Hand in Hand

Religion and personal identity can be conflicting, as homosexuality is often not accepted in the Christian church. However, some United Methodist churches are working towards change. Many Christians use the Bible to justify homophobia, creating an atmosphere of intolerance. However, the true teachings of Christianity emphasize love and acceptance for all. The Foothill United Methodist Church emphasizes the importance of loving your neighbor and spreading that love to everyone. Hatred has no place in modern society, and all people should be included in religious institutions. There needs to be widespread change within Christianity for true inclusion to be achieved. Religion and personal identity contribute to individual self-identity, but can the two exist together? Since the Bible has existed, homosexuality has not been able to harmoniously be accepted in the Christian religion, outpassing those who are lesbian, gay, and bisexual. However, the United Methodist Church denomination is starting efforts to create change. As a gay kid, I have seen time and time again how the Bible is used to justify blatant homophobia. From posts on the internet explaining why I don't deserve to get married to Jehovah's Witnesses outside malls, homophobic rhetoric seems all too common within the church. Though not all Christians are like this, the outspokenness of those who are creates an atmosphere of intolerance in most religious settings. For example, I no longer feel comfortable in those types of situations. Being Christian, I see the full potential a church can become when all are accepted into the church. Not only does the church become a place for warmth and comfort, but the congregants come together to support one another and spread the most important teachings of Christ. Many Christians tend to cherry-pick the teachings of the Bible, placing more stress and importance than others, highlighting and discouraging romance between individuals of the same sex. However, these individuals forget one of the key scriptures within the Bible. One reconciling ministry, Foothill United Methodist Church, preaches the teaching, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Just as God loves his followers, those followers should spread that same love to all. This commandment is a core value in Christian beliefs, overpowering lessons that hinder God's will, faith, and grace. At the center of any religion there should be one central doctrine, to love and to respect. Hatred of any downtrodden group of people has no place in any modern society. Religion at its core is about love. Love for people regardless of background or identity. Love without boundaries or restrictions. All people deserve to be included in any religious institution. The reconciling movement is a step in the right direction, but there must be more widespread, interdenominational change within Christianity. There must be a greater movement for inclusion in the church. Only then can we move forward as a society, hand in hand.