Instead of fighting for my rights, I'm going to form a religion - Gay Jesus

[BR_Parkway]

(Note to Mods, this is a discussion of the political impact certain religions produce in our government, it is not a religious discussion to debate the merits of one denomination over another - please don't move it to the Religion forum)

Not to denigrate any actual Christians at DU for what they believe, but there are different denominations for a reason - not all of you agree on all things Scriptural.

Seems like it would be easier just to form a religion based on being queer than it is to get recognition that we are 100% Americans, not second class citizens. We can pick and choose whatever verses from the Bible we want to, look how well it's worked for everyone else.

Let's see - Jesus, an unmarried man with 12 other unmarried men (at an age where the law practically required them to married) hung out together, drinking wine and washing each other's feet (Holy Fetish?). Their fag hag Mary Magdeline hung out with them all the time. God made Jesus gay to spread the word to love everyone, even if you didn't like them or what they were doing. Then you've got Jonathan and David, Ruth and (whatshername)

What would we get?

Instant tax breaks? Check
Protection from being fired? Check
Inclusion in hate crimes laws? Check
Inability for people to put amendments in their Constitutions to restrict our rights? Check
Police protection to protect our right to worship as we wished? Check
Politicians pandering to us instead of just hitting us up for cash? Check
Ability to serve in the military? Check

Throw in the fundraising opportunities, and someone tell me why we haven't done this already? This actually gets us every single bit of equal standing that we've been fighting for. Because religion is already clearly protected in the Constitution.

The fundies are always screaming that we CHOSE to be GLBT, just like they choose to be Baptist or Catholic. Are they going to turn around and tell us we can't have this as a religion because we're born queer instead? Let's face it - the Baptists think the Mormons are a cult, the Catholics terribly misguided even though they all believe in the Divinity of Christ and the Jews only necessary for the End Times - it's not like they're going to hate us anymore than they do now. We could even go on TV and publish articles about how we, as Christians, are being persecuted.

[SaveElmer]

1. There are denominations that include gay rights...

As part of their creed or covenant...

Unitarian Universalist for example, though not strictly CHristian, does have many christian members..

United Church of Christ has gay rights as a part of its creed. Barry Lynde of Americans United is a UCC minister

[BR_Parkway]

2. No, I mean a denomination for gays, by gays because we're gay

I know there are churches that welcome us, but I'm talking about forming a church to get us included in all the things that every other American takes for granted. It would be great to be treated as a complete American instead of a second class citizen because the people truly believed in equality for all or our politicians had the courage to at least stand up for us against the majority.

But that isn't happening, today the Mass legislature gave in to religious extremists and voted to put the whole issue of gay marriage on the ballot, so the majority can decide what crumbs the minority gets to have brushed off the table to them. So screw that, I'm tired of sitting back trying to make things happen.

Forming a religion based on being queer gets us a seat at the table now (well, after a few lawsuits). It's sneaky, it's underhanded - but it's absolutely protected by the same Constitution that too many people think doesn't really apply to those of us in the GLBT world. And it's a way bigger attention getter than another march or a sit in somewhere.

[Bryn]

3. I think it would be a great idea

to start your own religion where you can have fellowship with people without anyone banging bible on your head. I don't see why not. I am straight woman, but I'd fully support that idea. I have several best friends who are gay men. One of them told me about how some Christians came down on him so he had to quit going to church. You have a right to go where you can have spiritual growth. God is love, that's how I see my God.

[BR_Parkway]

4. But this isn't about God or spirituality - it's about the special treatment

a group of 2nd class citizens would automatically get from our government if we organized under the term "religion".

Like way too many of the current "churches" in America today, it doesn't have to have anything to do with acting according to Jesus's teachings, it's about the political access and benefits

[Bryn]

6. Oh, I Get It!!

Sorry I didn't understand your post originally. I must be sleepy and didn't read it carefully. Now I completely understand what you mean. Did you see the movie "V for Vendetta"? I can see America becoming something like that. In that movie "V for Vendetta", politicans were using religion cause fear and to control people...full of lies. Nothing about the real teaching of Jesus.

[radfringe]

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