Bible and Homosexuality: An LGBTQ Positive View

A transgender listener shares their pre-transition struggles and brings a unique perspective to Matthew 19:12. For more on Matthew 19, and Jesus’s affirming words, see episodes: 6, 7, and 16. Link to various translations of Matthew 19:12: https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Matthew%2019:12 Link to the history of the transgender flag: https://www.pointofpride.org/blog/the-history-of-the-transgender-flag Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠Elton Sherwin⁠⁠ Audio edited and enhanced with: ⁠⁠Descript Studio Sound ⁠⁠ Synthesized speech also using Descript #Bible #Christian #Affirming

Is same sex attraction a mental illness? UCLA Prof. Evelyn Hooker, whose research showed that gay men were just as mentally healthy as straight men. And how one cleverly designed experiment changed the views of many medical professionals and theologians. Articles quoted: Catholic Catechism: https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/568/ The Pope Speaks: https://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-pope-chile-gay-20180520-story.html#:~:text=In%202013%2C%20Francis%20famously%20said,Catholic%20views%20on%20sexual%20orientation and https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/20/pope-juan-carlos-cruz Early DSMs: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4695779/#:~:text=Moor%20%5B44%5D;%20Tripp%20%5B45,as%20a%20%E2%80%9Csexual%20deviation.%E2%80%9D APA on same-sex attraction: https://www.psychiatry.org/file%20library/about-apa/organization-documents-policies/policies/position-2013-homosexuality.pdf (see second sentence) Mainstream health organizations:https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/just-the-facts#:~:text=the%20idea%20that%20homosexuality Finding Affirming, Sex-Positive Counselors Who Do NOT Believe in Conversion Therapy: • https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/therapy-for-lgbt#organizations • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/california?category=gay (Find the LGBTQ Affirming pull-down or edit the URL and replace “California” with “Texas” or whatever state you’re in) • https://www.choosingtherapy.com/finding-an-lgbtq-therapist/ • https://allintherapyclinic.com/how-to-find-an-lgbt-affirming-therapist/ • https://directory.choosingtherapy.com/ • https://lgbtqhealthcaredirectory.org/ On-line therapy: • https://www.choosingtherapy.com/best-lgbtq-online-therapy-options/ • https://www.talkspace.com/online-therapy/lgbtqia

This episode challenges conventional messages on well-being and prompts listeners to question what truly contributes to their wellbeing and living “The Good Life.” Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠Elton Sherwin⁠⁠ Audio edited and enhanced with: ⁠⁠Descript Studio Sound ⁠⁠ Episode Cover art: Microsoft Copilot #Bible #Christian #Affirming

Pastor Danielle Parrish explores the profound biblical narrative of lost sheep, coins, and sons, emphasizing God's inclusive love. She challenges traditional interpretations by asserting the equal importance of women in Jesus' teachings, presenting a powerful message of inclusivity and unconditional love. Drawing from her deep understanding of first-century Jewish cultural, she takes you on a journey through Luke 15, highlighting the interconnectedness of lost sheep, lost coins, and a prodigal son, viewing these parables as one continuous narrative that invites everyone to God's table of celebration. Danielle Parrish is the lead pastor of Spark Church, in Palo Alto, California: www.spark.church Scriptures quoted: • Luke 15 • Ephesians 3:14-19 • Galatians 3:28 Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠Elton Sherwin⁠⁠ Audio edited and enhanced with: ⁠⁠Descript Studio Sound ⁠⁠ #Bible #Christian #Affirming #ProdigalSon #Inclusive

The podcast reflects on Pastor Steve Reed's Christmas letter, lamenting the changes in white evangelicalism and criticizing its failure to align with Jesus' teachings. Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠Elton Sherwin⁠⁠ Audio edited and enhanced with: ⁠⁠Descript Studio Sound ⁠⁠ Synthesized speech using: ⁠⁠ https://maestra.ai/ Episode cover art generated by https://pixlr.com AI prompt: “a patriotic American Jesus” #Bible #Christian #Affirming #Borderwall #Refugees #Immigrantion

We discuss the deeply flawed practice of trying to change someone's sexual orientation. Related Episodes: 8. Paul, Gay Marriage and Gender Pronouns 11. Why Young Christians Are Leaving the Church and Some Are Committing Suicide 12. The Problems with Purity 13. When Is Sex Between Two Unmarried People God Honoring? (Seven rules for sex between unmarried people) 21. A Trans Christian's Quest for Authenticity Movies Referenced: Boy Erased: https://www.netflix.com/title/80240538 Pray Away: https://www.netflix.com/title/81040370 Articles and Websites Quoted: Statistics quoted: Finding Affirming, Sex-Positive Counselors Who Do NOT Believe in Conversion Therapy: On-line therapy: Benefits of Church Attendance for Adults and Children: Additional References and Resources All quotes edited for clarity and brevity, and red by descript not the original authors.

Aiden Yang's transformation as he liberates the good troublemaker within, explores the Beatitudes, and finds inspiration from rapper Bad Bunny. Aiden Yang, a Trans-Christian Asian American, describes the many challenges to living true to your authentic self: Challenges from your church; challenges from your family; and challenges from a capitalist society. Aiden takes you on a transformative journey to embrace your shadow self and live authentically. Aiden shares insights from his personal experience and draws parallels with the Beatitudes, challenging societal norms and finding inspiration from rapper Bad Bunny's countercultural journey. Aiden’s website: https://aidensyang.com About Aiden: https://aidensyang.com/about-aidenhttps://youtu.be/1IVEFNLlC54 Aiden’s book, “The Spineless Porcupine: Why Our Differences Are Superpowers” https://aidensyang.com/bookhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PNJPS1H/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_93WYFb7ED3J6X Aiden’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love_n_cr8ivity/ Aiden’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sayme/ This sermon was originally delivered at Bethel Community Church in San Leandro, CA and has been edited for this podcast. https://bethelcommunitysl.org Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠Elton Sherwin⁠⁠ Audio edited and enhanced with: ⁠⁠Descript Studio Sound ⁠⁠ #Bible #Christian #Affirming

The vibrant diversity of gender-fluid and non-binary individuals in Native American cultures; the tragic ban of same-sex marriages by the Navajo Nation Council; and the role of Christian churches in a cultural genocide, which attempted to erase the history of Two-Spirit individuals and their unique and respected roles in many tribes. Quoted or referenced in podcast: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/10/23/navajo-gay-marriage-ban-lgbtq/ https://lgbtqhealth.ca/community/two-spirit.php https://www.ihs.gov/lgbt/health/twospirit/ https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/oct/11/two-spirit-people-north-america https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203%3A28&version=RSV Additional References https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/the-history-of-two-spirit-folks https://www.kqed.org/arts/13845330/5-two-spirit-heroes-who-paved-the-way-for-todays-native-lgbtq-community https://www.them.us/story/lgbtq-two-spirit-native-americans-changing-the-world https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-spirit Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠Elton Sherwin⁠⁠ Audio edited and enhanced with: ⁠⁠Descript Studio Sound ⁠⁠ #Bible #Christian #Affirming

1946 About the movie: 1946 - THE MISTRANSLATION THAT SHIFTED CULTURE This is a feature documentary that follows the story of tireless researchers who trace the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946. It chronicles the discovery of never-before-seen archives at Yale University which unveil astonishing new revelations, and casts significant doubt on any biblical basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice. Movie Reviews: “POSSIBLY THE MOST IMPORTANT FILM OF THE DECADE…” Steve Koplan, UNSEEN FILMS “…one of the most engaging and informative documentaries I've ever seen. Not only is it highly watchable, but it has the potential to be ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL FILMS OF THE CENTURY as it seeks to prove that queerness and religion were never meant to be at odds. A must-watch for anyone trying to reconcile the two. ” Matthew Huff, BUZZFEED Website: https://www.1946themovie.com Newsletter: https://www.1946themovie.com/subscribe GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/1946themovie Social media handle: @1946themovie on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook The movie’s team: Mary Lambert Women Make Movies: https://www.wmm.com/sponsored-project/1946-the-mistranslation-that-shifted-culture Podcast written and produced by: ⁠⁠Elton Sherwin⁠⁠ Audio edited and enhanced with: ⁠⁠Descript Studio Sound ⁠⁠ Synthesized speech using: ⁠⁠Speechelo⁠⁠ #Bible #Christian #Affirming

7 Bible scriptures that are MISUSED to condemn the LGBTQIA+ Community. Janet sets the record straight. In this episode, the second half of Janet Edmonds new leaflet, we look at 7 Bible scriptures that are INCORRECTLY used to condemn sexual minorities. Links to Janet's writing: Janet's leaflet, read in this podcast: GOD LOVES YOU - God Loves All of the LGBTQIA+ Community!! https://www.slideshare.net/EltonSherwin/god-loves-you-leaflet-by-janet-edmondspdf More details and scholarly references can be found in Janet’s longer white paper which is published several places: https://tiny.cc/Janet1 https://serendipitydodah.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/the-clobber-verses : https://elcvienna.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Booklet-about-Homosexuality-and-the-Bible-Sept.-2016.pdf Podcast written and produced by: ⁠⁠Elton Sherwin⁠⁠ Audio edited and enhanced with: ⁠⁠Descript Studio Sound ⁠⁠ Synthesized speech using: ⁠⁠Speechelo⁠⁠ #Bible #Christian #Affirming

Using the Bible to condemn all queer people is a MISINTERPRETATION of the original scriptures and the initial purpose of why they were written. In this episode, the first half of Janet Edmonds new leaflet, a look at two AMAZING Bible scriptures that are AFFIRMING and ENCOURAGING for the LGBTQIA+ Community. Links to Janet's writing: Janet's leaflet, read in this podcast: GOD LOVES YOU - God Loves All of the LGBTQIA+ Community!! https://www.slideshare.net/EltonSherwin/god-loves-you-leaflet-by-janet-edmondspdf More details and scholarly references can be found in Janet’s longer white paper which is published several places: https://tiny.cc/Janet1 https://serendipitydodah.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/the-clobber-verses : https://elcvienna.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Booklet-about-Homosexuality-and-the-Bible-Sept.-2016.pdf Podcast written and produced by: ⁠⁠Elton Sherwin⁠⁠ Audio edited and enhanced with: ⁠⁠Descript Studio Sound ⁠⁠ Synthesized speech using: ⁠⁠Speechelo⁠⁠ #Bible #Christian #Affirming

Did God cancel Leviticus and its archaic and unjust laws? We look at Isaiah 56 and a conservative Bible commentary. The results are surprising. Three Scriptures used in this episode: · Isaiah 56: 4-5 (ESV) · Leviticus 18: 22 (ESV) · Leviticus 21: 18-20 (NIV) Quoted in this Episode: The Enduring Word Commentary by David Guzik About Isaiah 56: 4-5The Enduring Word Commentary says: “This also PROPHESIES THE PASSING OF THE DOMINANCE OF THE LEVITICAL ORDER. “Clearly, giving eunuchs a place and a name in God’s house CONTRADICTED the command of LEVITICUS 21:17-20. BUT UNDER A COMING NEW COVENANT, THERE IS A HIGHER PRINCIPLE AT WORK THAN THE SHADOWS OF THE LEVITICAL LAW.” Leviticus is describing who is EXCLUDED from the PRIESTHOOD Leviticus 21: 18-20 “No man who has any DEFECT may come near: no man who is BLIND or LAME, DISFIGURED or DEFORMED; no man with a CRIPPLED FOOT or hand, or who is a HUNCHBACK or a DWARF, or who has any EYE DEFECT, or who has festering or RUNNING SORES or DAMAGED TESTICLES.” #bible #biblestudy #affirming #gaychristian #queerchristian #Christian #exvangelical #pride #Lgbt #gay #ally #lgbtqia #trans

“For, there are some who have been gay from birth, so knit together in their mother's wombs and created in God's image.” This is a modern, amplified translation of Jesus' words from Matthew 19: 11-12 and the topic of this episode. Scripture quoted: · Matthew 19: 11-12 (ESV) · Matthew 19: 11-12 (King James Version) · Matthew 19: 12 (Multiple translations) · Matthew 19: 12 (original Greek) · Psalm 139: 13 · Genesis 1: 27 Quotes and URLs Dr. Jack Rogers quote: …"eunuchs who have been so from birth," is the closest biblical term we have for someone who today we refer to as homosexual. Reverend Jeff Miner quote: www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org/biblical_evidence/born_gay In the ancient world, including ancient Jewish culture as reflected in the Talmud, natural or born eunuchs… they were associated with stereotypically effeminate, characteristics and behavior… As we have also seen eunuchs were commonly associated with homosexual desire. Pastor Rick Brentlinger quote: Historical evidence beside what Jesus said, indicates that gay, lesbians and transgendered people were included in the group known as eunuchs. #bible #biblestudy #affirming #gaychristian #queerchristian #Christian #exvangelical #pride #Lgbt #gay #ally #lgbtqia #trans

We look at the traditional view of Isaiah’s blessing, which is surprisingly affirming of sexual minorities. Join me as we look at the great blessing in Isaiah 56: 4-5. Scripture quoted: · Isaiah 56: 4-5 · Matthew 19: 11-12 · Galatians 3: 28 (NASB) · Leviticus 21: 18-20 References and URLs: Quote from Janet Edmond “It is difficult to overstate the significance of this story about the Ethiopian eunuch to our modern quest for Biblical insights into homosexuality. The Holy Spirit could have chosen anyone to be the first Gentile Christian, but the Holy Spirit chose an African, sexual minority who showed faith. “The Bible’s unmistakable message here is one of inclusiveness and of God’s love for all people, regardless of their sexual preferences.” Bridgeway Bible Commentary by Don Fleming: “When the Jews returned to Jerusalem, some Gentile converts returned with them. Among these were several eunuchs, possibly people who were previously connected with the palaces in Babylon and Persia. The law of Moses made it plain that eunuchs were to be excluded from the tabernacle worship, probably to discourage the Israelites from making their own people eunuchs (Deuteronomy 23:1). But in the new Jerusalem all foreigners, eunuchs or otherwise, who honour God and keep his law should be allowed to worship in the temple along with godly Israelites” “Love and obedience towards God, not physical or national characteristics, are the important things in God’s sight. The temple is for the use of all people, not just Jews, because God’s mercy is for all people” Barn's Bible Commentary: “For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs - Even the eunuchs, who have hitherto been excluded from the privileges of the people of God, and who have been regarded as a separated and degraded people, shall be admitted to the same privileges as others.” Enduring Word Commentary: “This also prophesies the passing of the dominance of the Levitical order.” #bible #biblestudy #affirming #affirmingchurch #gaychristian #queerchristian #Christian #affirmingyouthministries #exchristian #exmormon #belovedarise #youarebloved

Three things can predict successful relationships and marriages - a discussion with Grandma Clair. From The Gottman Institute: https://www.gottman.com/ · The Magic Relationship Ratio (used in Podcast) https://youtu.be/Xw9SE315GtA · Four horsemen https://youtu.be/1o30Ps-_8is · “Bids” https://www.gottman.com/blog/turn-toward-instead-of-away/ · Singles newsletter https://www.gottman.com/singles-newsletter/ 12 Year Study of same-sex relationships: · https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-12-year-study/ · https://www.gottman.com/blog/what-makes-same-sex-relationships-succeed-or-fail/ Smiling · https://marriagecounselingblog.com/marriage-counseling/6-of-the-most-interesting-research-studies-about-love-and-marriage/ · https://youtu.be/jp42DM0x1Fc · http://tiny.cc/Smile2 · http://tiny.cc/Smile3 · http://tiny.cc/Smile4 · http://tiny.cc/Smile5 First date questions: https://www.scienceofpeople.com/first-date-questions/ Marriages from online dating: https://www.science.org/content/article/online-dating-really-can-lead-love Psychopathy (Don’t Marry) · https://www.mha-em.org/im-looking-for/mental-health-knowledge-base/conditions/127-psychopathy-vs-sociopathy · https://www.bikellaw.com/blog/37/is-your-husband-a-psychopath/ Gratitude · http://tiny.cc/Thanks1 · http://tiny.cc/Thanks2 The Power of saying: “thank you” in marriages · https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151021170814.htm · https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/heidi-stevens/ct-gratitude-marital-happiness-balancing-act-heidi-stevens-20151028-column.html Top things couples fight about https://www.inc.com/melanie-curtin/the-10-things-every-couple-will-fight-about-at-some-point.html Scripture used in this episode · Proverbs 15: 30 · Galatians 5: 22-23 · Matthew 25: 40 · Ephesians 4: 29 · 1 Peter 3: 10 · 1 Thessalonians 5: 11 #Marriage #Dating #Christian #Research #Love

Are the rules for gay sex different than straight sex? GRANDMA CLAIR’S: SEVEN RULES FOR SAFE SEX: 1) If you can become pregnant get a LARC. 2) When dating go slowly, start with your hands and wait awhile before you move to oral or intercourse. 3) Only have intercourse inside of a monogamous and romantic relationship. 4) ALWAYS use condoms, to protect against STIs. 5) Avoid hook-up sex. And if you do have hook-up sex use only your hands. 6) Wait on oral sex until you are in a long-term, monogamous relationship and have both been tested for STIs. 7) Try to wait until you are 19 to have intercourse. REPORTS USED: (Capitalization in tiny URLs matters) Hook-up Sex Flunks Out, But Romance Rocks: http://tiny.cc/RomanceRocks Romantic Sex Lowers Teen Delinquency http://tiny.cc/SexAndDelinquency Queer Youth and School Engagement https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2835305/ LARCs Success: http://tiny.cc/NYTLARCS http://tiny.cc/LARCSgraduate http://tiny.cc/OBGYNAdvice http://tiny.cc/YesLARCS STIs risks: Oral and Anal Sex verses using hands (fingering) http://tiny.cc/sti1 http://tiny.cc/sti2 http://tiny.cc/sti3 Kissing and STIs http://tiny.cc/KissingRisks http://tiny.cc/Kiss4Gonorrhoea Percent of Americans Having Premarital Sex https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nsfg/key_statistics/p.htm http://tiny.cc/Guttmacher2006 http://tiny.cc/TeenSexStats Teens and STIs https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5002249/ Late Bloomers Rock: Delaying First Intercourse Beyond High School Is Beneficial http://tiny.cc/DoesTrueLoveWait http://tiny.cc/HeritageTeenSex http://tiny.cc/57studiesonTeenSex A Book of Charts http://tiny.cc/HeritageCharts Early Sex in El Salvador and Peru Has Poor Outcomes http://tiny.cc/TeenSexPeru Children of Teen Moms https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK219236/ https://voxeu.org/article/why-children-teen-mothers-do-worse-life Graduation Rates for Teen Moms: http://tiny.cc/TeenMomsInSchool #premaritalsex #teensex #Christiansex #gaysex #safesex

Millions of Christian’s feel guilt or shame about premarital sex. But should they? What do the Gospels and the 10 Commandments actually say about premarital sex? This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MYsj67BTnkY References and URLs Terry Gross Fresh Air interview of Linda Kay Klein: Transcript and audio: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/648737143 Linda Kay Klein’s book, PURE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DQV274T “Inside the Purity Movement and Its Effect on Evangelical Women” by Julie Ingersoll University of North Florida http://tiny.cc/Purity1 Charts used from part 1: The benefits of church attendance for women (Harvard study): https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2521827 https://ifstudies.org/blog/religious-service-attendance-marriage-and-health/ The association of religiosity and suicide in queer youth: http://tiny.cc/Queersuicide http://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(18)30050-3/fulltext Falling church attendance – Pew research: http://www.pewforum.org/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/ President Carter quote: https://youtu.be/znTO949aPNg?t=155 http://tiny.cc/Carter2015 More than 1 in 2 Americans will get STD in lifetime http://tiny.cc/sti4 HPV and Cancer: “HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex… https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer There is a vaccine for many sexually transmitted cancers: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/statistics/cases.htm #safesex #purity #premaritalsex #teensex #Christiansex #gaysex Voices: Descript.com #descript

21% of Gen Z identifies as LGBT according to a 2022 Gallup Poll. Both parents and churches are failing to keep them safe. Research tells us there are surprisingly large benefits to health and wellbeing associated with church attendance. Unfortunately, there is a dark side to religion, particularly for some young Christians and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I8oHv9tNAM4 References and URLs 21% of Gen Z identifies as LGBT according to a 2022 Gallup Poll: https://news.gallup.com/poll/389792/lgbt-identification-ticks-up.aspx “Homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered" Catechism of the Catholic Church: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2357.htm Franklin Graham quote: https://christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/what-are-christians-to-do-with-those-pesky-gay-children/ The benefits of church attendance for women (Harvard study): https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2521827 https://ifstudies.org/blog/religious-service-attendance-marriage-and-health/ Benefits of church attendance for young adults (2ndHarvard study): http://tiny.cc/Harvardstudy1 https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/187/11/2355/5094534 The association of religiosity and suicide in queer youth: http://tiny.cc/Queersuicide http://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(18)30050-3/fulltext Falling church attendance – Barna Group research: http://www.barna.com/research/changing-state-of-the-church/ Falling church attendance – Pew research: http://www.pewforum.org/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/ Friendly and Welcoming Is Not Affirming: http://www.advocate.com/commentary/2018/4/03/difference-between-welcoming-church-and-affirming-one-huge Trans godparents forbidden in the Catholic Church: http://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-roman-catholic-church http://www.newwaysministry.org/2015/09/13/did-the-vatican-really-ban-transgender-godparents/ #churchtoo #affirmingchurch #gaychristian #FaithfullyLGBT #gay #LGBT

We review President Carter’s famous remarks affirming gay marriage. I talk about how these podcasts came to be. And we look briefly at what godly gay sex might look like. We conclude with a short rant on sexual purity. References: Religious upbringing linked to better health and well-being during early adulthood http://tiny.cc/Harvardstudy1 Chilling Study Sums Up Link Between Religion And Suicide For Queer Youth: http://tiny.cc/Queersuicide InMenlo online article: https://inmenlo.com/2022/01/31/elton-sherwin-offers-podcasts-on-the-bible-and-the-lgbtqia-community-here-he-explains-why/ President Carter’s interviews 2012: “Homosexuality was well known in the ancient world… http://tiny.cc/Carter2012 2015: “I believe Jesus would approve gay marriage…” http://tiny.cc/Carter2015 “Children born from unplanned pregnancies often face a range of developmental risks. Data indicates that these children report poorer physical and mental health compared to children born as the result of an intended pregnancy” https://web.archive.org/web/20201024204014/https://www.michigan.gov/ruready/0,4664,7-276-57380_65294---,00.html(loads slowly) “Almost half of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned. There’s a surprisingly easy way to change that” http://tiny.cc/WPOonLARCS More than 1 in 2 Americans will get STD in lifetime www.sctimes.com/story/life/wellness/2015/08/21/americans--get-std-lifetime/32123427/ HPV and Cancer: “HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex… https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer There is a vaccine for many sexually transmitted cancers: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet 90% cervical cancers from STIs “In general, HPV is thought to be responsible for more than 90% of anal and cervical cancers, about 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and more than 60% of penile cancers.” https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/statistics/index.htm https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/statistics/cases.htm

In this famous—but often misinterpreted—story we see God emphasizing that the Gospel message is inclusive and open to all. And that the kingdom of heaven does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender or sexual orientation. From the Book of Acts, chapter 8 verses 26 to 40. References and URLs: Quotes from Janet Edmonds: https://serendipitydodah.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/the-clobber-verses Quote from Rev. Jeff Miner and John Tyler Connoley in The Children Are Free: Reexamining the Biblical Evidence on Same-sex Relationships: https://books.google.com/books?id=c3uCTACZ46sC&pg=PA42 See the last full paragraph on page 42, then read the surrounding pages Additional Reverend Jeff Miner resources: www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org/biblical_evidence/born_gay and books: www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ARev.+Jeff+Miner Recent article from InMenlo on the origins of this series: https://inmenlo.com/2022/01/31/elton-sherwin-offers-podcasts-on-the-bible-and-the-lgbtqia-community-here-he-explains-why/ For more from my research about eunuchs in antiquity, see the notes in episode 6. #biblestudy #affirming #affirmingchurch #gaychristian #FaithfullyLGBT #lgbtchristian #christianparenting #progressivechristian #Christian #bible #affirmingyouthministries #queerallies #queerchristian #affirmingchristian #lgbtchristian