Volume 13, Issue 4
Show Me Your Ways, O Lord
Cover Stories
Dancing with God
By Rev. Candace Chellew
You know how to you make God laugh? Tell him your plans.
We Got Next
By Lori Heine
“Show me Your ways, O Lord,” says our Scripture verse for this issue. Though a good many Bible-beaters will never be persuaded otherwise, these crazy, screaming, riotously-fun Mercury games were the way God used — I am fully convinced — to show me, at long last, who I really am.
The Road Less Taken
By John H. Campbell
The correct path, the correct way for each of us as individuals may be drastically different in its spiritual geography, journey, and form, and can often lead or take us to places that we would never have initially suspected that it would.
Where Are You Going?
By Rev. Vera I. Bourne
Sometimes I will pick up a book and there will be the plan God has for me just awaiting my attention. Other times I find it in Scripture, or in a meditation or even a novel. But one thing I do know — if I am ready to listen, God will speak, and speak so clearly that there is no mistaking that direction.
Ambition Interruptus
By Melissa Capers
The God of the Hebrew Bible, the God of the Christian Testament, seems very much to be a God of interruptions. We might make our New Year’s resolutions … but we had better hold them loosely: “not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Remember that?
How Do We Recognize Success?
By Rev. Suzie Chamness
I’ve learned to appreciate the successes and even the failures because from each there is something to be appreciated. Maybe not what you expected would be but if we but look with clear eyes and open hearts we find God.
Features
Poll: Many Believers Support Gay Rights
By Rev. Candace Chellew
With all the abuse heaped upon gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from the religious community, it may be hard to believe that a new poll shows most Christians support some form of legal recognition for gay and lesbian relationships.
HRC Seeking Transformation of Church and State
By Rev. Candace Chellew
Two new resources from the Human Rights Campaign on transgender issues seeks to transform both church and state.
How To Talk to Our Straight Allies
By Lori Heine
It is time for us to speak to our straight allies in a way that moves them from being — all too often — benignly neutral to taking a real stand on our side.
Stop Supporting Religious Prejudice
By Dr. Robert N. Minor
Let’s stop treating religious institutions, beliefs, and attitudes that promote peoples’ prejudices as if they are sacred and beyond protest. Let’s stop letting people wield crosses, books, and other religious symbols to silence our voices.
Book Review: Bulletproof Faith: A Spiritual Survival Guide for Gay and Lesbian Christians
By Rev. Dr. Jerry S. Maneker
Every GLBT Christian, as well as anyone else, gay or straight, interested in their struggle, will be changed by this book.
A Letter from Joseph
By Lincoln Rose
I remember the start of everything. It’s not like I won Mary in a lottery or anything. I was betrothed to her because I found her attractive. I didn’t know her well at first, but I have grown to love her since with all my heart.
Beyond a “Day Without a Gay”
By Dr. Robert N. Minor
I’m talking about relating to those in that movable middle who are potential allies if they feel we are their allies. They’re awaiting our presence, support, and voices of our experiences, which, if we pay attention, aren’t that different on a very deep level from their own.
Some Myths Held by Religious and Other Homophobes
By Rev. Dr. Jerry S. Maneker
The attempt to impose such irrational views on civil society, and seek to deprive Gay people of basic civil rights, is seen as “justified” by the belief in the myth that Gay people and what Gay people do sexually is “immoral.”
Letters to the Editor
Marriage Equality
Three Reasons To Not Oppose Same-Sex Marriage
By Richard Molling
Many people have very strong emotional feelings about gay or same-sex marriage and strident rhetoric is often the result of venting those feelings. Rather than succumbing to my feelings, this article is my attempt to prompt others to engage in a logical thought process with a focus on reason, while maintaining an open mind and an open heart.
Message to the Religious Right
By Alvin McEwen
This ain’t just about marriage. Nor is this a single moment in time. We are not the aggressors. We are learning to fight back.
On Officiating a Same-Sex Marriage Ceremony
By Rev. Dr. Jerry S. Maneker
When it’s alleged by assorted ignorant and/or hateful homophobes that same-sex marriage is a threat to the institution of marriage, one doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry!
From the Pulpit
This Is Not Your Father’s Kingdom
By Rev. Candace Chellew
The moral of this parable is this: God is not like the ruthless master, and we should not be either. We must buck the world’s system if we are to help bring even the tiniest shard of God’s realm into this greedy and ruthless world. This story is meant to open our eyes to our role in the world.
This Little Light of Mine
By Rev. Candace Chellew
While we are to be lights in the world, we do not possess the light of God. The light comes from our relationship to God through Christ — and we reflect that light into the world.
Bible Study
The Ways of Love
By Mike Garoutte
We are plagued with insecurities, guilt and condemnation, and we think, “God couldn’t really love me.” We might think we know God loves us, but in reality, our lack of confidence in God’s love for us, limits how we respond to God.