Answers! #2
4 Questions courtesy of
bearpawly
Q1: In what ways has your experience of coming out (and coming to terms with your sexuality) affected your spiritual growth and personal views on religion?
A1: Dramatically. Prior to coming out and accepting my sexuality, I was a conservative evangelical (fundamental) Christian. In accepting myself, I had to reexamine my beliefs and develop my own belief system. It has been tough going against my family’s beliefs. My older brother is an Assembly of God pastor and he was taken aback when I said that I don’t believe the Bible is the literal word of God. I have had some of these anti-fundamental beliefs long before I ever admitted that I was gay. I think it is the logical engineer in me that would not allow me to just ignore some of the crazy stuff that my family and church believed. I try to be Christ like, in that I try not to judge people, I try to be honorable, kind and loving, but in reality I don’t know that I can really call myself a Christian any longer because I don't believe in a lot of what modern Christians believe. Just making that statement saddens me - part of it is nostalgia, part of it is because I know that it would break my mom’s heart even more than I already have, and partly because the process itself can be emotionally draining and isolating. I don’t feel like I have cornered the market on the Truth, but for the first time, I finally feel like I am trying to find it. In summation, my spirituality and religious views are a work in progress.
Q2: What has been an unexpected perk or blessing borne of your involvement with BTalk? Any downside?
A2: That the show has had some modest success - it is really weird to think that people actually want to download us and listen to us talk about anything, everything, and nothing. As of yet, I have only one complete stranger has said hi to me because of the show - it was weird though. At first, all I could think of was - how did this guy even know my name? The downside is also the modest success . . . the more success we have, the more likely people outside of the bear community will become aware of the show which could have some professional implications.
Q3: Do you like pulp in your orange juice?
A3: A little pulp is okay, but not a necessity.
Q4: What is your favorite brand/style of underwear?
A4: Primarily, I wear Fruit of the Loom Boxer Briefs. I do have a soft spot for sports briefs and will wear them occasionally, but big guys chafe . . . need I say more?
bearpawly
Q1: In what ways has your experience of coming out (and coming to terms with your sexuality) affected your spiritual growth and personal views on religion?
A1: Dramatically. Prior to coming out and accepting my sexuality, I was a conservative evangelical (fundamental) Christian. In accepting myself, I had to reexamine my beliefs and develop my own belief system. It has been tough going against my family’s beliefs. My older brother is an Assembly of God pastor and he was taken aback when I said that I don’t believe the Bible is the literal word of God. I have had some of these anti-fundamental beliefs long before I ever admitted that I was gay. I think it is the logical engineer in me that would not allow me to just ignore some of the crazy stuff that my family and church believed. I try to be Christ like, in that I try not to judge people, I try to be honorable, kind and loving, but in reality I don’t know that I can really call myself a Christian any longer because I don't believe in a lot of what modern Christians believe. Just making that statement saddens me - part of it is nostalgia, part of it is because I know that it would break my mom’s heart even more than I already have, and partly because the process itself can be emotionally draining and isolating. I don’t feel like I have cornered the market on the Truth, but for the first time, I finally feel like I am trying to find it. In summation, my spirituality and religious views are a work in progress.
Q2: What has been an unexpected perk or blessing borne of your involvement with BTalk? Any downside?
A2: That the show has had some modest success - it is really weird to think that people actually want to download us and listen to us talk about anything, everything, and nothing. As of yet, I have only one complete stranger has said hi to me because of the show - it was weird though. At first, all I could think of was - how did this guy even know my name? The downside is also the modest success . . . the more success we have, the more likely people outside of the bear community will become aware of the show which could have some professional implications.
Q3: Do you like pulp in your orange juice?
A3: A little pulp is okay, but not a necessity.
Q4: What is your favorite brand/style of underwear?
A4: Primarily, I wear Fruit of the Loom Boxer Briefs. I do have a soft spot for sports briefs and will wear them occasionally, but big guys chafe . . . need I say more?