| Gay Spirituality: On The Journey |
| Written by Howie Holben | |
| Monday, 28 December 2009 | |
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When we refer to gay spirituality we aren't necessarily referring to a "gay church." We, as a community, were often subject to the teachings of our own childhood churches that found us to be completely unacceptable in our current state of being. This naturally led to a falling away from the church, but not necessarily the end of one's spirituality. You can take just a small step, for the journey is great and long, but well worth every step.
When we refer to gay spirituality we aren't necessarily referring to a "gay church." We, as a community, were often subject to the teachings of our own childhood churches that found us to be completely unacceptable in our current state of being. This naturally led to a falling away from the church, but not necessarily the end of one's spirituality. You can take just a small step, for the journey is great and long, but well worth every step. In many cases, whether we were ready or not, our spiritual quests started in our youth. Not all of us completely grasped why condemnation of the gay population bothered us so much. Some of us understood all too well. It is not surprising that a great number of individuals chose to go from their churches directly into movements and social causes. Small groups have formed that help to deal with the whiplash many were left with. If you want to look elsewhere, you don't have to go digging around in a church to find your gay spirituality. Sometimes finding a church is the best thing. Other times finding the answer all on your own makes more sense. While there have been many figures reaching out to us in the past, there are now safe places for us to congregate and be accepted for our character. It can be a painful road if you come from a religious background. You may have been subjected to prayer sessions that were supposed to "cure" you or religious studies that openly humiliated you. Thus, in today's GLBT community there are many who find spirituality solely within themselves. Sometimes your spiritual answers are all around you. You might find that the miracle of your partner or the miracle of having a family together is enough of an answer. You may be wandering the world and simply gathering bits of a spiritual journey. You don't have to receive your gay spirituality badge from an actual religious figure if you don't want to. Your journey is very much within your own control and you have many choices. You can change your options whenever you please as well, making your choices ever more abundant. Historically, religions and spirituality do not even have to mean the same thing. While we make the associated connection, spiritual beliefs are of a totally different make and model. Religion is a taught belief system. Spiritual beliefs are a felt and internal belief system. Bringing the two together can be make for interesting spiritual journeys but one that can be done in your own way. Having the option to figure out what works for you is really the key. Of course, if joining an open and affirming church feels good to you, by all means they offer a great spiritual sanctuary. The biggest point of all is that along your journey of today, there are actually choices. You get to find your own gay spirit, church or no church, which is a step forward in and of itself. Since your journey never needs to actually end, you get to choose your direction all the time. The Article Author: Commentary created by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys presents gay retreats a great way to find gay travel sites. |
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