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Are you a religious person? Why or why not?
There is quite an extensive discussion about this topic on Reddit. Some of the respondents revealed they were able to reconcile their sexuality and/or gender identity with their faith. But, of course, it also follows that some of them were not able to (reconcile their sexuality and/or gender identity with their faith) because they feel that they are living in sin. Then, there are also those who found a religion that is “accepting of gays” while others simply don’t believe in religion.
This is the case of one particular Redditor who replied, “I don’t see any point or value in religion. It seems like some kind of mass delusion: Billions of people essentially believing in magic.” He then reasoned, “I don’t need a book and a preacher at a pulpit to tell me I need to be kind to other people.”
A guy responded to his post. It reads:
“I suppose the big thing religion offers is community and purpose. I feel like I yearn for these things and that we are increasingly lacking this in today’s society, shame I can’t force myself to believe the things they require you to.” To which the former respondent replied, “I get that, but IMHO, you don’t need religion to have purpose and community.” He added, “I have both without it.”
Meanwhile, another guy commented on the topic at hand: “Because it ruined my life, and put me through the horrid process of being ‘cured’ of being gay. Fuck religion.”
Anyway, you can read the whole thread here.
Unfortunately, a study found that “greater religious feeling and engagement was tied to increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions for (survey) participants who identified as LGBQ.” Read Reuters’ article in full here.
Their comments were one of the most popular ones and many people agree with their thoughts. But what about you, guys? Are you a religious or spiritual person? Why or why not? Do you agree with some of the comments of the other gay men above? Share with us your thoughts and stories in the comments section below.
Oh, yeah, absolutely! Everybody is though, the difference is those that are ‘aware’ of being spiritual, whether you’re ‘aware’ of your subconscious or fully conscious of your choices of (dark or light) side of being such. I recognized at a pretty early age, the difference as I saw, experienced things “not of this world” the unexplainable, my upbringing in terms of the difference in being “spiritual” vs. “religious” I haven’t anything to do with the latter. I made the conscious decision, to let the Creator choose the denomination/if it really matters, I except I’m a spirit having a human experience.… Read more »
Wrong. Not everyone is religious or spiritual. When you describe the “Creator” as being the origination point for your “unexplainable” experienced, you’re already explained them – the Creator did it. So how are they not explainable? The reasoning of so-called believers never fails to be full of question begging and the fallacy of personal incredulity.
“I am not wrong” lol (Bill Mehar) I’ll clarify for you, John. 1) We’re spirits ‘firstly’ before birth, given the experience of life on earth as humans, ok, hence, “spirit/s having a human experience.” Many ancient cultures around the world are in believe; of this of which people are coming around to very often these days. I’ll repeat or clarify, “everybody is a spiritual” you are either ‘aware’ of that or not, however your actions/conduct declare your “spiritual light”, or your “spiritual darkness” make no mistake, “we are all spiritual, ok, consciously or subconsciously,” but you are none the less!… Read more »
Excuse yourself, everybody is of spirit firstly, what you choose or what you allow to choose you; the dark-evil side or side of light. “Everybody has their demons.”
Who would believe me saying: I’ve seen ghosts, or had an out of body experience, etc., this is what is meant about “unexplainable.” People have to experience these things themselves.
I worship… cock. And sometimes ass.
LOL.!!
I’m an unapologetic believer in God and Jesus Christ as my savior. For me, it is the privilege of having a relationship with the creator of the Universe that will persist long after I leave this earth; that he created me and in that design for me, made rules, most I keep, but some of which I break knowingly and unknowingly; yet He still loves me. Now I know that there are some on here that will find this uncomfortable – my intelligence will be in question along with my motives. However for me, it makes sense that my creator… Read more »
Please forgive the repeat… with a lengthy approval cycle (without feedback), I thought my post had not been received. So, I resubmitted it almost a day later. I’m grateful for the inclusion and would not be offended if the editor wanted remove this one to avoid redundancy.
Religious? No.
Spiritual? Absolutely, yes!!!
I believe in God, but I do not believe in organized religion. I always viewed churches as a cult. I just try to do the right thing, not harm others, and respect all people.
This topic by A4A promotes the idea that being LGTBQ+ and religious/spiritual are exclusive. A divisive, hateful idea. Many Christian denominations (even including many Catholic congregations, as well as some Jewish), have moved to acceptance, caring and loving for all.
A4A needs to stop promoting division and hate. It should stick to sex, dating, celebrities, pop music, divas, and “hotties”.
This conversation has been going on for awhile and as is often the case, there are largely two camps who disagree and tend not to talk with civility, making it very divisive. In the interest of understanding, perhaps having the dialog is healthy. Mind you, the original blog was a little one-sided (my opinion), but perhaps someone on the other side of the issue might not think it was strong enough. Bottom line is that I agree that we should not promote division and hate, but rather seek to understand, and in that understanding be able to be accepting of… Read more »
You didn’t include “The Perverted”?
Hunter, most times you and I have similar opinions on the various topics discussed here on Adam, however this time is not one of them. Religion and spirituality are very important to many people within our community and many have suffered public embarrassment and humiliation within the church because of what they are and who they love. “Let us pray together for brother so and so to banish the demons that tempt him to commit acts of homosexual behavior!” Poor brother so and so just needed spiritual uplifting and got the looks of disapproval and shame instead. You are right… Read more »
As religious belief in the USA has gone down, violent crime has gone UP. That is not a coincidence!
There’s this little saying about correlation not being causation. Look into it.
Ah, you’re greatly mistaken here. Crime is at about a 50 year low in the US, after peaking in the early to mid-90s. And religious belief in Scandinavia is much lower than the US and they have far less violent crime.
I blame the religious community for spreading the misinformation–they have to create an environment of fear in order to generate a need for themselves.
Not true. Not true at all.
Folks have committed crimes against others “in the name of God”. They’ve done it in the past, they’re doing in now and they will continue to do it in the future,
Seems like you are stuck in the past. Violent crime actually has declined since the 1990s. And if it is all about god then how do you explain low crime rates in Northern Europe which is about as non religious as you can get? https://usafacts.org/data/topics/security-safety/crime-and-justice/crime-and-police/violent-crime-rate-per-100000-persons/
This is only theory, but the biggest reason why being “religious” would be associated with higher suicide is because _religion_ and _spirituality_ are not the same thing. Spiritiality is a self-awareness directed toward healing and understanding and growth. It is geared toward finding and recognizing the sources for the best, most uplifting attitude for oneself, in relation to the universe. In short, it says, “I have a right to be here. I am who I am. How can I nurture my joy and make the world better?” Religion began as a way for the human to understand the universe and… Read more »
religion sux
Religion has been and always will be a ” Big Busness” that works by brainwashing their members at the youngest age possible. It fills the individual with fear of damnation or the ” hope ” of salvation for sins they have not commited. How come all the world religions have invisible gods? That should tell you something.
“… reconcile their sexuality and/or gender identity with their faith.. ” This statement is automatically negative. It broadcasts that religion and sexuality are always in conflict.
For many religious people, our God created us and loves us for who we are. This blog pushes the idea that anyone who’s religious is automatically anti-“The Community”. Please become informed and enlightened!
It does and it doesn’t surprise me that there hasn’t been a taker to tackle this topic. It’s huge and monstrous and delicate and fateful. I am a gay man who periodically attends Church both Protestant and Catholic, and I am who I am I do not hide nor do I lie and I find acceptance where I attend, better in than out, in actuality. Like the Pope is currently doing in other communities around the world at this time, I believe he must do in ours (LGBTQ); he must apologize in some way for past negative indignations which coupled… Read more »
Come on Ladies! You’re going to bat for us all, right.
I am neither religious or spiritual. I am “humble!” There was a time in my life where I had a desire to believe, but the more I learned, the less sense it made. I now longer belong.Throughout history and even today, religions have been responsible for wars, murders, cultural erasure, enslavement . . .the list can go on, all in the name of “a god!” Which faith is the right one? They all claim to be. I discovered if I don’t believe this faith or that, I’m going to Hell. I’ve concluded I’m going to Hell in every religion, so… Read more »
I basically believe in Heaven, Hell, Good, Evil, and God, but I do not believe in the “Forgiveness of Sins” or that Jesus was necessarily a Divine Being. It makes it too easy for people to feel like it’s not that big a deal to commit an evil deed, just say a prayer or two and it’s like it never happened…I don’t think so. I believe in Karma. I think that some wisdom can be found in all religions but that no one religion is 100% correct.
God made all of us, good, bad, whatever. He doesnt and never will make mistakes. So tired of people saying that Sodom and Gamora were destroyed because of homosexuality. IF you read the scriptures correctly, it was destroyed because “they could not find one righteous man”. I was save when I was 7 long before I knew anything about homosexuality. I know where I’m going when I die. I have had demons try to get my soul, don’t say that they’re not real, I prayed the power of the blood and they went away, had to flee. Wouldn’t have happened… Read more »
i’m only religious cuz of parents and family, i do believe in God, Christ, etc., but i just wish i didn’t have to go church every Sunday, honey .. it’s what i get for having a very ultra conservative God-fearing overtly religious family .. and of course, i can’t be out of the closet either
You think that God is the creator of the universe, and he gave his only son Jesus Christ up for the sins of all humanity, but you think that a couple of hours on a Sunday morning is asking too much? Don’t get me wrong, I think your belief is narcissistic and unfounded, but you also sound like a whiny, unappreciative little bitch. If I thought that a god had died for my sins, I’d be in Church and reading the Bible 24 fucking 7 out of pure appreciation.
This is a really important question that is asked – thank you for asking since often I have been shut down with my LGBT friends because they have been hurt by church people. Believe me when I say that a church is more of a hospital for souls than a hall for judges. I am a believer of God and my savior Jesus Christ. It is less about religion and more about a relationship with my heavenly Father now and a life that persists forever with Him. I recognize that He created the Universe, designed me in this world, and… Read more »
I have a strong belief in God. It is in this faith my spirituality lives. I agree that religions have been used to manipulate people and make people feel small. But I realized it’s the people who are doing this. There is no one that has a direct line to God. My faith is that I have my own form of connection with the creator that loves me just as I am. I don’t care about those that say I’m going to go to hell. I bet there is someone that will say they are going to hell because they… Read more »
We worship Baal and his minions. All are welcome, none are turned away. Do as Thou Wilt, be the Whole of the Law
Religion was invented to control money and sex. There is no proof of the existence of deities or an afterlife. Believers need to go back to school and study loads of history and science, civics, and critical thought. Business degrees and trades do not make you educated. Religion is the tool used by the rich to control the masses. Patriotism too. They are invented by the people at the top to control the masses at the bottom. Grow up, get educated. There is only our natural world and universe. This is all there is before returning to the nothingness. And… Read more »
“Jesus” administered to the downtrodden, not the kings, nor the queens. I personally, think there’s a difference between “sin” of which “Creator/God gave his only son” and/vs. out right evil doings, Creator gave his only son for our sins, not our evil “deliver us from evil.” The difference is, to me, evil is willful harm/destruction; sin is in the everyday living and enjoyment of life. The religious, mostly, run afoul of the teaching, they practice ‘none of the humanity’ what the bible says, which is why people as time goes on in human history; people have lost their faith, if… Read more »
amen
“The religious structures are not speaking for God” Jen Hatmaker, was just this minute on the “Wendy Williams” show. I don’t know who she is, but having seen her-hear her say this, is not a coincidence, in light of this thread! She’s a “wellness” guru? But she advocates for the LGBTQ+.
This topic reflects the millenarian (the end of the world is coming), chiliastic (the Messiah is returning), and manichean (there is only good or bad no in between) ethics of American protestant evangelicalism (city on a hill simplistic Calvinism) and biblical literalism (there is only one interpretation to the Bible). This is rooted is the old testament (although Christians claim the new testament supercedes it – go figure) condemnation of gay relationships (but when was the last time we stoned an adulterer or outlawed mix fabric clothing). The topic is little more than a craven desire to be accepted by… Read more »
As a Native American I have a different take on the subject, most Native Americans are not trained to be ashamed of who or what we are.
The real value comes from “The Good Book”:
“God Made Us All.”
However, we create our own individual Egos!
you can believe in God without being religious. you can have faith and not go to church. you can be a Christian and not pay tithe and offering. so tired of this world…all we do is find new ways to hate each other. God is love
I am both for sure, growing up I began to see the spiritual side of me grow and it’s becoming stronger as it connects to my life journey or situations that I’m going through depending on, if I’m paying attention! The religious side of me will always be there because I’ve been in love with the only one man since I was a boy and still love more each day GOD. He loves me the way he made me a male so no I’m not letting anyone turn me into a girl! Xiou
I am a universalist who worships in the Christian tradition. I have chosen my path and encourage other to explore and discover theirs. I do NOT believe mine is the only or best path.
I am a Christian and offer my life to him through almost every aspect in my life. In the bedroom I’m a bottom slut and worship cock.
I’ve never had a person successfully to able to explain to me what they meant by “spiritual.” What does it even mean?
Amazed at the number of gay people on here who continued to guy into religious and “spiritual” bullshit. These are the same people who told you that you were lesser than human for being attracted to the same sex and told you about and “all-loving God” who was going to send you to Hell for being gay? Totally blown away by the number of people who can’t see through this thinly veiled psychological bullshit.
Many of these are people now tell you that you are loved by themselves and an all-loving God. They got past the stereotypical hate.
Claims, claims, and more claims. Still looking for any evidence of this “all-loving God” bullshit.
I just gotta say this people, since we are talking about this subject. As far as the that beautiful fresco “Enlightenment” hand of “God”, it really makes me wonder, was that really God or ‘something’ posing as; not unlike tRump posing as President of the United States. Are you sure, that was God, ’cause I’m not. It just seems as far as the “666” no one has actually seen on anyone; that they were born with, yet. This whole idea of ‘white-ness” there is no such thing, really, as “white people” . . . not even albinos are “white” as… Read more »
I am a Spiritual Person from an imposed cultural religion
I consider myself both,yet at the same time, I understand that religion has a division line rather than a unified one. I have witnessed people using it ( religion) as a shield to commit anything to anyone in the name of it. That is why I step away from it and I feel more SPIRITUAL.
Attending Catholic schools from fourth through twelfth grades (1962-71) cured me of ANY desire to be religious. I received a phenomenal academic education and an abysmal one that taught me the extreme hypocrisy that buttresses that religion: cruelty, child abuse, and some racism and antisemitism were on the menu. The ensuing half-century has proven that religion is at the crux of many of our world’s wars, controversies, and disagreements. Here in America, Christianity has become a haven for insecure, hateful, racist, bigoted extremists. However, I am very spiritual. Religion hasn’t kept me from maintaining an intense love for, and relationship… Read more »
I use to be a religious person but after the last few years I see more hate in religion against gays and how they preach love and all the crap they do today