The studies in this book grew out of my personal experiences, counseling, Bible research, preaching and teaching at First MCC Atlanta, Golden Gate MCC San Francisco, MCC Nashville and in many other MCC congregations for workshops and revivals from 1988 to the present. Low self esteem among lesbian and gay Christians was the main issue that motivated my Bible studies at the beginning. Later Bible studies were developed to deal with many other pressures, problems, and issues faced by homosexuals in an environment of homophobic hate, religious oppression, abusive use of the Bible against gays, and the persistent problem of homophobia within the gay community. During my years of recovery and up to the present, I have experienced in myself and in many other people around me the prevailing self destructive feelings and actions that try to control us. We live in the midst of church and community alienation and suffer from chronic internalized and horizontal homophobia.
All traditional churches carry the self destructive virus of legalism and judgmental religion.
I have no intention, however, of attacking or fighting churches or individuals. People and churches are not the enemy. The enemy is not people. For several years, I have seen my calling to be to help gay and lesbian people feel good about themselves and stop hurting themselves and each other. The only lasting solution that I have found is for individuals to invite Jesus into their lives and give up all other controls.