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Progressive Christian

2016-03-02T21:11:15-05:00

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.

Are You a Prodigal Parent to Your LGBTQ Child?

Last updated on: March 2, 2016 at 9:11 pm By Susan Cottrell

Prodigal. It has come to mean “someone who was wayward but has now straightened up and back in God’s good graces.” Some parents hang onto this idea like a sweet promise: trust God while your child makes some poor choices, possibly self-harms, until they come back to their senses. Other parents hang it over their kids’ heads as a kind of judgment. You come back and then you get full relationship again. And the kids feel it, the condition in... Read more

2016-02-25T20:21:23-05:00

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.

“To my LGBTQ child, I am so sorry.” – Dad

Last updated on: February 25, 2016 at 8:21 pm By Robert Cottrell

I am so sorry. And I am so thankful. First, please let me say that it is an honor and a privilege to be your parent. I could not have asked for a better child. I am so sorry for what I did and said that made you wonder if I love you, and I am sorry for what I failed to do and say to let you know how much I love you. I am also sorry for the... Read more

2016-08-27T14:20:53-05:00

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.

LGBTQ – God is NOT Mad at You and Never Has Been

Last updated on: August 27, 2016 at 2:20 pm By Susan Cottrell

No matter what you have heard: God is not mad at you. God is not disappointed in you. Not a single little tiny bit! And I do not mean this “in spite of” your orientation or identity. After all, God created you the way you are. I mean that God harbors no ill will or anger or even disappointment at you—because that is not how God works. That’s just not how any of this works. There is a commercial about... Read more

2017-10-19T15:42:34-05:00

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, You Do NOT Have Permission to Condemn Gays

Last updated on: October 19, 2017 at 3:42 pm By Susan Cottrell

We’ve all heard it. This smiling, friendly person says, “I’m so glad to see you. I love you, and God loves you… but I don’t approve of your lifestyle—the Bible is very clear.” (sigh) Why do you feel compelled to add your assessment of someone’s “lifestyle” (which you likely have no understanding about if you use the word “lifestyle”). Why must this disclaimer be tagged onto every conversation you have with or about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people? If... Read more

2016-02-08T21:15:21-05:00

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.

A Dad, His Son, Nail Polish & Neighbors: A Lesson in Coexistence

Last updated on: February 8, 2016 at 9:15 pm By Susan Cottrell

One of the moms in our Facebook support group posted this interaction with her neighbors. I have to say, this is amazing. This is what it means to love others, to treat others as you want to be treated, to be a peacemaker. Bless you all, as you work through your differences, as you work to be peacemakers. Here you go… A few weeks ago, my son Benny asked to put on makeup and paint his nails. I snapped a... Read more

2016-02-17T09:48:53-05:00

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.

I Was the Lucky One — I Did Not Grow Up in a “Christian” Home

Last updated on: February 17, 2016 at 9:48 am By Susan Cottrell

“If you look closely, you will see that the things the church emphasizes as truly sinful are usually body-based, and the things we pick as absolutely essential are those that tie us to dependence upon the clergy. Notice how different this selective morality is from the radical morality of Jesus. Jesus tells his followers ‘Set your heart on God’s kingdom and God’s justice first, and all these other things will be taken care of.’ If you are involved in church... Read more

2016-08-27T14:19:13-05:00

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.

What Do You Do When Your Son Is Gay?

Last updated on: August 27, 2016 at 2:19 pm By Susan Cottrell

“Mom, I’m gay.” Earth-shattering words to many conservative Christian parents — tragically, many view it as right up there with, “Your child has a brain tumor.” Actually, Christians will empathize with a brain tumor, but just try telling the church your child is gay and you will find the limit of grace withheld not only from gay Christians but from their accepting families. Not only what is said but unsaid can be oppressive for a family seeking love and truth.... Read more

2018-04-07T13:10:51-05:00

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.

Top 5 Takeaways From the Gay Christian Network Conference

Last updated on: April 7, 2018 at 1:10 pm By Susan Cottrell

I love LOVE LOVE the experience of GCN Conference. I absolutely love all the people there. I loved connecting with people one-on-one. I loved all the hugs of dozens of moms in our moms groups. I loved meeting their husbands. And kids. I loved reaching people’s hearts through my healing workshop and their minds through my advocacy workshop. I loved the feedback I heard from Rob’s Dads workshop. I loved deep and intimate connections, and I love thought-provoking conversations.... Read more

2016-08-17T14:31:37-05:00

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 Father’s Plea to Christian Dads of LGBTQ Kids

Last updated on: August 17, 2016 at 2:31 pm By Robert Cottrell

Six years ago, my daughter came out. I love her. Nothing will ever change that. Nothing. I stand with her. I defend her. I believe in her. I protect her. And my life’s work is now to advocate for her and for all those in the LGBTQ community. Maybe you have a gay son, or a lesbian daughter, or a bisexual, transgender or queer child. And maybe this is not what you hoped for—what you dreamed of. But regardless of... Read more

2016-01-01T19:05:13-05:00

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.

Apparently, I Won’t Be Going To Heaven

Last updated on: January 1, 2016 at 7:05 pm By Susan Cottrell

I want to share this with you. It is from our friend Jim Rigby. Jim is a Minister at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas. It was something he posted on his Facebook page. When I read it, I thought of all of the judgment, rejection, and “condemnation to hell” conveyed to people who are LGBTQ by Christians – often justified by a “theological disagreement.” Jim is changing lives, and changing the world with his heart and his tireless... Read more

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