Jaks, you hit the nail on the head and well said. I was brought up in the Lutheran Church when I was younger, but no longer go to church much anymore. You don't have to go to church to be a good person. To me the golden rule, like you said, is to treat others the way you want to be treated and don't be judgmental about how other people are living their lives.
My husband and I are part of an ELCA Lutheran congregation. I was raised in the United Methodist tradition. We have been fully welcomed into our congregation and hold positions of leadership. I’m so grateful for your comments! I, too, believe there are many pathways to God. Thank you for your insights and for simply being a regular guy. Blessings to you and yours in the new year. All best!
At last someone who's point of view regarding this topic is relatable. Thank you for sharing it. Warmest LGBTQ greetings from South Africa and wishing you everything of the best for 2024. 🇿🇦
Jaks, people forget this.. Matthew 7:1 to 3.. Do not judge, or you too will be judged,. For in the same way you judge others , you will be judged and the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
How could I effing forget something Matthew said with them there funny numbers that you largely america, christian obsessives cite with ease if I never heard them? Bet ur a yank!
Just a superb, concise analysis of this issue. A major part of the problem is people worshipping ancient texts written by MEN (NOT God), men who put their own opinions and prejudices into what they wrote, and who had virtually NO concept of science, let alone "sexual orientation". There is truth and wisdom in a number of these books....along with a fair amount of crap. We as a species have evolved societally over the last couple of thousand years, and we SHOULD have evolved far enough to realize that these tomes need to be approached with the above in mind. It is of note, regarding the issue of lgbtq people, that Christ NEVER addresses the subject (PAUL did, who also taught that EVERYONE who could possibly do so should strive to remain celibate as he did), and when asked what the greatest of all commandments was, Christ said that one was to love God with all one's heart and soul....but also to love one's neighbor as one's self....and said that on those two commandments hung ALL the "law" and the prophets too. When you attempt to influence the law to mirror your own personal "interpretation" of scripture in order that you might limit or even take away the rights and liberties of the neighbor that you "disapprove" of (or hate), that is not loving them.....that is despising them.
Great one today! I have been of the mindset of being religious but not necessarily believe in it being institutionalized. Having said that, full respect to all religions out there.
I've been the same for over 40 years and been suffering since, I would have loved to have met someone like you back then. Now I have feel it's too late.
Hey Jaks- GREAT video. I just caught this one. You are so right, man. I was Roman catholic. I walked away from it- I did not like to be put down. But I DO believe in a supreme being. I like to say that HE created me, and HE does not make mistakes. I hope you like that statement. I HAVE found an Episcopal church where I can be comfortable. I am a loner, so I do not intermingle with a lot of people, and I DO keep quiet about my orientation. LOVE your videos, man. GOD Bless you... Hugs....
My Real Dad Disowned me when i was like 3 yrs old and denide i was his all his life and he built the church and the Deacon of the church very wealthy ..
You have a very interesting perspective on how organize religion can portray people based on their different beliefs or values. It would be interesting to hear your views on minority beliefs systems on the same subject. I look for the beauty in all things. Touchy subject indeed😊 “…to each their own”
Good for you! I will never darken a church door again, but it is not because I don't believe in God. I'm an ordained Assemblies of God preachers' kid. I have seen things I will never tell but they are still part of my story. I grew up with all the famous Evangelists including the Bakers and John Wesley Fletcher the lists go on and on. I agree with you!
Regardless of what someone else says, my FAITH is my own - it is a part of me and it is deeply ingrained in my heart and soul. Nobody can take my faith from me because of their own opinions! I am a LGBTQ Roman Catholic/Christian, and I just ignore the naysayers who say I can't possibly be religious as a LGBTQ person, or throw Bible quotes at me, or who think that I may be less in some way because of WHO I am, how I was created. And BTW, the Bible will tell anyone who picks it up and reads it, that we were ALL created in God's own image and likeness - every one of us. Genesis also says that when God looked at His creation, it was all good - and that includes us LGBTQ folks! It doesn't say His creation was all good except for "the gays." So, that's my 2 cents!
As an atheist, I don’t hate but can’t ever see myself forming extremely close relationships with a theist or dating them. The disconnect in our understandings of the world would be too vast.
Luckily, my Pagan faith fully supports my sexuality by not making a big thing of it. Faith in the Earth and it's deities, makes sense that we are just as valid as any other living being.
I believe in God I am catholic and do not believe in some of their ways.Dont have to go to Church to pray to God.I know people that go to Church and they are terrible people and they think they are better than you because you don’t go to Church.
For sure there're good things in all religions, and you know why? Because all those things are just human good things. So we don't need a religion to be good, just be good human with empathy. I hate when religious people told us we can't be good without religion, that's totaly wrong. There're are lot of atheist people who are as good as religious people, even better. And when I see all the atrocity done in the name of a god, in the past and still today, I'm sincerely thinking the world would be better without religion, specially without monotheist religions!
Spirituality is a great thing and many elements e.g. western cultures have adopted from the Church can solidify the culture in a positive way. But institutional religion so often goes off the rails in so many ways - I don't need to even list here.
My only problem with religion is that you can't summon this invisible deity or force for arguments. If someone makes a racist, sexist, etc statement based on ideologies and so on, you can argue with that, both of you bringing out data to support your arguments. When someone finally says "Coz God said so!" that's pretty much the end of the discussion.
@@nunyabiznes33 Great point. As I see it every person is his/her own representative in this world and in charge of their own behavior. Spirituality, on the other hand, is a personal thing - like giving up on the illusion you have control in order to manage addiction. (I hope this made sense.)
From the law Moses given by God of Israel there are more rules over sex between man and women and jokingly cause they need more supervision. I still like the grace and offer of Everlasting life from Jesus incarnate God I am the way to God the Father and creator the ultimate Judge. I fill more comfortable with my own death because of my personal relationship with Jesus who saves the soul that through life battles with flesh and makes us natural sinners. Therefore a heart that repents and seeks mercy and forgiveness are acts that values by God not by how well one follows rules but by prayers and Holy Communion when offered it's called faith and save my soul and body from eternal hell. Now for the parties who refute because humanism has somehow outlive the need of God and justify by claiming man wrote. The Holy Bible was inspired by God though through a small group of people and I don't believe mankind could have invented the Jesus account as God lived among us in the flesh to fullfil the laws as an example which we fall short.
Anglicans should read the bible once each year the old Testament and apocrypha once ane the new testamement three time a year the Psalter Once a month.
Jesus, whoever he was one or many, was an amazing man and would have kicked the arses of homophobes but The Son of God? Hell I’m all for living life to Christian values (minus the faith and “worship” which lets. face it, if required to be “ good” would make God one dangerously, game-playing narcissist). Or to the more ethical values of your allah your buddha or whatever but an actual God? I’m sorry just think about it. Alien life? Marginally possible. Yet many find that idea ludicrous whilst preaching belief in this God geezer. Sorry man it IS utterly nuts. Be good because it’s good. Love because love creates joy and there is no thing better than loving and being loved at all levels. God my arse. Sincerest apologies but, no. Just no. That said, I did get a gift “from Santa” last year so who knows eh? God knows!!!
If you claim to be part of a religion - you can't cherry pick an interpretation that bends the religion to your lifestyle - you "accept the word of God" as given or you don't. Christianity, Judaism and Islam are all very clear where they stand on the issue which is that they are all against it and no level of mental gymnastics will change that.
Hi Jaks, nice to know other homosexuals share the same mind-set as myself about religions.
Jaks, you hit the nail on the head and well said. I was brought up in the Lutheran Church when I was younger, but no longer go to church much anymore. You don't have to go to church to be a good person. To me the golden rule, like you said, is to treat others the way you want to be treated and don't be judgmental about how other people are living their lives.
My husband and I are part of an ELCA Lutheran congregation. I was raised in the United Methodist tradition. We have been fully welcomed into our congregation and hold positions of leadership. I’m so grateful for your comments! I, too, believe there are many pathways to God. Thank you for your insights and for simply being a regular guy. Blessings to you and yours in the new year. All best!
You are grateful and think it ever so cool that this org treats you like human beings. Think about that, please.
May God continue to bless you.. God is all LOVE and acceptance and compassion. Continue flowing in his Radiance.
At last someone who's point of view regarding this topic is relatable. Thank you for sharing it. Warmest LGBTQ greetings from South Africa and wishing you everything of the best for 2024. 🇿🇦
Jaks, people forget this.. Matthew 7:1 to 3.. Do not judge, or you too will be judged,. For in the same way you judge others , you will be judged and the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
How could I effing forget something Matthew said with them there funny numbers that you largely america, christian obsessives cite with ease if I never heard them? Bet ur a yank!
Ironically I can quote it better than you - isn ‘t it judge not lest ye be judged?
@@dmmoctoberdepends on the translation
As a member of the LDS church myself hearing you correct Mormon to Latter Day Saint just made my day
Just a superb, concise analysis of this issue. A major part of the problem is people worshipping ancient texts written by MEN (NOT God), men who put their own opinions and prejudices into what they wrote, and who had virtually NO concept of science, let alone "sexual orientation". There is truth and wisdom in a number of these books....along with a fair amount of crap. We as a species have evolved societally over the last couple of thousand years, and we SHOULD have evolved far enough to realize that these tomes need to be approached with the above in mind. It is of note, regarding the issue of lgbtq people, that Christ NEVER addresses the subject (PAUL did, who also taught that EVERYONE who could possibly do so should strive to remain celibate as he did), and when asked what the greatest of all commandments was, Christ said that one was to love God with all one's heart and soul....but also to love one's neighbor as one's self....and said that on those two commandments hung ALL the "law" and the prophets too. When you attempt to influence the law to mirror your own personal "interpretation" of scripture in order that you might limit or even take away the rights and liberties of the neighbor that you "disapprove" of (or hate), that is not loving them.....that is despising them.
Great one today! I have been of the mindset of being religious but not necessarily believe in it being institutionalized. Having said that, full respect to all religions out there.
Excellent video, glad to see this discussed
I'm right there with you, great video! I too am stoic. Thanks for giving a lot of people food for thought❤
Stoicism is not a religion.
I agree with you. I wish other "Christians" shared your view of practicing Christianity!
I've been the same for over 40 years and been suffering since, I would have loved to have met someone like you back then. Now I have feel it's too late.
Excellent video! I THINK YOU NAILED IT! Dave
Hey Jaks- GREAT video. I just caught this one. You are so right, man. I was Roman catholic. I walked away from it- I did not like to be put down. But I DO believe in a supreme being. I like to say that HE created me, and HE does not make mistakes. I hope you like that statement. I HAVE found an Episcopal church where I can be comfortable. I am a loner, so I do not intermingle with a lot of people, and I DO keep quiet about my orientation. LOVE your videos, man. GOD Bless you... Hugs....
I have personally reconciled these issues by affiliating myself with Reform Judaism. 🌈🕎
My Real Dad Disowned me when i was like 3 yrs old and denide i was his all his life and he built the church and the Deacon of the church very wealthy ..
I just fell in love...
Peace be with you my friend.
You have a very interesting perspective on how organize religion can portray people based on their different beliefs or values. It would be interesting to hear your views on minority beliefs systems on the same subject. I look for the beauty in all things. Touchy subject indeed😊 “…to each their own”
Good for you! I will never darken a church door again, but it is not because I don't believe in God. I'm an ordained Assemblies of God preachers' kid. I have seen things I will never tell but they are still part of my story. I grew up with all the famous Evangelists including the Bakers and John Wesley Fletcher the lists go on and on. I agree with you!
Good for you; pretty much all organised religion is evil at a fundamental level.
Short and simple comment… Bravo…!!! Well done… well said…!
I'm more spiritual than Religion
also something on the lines of if you cannot resist urges it is better to marry than being loose
Regardless of what someone else says, my FAITH is my own - it is a part of me and it is deeply ingrained in my heart and soul. Nobody can take my faith from me because of their own opinions! I am a LGBTQ Roman Catholic/Christian, and I just ignore the naysayers who say I can't possibly be religious as a LGBTQ person, or throw Bible quotes at me, or who think that I may be less in some way because of WHO I am, how I was created. And BTW, the Bible will tell anyone who picks it up and reads it, that we were ALL created in God's own image and likeness - every one of us. Genesis also says that when God looked at His creation, it was all good - and that includes us LGBTQ folks! It doesn't say His creation was all good except for "the gays." So, that's my 2 cents!
Jaks, marry me. We could click at a spiritual level I'm certain of it.
As an atheist, I don’t hate but can’t ever see myself forming extremely close relationships with a theist or dating them. The disconnect in our understandings of the world would be too vast.
Excellent video.Your views are similar to mine, and need to be expressed.
I totally agree with you
Luckily, my Pagan faith fully supports my sexuality by not making a big thing of it.
Faith in the Earth and it's deities, makes sense that we are just as valid as any other living being.
looking hot in the cowboy hat
No better without
Well said
I believe in God I am catholic and do not believe in some of their ways.Dont have to go to Church to pray to God.I know people that go to Church and they are terrible people and they think they are better than you because you don’t go to Church.
Thx Jaks 🫶
You un-ironically sound like someone who reviews lego and makes youtube videos about it
For sure there're good things in all religions, and you know why? Because all those things are just human good things. So we don't need a religion to be good, just be good human with empathy. I hate when religious people told us we can't be good without religion, that's totaly wrong. There're are lot of atheist people who are as good as religious people, even better. And when I see all the atrocity done in the name of a god, in the past and still today, I'm sincerely thinking the world would be better without religion, specially without monotheist religions!
Spirituality is a great thing and many elements e.g. western cultures have adopted from the Church can solidify the culture in a positive way. But institutional religion so often goes off the rails in so many ways - I don't need to even list here.
My only problem with religion is that you can't summon this invisible deity or force for arguments. If someone makes a racist, sexist, etc statement based on ideologies and so on, you can argue with that, both of you bringing out data to support your arguments. When someone finally says "Coz God said so!" that's pretty much the end of the discussion.
@@nunyabiznes33 Great point. As I see it every person is his/her own representative in this world and in charge of their own behavior. Spirituality, on the other hand, is a personal thing - like giving up on the illusion you have control in order to manage addiction. (I hope this made sense.)
From the law Moses given by God of Israel there are more rules over sex between man and women and jokingly cause they need more supervision. I still like the grace and offer of Everlasting life from Jesus incarnate God I am the way to God the Father and creator the ultimate Judge. I fill more comfortable with my own death because of my personal relationship with Jesus who saves the soul that through life battles with flesh and makes us natural sinners. Therefore a heart that repents and seeks mercy and forgiveness are acts that values by God not by how well one follows rules but by prayers and Holy Communion when offered it's called faith and save my soul and body from eternal hell. Now for the parties who refute because humanism has somehow outlive the need of God and justify by claiming man wrote. The Holy Bible was inspired by God though through a small group of people and I don't believe mankind could have invented the Jesus account as God lived among us in the flesh to fullfil the laws as an example which we fall short.
You sound a lot like a Druid.
Anglicans should read the bible once each year the old Testament and apocrypha once ane the new testamement three time a year the Psalter Once a month.
Just a thought....I would believe you have a high "IQ".
REFRESHING!!!
Jesus, whoever he was one or many, was an amazing man and would have kicked the arses of homophobes but The Son of God? Hell I’m all for living life to Christian values (minus the faith and “worship” which lets. face it, if required to be “ good” would make God one dangerously, game-playing narcissist). Or to the more ethical values of your allah your buddha or whatever but an actual God? I’m sorry just think about it. Alien life? Marginally possible. Yet many find that idea ludicrous whilst preaching belief in this God geezer. Sorry man it IS utterly nuts. Be good because it’s good. Love because love creates joy and there is no thing better than loving and being loved at all levels. God my arse. Sincerest apologies but, no. Just no. That said, I did get a gift “from Santa” last year so who knows eh? God knows!!!
If you claim to be part of a religion - you can't cherry pick an interpretation that bends the religion to your lifestyle - you "accept the word of God" as given or you don't. Christianity, Judaism and Islam are all very clear where they stand on the issue which is that they are all against it and no level of mental gymnastics will change that.