Hi. I’m struggling right now with my religion. I was raised in a Christian family. I went to church twice a week or more and went to a Christian school and university. I was highly involved in missionary work for years. However, I’m beginning to see many things going on in Christianity that I don’t like. I’m very emotionally distraught over these feelings I’m having. I love God, but I don’t like many Christians. I also support homosexual rights and I’ve been looked down upon for that view. I think there’s a possibility I could be bisexual also. I’m not sure because I’ve only been with men. I really just need some encouragement or ways to process these feelings. Thank you for any advice.
USICO:
Hello and thank you for your questions about your religion and sexuality.
Let’s take a look at each of your concerns separately, and consider how they are related.
Firstly, your concerns regarding your changing views towards Christianity. I understand that while you have a history of living as a Christian, including missionary work, you do not identify with some who call themselves Christians. Reading into this it sounds like these people do not match the values you learned as a Christian. In other words, these people are acting outside of this definition – their different ways / interpretation of the Bible has caused you to question your identity as a Christian.
Your text seems to indicate that you feel very Christian, but that others’ actions make you feel less so.
Now let’s consider your concerns about your sexual identity. You seem to have tied your wavering feelings towards the opposite sex as being connected to your identity as a Christian. You say you support homosexual rights, which seems to be in line with God loving all his children.
The Bible has many passages that refer to those who had questioned their faith. And many references exist about those who had lost their way…but the love of God is a very private relationship, even though you share the similar values of others who love God too.
If you love God, and believe God to be loving, you might expect that God knows you are a good person who has done good things. Though we strive to improve ourselves and to reach certain ideas laid out in the Bible, there are many who have questioned its interpretation.
Yet, the message remains the same – to love your neighbor.
I am training to be a medical doctor, and I recognize we are a product of our genetics and experiences.
- and having lived in San Francisco before Japan – where people live and let live. You sound very natural in your thoughts.
Please accept that your questioning of your faith and sexuality is natural, but make your own decisions and be at peace with yourself.
Enjoy this wonderful life.
Simon Downes, MD, PhD 