spirit in the sky

I heard a story today from a lesbian couple that broke my heart.

The conversation began in an odd way and I did not expect it to lead into the story that was ultimately told. I was visiting a client in her home. This is a routine part of the process that occurs with every client, after a month or so being in their new homes I visit them just to “check in” and see how things are going. This particular client had company at the time, her niece and her niece’s partner. I don’t quite remember what brought up this question, but her niece asked me:

“What church do you go to?”

To be honest, I hate being asked that question. Though I’ve been a member of the same church since I was very young, I go very rarely, and two weeks ago was probably the first time I’ve gone since Christmas Eve in 2008, and Mom and I even snuck out early that night so we wouldn’t miss too much of the family Christmas Eve party (one of my absolute favorite annual events). So although I always have an answer to that dreaded “what church do you go to?” question, I cannot help but feel a twinge of guilt when I give the impression that I am an avid churchgoer. What if I said “I don’t really go to church”—what would their (and by “their” I don’t mean this couple, I mean people in general) response be? Would they judge me (even though the bible says God is the only one that can judge me)? “What church do you go to?” seems simple enough, but it is truly a personal question—I wonder how many people really want to ask “Are you a Christian?” or “Do you believe in God?”

So, this couple began telling me their story. They had been attending a church (the church’s denomination I will keep private) for two years. They were actively involved and enjoyed the services, until the pastor’s wife said they could no longer be involved in the church because they were lesbians—and homosexuals go to hell (this was after lectures and what not).

Why is it that they think the homosexuals are going to go to hell? Is it because the bible says so? Well then, why isn’t the divorced woman or the divorced man going to hell, too? Why are they allowed to be involved in the church? What about the women that gossip and speak poorly about their neighbors? Doesn’t the bible say something about them, too? I don’t ask these questions to argue against someone’s faith, or someone’s beliefs, but in the hope that someone will be able to provide answers. . .