Soul Food is dedicated to reclaiming the arts of spiritual conversation, holy listening , reading and prayer. When read in context, scripture can be a source of joy and peace. The Bible is powerful. Soul Food hopes to help all readers experience the art of reading scripture in context. Reading sacred words is transforming. They can help us experience the loving mind and heartbeat of God.

At the risk of sounding simplistic, the Bible is a really big book. It’s well worth the effort of reading! The Bible is a collection of ancient writings from many different authors. There are customs and traditions many readers may be unfamiliar with. It is also written from a middle-eastern world view through the stories of Jewish and early Christian experiences. It is easy to read the Bible out of context or without appreciating the ancient background/author’s intent.

Many well intentioned people attempt to read the Bible from cover to cover beginning at page one. They quickly become discouraged. For those new to any kind of Bible reading, the Gospels are a great place to begin reading. They are easier to understand. There are also a number of "books" in the Bible that consist of a few pages. They can be wonderful reading.

Some basic study guides are offered through this webpage to help our readers. Some of the most loved books in the Bible are the Gospel of John, the story of Ruth and the letter from prison known as "Philippians." There are also many prayer available to us through reading the Psalms. Soul Food will also offer some "Psalter" prayers studies, reflections and meditations.

When we can read one Bible book successfully, it is easier to read the more difficult ones. This helps us enjoy the blessings of scripture reading.

Our love stories are often found in these stories! These are experiences of real people and the daily life with God when life is very difficult.

Problems can arise when well intentioned people of faith use the Bible as a weapon to impose a particular belief and way of life on those different from themselves. They may do this to keep a societal status quo and manipulate economic power. Others earnestly believe they know "The truth" for everyone!

History continues to be written with such stories of oppression and injustice. Our use of the Bible can be both a source of deep spiritual healing and/or a source of spiritual injury.

Certainly in North America, committed people of religious faith have argued opposing Bible interpretations on controversial topics such as slavery, equality of women, war and peace. Dedicated and God-fearing people on both sides of the issues have come to the same pages with a much different interpretation.

People have often acted badly in the name of religion. A casual survey of church history over the ages reveal inquisitions, religious persecution and other injustices. This is a global phenomena. We are fallible people with limited perspectives and imperfections.

Many believed that issues of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, socio-economic status were irrelevant for understanding scripture. As a result, many "voices" of faith were silenced.

New voices are now are being increasingly heard around the world.

God cannot be limited in interpretation by only one voice or predominate group. People of color and every sexual orientation under the sun are finding voice in the Bible.

As we pause on the threshold of a new millennium, there is a growing recognition of many historically silenced voices. Who we are, where we are, what we are, all affect how we interpret God. The scholarly word for Biblical interpretation is called "hermeneutics." We recognize there are Hispanic, African American, Native American and Feminist hermeneutics in North America.

Previously silenced people are finding voice. We’re called to see, hear and listen to Scripture with a new heart and mind that is as big as God. Increasing numbers of people are realizing cherished traditions and beliefs may be spiritually damaging for these growing voices.

There is a growing global movement within the Christian Church. Increasing voices of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) seekers are finding a place at the tables of God. Many believe they are "Gay by God," "Gay Christians" or "Christians who are GLBT people." They are well represented in many non-Christian traditions as well.

Soul Food ministry recognizes the growing GLBT voice as valid and worthy of deep respect.

The following story illustrates this growing voice. A popular saying is "One plus God is a majority! The power of one voice can change world history.

A new and unfamiliar voice was heard among a famous men’s group known as the Promise Keepers. Promise Keepers are both popular and controversial in America. They represent many "traditional family values" which exclude same-sex families. The Promise Keepers believe homosexuals can convert into heterosexuals through faith in Jesus Christ. Many would insist "Gay people cannot be Christians." In all fairness it must be acknowledged that the Promise Keepers have been a blessing for many troubled, heterosexual families. But they exclude many because of gender and sexual orientation.

The Promise Keepers came to Washington DC for an event. Their intent was to pray and confess the sins of a nation as well as personal sins. They came from all over the world. It was an event for men only and representative of a significant Christian movement and "voice."

A lesbian activist group had the courage and conviction to protest the Promise Keepers. They and a feminist organization gave voice for marginalized people often devalued by many societies and families. The lesbian group wore baseball hats that said "Hate is not a family value." The majority of protesting lesbians had experienced Christians "as an enemy." They could not understand how their lesbian friend and colleague could identify as Christian. All they had experienced was a Christian interpretation from the Promise Keepers.

The lesbians were astonished that an intelligent, talented peer could be Christian "and gay!" They were amazed that there are Christian churches which do not promote, endorse or encourage sexuality "conversions."

Our young woman was new to the Christian faith. She had read the Gospel stories about Jesus. She understood "all" and "whosoever" to include her. Her joyous enthusiasm was infectious. She had conversation after conversation with many of the Promise Keepers and shared her faith journey.

"There is a Christian church for gay people," she told them again and again. There is a place for your children and friends who are not heterosexuals! Throughout the day she had respectful and courteous dialogue with pastors, fathers with gay children, seminarians and others.

Many had never heard this "voice" of faith. Many had never heard of this growing "Christian hermeneutic" which dignifies, uplifts, liberates and welcomes all people made in the image of God. Many had never heard the expressions "Gay by God" and "Gay Christians."

Both "voices" learned from each other. Respect is truly a holy word.

Only God knows the origins of sexual orientation. Much anguish has been experienced by people attempting to change what may not be changeable. Certainly the APA (American Psychiatric Association) no longer classifies homosexuality as a mental illness. Nor do they endorse "Ex-Gay" ministries as therapeutic. Some have experienced those ministries as spiritual malpractice and damaging.

Sexuality is complex and a precious gift from the Creator. Abuse of this gift can bless or destroy relationships in all sexual orientations.

In the United States many Christians "behave badly" with the "issue of the Bible and Homosexuality." There is a great deal of fear and prejudice expressed by "anti-gay" groups who insist they have "THE Christian point of view." Some engage in hate crimes done "in the name of God."

Some are so filled with prejudice, they will make up sayings and teachings. These voices claim certain teachings are from Jesus Christ in the Gospels. The following story is all too common:

One young man struggled with his sexual orientation from early childhood. For years, his childhood pastor preached a parable about how much Jesus hates homosexuals and homosexuality. As a young boy, he kept his sexual orientation as a shameful secret. He was convinced Jesus hated him. It inflicted deep spiritual scars in his soul. He grew into manhood with his "secret." It was during his mid-twenties when he asked a priest where Jesus preached special hate and condemnation to gay people.

To his amazement and joy, the priest said there is no place in the Bible that says that. That particular Protestant minister invented the story of exclusion. This young man’s life has been transformed as he has experienced new life through Christ as a gay man. He now sings in a choir, attends church with his dates and other gay friends. He has experienced acceptance and spiritual healing. He knows who he is, and whose he is!

Soul Food is for all seekers with a special ministry of love and acceptance for GLBT visitors.

May your plates be overflowing with the rich banquet of soul food that gives strength for the journey. The Soul Food from God is well seasoned with Love, not hate! May all be blessed with "Shalom" (Peace) and "Shalem" (Wholeness).

Written by "Surprised by Joy" (email address: surprisedbyjoy@yahoo.com)

The author of this material is "Surprised by Joy" (surprisedbyjoy@yahoo.com). "Surprised by Joy" is an ordained UFMCC Christian minister who discovered that God is wonder-full to be with. It is our hope and prayer at soulfoodministry.org that all visitors will experience the tenderloving- kindness of God and receive spiritual food for their journey.

For more information on the growing global, Christian movement for all orientations, the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Churches can be emailed at: UFMCCHQ@aol.com. Their website address: www.ufmcc.com