For why should my liberty be determined by another man's scruples? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

1 Corinthians 10:29

Paul was addressing a dispute among the Corinthians about whether or not they should eat certain foods. The dietary laws of the Jews were strict ... but Paul advised his followers not to raise questions about the food one eats since "all things are lawful."

I think this passage, read with gay eyes, has an even deeper meaning than what kind of food we eat. It goes to the heart of a personal relationship with God, and what that should look like out in the world. As GLBT people our liberties are determined by others' scruples every day. We're told by those on the religious right that we must live by their rules, and become heterosexuals, if we are to enter God's kingdom. We are told by state and federal authorities that we must choose opposite sex partners if we wish to marry. We are told by our friends, family and churches, that we must give up our "immoral lifestyles" and conform to what society considers "normal" to be accepted and loved.

Why should my liberty be determined by anothers' morals? Paul says they shouldn't. Instead, he says quite clearly that if we partake in thankfulness, we will not be condemned. That tells me as long as I live my life in thankfulness ... I, too, am a child of God.

I am thankful for many things ... including my sexuality ... yet I am denounced for giving thanks for that by anti-gay people who call themselves Christians. Paul tells us to take heart, for it is not their judgment to make ... our liberty should not be determined by others' scruples. Instead, we should test the spirit for ourselves, and work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. We are free, as GLBT people, to do that because of the saving grace of God.

Blessings,
Candace