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freedhearts

2023-10-06T08:19:20-05:00

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.

The Dad of an LGBTQ+ Child: My Journey Away from the Unloving, UnBiblical Church

Last updated on: October 6, 2023 at 8:19 am   By Robert Cottrell

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When the church gave me the choice between my LGBTQ+ child and my church… I chose my child! My journey as a parent has led me to realize that the evangelical church’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, love, and acceptance has nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Absolutely nothing. As the proud parent of two LGBTQ+ children and one transgender child-in-law, I have grown increasingly disenchanted with the exclusionary, unloving and unBiblical approach that many evangelical churches have... Read more

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2023-09-18T11:35:33-05:00

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+ Rights: Intersections Matter

Last updated on: September 18, 2023 at 11:35 am   By Robert Cottrell

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LGBTQ+ rights and politics are more than just buzzwords – they’re part of a larger tapestry that weaves together various aspects of our lives. It’s important to untangle the web of connections surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, and shine some light on ways we can learn more, and do more about these issues that intersect with other parts of lives. 1. Different Struggles, Shared Ground: Race and Ethnicity The LGBTQ+ community is as diverse as the colors of the rainbow, with members... Read more

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2023-08-28T13:36:20-05:00

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.

The Power of Self-Love: Oscar Wilde’s Enduring Wisdom

Last updated on: August 28, 2023 at 1:36 pm   By Robert Cottrell

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Oscar Wilde, the celebrated poet and playwright, once said, “To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.” There is a profound truth in Wilde’s quote and it is significant in our lives. Self-love forms the foundation for growth, happiness, and healthy relationships. Before we can ever love another person well, we must love ourselves. It is even the core of a key Scripture in the Bible, “Love others as you love yourself.” It is the art of accepting,... Read more

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2023-08-24T11:15:47-05:00

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.

Is Love REALLY All We Need?

Last updated on: August 24, 2023 at 11:15 am   By Robert Cottrell

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Love is a concept that is universal and timeless. It is something that transcends religion, culture, and language. Love is the foundation of all human relationships, and it is also at the center of our relationship with the divine. In fact, many people believe that God is love, and love is God. This means that however we define God, love has to be at the center of everything we do, or we are missing the point completely. The idea that... Read more

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2023-08-08T12:14:43-05:00

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 Power of Queer Representation in Media

Last updated on: August 8, 2023 at 12:14 pm   By Robert Cottrell

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Despite legislative attacks on those in our community who are queer and transgender, attitudes towards inclusion are improving among the vast majority of people. One factor is the increasing representation of queer characters in media. From movies and TV shows to literature and visual arts, LGBTQ+ stories are playing a crucial role in promoting understanding, empathy, and social change. In the past, LGBTQ+ characters were often portrayed using harmful stereotypes, reinforcing misconceptions. We are seeing more three-dimensional LGBTQ+ characters presenting... Read more

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2023-08-01T10:29:29-05:00

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 Indefensible Weaponization of Scripture: A Parent’s Perspective

Last updated on: August 1, 2023 at 10:29 am   By Robert Cottrell

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As a parent, I believe in the power of love and acceptance. The greatest message we can ever give our children is that they are loved, that they are enough. The Bible has unfortunately been misused to convey a very different message that justifies harm, discrimination, and exclusion against many groups, including LGBTQ+. It saddens abd angers me to witness so much harm against those for whom I love and advocate. So, let’s talk about this… Interpretation: As we navigate... Read more

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2023-07-06T09:49:49-05:00

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.

If Paul Could See the Church in America Today, We’d be Getting a Letter!

Last updated on: July 6, 2023 at 9:49 am   By Robert Cottrell

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Let’s imagine for a moment… A letter arriving today from Paul to the non-affirming church: Grace and peace to the Church of America, I, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle by the will of God, write to you with a heart burdened by the state of your congregation. Though I am physically absent, the Spirit compels me to address you as a sibling, guided by the love of our Lord and Savior. It has come to... Read more

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2023-06-30T12:15:33-05:00

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 UnChristlike Truth of “Religious Liberties”

Last updated on: June 30, 2023 at 12:15 pm   By Robert Cottrell

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The Supreme Court has done it again… revealed their overt bias by sanctioning clear discrimination by a Colorado website designer. Hate, harm, oppression, marginalization, intolerance, all justified in the name of “religious liberties.” Let’s just be be clear from the start here… it’s bullshit, and it is so unlike the Jesus many of them claim to follow. In their ongoing pursuit of so-called religious freedom, the court and like-minded people are stepping over the bodies of LGBTQ+ youth literally stranded... Read more

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2023-06-26T13:55:13-05:00

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.

Pride Month: Christians Just Don’t Get It!

Last updated on: June 26, 2023 at 1:55 pm   By Robert Cottrell

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As rainbow flags flutter and colorful parades fill the streets, love is in the air, and it is maddening to see non-affirming Christians misunderstanding the true essence of LGBTQ+ Pride. Many Christians believe it is a celebration of arrogance, failing to grasp the profound message of love, acceptance, and unconditional support. Sadly, these are often direct attempts to mask homophobia and transphobia, cause deep wounds, and hinder beautiful opportunities to love unconditionally — opportunities to actually model the Jesus these... Read more

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2023-06-17T12:30:22-05:00

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.

Embracing Pride 365: A Call for Support & Solidarity

Last updated on: June 17, 2023 at 12:30 pm   By Robert Cottrell

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While June is Pride Month, it is critical to celebrate and support those in our community who are LGBTQ+ throughout the year, especially given the escalating attacks on our beloved transgender family and friends. As we witness a rise in discrimination and violence directed towards trans people, it becomes crucial to extend our unwavering support beyond a single month. Amplify Transgender Voices: Trans people face increasing levels of attack, making it paramount that we prioritize their inclusion and uplift their... Read more

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