or anyone else what to do. It may not be a lifestyle decision that appeals to you, but it’s how he wants to be. He’s simply sharing what works for his life. Live and let live?
inbama
@masc4masc:
After your unnecessarily viscous attacks on transgenders, you are the last person to lecture anyone about “live and let live.”
It seems you’re here for the purpose of trolling.
Stache99
@inbama: I also find it funny that masc4masc is lecturing everyone on being cynical when I’ve never once seen a nice thing said from him. Always negative.
jhutchinson
I don’t understand a person who believes like this. If he has a belief in the judeo-christian faith that is fine, but saying he is gay and then saying that he needs to live a celibate life to do what “God” wanted (girl, where the hell is that written down), is to say basically that God made a mistake. Either he meant for you to be straight and enjoy your life or he intended to make you gay and enjoy your life. If you are gay and not enjoying your life because of your religion your God screwed up. So either god is infallible and you are all screwed up or she is fallible and screwed up big time when she made you …… either drop the poor me gay act or get real and get laid. You sound too much like you’ve been in therapy with Michele Bachman. geez
jar
Christians like this are big on the speeches, but not so much on the follow-through. I am reminded of the queen who was going to go on a hunger strike in Utah until gay marriage was banned again. Or Jimmy Swaggart. Or Ted Haggard. Or that original reformed gay man who was often found in gay bars.
Within a year, this earnest, very-Christian (such sacrifices he is willing to make for his faith!) young man will be found in a very embarrassing position, probably in a rest stop on the interstate. For this type of proselytizing christian, there is usually a complete disconnect between words and actions, as the examples above demonstrate.
Ceadrus
As an Ordained Lutheran Minister, a Gay Man and a Registered Nurse (RN). I want to affirm that there are “SEX POSITIVE” Christians who believe God created Heterosexuals and Homosexual people and that being Christian and being “sex Positive’ is not a contradiction.
The Scriptures clearly show Jesus Blessing a Roman Centurion in a same sex relationship and calling him “the model of Faith for all of Israel.”
There are only 7 scriptures in the Bible, twisted to condemn “Gay People.” 5 in the Hebrew Scriptures really speak about pagan temple prostitution. The story of Sodom is about betraying hospitality and gang rape as public humiliation – rape is about power and not about being Gay. The 2 in the New Testament speak about underage pederastic exploitation.
The Story of Ruth and Naomi, show a female same sex commitment ceremony.
The Story of David and Johnathan show a Male same sex commitment ceremony.
The concept of Homosexuality was invented in 1865 therefore could not be in Scriptures written 3000 years ago. (2000) for the New Testament.
Jesus in the Gospels is about inclusive love for ALL People, especially excluded minorities. Jesus would say we all have a place at his table. God’s Love, Mercy and Grace is about welcoming all people who feel rejected and excluded. Shame, Guilt and rejection is ENDED. Welcoming, Compassion, Respect, and Breaking Bread together is the Way of Jesus. People in consensual, respectful and honorable relationships AND SINGLES too, are all Blessed.
Gay Liberation was supposed to be about offering ALL People Acceptance and Reconciliation. We need to stop condemning and rejecting anyone from out community. We celebrate diversity in all our different views and lifestyles. Let the Haters hate. We can still LOVE EVERY ONE, and offer a place at the table. Grab the Bread and WIne. The Feast Starts Soon.
masc4masc
@inbama: Exactly my point! It seems some of the same folks crying live and let live in that very story are in here NOT letting live. What magically changed? And I’ve seen you set off a few transmembers with some not so PC opinions too, so don’t even try playing trans advocate now. I know that game quite well.
@Stache99: Yet you always have a reply for me. Always negative. The irony is laughable.
James Hart
@Ceadrus: Your view is the minority view within Christianity.
Stache99
Here’s a good rebuttal to Grady.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whplQAbfCXQ
Stache99
I guarantee you that the parents of Grady Smith will be a mirror to Grady’s own opinions. He’s young and still believes mommy, daddy and his church knows what’s best for him.
MMDD
@masc4masc: He says, “Scripture makes it pretty clear that that’s not God’s ideal plan for people.” So yes, he actually IS telling other people what to do by regurgitating the same thing right-wing Christians continue to bombard us with. I’m not telling him how to live his life–that’s his decision to make–but I must certainly will challenge him on statements like this.
MMDD
@Stache99: Excellent rebuttal!
Miss Understood
Religion = Fairy Tales
Paco
@Stache99: Loved the video rebuttal. Religious dogma being neutralized with logic and rational thought is always refreshing to see. Thanks for sharing it.
I had to watch it twice though because the guy in the video was so adorable.
Ceadrus
@James Hart:
The Great Thing about LOVE?
It does not matter IF it is the Minority Opinion, it is STILL THE TRUTH.
I make a HUGE Distinction between being a Follower of JESUS and Institutional Religion.
Most “christians” would make Jesus puke. That is not a hate statement, it is the truth.
Most “christians” have very little knowledge about Jesus’ ministry or his purpose.
It really is embarrassing to those of us who read and study and try to understand.
But THAT is the nature of SIN. Haters will hate.
We will still love them and set a place at the table for everyone.
I won’t give up, I keep smiling because I anticipate the shock on their Face,
at the inclusive Love of God.
Blessings and Peace.
Cobalt Blue
LOL…What a bunch of lonesome and desperate fags a I see here. All trying hard to impose into others ( by trashing them…) their disfunctional way of life. Silly, silly dolls…
Stache99
@masc4masc: First you tell everyone to STFU because you don’t approve. Now you’re telling everyone to just agree with him so we don’t look like hypocrites. Of coarse that excludes you who has a negative opinion on everything and expresses it every single time.
I have a better way. He gets to say whatever crazy thing he wants on You Tube. Then we have the right to call his BS as we see fit. You know. Two way street and all.
Billy Budd
Religion is poison. It merely serves as a justification for people’s bigotry, hatred and feelings of superiority.
tdx3fan
@MMDD: For me, being in a loving non-monogamous, non-monotonous relationship is where it is at. I still love my partner and belong to/with him, but we both play the field as well. To each their own.
For this guy, I feel really bad for him. I was there once, it was not a pretty place to be, and you really do not feel a real part of either community.
tdx3fan
@Billy Budd: Or, he really does believe the way he does and will suffer from both sides because of it.
He hardly meets the clinical definition of any mental disorder. Until you have actually been there, don’t try to condemn him for it. As someone else said, he can live whatever life he wants to as long as he doesn’t try to make laws that influence the way I live my life.
tdx3fan
@robirob: You mean, except when it is true. Gays have a great deal of “fun” bullying anyone and anything that they do not believe fits their very narrow minded, shallow view of what being gay is. They want to own the word gay just as much as the fundies want to own the word Christian. When someone walks in both worlds it is like the ultimate shame. I have observed that time and time again.
This guy is not attempting to use his religion to influence our laws, so there is nothing wrong with him believing however he wants too.
tdx3fan
@Ken A.: Kind of sad that the whole priest thing has such a bad rap now, especially when for every kiddy diddler there are at least 3-5 good priest who have gone out of their way to actually minister to their community… often including in the means of financial ministering.
tdx3fan
@LubbockGayMale: Don’t bring logic to a religious debate… it just doesn’t belong there.
MMDD
@tdx3fan: That’s something I will never understand, but that’s a whole other subject. Like you said, to each his/her own. Your relationship is just as valid as mine. (Just please don’t infer that mine has ever been “monotonous” because believe me, it never has.)
masc4masc
@tdx3fan: Isn’t it interesting/predictable/comical how fast all the ‘live and let live’ those same gays preach to everyone else goes right out the window when they disapprove of something? Much like Bible-thumpers, the gay community definitely enforces its own dogma through shaming/bullying those that have ‘strayed’. Homothumping? Just goes to show how even opposing forms of extremism basically come from the same crazy.
@MMDD: Freedom of religion is a constitutionally-protected right. Grady’s simply expressing what he likes for himself and wants to share it with others that may feel the same. Even if he was actually telling people how to live, do you feel obligated to do everything YouTube vloggers instruct you to do? We’re all men of our own free wills, right?
MMDD
@masc4masc: Of course not, and as usual, you’re missing the whole point of my responses. Grady felt the urge to express what he likes in a very public forum, and I in turn am doing the same. Don’t see why you feel the need to make such a big deal about it. This has little to do with freedom of religion anyway; it’s more about freedom of expression, which supposedly we ALL have. And by the way, that same constitution is supposed to give us freedom FROM religion too, if we so choose.
inbama
@masc4masc:
Not one person has advocated preventing this fool from worshiping as he please. That is the limit of the Constitutional guarantee of “Freedom of Religion.”
Publicly disagreeing with this moron, whose views are harmful to gay and lesbian youth, is Constitutionally protected Freedom of Speech.
Just as there are serious issues where gays and lesbians need to disagree with Trans Politics, you turn the blog into a place to inflict pain so no intelligent discussion can take place.
Now you take the other side and pretend to be about tolerance.
Your trolling is really a bore.
Stache99
@Cobalt Blue: You come here on a somewhat regular basis to bash. Obviously, something keeps bringing you back though. One day hopefully you can find some acceptance within yourself and stop bashing others. You prove more then anything that closeted gay men can sometimes be our worst enemies.
Kudos to Grady for having the balls at least to come out publicly. Hopefully, in time he’ll get out of his protective shell and get another perspective. He’s still very young.
masc4masc
@MMDD: @Stache99: @inbama: I’ve never pretended to be about tolerance lol. I’m not easily offended by judgmental opinions either. In fact, I encourage them because they express how people TRULY feel. However, some of the people in here expressing strong disapproval of Grady’s message were in another story telling other people that were simply expressing disapproval to ‘live and let live’. I’m simply asking, why the change of heart? You can’t say ‘live and let live’ when it comes to what others disagree with and then express disapproval over what you don’t like. It’s hypocritical. None of you have ever seen me use ‘live and let live’ outside of exposing the hypocrisy of others in here. If Grady wants to give his c0ck and a$$ to the Lord, your only response should be ‘live and let live’ if that’s what you’ve been preaching to others when they’ve simply expressed disagreement. That’s all.
And as I said before, inbama, you should be the last one talking about trans discussion etiquette. I’ve seen you get your jabs in a few times.
hex0
masc4masc seems to be a contrarian troll, this guy is not just living on his own in peace but influencing mostly young christian closeted-gays into his “lifestyle” with his youtube etc.
but i agree with m4m about kicking the T out of the LGB, I even used to be sympathetic towards them before i learnt that they’re mostly cluster B personality disorder messes…
masc4masc
@hex0: Contrarian? Possibly. Pointing out blatant hypocrisy is hardly trolling. Your statement is analogous to right-wingers that think seeing gays on TV will influence kids to become gay. Grady will only attract people that already identify with him anyway. You make it seem like he’s recruiting guys into some type of Warren Jeffs-style fundamentalist group. He just makes YouTube videos.
Lvng1tor
@Ceadrus: You are Awesome!
rhino79
As a gay atheist, I couldn’t care less what the Bible says about homosexuality. However, it is abundantly clear that the Bible does indeed forbid homosexuality: Leviticus 18:2 and 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that a gay Christian would choose to remain celibate. What doesn’t make sense to me is why any gay person would choose to follow a belief system that defines him as inherently evil and nullifies his existence.
Stache99
@rhino79:The bible is clear on allot of stuff that gets totally ignored by Grady and bible folk..
Don’t wear clothes made of more than one fabric (Leviticus 19:19)
Don’t cut your hair nor shave. (Leviticus 19:27)
Any person who curseth his mother or father, must be killed. (Leviticus 20:9)
If a man cheats on his wife, or vise versa, both the man and the woman must die. (Leviticus 20:10)
Psychics, wizards, and so on are to be stoned to death. (Leviticus 20:27)
Kill Nonbelievers (2 Chronicles 15:12-13 NAB)
Kill People Who Don’t Listen to Priests. Anyone arrogant enough to reject the verdict of the judge or of the priest who represents the LORD your God must be put to death. Such evil must be purged from Israel. (Deuteronomy 17:12 NLT)
enlightenone
@rhino79: NEW RULE: If you are illiterate, atheist or not, please don’t pick up this book of males musings. There isn’t one word about being gay in those pages. Period! There are, however, hundreds of words about the bad/sins of heterosexuals/”straights,” ninety-percent or more they ignore until the next time they beg for forgiveness from a jealous, fearful aberration!
TheNewEnergyDude
Well…at least he’s pretty.
MMDD
@rhino79: “It is abundantly clear that the Bible does indeed forbid homosexuality: Leviticus 18:2 and 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9.”
Only if you interpret the Bible literally and take those verses out of context. You can justify or condemn almost anything that way. That’s not how the Bible should be used. As a gay Christian, I see the bigger picture and understand that the spirit of the law is about love and caring for others, which is really what the heart of Christianity is supposed to be about.
Stefano
Bad bad gay sex ! LOL
Stefano
@MMDD : who are you to decide how the bible should be used?
MMDD
@Stefano: I guess you didn’t get the memo.
Stefano
@MMDD : keep talking with your imaginary friend.
Stefano
@MMDD : you didn’t respond to my question…
MMDD
@Stefano: That’s correct.
Ceadrus
@Lvng1tor: Thank you very much. Love your pictures. I would certainly be open for meeting, dinner and conversation; if you are ever in the Metro Detroit area. Email is [email protected]
Lvng1tor
@Ceadrus: Cool you can always click on my pic and say hi on my instagram page if you happen to be in the Grand Rapids area too. I got your email..
Billysees
@MMDD:
I would paraphrase your good comment like this —
“…the spirit…is about “love” and caring for others, which is really what the heart of Christianity is…about.”
And then I would easily justify it accordingly —
“ABOVE ALL, LOVE EACH OTHER DEEPLY, because love covers over a multitude of sins……1 Peter 4:8”
———————
Here are my observations worthy of acceptance or consideration —
1. Jesus seldom mentions the word ‘sin’ and almost never refers to it. Maybe about a dozen times or so. What a great “role-model-example” for all of us to follow.
It’s so much better and easier to think of ‘all of us’ without that characterization.
2. Don’t forget 1 Cor 4:20 plus Rom 14:17 —
“The Kingdom of God is not in “word” (that means scripture verse), but “power” (that means the work of the Holy Spirit or Spirit of God)……..it’s not food and drink but “righteousness” (that means doing good works and deeds) and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.
3. I disagree with the gay-unfriendly comments by Paul that Ceadrus mentions earlier. As someone who has more realistic and personal experiences than Paul would recognize, I’m happy and satisfied with my own understanding about these issues. I’m less interested in those older narratives simply because of his assessment of his own writings as follows —
1. …our knowledge is partial and incomplete…
2. …we see things imperfectly…
3. All that I know now is partial and incomplete…
(1 Corinthians 13:9,12)
What he could have said is —
1. …”MY” knowledge is partial and incomplete…
2. …”I” see things imperfectly…
The truthfulness and applicability of his own writings are at stake here.
It’s easy imagine that such a man would write differently about homosexuality if he were living today and knowing far more ‘positives’ about LGBT’s than the culture of his day would have allowed.
The Bible is a very respected book. I find it better to use its own contents to persuade others to trust in their ‘better experiences’ than trust too much in “imperfect, partial and incomplete” narratives.
Little-Kiwi
http://littlekiwilovesbauhaus.blogspot.ca/2014/07/stop-being-part-of-problem-not-solution.html
a rebuttal.
mark my word – he’ll shy away from this. he doesn’t want to answer real, tough, legit questions. just Sarah Palin-esque softball nonsense.
MMDD
@Billysees: One of the best posts EVER. I wish I had your gift of words because as far as I’m concerned, you’ve totally nailed it. THANK YOU.
@Little-Kiwi: Well, my friend, you have gained a fan right here. THANK YOU TOO. (And on a superficial note, DAAAAMN, but you’re hot!)
Billysees
@MMDD:
Thank you MMDD for your gracious compliment.
I’d like to think that others will see the lack of infallibility in the scriptures simply for the reasons mentioned already. This should cause many folks to reconsider their opposition to LGBT acceptance and all of the other issues concerning us we consider important.
But that ‘ain’t gonna’ be an easy task. Those who find it too hard to accept LGBT’s will do and say whatever they can to discredit and denounce.
Let’s be thankful for all of our friends and helpers. And why not be thankful to the object of our worship for all of the good things that have happened to make our lives better and happier than before.
Clark35
There are a lot of LGBT people that are Christian, or who are religious, or spiritual, and there’s nothing wrong with this.