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Progressive Christian

2015-04-25T15:02:21-05:00

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.

Bruce Jenner: Once a Champion, Always a Champion

Last updated on: April 25, 2015 at 3:02 pm By Susan Cottrell

“Today, millions of people learned that someone they know is transgender.” Bruce Jenner has come out as a transgender woman, on national TV. What a story. Rob & I sat, riveted, often in tears, watching the show while social media buzzed about the story and Bruce’s courage. A friend said that watching Bruce’s story brought back her own story—all the pain and challenges and joys. Transgender seems to be harder for people to grasp than lesbian or gay. Even many... Read more

2016-07-09T09:14:30-05:00

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.

Dear Susan: I Have To Lie About Being Gay. Am I Wrong?

Last updated on: July 9, 2016 at 9:14 am By Susan Cottrell

This may reach down and touch deep places in the hearts and souls of many of you struggling with the whether or not to come out. At risk of losing parents who might reject you for being gay. Longing to experience the human right of being able to simply live true to yourself. Terrified of what may happen if you come out of the closet — or if you stay in. All too common. Sad. Very sad. Difficult. Very difficult.... Read more

2015-04-22T12:00:50-05:00

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.

Another LGBT suicide. Moms & Dads, hug your kids, love them well, be there for them. They need you!

Last updated on: April 22, 2015 at 12:00 pm By Susan Cottrell

My heart is heavy. I cannot help thinking of our kids—all of our kids. Another suicide, another life lost. Blake Brockington, a transgender homecoming king – recently took his life. What a horror. And you remember Leelah Alcorn. Tragic. And so many others. Several years back, as my kids were finishing high school, one of their classmates killed herself. Her mother found her hanging in the closet. Can you imagine? The mother was hospitalized with a nervous breakdown. My heart... Read more

2019-06-23T10:42:49-05:00

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 Broken Church: It’s Not Our Job To Tell Anyone That God Condemns Them

Last updated on: June 23, 2019 at 10:42 am By Susan Cottrell

Did you hear the one about Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson going camping? After sharing a good meal and a bottle of wine, they retire to their tent for the night. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend. “Watson, look up into the sky and tell me what you see?” Watson said, “I see millions of stars.” Holmes asks, “And, what does that tell you?” Watson replies, “Astronomically, it tells me there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of... Read more

2015-04-18T11:23:48-05:00

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.

Your LGBTQ Child Is Amazing!

Last updated on: April 18, 2015 at 11:23 am By Susan Cottrell

More today from my Saturday “Jesus Blog” – a word from Jesus to you… Dear Moms and Dads, Your child is gay. I love that. I love them. Do not be afraid; it’s going to be alright. In fact, it will be amazing! Your world feels shaky but I encourage you to relax. It’s not just going to be okay, it will be better than okay. Your child is lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer or questioning but that’s not all.... Read more

2015-04-17T11:08:17-05:00

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.

Dear Susan: A Valid Marriage Is About Procreation, Right?

Last updated on: April 17, 2015 at 11:08 am By Susan Cottrell

Sometimes I wonder if people really think through things. Where is the heart? The question today concerns whether or not a church can condone a marriage that will not produce children. I don’t know if this will surprise you or not, but we get asked that question a lot. Marriage is not about religion. Atheists get married. Marriage is not about reproduction. The infertile get married. Marriage is about love. That’s it. And that’s beautiful. I write Dear Susan posts... Read more

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Gay Weddings & Marriage

2015-04-15T09:52:22-05:00

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.

If You Have a Gay Child, What Kind of Dad Will You Be? Here Are Three Choices

Last updated on: April 15, 2015 at 9:52 am By Susan Cottrell

One of every four homeless LGBTQ become homeless the day they come out. 40% of all homeless youth are gay. 70% of those attempt suicide. Will you be a Dad that protects your child from that future? Or will you be a Dad that kicks your child to the street? Being gay is not a choice. Whether or not you unconditionally love, accept and affirm your gay child is. It is your choice alone, and you need to understand that... Read more

2015-04-13T09:23:20-05:00

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.

Being Gay and Christian Is Absolutely Compatible

Last updated on: April 13, 2015 at 9:23 am By Susan Cottrell

“When you write, “It’s the Christians against the gays. The close-minded against the open-minded. The hateful against the loving;” when you write that gay people “have a stake in both camps” it is too easy to infer, despite your two courageous examples, that being Christian and gay are incompatible.” On March 27, the Indianapolis Star published an opinion piece by columnist Erika D. Smith regarding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Rev. John Denson, from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in... Read more

2015-04-11T08:36:18-05:00

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.

Jesus Blog: You Don’t Need The Rules

Last updated on: April 11, 2015 at 8:36 am By Susan Cottrell

More today from my Saturday “Jesus Blog” – a word from Jesus to you… Did you know that I never told anyone to write down the things I said? Did you know that I never told anyone to start a religion called Christianity? So what did I tell people? I told them to love God, and love others – and I tried to be an example of how to be with and love people – especially those who needed me... Read more

2015-04-08T10:06:09-05:00

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.

Franklin Graham and a Heart of Privilege

Last updated on: April 8, 2015 at 10:06 am By Susan Cottrell

Sometimes, I get frustrated. You gotta love this! Franklin Graham is gonna tell you what’s up! Because he knows. He has so been there. When he’s pulled over, buddy, you better believe he does what the officer says—and he has never been shot! The fact that he’s a highly privileged white male has nothing to do with it. So listen to him, people! He’s never been sexually harassed or racially discriminated against. He will help you not be harassed or... Read more

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