Androgynes in religion

[Nicky]

I really liked your interpretations Kinkly.

[Kinkly]

thanks Nicky there are many ways if interepiting the bible.  To me it's a book about Gods Love.  I believe that any intrepitation that limits gods Love or defines how people should behave beyond "be good to eachother" is taken out of context un fortunitly there are some words in the hebrew/greek versions of the bible that an exact translation is not known so biggoted translators have turned those parts into hatefull, anti loving messages in some versions of the bible

[tekla]

There is a lot of hateful stuff in the Bible, no matter how its translated.

[Nicky]

In Hinduism they recognise that the Divine contains both masculine and feminine attributes.
I don't know a lot about it but it appears that many of their gods have a form that is neither male or female, or they have both male and female forms. It would be interesting to read the Bhagavata. I find information on Hinduism hard to follow. They seem to have a few 'cults', each focusing on a different aspect yet not exactly opposed i.e. they recognise eachothers turth.

"Hindu Quotes: Nature of God

Three men went into the jungle on different occasions and saw a chameleon. "A chameleon is red," said the first man. "No a chameleon is green," said the second man. "Nonsense, a chameleon is brown," said the third man. Those who disagree about the nature of God are like these three men.

- Hindu Teaching Story"

[TRS1988]

"Do you feel a connection between being androgyne and your spiritual self? i.e. is is a spiritual thing for you? Do you follow a religion? Any other comments relating to religion and androgyne gender?"

I think being fluid in ones gender can definitely open up your mind to be fluid in anything. I feel that because Im, in society's eye, "strange" i can do very at not judging others, which is very important in spiritual growth and understanding. i think that its made me more compassionate.

I do follow a religion, I believe in the Judaeo-Christian God. I believe my God has no/all sex/gender. I believe we are all made in his image, in the sense that out spiritual bodies are similar to him, and also have no/all gender.

SO! i guess im saying that theres a very spiritual connection with the way we perceive ourselves and our attitude towards a higher being.

[Bombi]

I've always admired people who can commit to a religion and believe, wholeheartedly. I couldn't.

My spirituality is based in nature, science and the good of humanity. In this structure I find I can hang my beliefs on branches of each. I don't have to suspend my reality.

Also  androgynes I do believe we are more spiritual in general. In my case I tried to find a place in which I felt comfortable and wasn't considered a pagan. The place I've found doesn't have a deity, so there is no unreachable goals, no miracles, saints, spirits or ghosts just what it is and what I can make of it.
  Things I consider spiritual and give me the feeling I'm close to the essence of life are, sunrises and sunsets, phases of the moon, equinox, good deeds and charity, love and the arts and science. Truth and trust are important to.

[Nicky]

In my case I tried to find a place in which I felt comfortable and wasn't considered a pagan. The place I've found doesn't have a deity, so there is no unreachable goals, no miracles, saints, spirits or ghosts just what it is and what I can make of it.

you sound like a pagan to me 

Pagan does not seem to have a precise meaning. From a christian perspective it could include any other spiritual belief that is not christian.

[Eva Marie]

In the first 2 chapters of the bible there are two different stories about god making people one says that "In the image of god he created them; male and female he created them."
(Gen 1:27) If we are both made in gods likeness how can god be either just male of female. 

Then there is the holy trinity thing too (father, son, holy ghost all at the same time).

I just figure that someone with the power to create the cosmos, the earth and everything in it probably has powers and abilities that are well beyond our earthly comprehension.

[Bombi]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagan

I guess by definition, perhaps I am a pagan but I don't dis anyone's belief sets.

My theory is someone, years ago made up all these religions from fact, fiction and hearsay so why can't I craft my own?

To me the subject is similar to labels we all use to describe ourselves and the tribes we identify with. Life is fluid.

[Nicky]

What are you going to call your religion Bombi?

Bombi'ism
Bombianity
The church of the later day Bombi's
The Seventh Day Bombi?

[Bombi]

Actually I am a minister of The Church of Spiritual Humanism
.
http://www.spiritualhumanism.org/what.htm

I found it after my son and his gf asked me to marry them. It seemed like a good fit at the time. Presently it seems to still define the basics of  my beliefs.

[KYLYKaHYT]

I'm a minister via the Universal Life Church. I got my ordination a number of years ago specifically so that I could perform weddings and other ceremonies, particularly for those wishing to do so outside of mainstream religious venues.

It's been a while since I've done anything in my capacity as a minister and in that time my own spiritual path (if one can still call it that) has changed considerably. A couple of dear friend recently asked me if I would officiate their wedding for them. I told them that I would be honored to do so, as long as they didn't mind their wedding being officiated by an atheist minister. They said that didn't matter to them. They told me that I am a dear and trusted friend and that I have always been respectful of their beliefs, and that's what matters most. Likewise, that is exactly why I will be honored to be a part of their wedding ceremony.

[Nicky]

I still find it odd that marriage in religion is considered to be the same thing as a marriage by the state. It just so happens most people that get married within a religion also get a legal marriage thrown in, but really they should not be considered in equivalent terms.

[Simone Louise]

In Judaism, a minister, priest, or rabbi is not required for a couple to marry. A Jewish marriage is a contract; it requires witnesses, not clergy. In the state of Massachusetts, anyone of good character can get a one-day license to perform a legally acceptable marriage.

S

[imaz]

In Judaism, a minister, priest, or rabbi is not required for a couple to marry. A Jewish marriage is a contract; it requires witnesses, not clergy.
S

Same in Islam. Two of my Lesbian friends were married this way last year.

This is however purely religious not legal from a state perspective.

Where I got married we have a passport style book with our details and duties (!) in it. There's one for the husband in red and one for the wife in green! Bureaucracy for you...

[Nicky]

Jews are a practical people I think.

In New Zealand it takes a bit to become a marriage celebrant. You need to be nominated, have a wedding to perform, get interviewed a number of times, background police check, character judges, plus be approved by the local politician.  On top of this you need a seperate licence if you want to perform civil unions.

[Bombi]

 I married my son on the US mainland, in Maine. The only requirement was that I get the marrige certificate notorized. This the service:

Today is the first day of the further merging of two very
different but complementing people. Davis and MB have
aced relationships and personal growth 101. They have
found a way over the past years to meld their individual
hopes, goals and aspirations into a loving and committed
relationship. This togetherness manifested it's self to some
degree but I feel that this bond has been created by deep
love, sharing both their spiritual and life goals and dreams
and an incredible understanding and respect for one another.

Today is also one of the best days of my life. I get to cement the bond of my son and MB, two people I love and respect. I was humbled beyond belief when MB  asked me to marry she and Davis. I'm honored.

Although I'm biased, Davis is the most fearless person I know. He's proven this over and over. His heart, generosity and compassion I have long admired. He also has the deepest capacity to love I've ever witnessed. His loyalty is unquestionable. Although sometimes masked by his playful personality his soul and spirituality are boundless. Davis will be your friend for life
.
Mary Beth shares these qualities. We are all been affected by her beauty, intelligence, perseverance and loyalty. As I have come to better know MB, I've found she has the biggest heart and is the most compassionate women I've ever experienced. She truly loves without compromise or boundaries. She has taken all her best and worst experiences of her life and built on them to create a vision of life that is not religious but consciously spiritual. She is inspired by a higher power which drives her to excel. Her friendship is a bond that is boundless.

So here we are to join them in celebrating their marriage and witness their commitment to spend their lives together.

VOWS by MB and Davis

Davis and MB have shared their inspirations, goals and their love with each other and today they share them with us. Lets now all ask our God and whatever else we believe in to please help us evoke our purest blessing and bring light, grace, chi, energy and aloha to them and their promising future together.


Rings

Mary Beth and Davis have choosen these rings as a symbol of their love, commitment and desire to share together their lives.
The rings are but a worldly offering and their value and beauty are paled by the depth and love you together share.
 
Davis and MB please put the rings on each others fingers and wear them as a symbol of your unity and as a material demonstration  of the fulfillment of your hopes and dreams.

May the sun bring you new energy by day
May the moon softly restore you by night
May the rain wash away your worries
May the changing seasons enhance your joy
Any may you live the days of your lives together with peace, love and happiness.

Family and friends by the honor vested to me by MB and Davis and MB I now announce with bliss that you are now man and wife. This union is legal in the eyes of the law.

You are married. You are man and wife. Go forward from this day as a couple and seek your future and fortunes together. You will always have our love and respect.

ALOHA


I rewrote it slightly before the ceremony but no huge changes. I recieved a lot of compliments from the family and guests. I did mention God at least once.
The ceremony was on the first day of the new moon. The day began cloudy wih th threat of rain but when we started a bit of sun came out and we truly enjoyed the beautiful outdoor setting overlooking the coast. It was one of the best dys of my life so far.

[tekla]

anyone of good character

Darn, one more state that won't let me perform weddings.