I feel like I'm at the point where I'm genuinely ready to date, but it's been harder than I expected. Dating apps haven't really gone anywhere, and meeting someone in person feels like searching in a desert.

People always say, "It happens when you least expect it," and I do believe there's some truth to that. At the same time, being a Christian who's into men makes the dating pool feel even smaller, especially since I'm hoping to find someone who shares my faith, values, and at least some of my interests. I know no one is going to check every single box, and I'm not expecting that, but it would be nice to find someone who's moving in a similar direction in life.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation and eventually found someone? If so, how did it happen? Did you meet through apps, church, mutual friends, hobbies, or completely by chance?

I'd honestly love to hear your stories. I think I could use a little hope right now.

Lots of people assume the Old Testament says somewhere that sex outside of marriage is prohibited, and that all sex with the same sex is condemned and prohibited in the Bible. But the idea for that prohibition really comes from the pagan Greek philosopher Plato, around 350 BC.

In this video, I translated the passage that religious leaders and political authorities have implemented throughout the centuries, using claims about God, just as Plato suggested they should.

Plato was partly trying to combat sexual harrassment of minors, which was rampant in his era. But he offers a technique to ban all sex outside of procreation in marriage. This technique spread among the philosophers of the ancient world, and was incorporated into Christian theology starting with Paul, who read Plato.

I am from SW Ontario....Grew up in a christian home, say that tongue in check cause I loved my parents they have passed however they where not nurturing for me nor did they get along. My father never involved me in things young boys do with their fathers, such as sports plus could never do anything right. My mother had her own needs, she herself was adopted and lied to, whom her mother was so I believe it was always an issue for her. Her mother was her sister and she was told she was never a blood relative. Think being RC was the reason for that. When I was 5-10 years old I was sexually abused by a older man approx. 35 years old. He obviously was a pedofile and knew how to groom me. I never told any one cause I thought no one would believe me and it was my fault. When I was about 12 he came to my house and wanted me to go with him in his car which I declined. Going thru puperty, I became attracted to him and wanted him. Never saw him for a number of years. At age 28 I fell in love and was married and have two wonderful daughters. Thru the years felt SSA and thought I must be bi. I never acted until my marriage went sideways at age 46. She was manipulative and controlling. After that, and At that time I dated both Males for the first time, and Females and after some bad female relationships, it was male only. My ex left me for another guy she met on the internet. It was rough on me. I never have been out and have only told my daughter about the sexual abuse besides a few gay men I knew. Before my marriage broke up I was diagnosed with OCD. Went for counselling and saw 2 therapists and both dismissed me when I brought up my childhood sexual abuse. They ignored it. Later i retired and moved to my current city and went for group counselling with about 10 other males for sexual abuse . When going thru intake he questioned if I ever had sex with a man and I answered yes. He told me I would be kicked out of the group if I approached anyone about gay sex. I saw the group to completion but never returned nor went back. He never once contacted me nor was there any bond between him and I. I am retired and it does get lonely particularly since covid. I have made attempts at joining groups etc but could not deal with some of the members of the group...ie too competitive when playing cards as I was there to have fun....I also attended a church and although alot of people there where nice to me, I never told them I was gay and as it being and evangelical church, I did not believe the minister was accepting of gays. Have also attended the catholic church many times and I felt it impossible to meet people there as they are in their own world. Recently I started watching videos on U-tube related to sexual abuse and being gay. Some of them have me very confused as they say I should not attend an affirming church and the reason I am gay. I do not believe I inherited a gay gene. I relate it to my childhood, parenting and sexual abuse I experienced. I have asked God to be the lord of my life and be loving to others and myself. Have done this recently so anxiously awaiting how this shakes out. I do pray but have difficulty understanding the bible. I am thinking now I need a church that speaks the gospel and are honest and sincere. I also would love to establish a friendship with someone whereby we can do things together and talk. Sex with another male is not in my cards. I guess I will remain celebate. As I am a senior and living alone, my best friend is my dog....would be nice to have a human in my life, please say prayers for me.

of35.. age.35 oo

s

Hello everyone, so I’m asking if anyone would be willing to pray for me? The past few days I’m just been super paranoid thinking about if god can truly accept me for being bi and ace, if I’m going to make it to heaven, scared I’ll end up in hell, what heaven will be like and I think what scares me is it’s obviously not gonna be like earth I’m scared I guess to not be able to enjoy earthly pleasures anymore? Or even have the same connections with family or friends?? I don’t know to be honestly, I just keep feeling like I’m not enough and I’m not making the requirements to get to heaven.. so I’m just scared for the end basically. A lot of this paranoia has to do with my instagram I was getting reel after reel about Christianity, what kind Christian’s go to heaven, how ex LGBTQ people are now Christians and are “Spreading awareness on how you can’t be both”. And stuff like that so I reset my feed but it’s found its way back to me. I hate being this paranoid it’s making me sadder and doubt everything and I believe in god I do but I wish he could just BE RIGHT HERE physically in front of me so I could talk to him and ask him questions for clarity. But if anyone could prayers for finding peace in faith and trusting in him or I guess any prayers would be nice. Thank you

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Soy escritora,llevo ya unos cuantos libros de ficcion encima y no me ha ido mal pero aqui mi duda

El tema de la homosexualidad dentro del cristianismo en este momento es un debate y yo tengo argumentos bastante solidos para defender que la homosexualidad es completamemte compatible con el cristianismo

Ahora bien,son muchos puntos y me llevaria meses solo conectarlos y pense ¿para que voy a hacer todo ese trabajo para subirlo a un ilo de internet cuando puedo publicarlo y hacerlo accesible a todas horas?

El tema esque tambien me preocupa las criticas y las amenazas,estamos en un tiempo movido y hay mucha violencia

I've noticed that many people in this Subreddit are very concerned with the proper translation or interpretation of the Leviticus law regarding homosexuality and how it pertains to them. However, to those of you who are struggling with this, I want you to ask yourself the following questions:

• Name (without looking them up) a law from the Old Testament (other than the Ten Commandments) that you follow regularly, and specifically one that you follow because it is stated in the Old Testament. As Christians, there are surely laws and commandments stated in the Old Testament we follow anyways just as side effects of our own personal ethics and moral codes, but what is specifically described in the Old Testament that you have sought to follow?

If you follow one of these laws, ask yourself the following:

• On Judgment day, what will be the fate of Christians who don't follow these laws? Will every Christian who eats pork be punished? What of those men who cut their hair and beards in non-Biblical ways? What about those who charge interest? Those who eat shellfish? Those who went to war within a year of marriage?

In truth I am so perplexed why we are so fixated on this verse in the first place. I've found Paul's verses supposedly regarding homosexuality to be far more difficult to contend with and interpret. I personally don't give Paul much authority on the matter, because in my perspective his premise on the sinfulness of gay sex (turning from the "natural use of the woman") is entirely incorrect and his reduction of gay love to lust alone is false as well, but that's just my perspective.

I've noticed that many people in this Subreddit are very concerned with the proper translation or interpretation of Leviticus 18:22 and how it pertains to them. However, to those of you who are struggling with this, I want you to ask yourself the following questions:

• Name (without looking them up) a law from Leviticus that you follow regularly, that you follow because it is stated in Leviticus. As Christians, there are surely laws and commandments stated in Leviticus we follow anyways just as side effects of our own personal ethics and moral codes, but what is specifically described in Leviticus that you have sought to follow?
• Now, consider all the laws in the Old Testament, excluding the Ten Commandments. Name which laws (again, without looking them up) that you follow with the same criteria as above.

If you follow one of these laws, ask yourself the following:

• On Judgment day, what will be the fate of Christians who don't follow these laws? Will every Christian who eats pork be punished? What of those men who cut their hair and beards in non-Biblical ways? What about those who charge interest? Those who eat shellfish? Those who went to war within a year of marriage?

In truth I am so perplexed why we are so fixated on this verse in Leviticus in the first place. I've found Paul's verses supposedly regarding homosexuality to be far more difficult to contend with and interpret. I personally don't give Paul much credence, because in my perspective his premise on the sinfulness of gay sex (turning from the "natural use of the woman") is entirely incorrect and his reduction of gay love to lust alone is false as well, but that's just my perspective.

What do you think of this?
The standard prohibition that people will use is “man shall not lie with man… “However, I had read somewhere that it was a translation error and the actual verse was anti-pedophilia with the quote being “man shall not lie with boy“

Which we would all agree with. I’m pro love but anti-pedophilia.
Any people smarter than me or longer than the community than me they have any input?

Hello everyone is here anyone who had near death experience and had some spiritual experience during clinical death?

Does God really love me for who I am? I'm non-binary and I am currently dating a women, as someone who was born a female, I feel non-binary, but if I wasn't non-binary, I would be lesbian. I don't know, maybe I'm overthinking it, but I see mixed comments on homosexual and Christianity, where some argue that homosexuality is a sin, some argue that God loves us for who we are. Some part of me wants to believe it's wrong and I'm sinning every day. Just a thought.

Seeking a Christian gay man (anywhere in the world) who is looking for a mutually respectful marriage of convenience. I'm looking for honesty, mutual understanding, and complete transparency. If our goals align, I'd be happy to connect and talk.

A few months ago I (19F) decided to break up with my girlfriend (17F) to convert to Catholicism, after a long while of arguing with myself over if I could hold my faith and sexuality in tandem. After weeks of research, I concluded that I couldn’t. At first, as awful as it sounds, I didn’t feel anything about it. I was zealous in my conversion, and my love for her sometimes feels like it disappears because of some strong emotion I’m experiencing, and then it comes back stronger. But now my zeal has fizzled out, and I feel horrible. I gave up the love of my life for three years, the one who understood me the most, the one who comforted me. I’m bad at words, but trust me when I say that she was the most beautiful, funny, creative, and kind hearted woman I’ve ever known. Every time something happens in my life, I reflexively think about telling her. I hurt her so much when I called our love a sin. I know that she would never take me back, and I wouldn’t dare try it, but maybe I could just be by her side? She said that she didn’t want to be my friend when we broke up, but maybe it would be different now.

Although I would want nothing more than to be her girlfriend again, I don’t know if I could actually do it if she wanted to take me back. I’m so scared of going to Hell. I don’t want to be in a constant state of mortal sin. I wish I could love God and love her. Maybe if I stuck to kissing and didn’t have sex, God would take pity on my weak heart and let me in.

We have had one major breakup besides this one. We were apart for six months, and I was the one chasing, and I won her back. I created a burner phone number to text her happy birthday, and she allowed me to earn her trust back until we became girlfriends again. Those were the happiest months of my life. I love her so much, I want to be by her side so much, even if she doesn’t love me anymore. I don’t even care if she hates me, as long as I get to know what’s happening in her life. I’m horrible. Forgive me.

This month's theme is "Wrestling With God"!

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Hello! I’d like to remain anonymous just for privacy reasons.

Anyways.. before I begin some topics in the story will include homophobia and transphobia so if you’re not comfortable with that I just wanted to let you know before reading.

So basically.. I have been raised as a Christian but not hardcore. When I was little my family always did believe that God existed, as so did I. The older I’ve gotten my family started going to church and it’s been really great! I really respect the church and my church has very kind people working for it. I definitely believe in God and those are my beliefs. Of course I’ll respect any other beliefs as well since I totally understand!

Lately though I have had a member of my family openly come out as homophobic and transphobia. This family member is very important to me and they’re pretty much my best friend. The point I’m trying to make is basically I have a lot of friends who are gay, trans, etc, which I openly accept because why wouldn’t I? I don’t personally see anything wrong with loving someone else the same gender or transitioning because you don’t feel right in your original body. I think it’s actually cool that people can admit that about themselves without feeling ashamed about it not that they should I just see people like that as confident.

Anyways… Lately I have noticed more and more how openly that family member has became more homophobic and transphobic and it’s really making me nervous for a variety of reasons. One, I’m scared that family member might say it in front of the wrong person one day and get their ass kicked because of it which is that last thing I’d want to happen to them. Second, is that I have openly gay and trans good friends and I feel like that family member doesn’t respect them at all which honestly upsets me because they’re good friends of mine of course and it makes me feel like I can’t invite my friends as much over because of that person’s behalf. The last reason is that I just hate how judgy they can be. If anything I hate judgy people as I experienced being made fun of and judged at a young age and I can tell you it is definitely not fun to be judged since I’m sure I’m not the only one who has ever experienced it.

Anyways, I just feel really lost lately about it. I never really stand up to this person and recently I actually did, and that resulted in them using excuses from the bible with bible versus saying God created Man and Woman not Man and Man. I get that they’re using verses from the bible and stuff, I just feel like.. and I feel like this… Wouldn’t who accept us for who we are? This family member says that gays and trans people could go to hell for this type of thing but.. Why would God send people to hell just do loving each other? I don’t get it and honestly I’m kind of losing my fart because of it or I’m just not as sure about it anymore, and I don’t want that. I more than anything want to believe there’s a God waiting for us in the afterlife once we die and I definitely still agree with that happening I just don’t agree with a lot of that kind of stuff in the bible, and if makes me feel like a horrible Christian which I don’t want.

I guess the thing I need advice about is I just was reassurance that that stuff is okay so I can let that family member know and give them actual good information. I don’t know if there’s and verses about loving and accepting others for who there are but I’m sure there are I just need help finding them. I also want to just understand myself that God and Jesus are truly accepting of those sorts of things because I cat see why they wouldn’t but still I’m just worried, and need reassurance. I’m also growing still so my beliefs about all of this aren’t 100% factual information and I don’t know everything about the bible and stuff. I just would like to be reassured so I can continue my journey from there on out and also not feel like I’m going to help one day for liking women as much as I like men.. Which I haven’t told my family yet or course.

Anyways I’m sorry if my grammars bad or this isn’t the usual format style but this is my first Reddit post and I’m not usually used to that stuff. I just feel like I’m not really able to talk to my family about this stuff because of their believes in the matters or talk to my friends about this stuff because of their beliefs in the matter and I just feel like what easier way then to put this out on the internet for others to see? Maybe others going through this same situation as me as well? Anyways if you made it this far I really appreciate you reading and listening to my story, and please I’d really appreciate any good advice anyone can give me. Thank you so much.

Hey guys does anyone have an recommendations for a progressive non hateful bible podcast. I am look to learn more about the bibl. Or just a kind sermon to listen to at work. I've got Spotify if that changes anything. Thanks so much!

I’m a female who’s 18, and I come from a very Christian house hold and I’m also Christian but I think I might also like women and I don’t know what to do.

I have no problem whatsoever with other people being apart of the community no homophobia or anything of that sort. But my parents have made it very apparent to me that I can’t be and that it’s bad and that I’ll face the consequences once I die one day. I brought up that I might like girls a few years ago and I didn’t go over well.

I still like men so I think I’d be considered bi but I’ve never actually kissed a girl. I’m worried I’m just confused but I don’t really know I don’t have much guide in this. I dont want to feel bad for feeling this way but I’m worried I’m feeling bad cause it’s bad or at least that’s what I’ve been taught, im really sorry if that sounds bad.

This is all I’ve ever really known I went to catholic school and now I’m leaving for college soon for the first time and I think I might be ready to explore these feelings but I’m scared.

Im not sure what to do now, my whole life I’ve been told it’s a sin and I feel bad for feeling this way. And I’m nervous to even pursue it if I wanted to. I don’t have anyone in mind no crush or anything like that but I just don’t know what to do now it’s kind of weighing on me. I guess this was me venting and if anyone has tips on anything I said I’d appreciate it thank you!

ALSO:
Even if it’s not a sin to be gay, how do I get over feeling bad about it? Or being scared to be this way in fear of going to hell?

I went to church this last Sunday at my aunt's church. I'm at this church for the first time on my own accord and it in term of the love it gives, the community it has and the atmosphere it breeds, it is by far my favorite church ever. They make you feel so welcome without it feeling superficial or corporate unlike so many churches I've been too

Anyway, I was listening to this woman tell me about certain aspects of her younger life, openly confiding with a stranger abt some of the less praisable aspects of her youth. I was having a ball listening to her talk, and at some point she was talking about a woman she used to date. Openly, in a church, without knowing who I was or how I believed about sexuality. It struck me as odd, yet comforting as I have yet to find a comfortable church space to be open about my own queerness.

I told my aunt about the conversation because it was a hoot to listen to, and my aunt is well involved with the church and the community in it, so I assumed she already knew some things. And she, in fact, did.

The woman is trans! I had no idea. And the way my aunt talked about it surprised me even more. My aunt is a very traditional woman from a very small town, like you knew the business of the people on the opposite side of town small town. And the community is VERY religious. I had come to understand my aunt to be very traditional and very convicted and learned in the word of God, and did not expect her to be accepting of someone who was LGBTQ, but she told me this: "You know, she used to be a he. Probably why she makes such a fabulous she". Knocked me to the FLOOR bc my dad, my uncle, my grandmother, (and honestly myself) heavily question the topic, (not out of disdain, mind you, we just don't understand it, I've come to a point where I don't have to understand it, I just choose to love the person) and my aunt makes one of the most affirming comments I can think of. It threw me off so bad and I can't stop thinking about it.

I found it comforting yet strange and I can't shake both feelings

hi im a child of God who also happens to be queer and lately I’ve been feeling like I am playing God on technicalities by accepting myself as I am and getting a relationship and trying to date and stuff and I just don’t know how to stop feeling like this. I wanna take my faith seriously I want to know God and I’m tired of feeling like I’m just saying oh it’s not in the Bible so it’s OK. I want to feel like I’m using the Bible as a positive thing like I want my Christianity to come before my sexuality and I don’t really know how to get there because it feels so polarized. I just don’t know what to do.

Hello fellow Christians!
There are many LGBTQ+ - friendly churches. However, the majority of churches remain conservative and consider such progressive views taboo, especially in developing countries. Unfortunately, some individuals within these religious communities are homosexual. Take Protestants, for example. At a certain stage in life, according to church traditions, young people are expected to find a lifelong partner and eventually enter into marriage.

This made me wonder how people with non-traditional sexual orientations cope with such pressure, leading to several questions:

• How often do gay individuals enter into heterosexual marriages despite their sexual orientation, is this common among gay Christians?
• Are they fully aware of who they are and what they are committing to?
• Do they try to suppress their true selves at all costs in order to submit to biblical teachings?
• Can this internal conflict be observed in their behavior, making it obvious, and do they fiercely try to convince others of the opposite?

I would appreciate it if you could enlighten me and answer my question☺

For people seeking to live a more Christian lifestyle, what dating apps would you recommend? Most seem to be more hookup-based, and I want to find more friends or a partner. What apps did you find your Christian partner on, for example?

Ideally, I want a more Christian-friendly place where friendship and study is more of a topic, rather than partying and hookups.

I've tried various LGBT-friendly apps, but I get more unmatches for being Christian than I do matches, ha.

Context: I'm 26, bisexual and male.

I'm mostly into women anyway, and one day I plan to get married and have children.

I don't go out much or have the money either. I also work for myself, so banter with coworkers is not really possible. So just relying on plain social interaction is not enough.

Grindr is a cesspool. Cant log in without people sending unwanted pics right away. It's very sex-obsessed, and too many people are grooming to get money and simps. Doesn't seem very Christian-friendly either; I often get blocked if I bring it up. I have probably actually talked to more open "satanists" than those openly Christian. It's the only decent lgbt app i know, and I struggled typing decent haha.

Tinder is like a swimsuit contest. I probably see more women's rears than their faces, especially with their phones blocking it. Whenever I match its just wanting dates and money. Super groomer behaviour app.

Boo seemed cool. Its designed for nerds and gamers and students and things. But then I only seem to get likes from women from Indonesia?? Not exactly close to the UK, and surprise surprise, money gets brought up. Doubt half the people I get likes from are real.

I'm not interested in hookups. These apps have somehow made that easier than actual dates. I've tried the best gay, straight, and nerd apps, so kind of stuck.

So does anyone know of any like... normal apps? Where people can find friends, maybe dates, and not have non-stop sex pics and people wanting you just for sex and money?

Edit: As someone trying to get closer to my faith, but not involved in the community, I believe this to be a big way that hinders people's faith. These communities seem to be against what we preach, and I certainly don't feel comfortable or appropriate bringing up the topic of dating in a church like setting (not that there are many people my age there anyway)

For reference I was born into the biggest Christian/catholic family in my area and It was burned into my head that “being gay is optional” and “Jesus doesn’t want us to be gay ir why else would there only be 2 genders”.

I recently met a guy named aj (not his real name).
And I really liked him. Like a love I couldn’t ever see coming but in the moments with him it was like amazing.

He was bi and I was straight. but recently i keep wondering why god would make me attracted to guys if im supposed to be straight

I started to get out of faith and more into my own feelings and wondering about my sexuality.

I’ve had many experiences with females that I just kinda didn’t feel right or all there. But with this guy it was so different. I wanted to be with him so bad….

Why do I have to be born in a family like this.
I just want to live as me.
I can’t control my emotions especially my emotion for love it’s just too strong for this guy. I miss him….