After hearing Sylvia Bennet Stone on the Glenn Show several months ago, I sent Voices of Black Mothers United what was for me a very large donation. I also find Woodson’s grass roots approach to be far more effective than top-down welfare state models. Glenn’s (and Josh’s) opinions have been a great source of inspiration for me in these racialist, identitarian times.
However, I’m a white gay atheist. Most religions have been demonizing and oppressing gay people for centuries. In Iran and other countries they throw gay men off roofs, or hang them. In other countries they stone them to death, all in the name of religious “spirituality”. In traditionally Christian countries like the U.S., it’s not as bad, but even here, fundamentalist Christianity is the inspiration, the mother-load, for violent hate crimes against gay people. Before gay marriage became legal nationwide, black churches were on the forefront in Oregon of defeating a pro gay marriage referendum.
I’m very conflicted about giving money to organizations that are in fact effective at solving important issues, but which are based on religions who say I’m going to hell or am a second class citizen or even a criminal. This is a BIG PROBLEM for me.
Glenn, for Christ’s sake: you have a gay son! And you say you’re no longer a believer. WTF? Please justify how you, a non-believer, support religious organizations based on an ideology that demonizes your own son!
What do you make of gay Christians, especially the ones who go so far as to embrace Christian sexual ethics? Are they just self-hating in your book or might their existence complicate the “Christians hate gays” narrative?
I understand - and respect - your qualms on this count. For what it's worth, the FAQ section on the Woodson Center's website answers the question "Is the WC a religious organization?" as follows:
"No. But over the years, the Woodson Center has found that the most effective neighborhood-based organizations are faith-centered, because they are able to transform hearts and lay the groundwork for the successful application of jobs and other economic programs. Grassroots groups in the Woodson Center’s network represent a wide spectrum of religious faiths."
I don't know if that initial "no" puts your mind at ease at all, but perhaps it's enough to suggest that the Woodson Center's spiritual aims don't extend to matters of doctrine on sexuality. Alcoholics Anonymous, for example, leans on religion while helping alcoholics put their lives back together; the concern there - as I understand it, at least - is more of religion as a general organizing principle for a life in disarray rather than religion as a specific set of doctrines. I'm guessing that a gay man or a lesbian wouldn't be treated any differently at an AA meeting than anyone else - and that the same is probably true at the Woodson Center.
After hearing Sylvia Bennet Stone on the Glenn Show several months ago, I sent Voices of Black Mothers United what was for me a very large donation. I also find Woodson’s grass roots approach to be far more effective than top-down welfare state models. Glenn’s (and Josh’s) opinions have been a great source of inspiration for me in these racialist, identitarian times.
However, I’m a white gay atheist. Most religions have been demonizing and oppressing gay people for centuries. In Iran and other countries they throw gay men off roofs, or hang them. In other countries they stone them to death, all in the name of religious “spirituality”. In traditionally Christian countries like the U.S., it’s not as bad, but even here, fundamentalist Christianity is the inspiration, the mother-load, for violent hate crimes against gay people. Before gay marriage became legal nationwide, black churches were on the forefront in Oregon of defeating a pro gay marriage referendum.
I’m very conflicted about giving money to organizations that are in fact effective at solving important issues, but which are based on religions who say I’m going to hell or am a second class citizen or even a criminal. This is a BIG PROBLEM for me.
Glenn, for Christ’s sake: you have a gay son! And you say you’re no longer a believer. WTF? Please justify how you, a non-believer, support religious organizations based on an ideology that demonizes your own son!
What do you make of gay Christians, especially the ones who go so far as to embrace Christian sexual ethics? Are they just self-hating in your book or might their existence complicate the “Christians hate gays” narrative?
I understand - and respect - your qualms on this count. For what it's worth, the FAQ section on the Woodson Center's website answers the question "Is the WC a religious organization?" as follows:
"No. But over the years, the Woodson Center has found that the most effective neighborhood-based organizations are faith-centered, because they are able to transform hearts and lay the groundwork for the successful application of jobs and other economic programs. Grassroots groups in the Woodson Center’s network represent a wide spectrum of religious faiths."
I don't know if that initial "no" puts your mind at ease at all, but perhaps it's enough to suggest that the Woodson Center's spiritual aims don't extend to matters of doctrine on sexuality. Alcoholics Anonymous, for example, leans on religion while helping alcoholics put their lives back together; the concern there - as I understand it, at least - is more of religion as a general organizing principle for a life in disarray rather than religion as a specific set of doctrines. I'm guessing that a gay man or a lesbian wouldn't be treated any differently at an AA meeting than anyone else - and that the same is probably true at the Woodson Center.
Many faiths celebrate lbgtq+. What you are referrring to is a specific permutation of Abrahamism.
Can the conservative muslims and conservative christians be won over with loving sweetness over time? Can love melt hearts and raise consciousness?
What would you do?