Ask Me Anything: Us vs Us
Join us as we address some hot-button topics in the Church through questions submitted by our own members.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
In his groundbreaking study published in 2016, Andrew Marin surveyed the responses of over 1700 people who identified as LGBTQ+. The primary purpose of this study was to understand the religious history, practices, and beliefs of the LGBTQ+ community across the United States. At the time, it was the largest scientific survey ever undertaken in this field. To say the results of his study were enlightening would be an understatement. A few of his key findings can be summed up as follows:
86% of LGBT people were raised in a religious community
54% of LGBT people left their religious community by the age of 18
76% of LGBT are open to returning to the religion of their youth.
At FHC, we believe these facts have profound implications for how we navigate the question posed in our Ask Me Anything series: “What is your perspective on the LGBTQ+ community and how can we love them?” In addressing this complex question thoughtfully, we invite you to join us as we navigate this through 3 distinct lenses:
Firstly, our hope is that this would be a redemptive conversation that remains centered on the transformative power of grace, emphasizing the significance of a Savior who sacrificed for all, including ourselves. No longer can this be a conversation about us versus those who we disagree with. In light of the compelling statistics mentioned above, we recognize that this conversation can no longer be characterized as "us versus them” when, in truth, it was always “us versus ourselves”. Instead, our mission is to embody the love of Jesus to our LGBTQ+ neighbors and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Secondly, to truly grasp this complex issue, we must approach it with nuance. We recognize that LGBTQ+ identities and experiences are incredibly diverse. As Mark Yarhouse wisely put it, "If you've met one LGBTQ+ person, you've met one LGBTQ+ person." With this in mind, we commit to taking the time to explore what the Bible says about human sexuality and identity while approaching each person's unique story with love and empathy. This will require us to move beyond stereotypes and generalizations as we seek to love each person with intentionality and specificity.
Lastly, considering the striking statistics we've mentioned, it's vital that we humbly acknowledge past shortcomings. We need to be actively seeking forgiveness through prayer and safe dialogue with our LGBTQ+ neighbors who've borne the weight of exclusion and discrimination for far too long. Our ultimate aim is to create a dialogue that embraces the uncertainty of not having all the answers and provides a safe space for those still on their journey.
In conclusion, the findings of Andrew Marin's study serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within religious communities. At FHC, it's our hope that by engaging in redemptive conversations, embracing nuanced perspectives, and humbly acknowledging our past shortcomings, we can create a space where everyone, regardless of their background or journey, feels welcomed and valued. Together, let us strive for a world where love, grace, and conviction are the guiding principles in our interactions with one another.
Study Questions:
Which statistic stood out to you most and why?
In your opinion, what does it mean to have a redemptive conversation?
According to the blog post, what role does nuance play in this conversation? What are the stereotypes or generalizations that make this difficult?
What can we do to create safe and welcoming spaces for those who are still on their journey of faith and identity, as mentioned in the blog post?
