What is This Forum For?

[sparky95]

A question for all participants on this Religion and Spirituality forum- What is its purpose for you? Is it a free exchange of views and experiences about you and your spiritual beliefs? Or is it a vehicle to convert the unbeleivers?

 

[confusedboy23]

Hmmm....good question. I think it's a great place to share experiences and views on how one has come to terms with their sexuality and their beliefs. I reckon it gives a sense of comfort knowing that you're not alone and that there is still hope reconciling being gay and still living as a christian or a believer of whatever religion.

 

[turtle]

Of course the first question has to be what is the purpose of the whole forum, since this is only a sub-heading of a much larger forum.

The forums at Just Us Boys are intended to be a safe cyber-hangout for gays, gay men in particular. The forums exploded almost as soon as they were begun, because they fill a real need. Many gay people have no one at home or at work to discuss important but controversial issues with, without having to face hostility.

So, people leapt into this forum, and now it is huge, so large that it is subdivided into sub-forums by subject. If it weren't, I do not know how I would find the time to sort through all the posts for subject matter of interest to me.

It should be no surprise that many gay people have questions and issues regarding religion. Why should a gay person be any more or less spiritual than any other person? In fact, religious questions often come to the fore with particular force for gays, because some religions condemn homosexuality.

Most people come to this religion forum with questions; wanting to know how others believe, how others have applied their beliefs to their lives, wanting practical advice. Some come here with heartache and pain, some come with anger and spite (these latter do not usually stay long).

FUNKMEJUNK is a straight, married, fundamentalist preacher, come here with honest intention of 'saving' souls. He is disliked by some, but I think he has a place here. You see, there is quite a bit of expertise in theology and religion represented by the regulars here, and it does not hurt to have the Fundamentalist Evangelical viewpoint represented as well.

I am here, mainly, to provide answers and information to those who have the kinds of questions which I am well qualified to answer. My perspective is one of a less common variety, so you will find that I do not participate much in some threads, particularly those which discuss details of Christian theology. I have significant knowledge of Christian theology, but have little to offer discussions of details of things I do not myself believe. I will attempt to provide clarification of particular technicalities where they seem wanting, but others here are better qualified than I for that task (which says something about the high levels of expertise available to questioners here).

What else do I come here for? Honestly, I feed my soul here, whenever I can convey some comfort or some insight to someone who needs what the years have given me. I also come for friendship. I am very fond of some of the regulars here.

-Dave

 

[cAndId]

I see this forum as a great opporutunity to discuss religion with other gay people as I grew up in a religious environment that forces us to repress who we are. I know that isnt right and I know that they do not understand that.

I do not know everything about religion but reading discussions here and participating should be fun, and I am bound to learn a thing or two. There are many different religions out there and many different branches of the main ones, christianity being the main religion amongst english speaking populations. Of course each group says that they are the right religion and everyone else is wrong... I came to realise that I had to get rid of that philosophy and step back and understand where each religion is coming from and what they teach.

The only thing I suggest is that if you do have a spiritual void, do not immediately turn to one religion and listen to them - look into many different views, many different philosophers viewpoints and sift through it all and decide what you feel is right and logical and what makes sense.

 

[thewiz]

Beautifully put Dave,

I come here every once in a while for the stimulation of my mind. I studied theology for several years; I think I truly enjoyed being challenged that my concept of God could be rather confining, minimizing, and created by events in my life.

I have told guys that I have gone out with that I can have two kinds of orgasms: one that we all think about in the physical terms; the other through my mind. Challenging my mind and looking into topics is something that brings me great pleasure. It is something that I look for in anyone that I will develop a LTR...I love talking in fun and games and getting to know people. But after the "fun" is over in life or any relationship, it is the depth that will carry me through the valleys that are sure to come.

I also tend to be very spiritual. I have been on a journey throughout my life and developed close friendships with priests, rabbis, Baptists, Methodists, and many others that have helped to shape those spiritual beliefs and rituals. I am a Catholic and my faith along with my beliefs have helped during the dark days of my life. As a priest friend told me, "God sometimes closes doors but he always opens a window...you just have to have the courage to look." I have found the window many times when the door was closed. I was frustrated at times. I was angry at times. But in the end I found what awaited on the other side of the window ledge was better than I had while standing in the door!

 

[eywsoon]

Dave, that's great--and I'm sure it is how many of us feel.
Why are we here? What is our purpose (if any)? Is there sense behind everything we experience? These are questions most of us have at one point or another in our lives. Or pretty much every day (I confess that I do!).

Perhaps it is that many of us were handed a set of religious beliefs and raised in a life which required somewhat strict adherence to them. Then, we discover the fact that due to our being gay, we are the "other", the "deviant" and the transgressor (in religious terms). This forum allows each of us that safe and sacred space where we can discuss our experiences; we can share, and by doing so, we allow each other to put the pieces together for himself.

I've been absent from this forum for a while and can honestly say that there IS something here that feeds my soul. Although we don't all agree with each other, I've noticed (in most cases) a certain amount of respect and tolerance for the ideas of others. And when someone says something that I don't agree with, I take it in and work with it--out of it comes something else.

This forum can allow up to create possibilities. It's done that for me and I thank all who contribute.

Peace,
Eywsoon

 

[sparky95]

Thanks guys! Good, Thoughful postings!

 

[turtle]

I'm taking converts. Step right up! Step right up! Get your atheism here! Tooferone coupon - today only.

No seriously, it would be great if someone came out as atheist. Come out! I command you to come out in the name of the lo..hmmmm. Well, lets just say it would be great if there were more atheists.

There are many who would call me an Atheist, because I believe in nothing whatever similar to any traditional "God".

The Universe is a single coherent living being, and the "God Mechanism" has developed in us for Its purposes, and by Its design.

-D

 

[conrad]

Yes, I would like any person who doesn't want to be addressed directly to note that I will be more general: if the shoe fits, put it on! Fundamental is a good word and I try to stick to the fundamental, basic, foundational teachings of the Christian faith. I ask myself: What is the main thrust of this religion? If a viewpoint is not central to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I'm not going to be too concerned over differences among Christians on the suject. But, if anyone makes a peripheral view a litmus test, I'm outraged; I've dealt with those who will cast folks aside for their positions on smoking, drinking, gambling, abortion, sexual orientation,
etc. The list is endless. To which I reply: No one is outside God's mercy. Gospel means good news. Let's keep it that way.

 

[ronboy]

As the moderator of this forum, I just want to thank all of those who have participated in it.

The intent of the forum was to provide a place where we could all learn a little more about each other through our religious and spiritual beliefs, and hopefully, gain a better understanding of each other.

 

[Kulindahr]

I come here often because with my knowledge of Greek and such, and background in church history and theology, I can help a lot of people with questions which trouble them. I often get impatient with people who come as preachers, especially when they don't know Greek or Hebrew; to me, the Muslims have one thing right -- if you can't read it in the original, don't preach it.
I also come here because I've found actual intelligent discussions, which seem to be rare elsewhere on the board. Interestingly, the most common place outside of the "safe zone" that I've encountered intelligent discussions is Fun and Games.