I consider myself to be a straight ally, and I feel very passionate about it.
I attend a church that is Open and Affirming (Methodist). I volunteer for a cancer charity on days when I am not working, and the supervisor is openly gay and married to his husband.
He is one of the nicest people I have ever met, and the thought that I have family members, friends/mutual acquaintances who would tell him that “following Jesus” would require him to separate from his husband makes me extremely angry.
I feel anger not just toward conservative Christians I know but also toward conservative Christians more generally.
For example, simply knowing that someone attends a conservative church makes me automatically distrust them and doubt their good intentions.
When I say “conservative”, I do not mean the obviously bigoted, sign-waving, “God hates you”, Westboro’ Baptist-style fundies.
I am talking about the “nice” ones.
The ones who will smile at you, serve you coffee, and maybe even have you over for lunch, but still tell you “lovingly” that you are “living in sin and needing to repent”.
Those are generally the type of Christians I know and have met.
How do you prevent yourself from becoming too hateful towards them and continue extending Christlike love to those who are supposedly your brothers and sisters?
as wise people in my life would say: hate the sin, not the sinner.
unfortunately, I have no great advice for you. my parents attend a “nice” church as well, but I do not attend due to the points you’ve made in your post.
I would suggest treating these people with kindness and logically explain why you hold your position. if presented with kindness and love (leave the hatred they preach behind), they will eventually come around.
I know its easier said than done, but this is something that I’ve applied to in different parts of my life and it has opened doors and changed lives. good luck and lmk if you have any questions with what I stated 🙂
Saying hate the sin not the sinner is just code to hate gay people but pretend you don’t. That is never used in a loving context.
fair point. in my opinion, those people are not real christians because I can guarantee they also engage in sinful activities