The Peers Outsmarting Homophobia (POSH) booklet

For same sex attracted young people, workers, families and friends.

 
 
Peers Out Smarting Homophobia (POSH) booklet. Belief 1: Homosexuality is a sin.
The POSH booklet can be downloaded here

girl and homophobia

Check out some useful websites.

Christianity considers homosxuality a sin or does it? The answer to this question depends on which Christian you ask (liberal or conservative) and when you ask it. the debate rests on six quotes in the bible and there is disagreement over the translation, interpretation, meaning and cotext of these passages. Importantly Jesus Christ never spoke about sexualities. According to John Boswell, a Yale historian, homosexuality was accepted in the first 200 years of the Christian church, gay prostitution was taxed and in 7th century Spain six national councils refused to outlaw homosexuality. In the Middle Ages a gay sub culture thrived as in Greco-Roman times and gay litertaure was standard discussion material at courses in the medieval universities. Christian opposition to homosexuality arose around the time of the repression of other groups such as Jews, heretics and the poor. Over the years the church has used the bible to support homophobia, sexism, slavery and other forms of racism.

Currently, the National Assembly of the Uniting Church ordains gay men and lesbians, however there is still resistance from the Catholic and Anglican churches.
How young people outsmarted this belief.
6 December, 2007" alt="girl smiling" width="50" height="80" />
two boys

I had religious difficulties, but now I understand god loves me for me. Taylor 17 years

 

I think God is happy when we are. Suzanne 16 years

girl with ball

I delved deeper into the bible and homosexuality and realised that there was nothing in it that says homosexuality is wrong – nothing substantial. There were so many holes in the religion and bible that I realised it was ridiculous to take it seriously. Sam 19 years

boy with flag

My only negative reaction from family came from my Dad's ultra religious parents. I told them essentially to like it or lump it, as I was prepared to cut them off but they have behaved themselves since then. It was a great experience. I had so many people contact me in support. Dan 20 years

girl on phone

I see no sin in loving the same sex – it is a beautiful thing.  Lara 16years

Told my priest, who was very supportive and in the same position. Didn't tell me anything that I didn't already know, and made me feel a little better about being Christian and gay. Andre 20 years

Well, at first it felt morally wrong. Then I began to research it, delve into my own feelings and analyse them along with what I found to support them and I discovered that what I had encountered was perfectly natural. And that I shouldn't feel the least remonstrance over it.  Shanta 16 years

boy smirking Read Steven's letter to his parents.

Dear Mum and Dad,

When I moved out of home, you sent me a card – in it were the words “I pray that you will meet a very special person that will compliment and enhance all that you are and that you will experience the love and trust and happiness that Dad & I enjoy as husband and wife.”  I, too, had been praying this same prayer, and I believe my prayers were answered when I met Michael, the most amazing guy who I want to spend my life with.  But in meeting such a special person, it made me challenge everything!

Suddenly I had to reconcile my feelings with my own personality, religion and relationships, and I have been doing this ever since. God is still important to me, as He gives me the most amazing sense of peace and confidence that can’t be found elsewhere.  The exciting thing is that my relationship with God has actually grown stronger the more I have come to accept the person He created me to be.  It’s like I’ve been in denial all thes 28 May, 2007 en and honest with Him.  I have accepted the fact that I am homosexual, and that whatever relationship I have with God and the church must include this out of necessity.

I’ve argued, demanded and bargained with God on many occasions, but each time through His mercy and wisdom, He has affirmed both my sexual orientation and His love for me.  I believe in a God of love and grace, and although it may be hard for some to believe, I can feel His overwhelming support and confirmation on this matter.  What’s more, I believe He wants to use me to teach others lessons of acceptance, tolerance and grace. 

I’ve heard sermons preached on how homosexuality is an ‘abomination’ and I’ve spoken to many people on the issue and done my own research too.  God created me as who I am, and that includes my sexual orientation.  I don’t want to get caught up debating whether or not being attracted to the same gender is a sin – all that this would lead to is spiritual defeat; I know I’m created in His image, and His grace is sufficient for me.


 

 

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Page maintained by: Lynne Hillier
Last Updated: 28 May, 2007