Jag,

Count me in – I completely agree!

I’d also like to encourage you not to write your parents off. Yes, they do sound naive…and your dad did express his bible viewpoint…but, it seems he also made a point of telling you that he loves you unconditionally. I also lamented the fact that my parents didn’t know much…until I realized that I didn’t know much either and I’m the one who had the feelings. Wouldn’t it be possible to help them help you?

You’ve already opened the discussion with them, perhaps you could let them know that you’re confused…that while a large part of the church believes as your dad expressed; another large (and growing) part believes that’s a misinterpretation. Find some parent contacts or literature on both sides of the issues and ask them to read them. If they’re computer savvy, you might even direct them to this site. I know you might feel embarrassed that they would stumble on to things you’ve confided here but I’m willing to wager, that like us, they’d see your sincere heart above all else. If that’s too risky, consider printing off topics or comments that you think might help them.

You’ve got feelings that you didn’t ask for. Now, you’re trying to understand them and how to reconcile them and your faith. That’s where you are today and there’s nothing remotely abominable about it. (Just as you need to remind yourself of this truth, you might also have to remind your parents.)

There’s a verse that says “we are living epistles, read of all men”. All of us are. And just as Paul’s epistles were different from John’s or Timothy’s, your own living epistle is going to be unique. I believe it’s quite likely that your parent’s faith is going to be broadened and strengthened by your journey.

I do have to remind you that this is MY opinion. I don’t KNOW your parents. But, please give it some thought and prayerful consideration. At the best, your folks are going to learn deeper lessons in unconditional love; at the worst, you’d learn that they never knew what it meant.

I thank everyone for taking the time to reply, and thanks to Warren too, I would very much like to know any professionals here in Australia you’d recommend (you can send emails to the address I enter with comments, as it is real).

I’m feeling at peace now, I ended up opening up more to mum and dad. Dad said to me, not to be afraid to talk as they wouldn’t judge and just want to be there for me. He apologised if he had said things that sent me into a panic. I cleared up certain things on where I stand on the issue. And how it’s treated by some Christians. And how it made me worried and feel worthless at times.

Dad was horrified to know the way gay people have been portrayed and treated by some hardline Christians. He told me that of course he didn’t agree with what these people were doing. It was a long discussion. But it was good to see that my parents are the same people I’ve come to know. That they’re balanced, understanding and caring and don’t view reality as black and white.

Right now I’m still a little under pressure because I have a few projects to finish this week for the end of semester. At least I can concentrate a little better now, and the irony is that one of my assignments is about “Identity”. =)

Thanks for listening and please keep me in your prayers. The resources here and on the other sites have been an answer to prayer for me.

Again – I have to say – AMEN!!!!

You stated:

““So the doctor reasoned that …. homosexuality is just as deviant and perverse as any other sex crime.”

I hope everyone on this blog finds this “psychologist” as reprehensible as I do. We have all discussed approaching clients from a neutral perspective…is this it?

I really hope that no matter where you stand on whether homosexuality is a sin or not, we can agree on this as non-neutral therapy. Jamie is clearly struggling here…

Jamie, I don’t know where you found this guy…but I’d look for someone who is neutral, open, and willing to support you in the either direction your journey leads you. I agree with the majority of Lynn David’s post #50221. Read it again…and know that you deserve to be treated better than this – as a client, and as a person.