Re: Very Inspirring!!!
Submitted by GraceComesFirst on November 28 2000 01:39:16
In reply to Very Inspirring!!! submitted by Chris on November 27 2000 09:55:37
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Hi guys! I hope you won't mind if I just start responding, since I am new to posting. But I have been reading this board for so long now, that I feel like I know you all somewhat already. (You do, honestly, a remarkable job of showing what a real Christian community can be--much better than a lot of churches!!) I think there's a big difference between the attitudes of people my age (GenX and younger) as compared to older people, with regards to sexuality. Younger people seem to be much more open minded and nonjudgmental, thank God. To anyone who has not already been reading XY magazine, I would encourage you to take a look at it. Although it is aimed at young gay men, I think it would probably be of use to boylovers as well. Many of the issues overlap. And certainly there have been boylovers who have written in to that magazine, who have helped me in my understanding of boylove. I guess it is because God has given me the spiritual gift of mercy, that I feel for you guys. I feel for boys, too, obviously, but what's the big deal with age? Aren't people just people? Isn't it natural for people to love each other? (I'm not talking about sex here.) But as a recovering sex addict myself, I know what it's like to be judged and looked down on. I hope you will learn to separate other people's judgments and attempts to shame you, from your own right to have self-esteem. One thing that I have learned (although anti-gay and anti-BL people will dispute this), is that having healthy self-esteem actually REDUCES sexual temptations and lusts. Having friends, makes me less likely to want to go out and have sex, even though I find many of my friends attractive. But God has given me the ability to withstand those temptations. The authorities think that the way to stop child molestation is by shaming sex offenders and making them hate themselves to the point of self-destruction, but my God, this is completely wrong. It totally works the other way around. The more you can feel good about who you are, I think, the less likely you are to feel the need to take advantage of someone else to fill that void. Someone may say, but isn't just fantasizing or masturbating a sin as well? (Personally, I say: not necessarily), but even if it were, that is certainly a much lesser evil than to actually abuse another person. So keep these things in perspective. I am writing not only to encourage you to learn to love yourselves, but also because I hope to make the world a safer place for boys. I think all who discuss this issue need to focus on both sides of the boylove equation, that the needs and rights of boys are just as much a part of this discussion as BLers. I hope someday we can have a world where boys can be both protected, nurtured, AND loved, and where boylovers can use their sexuality wisely and honorably, without facing public humiliation. If the ancient Greeks can do it, why can't we? (Were they smarter than us?!?) |
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