Am I on the outside before I start?

[robert hamiltonParticipant]

Hi folks. I’ve only just signed up and have been perusing others introductions. I have lots to say about many things but I don’t intend to burden you all with them here. But what concerns me is that I come from the UK, a country that has taken leaps and bounds to bring us closer to equal freedoms and liberties and as a member of a minority group, will that hinder my potential interaction with others here?

I ask that because I’m very aware that most members of this tribe will be good old American citizens and don’t we Brits love the Yanks! It’s not that which concerns me, but the fact that America seems to be driven by religion and all the beliefs it imposes. I know for a fact that your media has a strong influence on what you might believe about many things, a voice your media has that would be unlawful in my country because of UK equality laws, but one that would seem to support the influence of the church rather than equality for all American citizens.

So as a gay man who struggles with many aspects of religion and it’s view of the way nature should have made me, will that be a conflicting element for how others here interact with me, or whether some of you feel discrimination on the basis of my innate sexuality is justified?

I’m only asking. Not looking for a fight or intending to offend, or to start an argument about sexuality or equality. That’s an ongoing debate for another dimension. Please share your honest views with me, regardless of how you perceive the intentions of nature, or God. Thank you.

[Angie RogersParticipant]

Just come alongside us Americans and give us a chance. And we will do the same for you. It’s a chance for all of us to become better writers. And that we can do, regardless of anything else. Let’s carry on, and be positive toward one another.

• This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by  Angie Rogers.

• This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by  Angie Rogers.

[robert hamiltonParticipant]

Thank you Angie for your very kind response. I’ll stand beside any American any day and in the process, maybe we can all make this world a better place, perhaps by just being in it, together.

[Daniel HarrisonParticipant]

Robert,

I really respect you. My view of God is what Scripture says is true. And it is most likely contrary to what the media is shouting at you… especially from America! I am married to a woman and have no sexual attraction to men. But when God looks down upon you and me, he sees the exact same thing. Two men (that he loves) who are both broken from sin, and in need of a Savior. Christ loves me just as much as he loves you and he offers the same salvation to both. He offers equality of freedom to those who simply believe in Christ and what he has done.

As far as I’m concerned, you are my friend and it is a pleasure to have you apart of this community. We are in a tribe together now. Regardless of our beliefs and differences.
Daniel

[robert hamiltonParticipant]

Daniel. Your response warmed my heart. Thank you so much. If only all God fearing Americans shared your view of the god they follow. I might not have such fear, but what you said to me fills me with hope for America’s future and my place within this learning curve. Robert.

[Daniel HarrisonParticipant]

Wow. That encourages me! Thanks Robert

Hey, enjoy this .zip file download (no subscription just a .zip file) of my latest single, Turn My Desert. Blessings brother.

http://danielsworship.com/turn-my-desert/TurnMyDesertSingle.zip

• This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by  Daniel Harrison.

• This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by  Daniel Harrison.

[Sarah SimmonsParticipant]

Hey Robert,

I think Daniel’s views are much more common among Christians than you would believe, and they echo my own. I’m excited that we’re here together to learn and grow, and my personal beliefs on what is right or wrong do not make room for me to treat somebody poorly who disagrees.

Even so, I think the reality is that this group of Tribe Writers is incredibly diverse in both backgrounds and beliefs, so I think we all have some common ground there. I’m excited you’re here and to take this journey with you!

-Sarah

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http://www.beautifulbetween.com

[Anonymous]

Don’t believe everything you hear on the media. We don’t LOL I can only speak for myself. I will have no judgements about anyone here and will treat all equally with respect and dignity and expect to be treated the same. We are ALL loved! I soooo look forward to getting to know all of you! Diane

[robert hamiltonParticipant]

Hello Sarah. Thank you for your kindest words. I was brought up to follow Christian values, so whilst I have detached myself from the influence of the church, I’m still following values that go with my instincts. I really want to believe what you say about Christians, but I’m a ‘top contributor’ (Yahoo’s label not mine) to Yahoo Questions and the hate and bigotry from the religious users (many of them from the States) towards the LGBT community beggars belief. If many more Christians are as accepting and as tolerant to the differences of others as Daniel and yourself are, then Wow, I’m going to learn more here than I thought.

I’ve made a start, but crikey, the hill looks like a mountain already!

[robert hamiltonParticipant]

Hi Diane. Gladly I don’t believe everything I read or see in the media, but sadly many do. But I accept your good words in the same spirit and maybe, within the potential energy as yet hidden in this journey, some things people have cemented in their minds we can change, or at least get them to question. It’s gonna be fun! Thanks. Robert.

[Daniel HarrisonParticipant]

Hey, in light of this thread, I wrote an article to the “Christian” community.

I titled it My Conversation With a Gay Gentleman.

I didnt’ post other’s replies from this thread (although I tried) but it was getting to long and I needed brevity to make my point clear.

It’s getting lots of attention just overnight.

I really hope that on your journey Robert, you experience the love and Grace of God THROUGH those who claim to bear his message.

http://www.worshipwriter.com/2015/11/28/my-conversation-with-a-gay-gentleman/

Daniel

[Kris AlbertsonParticipant]

Hey Robert,

I feel your pain. I’m an American lesbian who lives right on the buckle of the bible belt. (Not a comfy place to perch). I had the same concerns you have when I first joined TW 2 years ago. I saw a lot of people who were very strong in their beliefs (primarily Christian) and I felt like an outsider, because I have different beliefs.

Although I was raised a Christian, I no longer identify as a Christian or solely with any other “religion”. If anything I’m leaning toward agnostic buddhism…is that even a thing?

However- NO ONE in this community has ever given me evidence that would support my fears of exclusion, ridicule, yadda, yadda, yadda.

My advice to you (and to myself) is to test the waters in this forum. I think you’ll be surprised that most people embrace, rather than bash, our differences. It’s good to find similar people, to find your tribe, but thus far, I’ve seen from this group, that it isn’t necessary to build a tribe to the exclusion of certain “others”.

Personally, I am enamored with Brits, that accent sways me!

I can’t wait to get to know you better and to share this experience with you.

Kris

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Maybe she was born with it; maybe it’s Menopause.

[robert hamiltonParticipant]

Hi Kris.

How nice of you to find the time to say hello, and in such an awesome way. Thank you. From the replies I have had so far, I’m confident that what you say is more true than not and so my initial concerns have waned.

Right now I’m stuck between module 1 and 2 and in the process of building my website. Not as easy as Jeff suggests it is, but I’m going with a tutorial so it’s a step by step process. I’m also creating content in between but not planning to go live with it for a couple of weeks at least.

If you already have a website please share it with me, then I can follow you.

Great to hear from you.

Robert.
ps. For me there’s no maybe. I was born with it!

[TristanParticipant]

Robert,

I was and am still partially intimidated myself although for different reasons. Thanks for sharing your story. That took courage. I disagree profoundly with the views of many theists. I say this as someone who spent most of their life as a theist here in the west.

I love Brits and their accents as well. I usually smile when I read British English spelling that differs from American English. So much to love about Britain, how much great music do we have access to now because of you guys. I cringe thinking of a life without Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Smiths. Not to mention the influence the UK had on the early career of Jimi Hendrix.

I could go on with other influences from the UK but don’t want to hijack your thread!

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“For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.” - Carl Sagan

stressandnature.com

[Alba LanuzaParticipant]

Hello Robert,

I have found this community to be charming and accepting, although I haven`t mentioned this. I am not a Christian and I don’t believe in God. I am neither an atheist, it’s just that religion wasn’t a part of my education. I am also bisexual so I guess I contradict many people around. However, I try to help everybody regardless of what they believe in. Many people that I follow here talk about God and religion on their blogs and I am fine with reading it and offering help. I always try to understand before judging because we all have different backgrounds and stories. So, if they are kind with me, why shouldn’t they be kind to you? Or why shouldn’t we be kind with them?

My point here is that we all are writers: we read, we share, we create, we support each other and learn from each other. If somebody doesn’t share somebody’s believes, well, there are many other students to talk with and get in touch. There is no need to cause harm. Right?

I hope you are liking the community so far and if you need help setting your blog, let me know! I know a bunch about these things so it is fairly easy for me =)

Have a wonderful day, Robert.

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Don’t let your dreams be just dreams.

http://albalnz.com

[Daniel HarrisonParticipant]

That is amazing. I respect words like these! Awesome!

[robert hamiltonParticipant]

HI Alba.

Thank you for writing this and sharing your thoughts. I originally asked the question to get it out of the way, as my experiences have taught me to be open from the start. I agree with your view that everyone here has been nice, so I have no reservations in being part of the tribe and like you, accept that religion for many plays an important part of their life. (My partner is Muslim, so that says it all I guess).

Onwards and upwards and thanks for offering to help. I might take you up on that at some stage, but right now I have to work things out for myself. Be safe. Chaz

[Author]

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