David is so very thoughtful, sensitive, and articulate. I applaud his willingness to challenge narratives to find what's right for him. I really hope his choices are providing him the rich fulfilled life he deserves.
Yeah totally! I felt really moved by his loyalty to his convictions - even though we feel differently about the subject it was good to understand his viewpoint!
@@melodyrachel Christianity not having evidence of course. You are so sure your holy book is the right one, just like muslims are, but can't ever prove it. It even has errors in genesis like plants being created before the sun or man from dust instead of evolving.
@@melodyrachel That your religion is false. That is clear at least since evolution was proven, which your holy book contradicts. Either you will deny the science or say that part of the bible isn't literal.
David's book 'A war of loves' saved my faith. It was the only book i read that gave hope and celebrated singleness while acknowledging the struggle and sacrifice of being a Christian but that God sees this and promises to be with us through it.
Celibacy is an ask. As a heterosexual woman who isn’t married, I have struggled with celibacy and a war of loves was a book I read after a failed relationship I thought would lead to marriage. The Lord showed how I idolised marriage in a way that is not holy. I knew the truth that marriage is picture of Jesus as the bridegroom and the church as his bride, but that call to a higher standard of purity to make room for the a deeper intimacy with Jesus is something that I wrestle with everyday. With my desire for a man, with my desire to spend my whole life chasing a career, with needing to be right in every argument, wrestling with why is my body not being healed and a lot of things that just come with the fallen nature. The struggle of a queer Christian is so different and unique but I’m grateful that there are people who are really pressing into deeper revelation and intimacy with Jesus, and being honest about that walk and pressing into sacrifice. I think the Lord invites us all into a “narrow way” and everybody’s narrow way requires sacrifice and looks different but should conform to scripture. That honestly is what true worship is. But the Lord will always invite us into that sacrifice, a way to partner with his suffering. It will never be forced as the law does. I love that David speaks about the spirit enabling us to live this narrow way and bring this sacrifice no matter our sexual identity, race or gender. I think if heterosexual people have such honest open conversations about what the Lord is asking them to sacrifice as well and if they are actually pressing into that call, instead of “quoting this scripture and that scripture” to prove a point and “be more right” than another there will be so much more compassion for each other in the body and hence we walk and wrestle towards the unity of the body of Christ that Ephesians speaks of, the unity that ushers in the return of the Lord.
I also have a problem with idolatry. It's interesting what you say here about purity making room for deeper intimacy with God, it's something I will ponder. Thank you for sharing your thoughts :)
It's so rare to hear a thoughtful, respectful conversation on this topic today between two people who don't totally agree but can acknowledge the sincerity of the other's position. I got the feeling you were genuinely interested in learning about David's experience instead of just trying to "win" an argument. Great vid!
Wow, the best conversation on the topic I have heard so far. Thank you Melody for inviting David. I heard from Frank Turek that homosexuality in Bible is a description of an act not of sexual orientation. In one of Frank Turek's Q&As he says that there is a difference between attractions and actions. I don't want to dismiss the big ask of leading celibate life. I don't. I think, that the decision about celibacy has to come from the place of your heart, where you know that you know that you know... that God exists, loves you and wants relationship with you forever. My take on relationship is that it requires faithfulness. And it sometimes feels like dying. It is a cross. Jesus said - take up your cross and follow me. Very contra-culture. I dare to share that with whoever is willing to read my clumsy account, because I try to live it. Am I perfect? - Nope. Am I better than...? - God knows I am not. Am I martyr? - also no. I am just a fellow human.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! I agree that the decision to celibacy should come from that person's own heart. Its definitely not a way for everyone, but we are all on our own journey nonetheless
I would challenge him. What is his obsession with being a rarity in Christianity? Why does he feel the need to deny himself a full life? Yes we need restraints at times, but God doesn't ask straight people to never have a partner or sex. Jesus said I desire mercy, not sacrifice. It is a martyr complex, when Jesus is the true martyr. Such a sacrifice is pointless because in doing so you violate Jesus words about loving your neighbor as yourself. You can not torment yourself in the name of God. If you can not love yourself as God created you, you create resentment against others, no matter how much you say you do not. When Jesus says to deny yourself, he is referring to denying whatever you were believing in before to follow him. It is not a call to asceticism! This is nothing more than a self-righteous legalism that has been perpetuated within the church and misunderstanding of holiness.
I understand what you're saying here. I think he's interpreted the scripture in a certain way and seems happy with the conclusion he has come to. He's not self-righteous at all, he's not pushing his views on anyone just explaining his perspective :)
huge double standard in Christianity, if you're born heterosexual than look for love and partnership where ever it may lead you - if you're born homosexual hang your head in shame and find yourself the opposite sex no matter how wrong it may feel.
Thank you for this conversation. It was cerebral, funny, and thought provoking. These are difficult questions with no black and white answers. I like that David gives us space to pursue God's intent for us through his word. Thank you for this conversation in considering how big and radical God's love is for us, challenging our knee jerk beliefs and biases about who is and isn't deserving of God's redeeming love.
I was a Baptist Pastor and missionary. Married to my accepting wife who had MS for her last 26 years. We were married 51 years. I am gay medically proven. I am now single and have decided to remain single, not for any religious reasons. Too old now. I strongly support gay marriage. The Baptist church told me I am not welcome to even attend church just because I am gay.
I'm not a Christian, but being "celibate" (chaste) is easy. It's not being chaste that takes the effort (admittedly, I did make the effort in my 20s, but it never went anywhere; it's so much easier and less stressful not to try). Until a few years ago, all gays had to be celibate (i.e. unmarried).
Yuck. His basic assumption is that sex evolved purely for procreation. But sex also evolved for love, joy, pleasure, and communication and thus it is perfectly normal and natural and right for sex to take place between people of the same gender.
I know English. But sometimes I use Google Translate for certain things that are complicated. I don't know if this is a correct translation, but in the Bible it says in Norwegian "you shall not lie with a man as you lie with a woman". Not sure if it says exactly the same spelling in English What is sex? What is the original definition of sex? There are only two types of sex. So vaginal intercourse and anal intercourse. The word "oral sex" contains the word "sex", but it is a relatively new word, originally it was called something from Greek which, directly translated into Norwegian, is called "oral satisfaction" (I don't know exactly how it translates into English). I agree that children need a mother and a father, so in that way I think we are created for man and woman, when it comes to making a family I believe and have read that anal intercourse is seen as impure in the Bible, for both women and men. So the only way a man can sleep with a man as he sleeps with a woman is intercourse in an anal way. Masturbation is not sex, oral sex is not sex (even if it contains the word "sex"). I can't think of anything nastier than anal sex, imagine having a penis inside a gut, it can't be more disgusting Rape doesn't just apply to sex, I think it also applies to sexual harassment. If you touch private parts against the other person's consent or on minors, you should absolutely be punished. In Norway, unfortunately, rape is usually dismissed in the judicial system, and those who receive punishment, unfortunately, receive a reduced sentence if it is "only" about oral and masturbation because they are sentenced for "sexual harassment" and not for rape. There are also divided opinions among Christians about sex before marriage. Some believe that it is intercourse before marriage that is sinful, because that is all that is sex. While others believe that all kinds of sexual events before marriage are a sin. The phenomenon of "lexicon" is several thousand years old, definitions and statistics are nothing new. And sex has never, not now or several thousand years ago, had any other definition than intercourse. There is a difference between the word "sex" and "sexual". Adultery is more than just sex, and more than just sexual activity. Kissing is not erotic, but romantic, and if you are with one person and kiss another person then you are unfaithful, if you hold hands with a person in a romantic way while you are with another person, then you are unfaithful. In Norway, the sexual minimum age is 16. But two people of the same age (for example, two 14-year-olds or two 12-year-olds) consensually masturbating together or having oral sex together is not prohibited, why not? Because it is NOT sex! But it is forbidden for someone aged 16 to do this with someone under the age of 16, and that is of course a good ban I am homosexual. I was with a man before, a man the same age as me. Unfortunately it ended, but I will probably find a new boyfriend eventually. We never had anal sex, we never had vaginal sex either (because it's not physically possible😅), so I've never slept with a man like with a woman. We did various erotic things (but I won't say what we did), but I can say as mentioned that we NEVER had anal sex. Therefore we are both virgins. I actually took part in an anonymous statistics survey recently. It was about sexuality, one of the questions was whether I had made a sexual debut, in parentheses on the form it said (tick "yes" if you and your partner have had intercourse, all other sexual activity is not considered a sexual debut, if you have not have had sexual intercourse, the answer to the question is "no") I have no intention of getting married, I have no intention of going to the Pride parade, I have no intention of adopting. I live without sex, because I never have intercourse. That's why I don't live with a man like a woman lives with a man, I fall completely outside that category. The Bible does not go into detail. The Bible talks about sex, and then you have to look up the encyclopedia to find out what the word "sex" means by definition, and then I think of the very oldest definitions, these definitions that were written in the same time period as the Bible was written. If I live in a relationship with only oral satisfaction and masturbation together with my boyfriend, I live without SEX According to the original definition of what sex is, I lived in celibacy even when I was in a relationship with another man and we did certain physical things that gave sexual pleasure. Because we never had intercourse, and therefore we never had sex, and therefore it was a celibate relationship. There has never been any other definition of sex than intercourse, and as long as one lives without intercourse one lives in celibacy. I hope I find a new boyfriend, and I also hope we can do physical things that give sexual pleasure eventually, and I will continue to see myself as a celibate person
Knowing what I know about supposedly celibate Catholic priests, the overwhelming majority of whom are gay, I find it hard to take any of this seriously.
Yes, true, but in the case of Catholicism and being a priest, celibacy was not a choice. The whole thing was repressive and legalistic, forcing priests to hide and repress their desire. What he is talking about here is the opposite. We are saved by grace and not the law. We shouldn't become abstaining celibate Christians because of the law, but by a conviction of the Holy Spirit. We have no strength on our own, but only through Jesus. What seems impossible to us, is not through the grace and power of Jesus.
Majority of Catholic Priests are not gay. Some are but most are straight. It’s the gay ones who are mostly outed or highlighted by media which makes it seem like they’re the majority.
@@mikegardensthey don’t think their celibacy saves them. It’s a sacrifice they make in order to lead their parishioners. There are less distractions from God by being celibate versus if they had a family they would be divided in their responsibilities like Paul says and why he desires people to be celibate.
Hey, thanks for engaging! I'm here to provide new perspectives and try and understand everyone's experience while listening and engaging in healthy debate on whether you can be Gay and Christian. From personal experience, it would be best to go directly to the source - Jesus. I also am openly gay and believe I have a relationship with Jesus, so... it's difficult for anyone to really tell me otherwise if I'm honest. Bless you on your journey, brother! And feel free to subscribe - there will be plenty more conversations on this topic to come!
Having any sort of endorsement by an authority figure like the Pope gave me the courage to come out to my parents, which did help my life in fundamental ways. I agree that I'm not sure it does anything for articles of faith. The spirit is not the flesh .. for Christians, truth comes through the Holy Spirit .. why are people taking it literally?
Hey! Yeah. I would definitely agree that the pope blessing same-sex couples gave us some advantage. Maybe just not enough I agree. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal the truth to us :)
There is a middle ground here. First you have to realize that God doesn't make mistakes. He created gay people. Second you have to realize that being gay is not a choice or a lifestyle. It is who you are fundamentally. Now the devil likes to exploit to cause maximum misunderstanding, hate, sin, and suffering. There are sexual acts that are not healthy, therefore we shouldn't be doing them. This is not significant to gay people. Oral sex and anal sex are not healthy practices. Having multiple sexual partners is also not healthy. That being said, you have to realize that God is love. Loving someone is not a sin. Masturbation is also perfectly natural. If you don't do it manually your body will do it for you with wet dreams.
I have read about ministries of transformed Christians who found love and contentment, marriage and children in heterosexual relationships. They prayed for transformation and I believe they would disagree with your statements.
There's no such thing as a 'gay Christian' just as much as there's no such things as a 'thief Christian'. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 rebukes this: "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. Notice Paul says: "such were some of you." if you're still holding on to your vile gay affections claiming to be a 'gay Christian' Scripture says you're unregenerate.
I encourage you to read Romans 1:18-32 David says how can God create him, give him certain desires and condemn him for it by not allowing change. Yes, David was created by Father God but the lie of who he is in the world other than a child of God through the death & ressurection of Jesus Christ, is from s@tan, the father of lies who comes to kill, steal and destroy. Being attracted to the same sex and fulfilling desires goes against God's will and his creation of man & woman to procreate. He is our Creator and we all have strayed in one way or another from Him by giving into desires and idolisation of His creation. God loves the person whom He created but abhors their sin. To sin and worse knowingly justify the sin, is rebellion against God. But the good news is Jesus Christ, hence Jesus choosing to suffer and die on the cross but defeating death by rising again to save us all from dying in our sin. You cannot deteat sin without Jesus Christ, you cannot know Jesus Christ unless you read His Word, He is the Word made flesh and you would know this if you read the Bible. Jesus said "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, your soul and strength. And love your neighbour as yourself" Be not deceived God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap - Galations 6:7 Be warned, we will all be judged by every word we speak and action we do. I encourage you to read His Word to know who God is through Jesus Christ His begotten Son by unction of the Holy Spirit. I pray God will bless you by opening your eyes to see and ears to hear who He is in you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ
@@DylanBertrand-ki9emI’m a lesbian celibate and catholic getting baptized at the Easter service next year and my church is aware of the whole situation U CAN
I was very very very confused. If David Bennett has a deep relationship with Christ, why is he still so effeminate and attracted to men? What is the real issue? Celibacy or holiness/purity? Doesn't scripture say that when we are in Christ we are a new creation? Doesn't God save and deliver us from ungodly and unholy desires? He also spoke about having a deeper kind of eros for Jesus. The love we have for Jesus is not eros. Jesus said if you love me keep my commandments. The love we have for Jesus has nothing to do with feelings. Loving God is about obedience. Why couldn't David give a straight response when asked if homosexuality is a sin? As a theologian, did he not study Romans 1? Is murder a sin? Is lying a sin? Is gossiping a sin? David said the statement that homosexuality is a sin is clumsy! Really?? He went on to say that being involved in a gay relationship is sinful but to have a gay sexual orientation is not, adding that being gay is a gift leading him deeper into God and the gospel. If being gay led him to God, then why is he still gay? The interviewer said she had sex with a woman and still talked to God the next day because she knew Him. What did she say? Did she repent of her sin? If we have relationship with Christ the Word of God says that we will not habitually sin. 1 John 3:6 says If we continue to live in him, we won't sin either, but those who keep on sinning have never known him or understand who he is. In verse 8 it says when people keep on sinning it shows they belong to the devil. David also said God has a special grace for gay folk. No, He doesn't. The same grace God gives him to abstain from sin...any sin, is the same grace God gives me to abstain from sin. Finally, David said Jesus is more like queer people in that he didn't marry and did not procreate...that right there is a blasphemous statement. He said that gay/queer people are a voice crying out against the idol of marriage because the church is obsessed with marriage. He mentioned the scripture where Jesus said there would be no marriage in the resurrection, adding that Jesus was in essence saying that marriage is no big deal. That sir, is not what Jesus was saying at all. Jesus was responding to what happens when a woman dies who has more than one husband who died. Jesus did NOT imply that marriage is not a big deal here on earth! Jesus is coming for His Bride, the church, so there would be no need for marriage in the resurrection. Ephesians 5:25 says: Husbands love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. There is no obsession with marriage. God uses marriage between a man and a woman to demonstrate what our relationship with Christ is like. In verse 32 Paul said, 'This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one'. So no, Mr. Bennett, the church is not obsessed with marriage and gay people are not here to show the church that we are obsessed about marriage. Yes, Mr Bennett, I was indeed confused by some of the things you said.
Hey thanks for your comment. My understanding is that Jesus, through his Holy Spirit within us is constantly sanctifying us.. I dont understand the idea of committing a single sin, I believe my entire nature apart from God is sinful, the closer I get to Jesus the more I can see my sin nature (the more the Holy Spirit exposes it). I really believe Jesus is changing my heart, if being gay is part of my sin nature.. I reckon the Holy Spirit will expose it as sin, just like he does with envy and jealousy. ❤
@melodyrachel @melodyrachel The Holy Spirit will expose as sin what is already written in the Word. We all have a sin nature but we can either choose to commit sin or not. Being gay is a choice. No one is born gay, however, because of our sin nature coupled with our life experiences, anyone has the propensity to be gay, or lie or murder or commit any other sin. I agree with most of what you said except the very last part. Based on your comment you seem to be saying if the Holy Spirit does not expose to you that being gay is a sin, that means it is not a sin? Do we have to wait for the Holy Spirit to expose what is already written in the Bible? Please help me to understand. Even if a person is not convicted of their sin doesn't equate to it not being sin...according to Scripture. If we say we have no sin, then we call God a liar and the truth is not in us. I John 1:8-9.
@@Rapunzel2866 heya! there are so many "sins" that are not written in the bible. So yes, absolutely the Holy Spirit will expose sin in us. We are all on a journey, so I will just keep searching, following the spirit. Usually, people who assert to me that "Homosexuality is a sin" often have a lot of their own stuff they need to deal with. I believe we are all on a journey, why not just let people go on their own journey :)
@@melodyrachel We all got stuff to deal with. While you are on your journey, may I suggest you read and STUDY Romans 1 & 2. It is the Bible that makes it clear that homosexuality is a sin. We are simply saying what God in His Word has made abundantly clear.
@@Rapunzel2866 I have read Romans 1 & 2 many times, I'm more interested in Romans 7 at the moment. Speaking about how I can't change myself but only God's Holy Spirit within me can. That's why I am not abstaining from sex. If it is truly a sin, God's Holy Spirit within me will convict me and cause me to repent (change my mind, turn away) I don't know if God's word is all that clear with all the translations, and the weaponisation of scripture to demonise gay people. I will keep searching through the Holy Spirit, he is the spirit of Truth, and scripture is our guide, but the spirit will illuminate the truth to me :) Thank you for engaging, I'm going to keep questioning through this podcast and the interviews I'm doing so stay tuned!
![Gucci Mane & Sexyy Red - You Don't Love Me [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/j7IBqyFKT4c/mqdefault.jpg)
David is so very thoughtful, sensitive, and articulate. I applaud his willingness to challenge narratives to find what's right for him. I really hope his choices are providing him the rich fulfilled life he deserves.
Yeah totally! I felt really moved by his loyalty to his convictions - even though we feel differently about the subject it was good to understand his viewpoint!
@@melodyrachel
I don't feel moved to loyalty for convictions without a shred of evidence.
What do you mean?
@@melodyrachel
Christianity not having evidence of course. You are so sure your holy book is the right one, just like muslims are, but can't ever prove it. It even has errors in genesis like plants being created before the sun or man from dust instead of evolving.
@@melodyrachel
That your religion is false. That is clear at least since evolution was proven, which your holy book contradicts. Either you will deny the science or say that part of the bible isn't literal.
David's book 'A war of loves' saved my faith. It was the only book i read that gave hope and celebrated singleness while acknowledging the struggle and sacrifice of being a Christian but that God sees this and promises to be with us through it.
I replied to you on another video :D
Celibacy is an ask. As a heterosexual woman who isn’t married, I have struggled with celibacy and a war of loves was a book I read after a failed relationship I thought would lead to marriage. The Lord showed how I idolised marriage in a way that is not holy. I knew the truth that marriage is picture of Jesus as the bridegroom and the church as his bride, but that call to a higher standard of purity to make room for the a deeper intimacy with Jesus is something that I wrestle with everyday. With my desire for a man, with my desire to spend my whole life chasing a career, with needing to be right in every argument, wrestling with why is my body not being healed and a lot of things that just come with the fallen nature. The struggle of a queer Christian is so different and unique but I’m grateful that there are people who are really pressing into deeper revelation and intimacy with Jesus, and being honest about that walk and pressing into sacrifice. I think the Lord invites us all into a “narrow way” and everybody’s narrow way requires sacrifice and looks different but should conform to scripture. That honestly is what true worship is. But the Lord will always invite us into that sacrifice, a way to partner with his suffering. It will never be forced as the law does. I love that David speaks about the spirit enabling us to live this narrow way and bring this sacrifice no matter our sexual identity, race or gender. I think if heterosexual people have such honest open conversations about what the Lord is asking them to sacrifice as well and if they are actually pressing into that call, instead of “quoting this scripture and that scripture” to prove a point and “be more right” than another there will be so much more compassion for each other in the body and hence we walk and wrestle towards the unity of the body of Christ that Ephesians speaks of, the unity that ushers in the return of the Lord.
I also have a problem with idolatry. It's interesting what you say here about purity making room for deeper intimacy with God, it's something I will ponder. Thank you for sharing your thoughts :)
It's so rare to hear a thoughtful, respectful conversation on this topic today between two people who don't totally agree but can acknowledge the sincerity of the other's position. I got the feeling you were genuinely interested in learning about David's experience instead of just trying to "win" an argument. Great vid!
Hey thanks for your feedback! I’m glad you enjoyed the civil conversation, I’m hoping to do more of these 😃
Amazing Conversation 💯💯💯
Thanks 🙏
What a refreshing discourse. Thanks so much for this.
Good to see my old videos are still being watched! Glad you got some value from it, thanks for watching 🤙
Beautiful conversation thank you all!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wow, the best conversation on the topic I have heard so far. Thank you Melody for inviting David. I heard from Frank Turek that homosexuality in Bible is a description of an act not of sexual orientation. In one of Frank Turek's Q&As he says that there is a difference between attractions and actions.
I don't want to dismiss the big ask of leading celibate life. I don't. I think, that the decision about celibacy has to come from the place of your heart, where you know that you know that you know... that God exists, loves you and wants relationship with you forever. My take on relationship is that it requires faithfulness. And it sometimes feels like dying. It is a cross. Jesus said - take up your cross and follow me. Very contra-culture. I dare to share that with whoever is willing to read my clumsy account, because I try to live it. Am I perfect? - Nope. Am I better than...? - God knows I am not. Am I martyr? - also no. I am just a fellow human.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! I agree that the decision to celibacy should come from that person's own heart. Its definitely not a way for everyone, but we are all on our own journey nonetheless
As a lesbian who tries to find love and be celibate after well... not being. Im so happy i found that video. ❤
thanks for listening. So have you concluded you need to be celibate in order to be a Christian?
I would challenge him. What is his obsession with being a rarity in Christianity? Why does he feel the need to deny himself a full life? Yes we need restraints at times, but God doesn't ask straight people to never have a partner or sex. Jesus said I desire mercy, not sacrifice. It is a martyr complex, when Jesus is the true martyr. Such a sacrifice is pointless because in doing so you violate Jesus words about loving your neighbor as yourself. You can not torment yourself in the name of God. If you can not love yourself as God created you, you create resentment against others, no matter how much you say you do not. When Jesus says to deny yourself, he is referring to denying whatever you were believing in before to follow him. It is not a call to asceticism! This is nothing more than a self-righteous legalism that has been perpetuated within the church and misunderstanding of holiness.
I understand what you're saying here. I think he's interpreted the scripture in a certain way and seems happy with the conclusion he has come to. He's not self-righteous at all, he's not pushing his views on anyone just explaining his perspective :)
huge double standard in Christianity, if you're born heterosexual than look for love and partnership where ever it may lead you - if you're born homosexual hang your head in shame and find yourself the opposite sex no matter how wrong it may feel.
Thank you for this conversation. It was cerebral, funny, and thought provoking. These are difficult questions with no black and white answers. I like that David gives us space to pursue God's intent for us through his word. Thank you for this conversation in considering how big and radical God's love is for us, challenging our knee jerk beliefs and biases about who is and isn't deserving of God's redeeming love.
Thank you so much for watching and I am glad you enjoyed it :)
I was a Baptist Pastor and missionary. Married to my accepting wife who had MS for her last 26 years. We were married 51 years. I am gay medically proven. I am now single and have decided to remain single, not for any religious reasons. Too old now. I strongly support gay marriage. The Baptist church told me I am not welcome to even attend church just because I am gay.
That’s wild. Church is suppose to be a place of love and acceptance. It’s crazy to me that people still act this way. Are you still a Christian?
Ty David for sharing
Thanks for listening:)
My old landlord used to say, "Celibate? Sell a bit here, sell a bit there, sell a bit everywhere!"
I'm not a Christian, but being "celibate" (chaste) is easy. It's not being chaste that takes the effort (admittedly, I did make the effort in my 20s, but it never went anywhere; it's so much easier and less stressful not to try). Until a few years ago, all gays had to be celibate (i.e. unmarried).
I don’t get it so you are celibate by choice, but not for religious reasons?
Are you like incel or something…
Yuck. His basic assumption is that sex evolved purely for procreation. But sex also evolved for love, joy, pleasure, and communication and thus it is perfectly normal and natural and right for sex to take place between people of the same gender.
I know English. But sometimes I use Google Translate for certain things that are complicated. I don't know if this is a correct translation, but in the Bible it says in Norwegian "you shall not lie with a man as you lie with a woman". Not sure if it says exactly the same spelling in English
What is sex? What is the original definition of sex? There are only two types of sex. So vaginal intercourse and anal intercourse. The word "oral sex" contains the word "sex", but it is a relatively new word, originally it was called something from Greek which, directly translated into Norwegian, is called "oral satisfaction" (I don't know exactly how it translates into English).
I agree that children need a mother and a father, so in that way I think we are created for man and woman, when it comes to making a family
I believe and have read that anal intercourse is seen as impure in the Bible, for both women and men. So the only way a man can sleep with a man as he sleeps with a woman is intercourse in an anal way. Masturbation is not sex, oral sex is not sex (even if it contains the word "sex"). I can't think of anything nastier than anal sex, imagine having a penis inside a gut, it can't be more disgusting
Rape doesn't just apply to sex, I think it also applies to sexual harassment. If you touch private parts against the other person's consent or on minors, you should absolutely be punished. In Norway, unfortunately, rape is usually dismissed in the judicial system, and those who receive punishment, unfortunately, receive a reduced sentence if it is "only" about oral and masturbation because they are sentenced for "sexual harassment" and not for rape.
There are also divided opinions among Christians about sex before marriage. Some believe that it is intercourse before marriage that is sinful, because that is all that is sex. While others believe that all kinds of sexual events before marriage are a sin. The phenomenon of "lexicon" is several thousand years old, definitions and statistics are nothing new. And sex has never, not now or several thousand years ago, had any other definition than intercourse. There is a difference between the word "sex" and "sexual". Adultery is more than just sex, and more than just sexual activity. Kissing is not erotic, but romantic, and if you are with one person and kiss another person then you are unfaithful, if you hold hands with a person in a romantic way while you are with another person, then you are unfaithful. In Norway, the sexual minimum age is 16. But two people of the same age (for example, two 14-year-olds or two 12-year-olds) consensually masturbating together or having oral sex together is not prohibited, why not? Because it is NOT sex! But it is forbidden for someone aged 16 to do this with someone under the age of 16, and that is of course a good ban
I am homosexual. I was with a man before, a man the same age as me. Unfortunately it ended, but I will probably find a new boyfriend eventually. We never had anal sex, we never had vaginal sex either (because it's not physically possible😅), so I've never slept with a man like with a woman. We did various erotic things (but I won't say what we did), but I can say as mentioned that we NEVER had anal sex. Therefore we are both virgins. I actually took part in an anonymous statistics survey recently. It was about sexuality, one of the questions was whether I had made a sexual debut, in parentheses on the form it said (tick "yes" if you and your partner have had intercourse, all other sexual activity is not considered a sexual debut, if you have not have had sexual intercourse, the answer to the question is "no") I have no intention of getting married, I have no intention of going to the Pride parade, I have no intention of adopting. I live without sex, because I never have intercourse. That's why I don't live with a man like a woman lives with a man, I fall completely outside that category. The Bible does not go into detail. The Bible talks about sex, and then you have to look up the encyclopedia to find out what the word "sex" means by definition, and then I think of the very oldest definitions, these definitions that were written in the same time period as the Bible was written. If I live in a relationship with only oral satisfaction and masturbation together with my boyfriend, I live without SEX
According to the original definition of what sex is, I lived in celibacy even when I was in a relationship with another man and we did certain physical things that gave sexual pleasure. Because we never had intercourse, and therefore we never had sex, and therefore it was a celibate relationship. There has never been any other definition of sex than intercourse, and as long as one lives without intercourse one lives in celibacy. I hope I find a new boyfriend, and I also hope we can do physical things that give sexual pleasure eventually, and I will continue to see myself as a celibate person
Knowing what I know about supposedly celibate Catholic priests, the overwhelming majority of whom are gay, I find it hard to take any of this seriously.
Yes, true, but in the case of Catholicism and being a priest, celibacy was not a choice. The whole thing was repressive and legalistic, forcing priests to hide and repress their desire. What he is talking about here is the opposite. We are saved by grace and not the law. We shouldn't become abstaining celibate Christians because of the law, but by a conviction of the Holy Spirit. We have no strength on our own, but only through Jesus. What seems impossible to us, is not through the grace and power of Jesus.
Majority of Catholic Priests are not gay. Some are but most are straight. It’s the gay ones who are mostly outed or highlighted by media which makes it seem like they’re the majority.
@@mikegardensthey don’t think their celibacy saves them. It’s a sacrifice they make in order to lead their parishioners.
There are less distractions from God by being celibate versus if they had a family they would be divided in their responsibilities like Paul says and why he desires people to be celibate.
Hello i am a christian but i struggle with my faith i am also Attracted to men amd really need someone to tlalk to
Hey, thanks for engaging! I'm here to provide new perspectives and try and understand everyone's experience while listening and engaging in healthy debate on whether you can be Gay and Christian.
From personal experience, it would be best to go directly to the source - Jesus. I also am openly gay and believe I have a relationship with Jesus, so... it's difficult for anyone to really tell me otherwise if I'm honest. Bless you on your journey, brother! And feel free to subscribe - there will be plenty more conversations on this topic to come!
@@melodyrachel thank you and I agree
@@melodyrachel I am not here to debate
Having any sort of endorsement by an authority figure like the Pope gave me the courage to come out to my parents, which did help my life in fundamental ways.
I agree that I'm not sure it does anything for articles of faith.
The spirit is not the flesh .. for Christians, truth comes through the Holy Spirit .. why are people taking it literally?
Hey! Yeah. I would definitely agree that the pope blessing same-sex couples gave us some advantage. Maybe just not enough
I agree. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal the truth to us :)
There is a middle ground here. First you have to realize that God doesn't make mistakes. He created gay people. Second you have to realize that being gay is not a choice or a lifestyle. It is who you are fundamentally. Now the devil likes to exploit to cause maximum misunderstanding, hate, sin, and suffering. There are sexual acts that are not healthy, therefore we shouldn't be doing them. This is not significant to gay people. Oral sex and anal sex are not healthy practices. Having multiple sexual partners is also not healthy. That being said, you have to realize that God is love. Loving someone is not a sin. Masturbation is also perfectly natural. If you don't do it manually your body will do it for you with wet dreams.
I have read about ministries of transformed Christians who found love and contentment, marriage and children in heterosexual relationships. They prayed for transformation and I believe they would disagree with your statements.
Depriving yourself of physical pleasure because of an imaginary bearded man in the sky is…. An interesting self destructive choice lol
There's no such thing as a 'gay Christian' just as much as there's no such things as a 'thief Christian'. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 rebukes this:
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
Notice Paul says: "such were some of you." if you're still holding on to your vile gay affections claiming to be a 'gay Christian' Scripture says you're unregenerate.
By the way, there is also homosexual animal kingdom. Look it up! You say, “Our desires are misaligned with the Creator’s order.” WHAAATTTT!!!
cool
Side B theology compromises on biblical truth and takes cues from the culture rather than the Bible.
Side Y is the way.
You can be LGBT and Christian 👨❤️👨
🎉🎉🎉🎉
No you cannot
@@DylanBertrand-ki9em wrong. I'm here to help
I encourage you to read Romans 1:18-32
David says how can God create him, give him certain desires and condemn him for it by not allowing change.
Yes, David was created by Father God but the lie of who he is in the world other than a child of God through the death & ressurection of Jesus Christ, is from s@tan, the father of lies who comes to kill, steal and destroy.
Being attracted to the same sex and fulfilling desires goes against God's will and his creation of man & woman to procreate. He is our Creator and we all have strayed in one way or another from Him by giving into desires and idolisation of His creation.
God loves the person whom He created but abhors their sin. To sin and worse knowingly justify the sin, is rebellion against God.
But the good news is Jesus Christ, hence Jesus choosing to suffer and die on the cross but defeating death by rising again to save us all from dying in our sin.
You cannot deteat sin without Jesus Christ, you cannot know Jesus Christ unless you read His Word, He is the Word made flesh and you would know this if you read the Bible.
Jesus said "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, your soul and strength. And love your neighbour as yourself"
Be not deceived God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap - Galations 6:7
Be warned, we will all be judged by every word we speak and action we do.
I encourage you to read His Word to know who God is through Jesus Christ His begotten Son by unction of the Holy Spirit.
I pray God will bless you by opening your eyes to see and ears to hear who He is in you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ
@@DylanBertrand-ki9emI’m a lesbian celibate and catholic getting baptized at the Easter service next year and my church is aware of the whole situation U CAN
😉 *Promosm*
what do you mean?
I was very very very confused. If David Bennett has a deep relationship with Christ, why is he still so effeminate and attracted to men? What is the real issue? Celibacy or holiness/purity? Doesn't scripture say that when we are in Christ we are a new creation? Doesn't God save and deliver us from ungodly and unholy desires?
He also spoke about having a deeper kind of eros for Jesus. The love we have for Jesus is not eros. Jesus said if you love me keep my commandments. The love we have for Jesus has nothing to do with feelings. Loving God is about obedience. Why couldn't David give a straight response when asked if homosexuality is a sin? As a theologian, did he not study Romans 1? Is murder a sin? Is lying a sin? Is gossiping a sin? David said the statement that homosexuality is a sin is clumsy! Really?? He went on to say that being involved in a gay relationship is sinful but to have a gay sexual orientation is not, adding that being gay is a gift leading him deeper into God and the gospel. If being gay led him to God, then why is he still gay?
The interviewer said she had sex with a woman and still talked to God the next day because she knew Him. What did she say? Did she repent of her sin? If we have relationship with Christ the Word of God says that we will not habitually sin. 1 John 3:6 says If we continue to live in him, we won't sin either, but those who keep on sinning have never known him or understand who he is. In verse 8 it says when people keep on sinning it shows they belong to the devil.
David also said God has a special grace for gay folk. No, He doesn't. The same grace God gives him to abstain from sin...any sin, is the same grace God gives me to abstain from sin.
Finally, David said Jesus is more like queer people in that he didn't marry and did not procreate...that right there is a blasphemous statement. He said that gay/queer people are a voice crying out against the idol of marriage because the church is obsessed with marriage. He mentioned the scripture where Jesus said there would be no marriage in the resurrection, adding that Jesus was in essence saying that marriage is no big deal. That sir, is not what Jesus was saying at all. Jesus was responding to what happens when a woman dies who has more than one husband who died. Jesus did NOT imply that marriage is not a big deal here on earth! Jesus is coming for His Bride, the church, so there would be no need for marriage in the resurrection. Ephesians 5:25 says: Husbands love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. There is no obsession with marriage. God uses marriage between a man and a woman to demonstrate what our relationship with Christ is like. In verse 32 Paul said, 'This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one'. So no, Mr. Bennett, the church is not obsessed with marriage and gay people are not here to show the church that we are obsessed about marriage.
Yes, Mr Bennett, I was indeed confused by some of the things you said.
Hey thanks for your comment. My understanding is that Jesus, through his Holy Spirit within us is constantly sanctifying us.. I dont understand the idea of committing a single sin, I believe my entire nature apart from God is sinful, the closer I get to Jesus the more I can see my sin nature (the more the Holy Spirit exposes it). I really believe Jesus is changing my heart, if being gay is part of my sin nature.. I reckon the Holy Spirit will expose it as sin, just like he does with envy and jealousy. ❤
@melodyrachel @melodyrachel The Holy Spirit will expose as sin what is already written in the Word. We all have a sin nature but we can either choose to commit sin or not. Being gay is a choice. No one is born gay, however, because of our sin nature coupled with our life experiences, anyone has the propensity to be gay, or lie or murder or commit any other sin.
I agree with most of what you said except the very last part. Based on your comment you seem to be saying if the Holy Spirit does not expose to you that being gay is a sin, that means it is not a sin? Do we have to wait for the Holy Spirit to expose what is already written in the Bible? Please help me to understand. Even if a person is not convicted of their sin doesn't equate to it not being sin...according to Scripture. If we say we have no sin, then we call God a liar and the truth is not in us. I John 1:8-9.
@@Rapunzel2866 heya! there are so many "sins" that are not written in the bible. So yes, absolutely the Holy Spirit will expose sin in us. We are all on a journey, so I will just keep searching, following the spirit.
Usually, people who assert to me that "Homosexuality is a sin" often have a lot of their own stuff they need to deal with. I believe we are all on a journey, why not just let people go on their own journey :)
@@melodyrachel We all got stuff to deal with. While you are on your journey, may I suggest you read and STUDY Romans 1 & 2. It is the Bible that makes it clear that homosexuality is a sin. We are simply saying what God in His Word has made abundantly clear.
@@Rapunzel2866 I have read Romans 1 & 2 many times, I'm more interested in Romans 7 at the moment. Speaking about how I can't change myself but only God's Holy Spirit within me can. That's why I am not abstaining from sex. If it is truly a sin, God's Holy Spirit within me will convict me and cause me to repent (change my mind, turn away)
I don't know if God's word is all that clear with all the translations, and the weaponisation of scripture to demonise gay people. I will keep searching through the Holy Spirit, he is the spirit of Truth, and scripture is our guide, but the spirit will illuminate the truth to me :)
Thank you for engaging, I'm going to keep questioning through this podcast and the interviews I'm doing so stay tuned!