The Side of Love
1:20 PMI have grown up most of my life in The United Methodist Church (UMC). That doesn’t mean that I haven’t had experiences in other denominations. While my dad was in seminary at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, MO he was an associate pastor at the North Kansas City Disciples of Christ Church. When I was in 3rd grade, I attended St. Patrick’s School which is a Roman Catholic School. Also, when going through confirmation in middle school at Mason UMC, I remember learning and going to different worship services. I am not saying that I am well-versed by any means about other denominations. I am intrigued by them and always want to know more.
I would say that I am an outgoing person. I love to be in fellowship with people. If you were to asking any of my friends, they would tell you the same thing. So over the course of my life I have made friends in every activity. I have made friends at school, church and work which has exposed me to people who have come from different walks of life. I have been exposed to different races, classes and orientations.
So I bet by now you are wondering, “Lauren, why is this titled ‘The Side of Love’?” Well, trust me, I will get there.
I am sure you have seen the ads of the pastors and faith leaders that are in support of Referendum 74 (R74) which allows same-sex couples to marry. If not, I have embedded some videos below. I am so glad that these faith leaders are stepping forward to show support when many of those that are in same-sex relationships have felt judged and abandoned by the church.
I can count on more than one hand the times that I have been asked “You are Christian and you are Liberal? How does that work?”. Its hard not to laugh sometimes. Jesus was a liberal in his day with very progressive views for his time. He challenged his disciples to be different and accept everyone. How is R74 any different?
So where do I stand on this issue? I stand on the side of LOVE. I support love. Because that is truly what I think Jesus would do. Anyone can twist the Bible in any way that they want to support any decision a person can make. But what the stories from the Bible say is that Jesus hung out with the lepers, the prostitutes, the zealots and the outcasts. Jesus loved everyone no matter race, class and I feel he would hang out with anyone no matter sexual orientation.
Who am I to judge? I just love.
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