I am afraid of Christians, anyone else?

[tgirlamg]

My current view is that if you strip away religion and view people for who they are: spirits with bodies, you begin to see past the facades. And when that happens, you will see that we are all brothers and sisters living our lives as best we can. We don't need to judge their behavior because most are unaware of what they are doing. Some can be encouraged to change, others will dig their heels in and insist everyone else change.

"It does not matter what you believe; it is the actions you take based on those beliefs that matters."  -- H. Spencer Lewis

Word Sister! 💕🙏👩👍💕

[Moonflower]

My wife and I were greatly inspired by the news reports about this study:

https://gap.hks.harvard.edu/transgender-prejudice-reduction-and-opinions-transgender-rights-results-mediation-analysis 🔗

What really inspired us was the idea that when a transphobic person discovers that they know a trans person, they are likely to become an ally. That gave us the courage to be more conspicuous instead of hiding in the name of privacy and modesty and courtesy. Many people surprised us.

The most "Christian" person whom we knew -- the one who was most likely to be the most disappointed -- died before we had the chance to be brave with her. We wonder what might have happened if we had The Conversation, but all we can imagine is a wider fissure between her and us. She valued authoritarianism and her righteousness above living love.

Fortunately, I have known people of various religions who are very open-minded and who celebrate diversity. As far as I can see, anyone of any religion can do so. The people who don't... they must be thinking that they're benefitting in some way, so I feel sorry for them and hope that they'll wake up.

[KristaFairchild]

My wife and I were greatly inspired by the news reports about this study:

https://gap.hks.harvard.edu/transgender-prejudice-reduction-and-opinions-transgender-rights-results-mediation-analysis 🔗

What really inspired us was the idea that when a transphobic person discovers that they know a trans person, they are likely to become an ally.

I've found this to be true often, though I'm acknowledging the people who discovered the opposite with loved ones 💔

I've socially transitioned slowly, for myself or maybe out of fear. Now that I aimed present utterly female, no one has rejected me. I've had two very conservative acquaintances accept me. As a more openly trans woman, I can more easily share with others GNC people and support them (and they support me). 

[CosmicJoke]

Let me explain. I grew up in churches my Mother was a Sunday school teacher, my grandmother was a traveling evangelist and my older brother was a youth pastor. So I have a lot of experience with Christians. I know its a generalization and not fair to judge a group as a whole but if I see a Cross or a fish symbol I get nervous. Especially now that I am trying to come to terms with being trans.

Please don't be offended by my statement its just my life experiences. When I see symbols or find out someone is religious I try to avoid them when I can at least until I know what type of person they are. I expect intolerance and I have this image of people screaming at people not like them. I should probably talk to my therapist about this...

I don't know if it's that I am "afraid" of them I just don't really agree with them.

I think alot of religion is just political to be honest. People who can't follow their own moral compass or think for themselves usually turn me off anyway.

I came to the conclusion that my religion is personal. If somebody is trying to impose their's on me then that tells me everything I need to know about that person.

[tammy753]

To be honest I regret starting this topic, I stand by what I said but I didn't explain what I meant well. I do not wish harm on them and would be open to getting to know them but the history I have with the larger group was not positive.

[big kim]

Not me. Genuine Christians don't make me afraid of them.

[Northern Star Girl ✅]

  @tammy753
Dear Tammy:
    Thank you for your posting and reply comment. 
Danielle

To be honest I regret starting this topic, I stand by what I said but I didn't explain what I meant well. I do not wish harm on them and would be open to getting to know them but the history I have with the larger group was not positive.

I am am a staunch believer and a devout Christian.  I found a small church in my community. They are very accepting of me and my sweetie.  We are involved in many activities and gatherings and with meals for the sick and homebound members, Sunday School, mid-week Bible Study and prayer group. Most Sundays after morning church I go out to lunch with 4 or 5 church ladies.
I have made certain that many on the Forum have my attention and I have offered interceding prayer in many in my reply comments to members that are experiencing sickness or physical, relationship problems, and other issues.  I have not yet had any tell me to not pray for them.

I appreciate your stated concerns but what you described is not happening where I live.

HUGS, Danielle

[Kristy7]

Reminds me of a brother that abandoned a new born son, remarried, got into southern baptist, was born again.
He then proceeded to preach to my mother who is Catholic that she was going to Hell, if she was not born again.

I pray every night try to live a Christian life, I have sinned being unfaithful to my former life.

Like you I don't care to be preached to I'll fine my own way and peace.

[KristaFairchild]

Yesterday I was deeply supported and affirmed by an elder in the Mormon church in my Trump loving city. 

I'm glad I let him surprise me. 

[tammy753]

Wow congrats!