I've been off the grid for a bit. I don't have very much more new information to share. I can say that I've discovered (or rediscovered) that a lot of my frustration toward life is the fact that many of my beliefs are in conflict with my feelings of attraction toward men. I do think that many of these 'beliefs' I have are lies masquerading as religious teachings.
In a conversation with my therapist, I told him "I don't ever remember learning that having feelings of attraction toward men was bad." That's when he responded with "Well, that's because it's church doctrine." It was at that point that I realized that the adversary had probably whispered that lie to me and I had believed it, and taken it for truth. I'm very excited to see what could happen when I start to uproot that lie.
That aside, I would like to pass along an official announcement made by Northstar. Northstar is a community dedicated to helping members of the LDS church to work through or managed feelings of same gender attraction without sacrificing gospel values. It's been a very valuable community for me to be a part of.
They've started a 'Voices of Hope' project to encourage those who are trying to live their faith and who also experience feelings of same gender attraction. I think that it is a wonderful idea. There are many other voices out there that call for people to leave their beliefs and their religion in order to 'embrace' their feelings and become 'happy'. I hope that the Voices of Hope will help encourage people to find peace inside of the teachings of the gospel.
Here is the link. Enjoy! http://northstarlds.org/community/voicesofhope/
What compels you to remain active in a church that has likely taught you false doctrine and lies about yourself? If they prophets are possibly false, why associate with it with such devotion? Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteTo clarify: I think that many of the false ideas and doctrine I believe about myself were taught to me by myself and not by the church.
DeleteI know the church is true and believe in its prophets. Therefore, I believe that the doctrine of the church is true.
I just think that I added my own erroneous ideas while growing up.
Don't be ashamed or guilty for your own human biology. Its a natural part of you.
ReplyDeleteI don't think feelings of attraction are either good or bad. They're simply normal, human sexual attractions and everyone has them. What we do with them - no matter which sex they are directed towards - is what determines if they are 'good' or 'bad'.