Christ preached love, not intolerance

We are all of us shipmates on the surface of a vessel called Earth. All religions of the world expect acceptance, respect and the right to worship and conduct themselves within the laws and doctrines of their chosen beliefs; without prejudice or interference. Should not these concepts apply to sexuality as well?

Certain clerics are trying to alter nature instead of letting it take its course. This position is fundamentally wrong. After all, is not the love between two men or two women still love and is not love a positive energy far better than that generated by condemnation, discrimination and ridicule?

Imagine if reliable and indisputable archaeological evidence revealed that Jesus of Nazareth was bisexual? Would all hell break loose? It wouldn't be that big of a shock really. Accepted history tells us that the Nazarene was mostly seen in the company of males, a dozen at least are mentioned in the scriptures.

Sure, he also spent time with his mother and Ms. Magdalene, but not as much. He even advises us to love our fellow man. Would we think any less of him if after all these years it was proven that his sexual orientation was other than hetero? Why would it matter? He was Christ. He preached love, tolerance and acceptance. Would those messages change?

It is no wonder why many of us, this writer included, have stepped away from Christianity. Why would anyone want to belong to a religion that demands constant adoration of its deity and adherence to sets of laws that can only be defined as archaic and intrusive? A religion that even wants to control our thoughts lest they be impure and further how to and when to have sex and with whom. A religion that offers as a reward after death an eternal life in a place called heaven with more of the same controls, with no escape.

Quite frankly, a heaven without a snooker table, sex, good cognac, Netflix a library and fine art is not my idea of heaven. Not only does religion want to control our lives but it wants to continue that control into the afterlife.

A certain Christian religion has recently offered a program that advertises that via lectures and the sharing of experiences, its invited speakers will relate their journey out of the wickedness of homosexuality. Methinks that perhaps this may be instead a few religion-induced, guilt-ridden individuals who have suppressed the homosexual facet of their sexuality.

Why any loving and all-powerful god allows this type of condemnation and discrimination to continue is puzzling. Good shepherds always concern themselves with the welfare of the entire flock, even the black sheep are cared for and nurtured. Some religions would have these people put to death. Who among you will cast the first stone?


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