The Nashville Statement is not new. These same evangelical people have been conveying this same message for decades. The results have been absolutely tragic in individuals, in families, and in our churches. Instead of making an honest evaluation—as so many Christians have done and then became fully affirming—this group decided to double down. This does … Continue reading Christians, Does the Nashville Statement Reflect Your Heart?
Theology
You may think I’m wrong about LGBTQI. So, now what?
I am fully affirming because of my faith, not in spite of it. I came to believe what I believe after extensive theological study, my own life experience, examining the lived experience of others, research, prayer, and following the leading of the Holy Spirit. It was a journey. All I did was stay on it, … Continue reading You may think I’m wrong about LGBTQI. So, now what?
Does Christian Scripture Really Condemn Homosexuality? (Hell No!)
Rejection, shunning, condemnation, ridicule, bullying, all in the name of God. If you are LGBTQ, or the parent of an LGBTQ child, or anyone who is affirming and including, you have likely been on the receiving end of this kind of treatment. And worse. Does such treatment have anything to do with God? No, not … Continue reading Does Christian Scripture Really Condemn Homosexuality? (Hell No!)
As a Person of Faith, I Fully Accept and Affirm LGBTQ
“You’re a Christian! How can you support LGBTQ people and gay marriage? Don’t you realize you are condoning sin? You are leading people into hell!” This is Rob Cottrell, Susan’s husband, and I have heard it all! Multiple times a day from strangers. Frequently from people who claim to be friends. And more than I … Continue reading As a Person of Faith, I Fully Accept and Affirm LGBTQ
A Letter from Susan
In our post yesterday, we reminded you of our new FreedHearts website. I sure hope you visit us. I wanted to write a personal letter here on our WordPress blog - just to share my heart, my vision and my hope. If you are in the evangelical church, or if you are in the LGBTQ … Continue reading A Letter from Susan
NEW Website, Books and Resources!
We wanted to let you know that all the information about FreedHearts, details of Susan Cottrell's books, other key programs, and all of our resources are now located at our new website! Visit the main Susan Cottrell FreedHearts website at: http://freedhearts.org Email us at freedhearts@gmail.com Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 8161, Austin, TX 78713-8161
The God of the Gays
I've been thinking of you – as I always do! – and the oppression of being told to live in a way it's not possible for you to live. (I'm talking about being told to somehow live straight when you're gay.) What a day-in day-out grind it is to live contrary to who you are, as you … Continue reading The God of the Gays
The Uniqueness of the Sin of Religious Judgmentalism
"In a world where it’s often said that things are going down the tube because of rampant sin, could it be that the one sin actually getting in the way of our mission is the sin of religious judgmentalism?" I love this post by Benjamin L. Corey at Formerly Fundie, and I am honored to share … Continue reading The Uniqueness of the Sin of Religious Judgmentalism
How Can You Still Love The Church?
Vicky Beeching is in trouble. She is a popular Christian singer and, after living in the closet for more than 20 years, she has come out as gay. She is now under attack by many of those who used to adore her, and who still sing her songs every Sunday morning. She is hurt and … Continue reading How Can You Still Love The Church?
Gungor Fan?? REAL Faith, Not Dogma
"If you asked any Christian before the birth of the modern era and the Enlightenment, 'what is the foundation of Christianity?', they would say 'Jesus Christ.' If you asked many Christians that same question today in the post-Enlightenment world, they would respond, 'the Bible.'" - Gungor Perhaps you heard about the latest brouhaha over Gungor's nonliteral … Continue reading Gungor Fan?? REAL Faith, Not Dogma
What Are Biblical Values?
Title IX protection of transgender students on college campuses is clashing with Christian colleges' right to religious expression. What to do? How do we accommodate trans students and protect these colleges' values? It's a huge question, and it's not going away. This Huffington Post piece gives an overview of the battle in many university campuses, including George Fox, … Continue reading What Are Biblical Values?
More Dangerous than Westboro’s Phelps? Oh Yes!
“Dads, the second you see your son dropping the limp wrist, you walk over there and you crack that wrist. Man up! Give him a good punch.” - Pastor Sean Harris, Berean Baptist Church, Fayetteville, NC Yup, that’ll teach ‘em, especially because nothing says “my son is gay” like a limp wrist. Dennis Leatherman, Pastor … Continue reading More Dangerous than Westboro’s Phelps? Oh Yes!
Beware of Flying Scripture
Are you getting a little tired of people pulling out scripture to entrap you, tell you how wrong you are, and tell you to change? I am! I'm tired of people doing it to me, and I'm tired of them doing it to you. Jesus is tired of it too, and I'll tell you why. Only … Continue reading Beware of Flying Scripture
An Affirming Pastor’s Letter to GLBT Christians
"Let me begin by begging your forgiveness for the way you have been mistreated..." Wonderful readers, I share this pastor's letter which resonates with my heart, echoing my ongoing blogs, showing us Jesus' love. Please enjoy and take great courage from pastors like this -- and there are plenty of them! - Susan An open … Continue reading An Affirming Pastor’s Letter to GLBT Christians
Are You SURE You’re a Christian??
"Are you sure you're a Christian? Because I don't really think so--even though you say you are--and my ideas on your spiritually are more important than YOUR ideas on your spiritually..." Well, I think I've entered into some kind of Hall of Fame: I got my first, face-to-face, questioning of whether I know Christ. Yesterday, my close … Continue reading Are You SURE You’re a Christian??
‘Third Way’ Applies to Rules, Not People
Thursday I wrote about the Third Way re. the LGBTQ issue and was surprised by responses from two friends who know my heart and value my work. I knew I had written some profound truth in that post—no regrets there—but I also knew Liz and Michael had found cracks for people to treat LGBTQ people as a … Continue reading ‘Third Way’ Applies to Rules, Not People
Choose Life or Death
Some days I just get up and go. I know my list of things to do, and I go to it. And I get a lot of work done, I like it and it's satisfying. Other days – I’d like it to be more days – I get up and pause, and I ask God … Continue reading Choose Life or Death
Is Love Enough?
"Yes, we have to love people, but we have to hold the standard," Carl* said, and he really meant it. He sat in a meeting where I spoke about faith and the LGBTQ community. He was referring to his sister, a lesbian, who sat one seat over from him, their mom in the middle. Carl … Continue reading Is Love Enough?
Do a Happy Dance! Your Gay Child is NOT Going to Hell!
Karen is from a legalistic, fundamental, literalistic denomination that believes gays are bound for hell. She never questioned it or had to give it any thought personally. Then her son came out as gay. In the months since then, she’s found unexpected peace as she is discovering the truth about the Bible and about God's … Continue reading Do a Happy Dance! Your Gay Child is NOT Going to Hell!
Help! “All You Need Is Love!”
“Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be. It's easy. All you need is love, love. Love is all you need.”- The Beatles Today is a very emotional and tender post for me as I answer the last part of the letter from a Dad... I want to understand the true message … Continue reading Help! “All You Need Is Love!”
Susan Cottrell & FreedHearts 