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freedhearts

2026-08-19T10:18:23-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Why God Is Not Offended by Gender Diversity

Last updated on: August 19, 2026 at 10:18 am   By Robert Cottrell

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We’ve heard it over and over again: “God made only male and female.” As if God—who painted the sky with a million hues, who filled the oceans with endless, colorful life—only works in black and white. Friends, let’s stop for a moment. Let’s really think about this. If God is the creator of all things, then who created gender diversity? Who created the spectrum of expression, identity, and being that we see in our world? Could it be possible that... Read more

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2026-08-12T12:12:11-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Christians, If You’re Afraid of Trans People, Read This

Last updated on: August 12, 2026 at 12:12 pm   By Robert Cottrell

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Fear is a powerful thing. It can make us see enemies where there are none. It can make us believe that people who are different from us are dangerous. And right now, so much fear is being stirred around transgender people. If you feel afraid, we understand. Not because transgender people are a threat—they are not—but because fear is contagious. It spreads through sensational headlines, political talking points, false teachings and lies, and religious rhetoric. And it’s easy to forget... Read more

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2026-07-02T12:05:38-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

We’re Straight & Queer. Why It Matters.

Last updated on: July 2, 2026 at 12:05 pm   By Susan Cottrell

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When our child first claimed the word Queer 15 years ago, it sent shockwaves through our worldview. Rob and I had to grapple with our existing faith alongside unfamiliar words and understanding. Especially Queer. Why did my child so fervently claim it? Was it now a power word? Through fervent inquiry and our son’s kind guidance, we discovered Queer to be as colorful—and as fluid—as the people who wear it. While your definition may vary, here is how Queer lands... Read more

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2026-07-02T11:45:39-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Queer. Why It Matters Now More Than Ever.

Last updated on: July 2, 2026 at 11:45 am   By Robert Cottrell

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Queer isn’t the opposite of straight. Queer is the opposite of conformity. That is why this word matters. And that is why, now more than ever, it is worth defending. Recently, some have argued that the LGBTQ+ community would be better served by putting a little distance between itself and the word *queer*. The reasoning is understandable enough: *gay* sounds more familiar, more approachable, more acceptable to many Americans—especially those coming from conservative Christian backgrounds. Every person has the right... Read more

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2026-06-17T14:16:16-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

A New Sermon on the Mount: What Would Jesus Say?

Last updated on: June 17, 2026 at 2:16 pm   By Robert Cottrell

I wonder. If Jesus spoke a new sermon on the mount, what might he say… Today, I come before you with a heavy heart, observing the state of the world and the actions of those claiming to follow me. I see hatred and discrimination prevailing in the name of religion. But let us remember the essence of my teachings, the message of love and compassion that should guide our every action. Blessed are those who recognize the inherent worth and... Read more

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2026-06-12T10:49:21-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

How the Bible has been Falsely Taught to Condemn LGBTQ

Last updated on: June 12, 2026 at 10:49 am   By Robert Cottrell

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For decades, many churches have taught that the Bible condemns LGBTQ+ people and same-sex relationships. This teaching has caused immense pain, division, and rejection. It’s time to set the record straight: this condemnation is based on false teaching, mistranslations, and misunderstandings. The truth of Scripture is one of love, inclusion, and no condemnation for LGBTQ+ people or loving same-sex relationships. The Impact of the 1946 Bible Translation A major turning point in the condemnation of LGBTQ+ people came with the... Read more

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2026-06-09T15:13:52-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Why I Wear Rainbow and Affirming Shirts

Last updated on: June 9, 2026 at 3:13 pm   By Robert Cottrell

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Why do I wear rainbow and affirming shirts? Because I want every parent—especially the ones whose child just came out—to know they are not alone. To know that there is someone in the world who understands, who listens, who cares deeply enough to stand with them. Coming out is hard. It’s full of fear and uncertainty. When a parent sees someone wearing those colors, it’s a quiet message: You have someone to talk to. You have a friend. Because I... Read more

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2026-06-03T03:51:04-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Common-Sense Case for Why Being LGBTQ+ Is NOT Sinful

Last updated on: June 3, 2026 at 3:51 am   By Robert Cottrell

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For years, debates around LGBTQ+ identity and same-sex relationships have revolved around theology, ancient languages, and six or seven “clobber passages.” We’ve walked through those scriptures many times, and the conclusion is clear: they do not condemn LGBTQ+ people. But today, let’s set all of that aside. Let’s talk about something simpler.Something beautifully human.Something rooted in everyday wisdom. Let’s talk about common sense. Because when you step back from fear-based teachings and simply look at the reality of LGBTQ+ people... Read more

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2026-06-04T00:12:01-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Lie Religion Told You About God — And About You

Last updated on: June 4, 2026 at 12:12 am   By Robert Cottrell

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There’s a certain kind of religious message that spreads because it sounds humble. Reverent. Deeply spiritual. You’ve probably seen it before. Soft background. Elegant font. Devotional tone. Recently I saw one that said something like: “If we truly understood how offensive even the smallest sin is to a holy God, we would be utterly undone. Yet because of Jesus, God now sees us as holy and blameless.” And for many Christians, that sounds beautiful. Like awe. Like reverence. But underneath... Read more

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2026-05-06T23:42:02-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

We Are Not the Resistance — We Are the River

Last updated on: May 6, 2026 at 11:42 pm   By Robert Cottrell

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We’ve heard it for years now: Be the resistance. It sounds courageous. Necessary. Faithful, even.And for those of us working for LGBTQ dignity, human rights, and inclusion, it has become almost an identity. But there is a problem with that framing. Resistance is a posture a human nervous system cannot hold forever. Resistance means bracing.Clenching.Standing against a force bigger than you and believing if you stop pushing, everything collapses. No wonder so many people who care deeply about justice are... Read more

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