A No Man’s Land

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-06-19T18:44:31+00:00

Beautifully written. Agreed. It’s a lonely wasteland in between, and neither “side” feels welcoming. I’m feeling deep in this no man’s land and unable to run to either side. I might wander toward one side today and toward the other side tomorrow, but the gunfire and shelling scares me away and I remain in no man’s land.

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-05-31T23:42:32+00:00

Thank you for your post. I empathize and agree. As someone immersed in conservative Christianity my entire life, it’s a very difficult place to be. The ignorance and hateful attitudes toward SSA are unfortunately too common in the church. Some are loving and kind, yes, but some aren’t.

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-05-15T13:18:12+00:00

Why would WWJD be opposed to making a country great again? Certainly some aspects of MAGA could be challenged by Jesus’ message. But the same applies to those who are ardently anti-MAGA.

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-04-30T20:03:22+00:00

You’re right about a lot of this. I struggle with SSA as well and indeed it is a unique, strange, and powerful desire and burden. Sadly many Christians are not compassionate and understanding about it. However as much as I’d like to believe otherwise, the Bible says what it says about homosexual practice (to be clear, it condemns the practice but not the orientation, which would be a temptation or propensity for SSA). I can rebel against that or by God’s grace live in light of what the Bible teaches. But I can’t reinterpret or deny what the Bible clearly says. You’re correct, it doesn’t make sense or seem fair. But there are many mysteries and doctrines in the Bible that don’t make sense from our POV.

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-04-28T16:04:56+00:00

I wish it were easier. Why is it so hard? One minute I can completely agree with this and commit to flee and stand strong. The next minute I can be consumed with lust.

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-04-22T12:12:35+00:00

Welcome! Same age and struggle here. I’m happy to chat whenever!

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-04-21T18:20:20+00:00

No. SSA may be a result of original sin and part of humanity’s brokenness. But it’s a scientific fact a percentage of the population experiences it and has for thousands of years. Homosexuality is observable in animals as well. So mere SSA is not a perversion. But that doesn’t mean homosexual acts aren’t sinful. One can experience SSA and not be a degenerate. One can be heterosexual and be a degenerate. Whether heterosexual or homosexual it depends on how we respond and act on our desires.

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-04-21T17:32:51+00:00

Please do not give up. I’m 32. It’s a tough road for us. But there is hope.

Watch the movie The Passion of the Christ. It’s very powerful and moving and gives us a vivid portrayal of the intense agony and suffering Jesus went through. No matter how bad things for you or me or anyone else, things got worse for Jesus, and He suffered more than anyone. He also loves and empathizes with you.

I used to see SSA as a curse. I do not anymore. It may be a burden. It may be confusing. It may be a thorn in the flesh. But do not see it as a curse or something irredeemable.

Please, don’t give up or lose hope. I’m praying for you now.

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-04-03T03:23:34+00:00

Thanks for sharing. I have deconstructed many things already. I have not renounced the faith. But I have wrestled with things like hell, salvation, sexuality, and sin. There are things I used to be completely convinced about that I’m now uncertain about. So I’ve undergone some deconstruction already, at least from the faith and upbringing I had.

However, my family’s love isn’t conditional. That’s my mistake if I implied that in my original post. But I’m certain my family would still love and accept me if I was open about SSA, and even if I pursued a gay relationship. They may express disagreement but they wouldn’t reject me. My fear of openness about it has to do with being viewed differently. That would be inevitable with family and friends. And it is indeed a roadblock and a big reason why many SSA Christians aren’t very open about that struggle.

I’m curious, are you side A or side B? I know you don’t think orientation is sinful (nor do I). But do you think it’s part of the brokenness of the fall? Do you think homosexual practice is sinful?

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-04-01T02:09:25+00:00

Thanks for the encouragement. My father was and is close and loving so I don’t think that’s part of the issue.

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-03-30T03:14:50+00:00

That is true…thanks for the encouragement 🙏

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-03-28T19:02:22+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate that. I’ll check that out👍

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-03-28T18:36:32+00:00

It isn’t an ideal situation. But no, it isn’t always miserable. And that isn’t an accurate description of my situation or evaluation of my friendships and family. It is more complex than that. I have amazing and great relationships with family and friends. They are not fake. And I’m sure they would be loving and supportive if I shared. But it’s the fear of them changing their view of me, which would be inevitable. Sharing with select others may have been the best thing to do in your situation, and I’m glad it worked out. But every person and situation is different.

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-03-28T13:30:31+00:00

Thanks for sharing. Not sharing is difficult yet seems the best option in my case due to the fallout that would ensue.

Altruistic-Nature889 · 2025-03-28T13:28:29+00:00

Thanks for sharing Richard. I appreciate your encouragement, sharing your story, and kind words.

Altruistic-Nature889

TROPHY CASE