Hi Michael. I believe you mean it when you say you’re hoping for fruitful dialogue, and as I believe you tried your best to be tactful and respectful, I will do the same. That’s the only way you learn and understand different points of view, whether or not you ever agree.

It is one thing to disagree with someone’s lifestyle and quite another to persecute them, hate them, and bar church doors to them. Let me be clear, I don’t think all Christians behave that way, thank goodness. I do not believe the Bible literally, but even if I did, I don’t think there’s a lot of clarity regarding a good bit of it considering the many versions disagreements, and interpretations that exist over common passages.

We do not have the right to judge alternative lifestyles, much less condemn, outside of deciding which lifestyle is acceptable when we’re deciding our own. The LGBTQ plus community aren’t asking straight people to participate in alternative relationships, and they’re not condemning straight relationships. They just want to have the same basic rights and respect others have. If straight people think homosexuality etc. is a sin, they shouldn’t be part of such relationships, but why would they object to others choosing and living their own lifestyle? Shouldn’t everyone have the right to choose how to live their life, as long as it doesn’t hurt others? People don’t have to change their beliefs regarding what they consider moral, but neither does anyone have the right to force their beliefs on others.

This applies to not only the LGBTQplus community, but to religion, race, age, or any other freedoms, equality, and rights everyone should have when it comes to deciding how to live your own life. People are so much more similar than different. Jesus is Love. How could a relationship based on love be terrible? But again, everyone should choose their own beliefs and live their lives accordingly. How we choose to live our life is nobody else’s business.

One last thing, although it might not resonate with you, and that’s fine. I channel the Archangels and share their messages with others here on Medium. If you’re interested in their perspective on this and many other topics, they’re up for discussion, also. I won’t try to convince you about our connection, if you don’t quote the Bible as the only truth.

Best wishes and blessings to you.