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LGBT Sanctum

This is a place for people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, political affiliations etc. to join in and help each-other grow spiritually and in all other aspects as well. Even though everyone is welcome, the focus of this place is on the LGBT communities all around the world.
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spirituality

kathy said Nov 2, 2006, 10:20 PM:
 

Hi Stanislav- The topic of religion interests me,especiallly in the area of homosexuality,I wasn't able to read your whole writeup for this topic but am interested in what you think.I had a very difficult time with it,I am Catholic but have adopted many Buddhist thoughts and Philosophies. I find it a very open,kind,accepting way of living. So now I'll say I am a Catholic Buddhist iguess but none of it matters because once broken down I think it is all the same. I just cant stand judgement and hypocrits(doesn't look spelled correctly),and unfortunately it seems to seep in to all the religions I have seen so far. Apart from this topic thanks for starting this site and the thankyou for  signing into the intro section,it was an honor to be the first person to respond thanks   Kathy
  Stas : Reseacher of Truth

Re: spirituality

Stas said Nov 9, 2006, 3:31 PM:
 

From my experience, modern Christianity chooses to adopt a limited view on many issues. To some degree I understand why this is happening….In order for the masses to accept what the church is telling them, it is important to simplify the message that the church is trying to send. Now, we have to understand that not everyone is highly educated, so this makes perfect sense. The problem starts when people in the church try to retain or extend their power. In Greece, there is a peninsula by the name of Athos where there are a lot of Christian monasteries. In the archives of these monasteries one can find a lot of information on the old ways of Christianity. It is quite different from what we see now. Mediation and breathing exercises were common in the past….This is just one of the examples.
  Iohel el profeta : ecosentido

Re: spirituality

Iohel el profeta said Dec 13, 2006, 6:13 AM:
 

S and K,

Religion to me (on a simplistic way) is a framework to Spirituality.  While Spirituality is the act of growing and being, using the Gifts that we are entitled, Religion gives a way to do this within a community and social boundaries.  Both are important to the human social animals we are.

Thankfully (is this a word?) in our post-modern world, we can “shop around” for the religion that fits our views and values. But the important thing should be to use that religion framework in order to grow spiritually.  If the chosen religion stumps this growth it is time to consider changing the framework or the community. A not so simple act, once your are deep into it.

Sadly, there are few religions or religious groups which are accepting of homosexuality and other sexual preferences and lifestyles.  Right now, for example, I am studying to become a Baha'i.  I found that this is one of the most progresive and forward thinking main religions in the world right now: women equality, education for all, the idea that all religions are one and the same, the vision of one world and one language for peace, the elimination of religious leaders and the democratization of the religious community, so on and so forth. However, they think is wrong to promote gay rights as human rights.  They will accept and not “judge” a queer person in their community (judging is for God and the individual relationship with God), but they will pray that you see and accept the error on your ways. Hmm.

Catholics, on the other hand, have an interesting way, and brand new by theway, of looking at homosexuality.  You can be gay or lesbian or bisexual (I don't think transgenders will apply to this concept) as long as you don't ACT gay or lesbian or bisexual.  The catch is simple.  You should not have sex outside marriage, since sex is exclusive to procreation.  You can not marry a person of the same sex.  Ergo, you should not have sex at all.  Thankfully (again this word) being queer is so much more than just having sex. Right?

Anyway, I've written enough.  Hope my thoughts jumpstarts a decent conservation.

blessings

Iohel profeta
 

Re: spirituality

kathy said Dec 14, 2006, 12:07 AM:
 

Hi I enjoyed your post,how new is the Catholic view you mentioned ,i was under the impression it was like that for a while now. I would love to discuss this/these issues with you I am too tired now and am going to bed but religion has “been in my face ” all week,not in terms of homosexuality though i dont think. It has been a really bad week and right now i cant think. Feel free to write back here or send me a message individually,whatever is easier.                                                                                                         Thanks for the ear
                                                                                                                                  Kathy
  Iohel el profeta : ecosentido

Re: spirituality

Iohel el profeta said Dec 14, 2006, 4:54 AM:
 

Kathy,

I will write to this post to see if more people jump in the conversation, but you can always leave me a message if there is something private you'd like to share with me.

On Catholicism… when I say brand new I mean for the past few decades, though there was some discussion of the issue when Pope John Paul ordered the revision of the new Cathechism (spelling?).  On the other hand what's the “official” position of the church is not necesarily the position of the church members.  There is still a lot of homophobia in the Catholic's (and most conservative non-Catholic) ranks.

The novel idea for me is that the Chatholic Church does not pretend to “cure” homosexuals like other religions or religious groups.  It is a missconception of many groups that homosexuality is a psychological desease and that you can cure it with psych treatment.  It must be horrible to go through one of those treatments, don't you think? Basically, they will be brainwashing you into thinking and feeling different of what your true self is, which is something that goes against my concept of spirituality.

There is a neat online test called “Belief-o-matic”, which allows you to find which religious traditions best fit with your beliefs and values.  Check it out at www.beliefnet.com under the Faith & Practices tab.

Love and Life and the Universe is all around you and give us opportunities to grow every single moment of our existence (sp?).  We just need to know how to listen to It and act accordingly.  I hope your day gets better today.

blessings

Iohel profeta
  Red Dragon : Musical Alchemist

Re: spirituality

Red Dragon said Dec 11, 2007, 6:52 AM:
 

This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart,

my deep and personal conviction concerning institutions. Any group that would manipulate its charter (bylaws) to declare that a group of people fall in line. Is by that definition a cult practice. I am not saying they are a cult. Just that it is a cult practice. This also can be true of secular organizations.

I have studied this topic for over 20 some years. digging for fragments of information.

In leviticus “you shall not lay with a man as with a woman.” this is first and foremost for the levitican priests. The words used in the original text. declare that male and female temple prostitution is not allowed. That it is an abomination. What is this saying? it is saying that when in the rituals of the tabernacle. the priests were not to take part of sex rituals with slaves. This was also a way for religion of that time period to raise money for their temples. hiring out their temple sex slaves to fulfill an obligation. the word abomination is only used in conjunction with ritual.

The average Jew (to this day) uses Deuteronomy (oneness with G-d) for spiritual direction. This doesn't mean they ignore the rest of the “books of moses.” But that they use it for a compass. Deuteronomy almost repeats word for word the book of leviticus. but that particular levitican scripture is not there.

Noah's son had sex with him after he got drunk. This is true and was “sinful.” It wasn't the act of Homosexuality that was his sin. It was the act of forcing himself upon his father's nakedness.

Jonathon and David had a relationship. This is common knowledge among Jewish people. But lost in Christian beliefs. It is also speculated that ruth and naomi had relations. some of the language that is used is only for marriage. There is further speculation that it is possible that Daniel and his Babylonian supervisor had something going on.

Sodom and Gomorrah was not destroyed for homosexual activities. It was because of their arrogance that they were destroyed. This information is repeated again and again in the Jewish Literature. But yet Certain religious institutions insist on putting these spiritual chains on LGBT.

Why am I saying all of this? because it is needed to be said. I am a minister called of G-d. I know this deep within my very spirit and soul. I am not so much fond of organized religion. Because it tends to invoke fear into believers. Creating unnecessary doctrines designed to control the masses. To date I have around 30k on the topic written for a book I am working on.

I myself have grown quite fond of Interfaith. I enjoy the fact that it is all inclusive. Allowing for individuals to get as deep (or not) as they wish to be. I have witnessed far to many religious teachers and organizations. Leave “our” people for dead and fodder. It is not the will of G-d.

Recently I posted a thread on my blog here at zaadz. the question was simple “what does the LGBT need spiritually.” I don't think there has been a single response from zaadzters. sad really, because I was really looking for information. I wish to get my local interfaith church more involved with LGBT issues. I approached my senior minister about this a month ago. He was all for it and said he would support me in any way he could. Currently I am in thoughtful prayer and meditations. I do know this, I'm not interested in programming folk.

It is my sincere desire to help those who are fragmented and in need of love. But also to be supportive of those who are centered in themselves. It would be a sincere honor if you prayed or meditated with me on these issues.

One side note, my ministry isn't so much a “pulpit ministry.” it is more of a music theme. I have many songs written. I am getting ready to record them soon. Some would be considered “dark” in nature. But that is merely because it is the expression of lamentations.

May you be all that you are
Peace and Blessings
Red Dragon