by Candice Dill

Created on: February 08, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

Having faith in God is important for all Christians. We pray and tithe as disciplines in our lives. We study the Bible and spend time with other Christians discussing what we have learned. My question is this. Do we put into practice all that we have "learned" or do we live as hypocrites?

John 3:16, the most famous of all versus says "God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that WHOSOEVER believes in him shall not parish but have everlasting life." The Bible also instructs us not to judge it clearly states that God himself is the judge of all. If we as believers are to live in a Godly image how can we judge others. It is judgment of others that has plagued our nation, our world for many years. It is the root of racism, prejudice and hate. I am not saying that all Christians are hypocrites (I surely do not like to think of myself as one). However, how would you as a believer feel about me, a very active member of my church who works with kids if I told you that outside of the church I smoke, sometimes drink and swear like a sailor? Would that make you question my faith and ask that I be removed from the children's ministry even though I have never displayed that behavior around any of the kids or on church property? I would hope not, but I can almost guarantee that it would cause uncomfortable feelings.

Another thing that would cause quite a stir is that even though I am married, I am bisexual. I love my husband very much, but I sometimes question my reasonings for choosing a "straight" life. Did I choose to be with him because that is what is socially acceptable? If that is the cause what about those that cannot choose. Gay men and lesbian women are born gay. Bisexuals are born that way too, but at least we can choose which lifestyle we want to live. One of my closest friends is a gay man studying to be a minister. He once had to write a paper on this very subject. At the end he said that if he could turn straight he would. With that said, what gives anyone the right as American Citizens, Christians, humans to tell someone that they cannot have equal treatment because they love differently from the "norm"? Why is it so hard for us to practice what we preach and love everyone? I know, the Bible says homosexuality is a sin. At least today's do. While writing that paper my friend referenced two different versions of the good book. One, a New International Version from the 1990's the other a King James version from the late 1700's. There is no mention of homosexuality in the earlier version. This brings into question translations. The Bible has been translated so often how can we tell what has been added and/or deleted to fit social parameters. But that, my friends is a different article.

In conclusion, I would simply like to say. We are all brothers and sisters. Maybe we should start treating each other that way.

Learn more about this author, Candice Dill.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.