Evolution (crossposted to RDC)
Submitted by Bach on October 08 1999 at 22:12:06
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In the last few days I have been put through the ringer over a bastardization of a post by honesty on CBF. This incident has given me much opportunity for reflexion and consideration of what CBF was meant to be, what it could be, and where it should go from here. CBF was created in reaction to RDC. Christians posting on RDC felt attacked and unable to process their thoughts from a Christian standpoint due to inevitable entanglements defending Christianity. This may seem wierd, but we were so taken up in saying a BL could be a Christian we never had time or energy to discover what being a Christian BL meant. Thus, CBF was created to provide a supportive environment to discern together how to go about life within the church context as a BL. I am merely the caretaker of this place. It is not my "editorial policy" that I try to enforce, but rather my understanding of the overall character of the forum that was entrusted to me. The time has come to revisit this character and to consider whether a more "outreach" approach rather than "peer support group" is desirable. Christian BLs have now found an identity at CBF and, to paraphrase Heather, a Christian BL is no longer an oxymoron. With this identity comes a responsability to walk with others on the journey. We need to work together to find ways to meet the needs of the entire community. This is what I thought I was attempting to do when I edited honesty's post. In fact, this type of editing had never before happened on CBF. It was the very first (and will likely be the only) time I have ever "cut out" portions of a post. From the strong reaction it has generated, perhaps this was a necessary part of the process... So folks -- shall we bravely move forward, trying to blend together the ideas of a more diverse community? Shall we embrace open disagreement in the name of searching for the Christ-like face of our BL brothers? Christ calls us to love. I know that honesty feels that I wronged him in my actions. For my part, I was trying to love my brothers at CBF and uphold something which perhaps has outlived its usefulness. Those who have read CBF regularly know that we tend to agree to disagree on a great many things. We come from nearly every Christian tradition and although the evangelical among us tend to dominate the discussion board, we have participation from across the spectrum. I believe that this is the time to embrace our BL brothers who are seekers. I do know of Christians who are seeking to find a way to integrate their spiritual journey with boylove. In the past they have not always been welcome at CBF. We have tried to move difficult discussions to RDC with very little success. Perhaps this is the occasion to openly and intentionally invite BLs who are looking for others to walk alongside side them to walk with us. And it will probably be necessary for some of us to journey to RDC, as honesty has come to CBF, to make this a reality. May we ask God for strength, patience and love in our search. Bach |