Reason #2: People are Suffering

Why get clear about your inclusive theology? Because too many people are suffering as a result of the conservative, historical position.

This is reason two of ten in my efforts to convince silently affirming pastors, leaders, and influences to come out of the theological closet and be clear in their inclusive theology.

Here’s why I’m writing these.

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Reason #2 - People are Suffering

There’s a part of those of us who went in to ministry that was motivated to do so because we want to help people.

For me, when I first started out, that looked like helping people to escape an eternity in hell. I was driven to bring as many people to Christ as I could, which (according to my very narrow upbringing and training) meant I needed to walk people through saying a prayer to accept Jesus in to their heart.

Many of you surely were motivated by a similar desire (eg, saving souls), but I’ll bet not a small amount of you had more earthly aims as well: feeding the poor, caring for the sick, housing the homeless, and so on. Why? Because when you witness people suffering you want to help. And this is a good thing.

With that in mind, can I ask you:

Are you aware of just how much pain and suffering is caused to LGBTQ people at the direct behest of non-affirming churches, leaders, and systems?

Don’t just nod your head yes because you think you know. I assure you, whatever you think you know, it’s probably even worse.

Until you’ve sat with enough queer people…

hearing their stories of being publicly ridiculed and shamed,

rejected by people they admired,

brutally put through torturous efforts to “change” or “heal” them,

relentlessly name-called and dehumanized,

until you’ve heard enough of those stories that you can’t help but say something publicly,

then I’m not sure you get it yet.

While I do try and hold space for those among you who are doing your best to shepherd your diverse community and hold together people on different sides of this issue, I am convinced there is a breaking point generated on the other side of awareness.

There’s “knowing LGBTQ people are suffering,” and then there’s knowing it.

And it’s this second, deeper knowing (usually developed once you’ve seen enough heart breaking, gut wrenching treatment of queer people), that disallows any decently hearted person to remain silent.

Here is just one chart to illustrate that this is not a matter to just hope-it-gets-better-someday.

According to a study by the CDC in 2023, LGBTQ youth are the highest demographic risk for suicide ideation and attempts. (Not because they are or identify as queer, mind you… but because so many of them still exist within families, churches, communities, schools, and a culture that wishes they’d just go away).

One

in

five

LGBTQ high school kids have made an attempt on their life in the past year.

I’m not saying that’s your fault… but I am asking that you sit with this and feel it.

Why go public with your affirming beliefs?

Because too many people are suffering and I think that should matter (more) to you.

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What do you think?

Agree? Disagree?

What would you add to this?

Feel free to share publicly (via comments) or privately (via sending me a message).

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Help Spread the Word

If you’re like me, and you believe more people need to come out of the theological closet and be clear and public in their affirmation of LGBTQ people, then help spread the word by sharing this article either directly by emailing your people, and/or posting on social media about it.

Let’s get this in front of the eyes that need to see it!