The Abominable snowman and other Christian myths

Yesterday I posted this on my facebook page.  And some people responded.  And those responses got me thinking.  I know, scary stuff, but stick with me.....

I have had the privilege of knowing and getting to know some beautiful gay and lesbian people and I struggle with seeing them or their 'lifestyle choices' as abominations.  

I do, however, think that word perfectly describes some Christians and the way that they pick and choose scriptures to hate with.  People have always passionately quoted the Bible to justify their prejudices: racism, sexism, materialism.....it doesn't mean that God feels that way too.  

I don't want to get into a theological or ideological debate here - it hurts my head too much...and many people have done that far more articulately and intelligently than I can - just google it.  

But I do want to mention one classic Christian response to this issue that I was taught (and believed) for many years:

Love the sinner. Hate the sin.  

Makes about as much sense as telling someone God loves them but hates the fact that they are a Samoan. 

Some of you will write me off after reading this - I have truly strayed from the flock - but that's okay because I feel closer to God writing this than I have felt in a long time.  

Some of you mentioned Grace in your responses on facebook.  I think that we throw that word around too much.  I think it is one of the most beautiful words in the English language.  I think it is even more beautiful than the word Love.  And isn't that Grace and Love what it's really about? 

To me that means that no matter how awful and mean and lazy and hateful and selfish I am God still chooses to let me carry that spark, that magic, that smallest glimpse of the reflection of God within me....within each of us....now that's an abomination.