There is, however, one way of speaking that I've tried to…
““There is, however, one way of speaking that I've tried to avoid. Rather than refer to someone as "a homosexual," I've taken care always to make "gay" or "homosexual" the adjective, and never the noun, in a longer phrase, such as "gay Christian" or "homosexual person." In this way, I hope to send a subtle linguistic signal that being gay isn't the most important thing about my or any other gay person's identity. I am a Christian before I am anything else. My homosexuality is a part of my makeup, a facet of my personality. One day, I believe, whether in this life or in the resurrection, it will fade away. But my identity as a Christian - someone incorporated into Christ's body by his Spirit - will remain.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Identity is multifaceted; primary identity is spiritual, not sexual orientation.
In simple terms: Faith defines self before sexuality.
Key Takeaway
Focus on core spiritual identity.
Themes
religion
identity
sexuality
language
Mood
contemplative
respectful
Type
theological
social
When to use this quote
- faith communities
- counseling
- public speaking
- education
Key Concepts
theology
social linguistics
personal identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape perception of identity?
- Can spiritual identity coexist with sexual identity?
A Different Perspective
Risk of minimizing lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.