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Readers are an integral part of Whosoever. We appreciate hearing from our readers, whether they have praise or hot coals to heap on our heads. With the new year, we're beginning this new feature of a reader forum. Here's some of the things our readers are saying.
Want to add your comment? Fill out our reader survey.
Editor:
I was searching the web for info on shame and pride, and came
across the article by Neil Ellis Orts entitled Pride, Shame, and
Humility.
It's certainly nice to discover a meaningful article written in
everyday English. The Orts article was excellent; I bookmarked it for
future rereading. I'm rather recent to Christianity, and presently
thinking a lot about humility. Now that I understand what Christian
humility is, I have less shame about shedding my false and sinful
pride. I studied shame and pride from a therotical perspective (as a
mental and biological affect) but could not at the time manage my own
shame and pride. Religious or spiritual humility before a higher power
helped save my ass from further alcoholic destruction since last March
through the AA program, but the steps are ultimately about dealing with
the root causes. Shame, pride, and humility!
The article does a good job in distinguishing humility and shame
from humiliation and society-imposed guilt. I certainly have to make
that distinction register in my small brain so I can start being humble
before Christ at a more fundamental level than just chemical addiction.
Sincerely,
Bob B.
Editor:
I added your webpage to my "favorites" list several months ago, but had never really read what you had to say until tonight. (I wish I could remember where I found the link to your site.)
I just wanted to say thank-you for taking the time. I struggle daily with this conflict between my faith and my sexuality. Your efforts have encouraged me to continue reading the bible and searching for meaning and answers. I often feel condemned and unwanted by God. Although I have a long way to go to resolving these and other issues, I believe I will continue to search out the meaning of the word by reading the scriptures, devoting time to prayer and visiting your website. Thank you. You helped make today a very good day.
Donna M.
Editor:
[The Power of Story by Candace Chellew] has been my first exposure to Whosoever Magazine. I am
delighted to find a resource like this for "shoring myself up" as I begin my
latent journey to selfhood. It is my understanding that "story", even in its
broader context, has begun to spread as a powerful tool for
self-discovery -- that the narrative of Genesis when the "word" became the
calling of all things into "beingness" is now used by psychologists for
calling people into a truer sense of their own realities. I am amazed at how
simple and literal some parts of the Bible can be...as in, "...the WORD was
made flesh and dwelt among us." There are other terms, like being a
"man/woman of your word," or, "you have my word on it,"...used in more
secular circumstances.
I appreciate the article's reassurance that our stories have an impact on us
and on the world which needs our stories to be told, so it can identify with
us in ways that engender the "fruits of the Holy Spirit." Words are powerful
(spoken or written), and it is high time everyone becomes aware of it.
Denise N.
Editor:
I just want to thank you for your insightful information. I about a week
ago, I stumbled on a discussion about homosexuality and the Bible. I should
be ashamed to say that I have never read the complete Bible or all the
passages about homosexuality. I just knew in my heart that God would not
create something wrong. No, I'm not gay, but I have never seen nothing wrong
with it. It pains me when I see ignorance and prejudice. Such as the NJ Boy
Scout case. The only thing I see wrong with it is that my extremely handsome
gay neighbor, who has become my best buddy, has no sexual desire for me! : )
However, neither does my girlfriend's husbands or a host of other men! : )
But I still have a fabulous, dear friend and role model for my 11 year old
son.
When I read passages in the Bible which were being toss around, I became
sincerely upset. The passages seemed so point blank and I had no idea how to
interpret them. Yes, I know the Bible was written a million years ago, and
expresses personal views and stories, and so much has changed since.
Anyway I'm getting longwinded -- but I just want to say thanks, I will now
have more to say than -- "Give me a break, you're ignorant!"
My parish is also searching for a new priest and someone very interested is
gay. I'm now prepared to argue intelligent to those who make his sexuality
an issue!
Sincerely,
Kizzy
Editor:
I'm not Christian, but I have friends who are and your
site has helped them a lot. Keep up the great work, you guys and gals are
making more of a difference in the GLBT community than you know!
Peace and love,
Sheana D.
Editor:
I am a married gay person with kids, an adult child
of right wing conservative you knows, life is complicated. I get my
inspiration from the internet and what books I sneak and services I slink to.
Life is complicated. Thanks for this web site. It helps and comforts me
more than I can say.
Anonymous
Editor:
Someone just sent me the address for your site. You are doing wonderful work and I wanted to commend you on it. I have a website Mrs. Betty Bowers Is A Better Christian Than You and part of it is Betty's former gay ministry CASH: Christians Are Saving Homosexuals. It is meant as a spoof on how the whole former-gay movement is just a very cynical attempt to raise money and marginalize gays. Keep up the good work!
Betty
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