My Confession

[In Between Man]

I am a sincere Christian, Protestant, Conservative in my Faith. I will apologize in advance for this but I want to confess this sin that I have struggled with since I was very young. The spirit had finally releived me of this tormenting desire. I cannot rationalize it or delude myself to justify it. I know it is wrong. I am not an alcoholic, or addicted to cocain though it's power over me is just as bad. I can only use the process of sanctification and I do stop myself on occasion and am able to refocus of other things. Though this sin does not hurt others, my body is not my own it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps I am sharing this hoping for someone to tell me this is not a problem but in my presbyterian faith I know that Man is so depraved that it is only under the influence of the Holy Spirit that we can even turn and place our faith in God. I know that sin is sin no matter what it is because God's Judgement is absolute. Though women may do this all the time Most do not do it out of some sick addiction. Why could I not be stuck on something else I do not know. At times it is very difficult, but through sanctification the spirit does seem to have been bringing me some relief, a lessening of desire. Yet every day I am confronted and reminded and it is because it is an issue of gender and cross-dressing. God has made me a man, no question about that, I am heterosexual. But I am sensitive and envy women at times. I love to tinker, and work on things, but I have this perversion tormenting me at my core. There, I have confessed. Like an alcoholic keeping a bottle in a shadow box on the wall, my "wardrobe" is in my closet. Why throw it out when in a moment of weakness I might order more online? Better to repent and to pray that it be burned out of my thoughts, that I be relieved of this desire, and be about God's work for me as my first priority with my full devotion. Comments?

Welcome to the forum first and foremost. You said in your confession that you "know it is wrong" but then you also said "perhaps I am sharing this hoping for someone to tell me this is not a problem". Certainly you would have anticipated both viewpoints on a public forum? You simply cannot be double-minded like this to have any chance of beating reoccurring sin. In fact, being double-minded is the whole problem. (James 1:8)

If you're serious about beating this, you'll have to SUPPRESS the desire to cross dress.(At least until the great day God heals you, either in this life or once we cross the finish line) Here's how you're gonna do it:

1) You need another trusted Christian friend to be your "accountability partner". You're gonna have to confess, just like how you confessed to us, to this trusted Christian friend, and they're going to hold you accountable. This is why it has to be someone you really trust, someone you won't lie to, or want to disappoint.

2) Please stay here on Canadian Content to help us defend the faith, but as a Christian don't seek advice from the secular worldview. If you just want "someone to tell me this is not a problem". Then go for it, because they'll re-enforce that for you, but you know in your heart, it is wrong, it is against God, he didn't create you for that purpose. (Genesis 5:2)

3) Yes, throw out your secret stash of women's clothing, all of it. If you fall to temptation and order online, you undoubtedly feel the shame immediately afterwards, that's your cue to "CANCEL ORDER". Report to accountability partner immediately.

4) When you fall, get back up. I know the feeling my friend. Just remember that everyday is new day, a chance to not sin, and that God has, and will continue to forgive you. Amen! (Not off the hook with your accountability partner though! Report!)

5) You know the rest I'm sure. Surround yourself with believers by attending church and read God's Word everyday. I can't stress that last one enough. Reading God's Word is CRITICAL to staying connected to God, build your faith, and gain the strength to suppress sinful desires. Also, I know you pray, but pray more! Don't hold back! Pray all day! (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Ultimately my friend, you won't have to put with it. On that day when we step into eternity He's going to wipe every tear from our eyes. (Revelation 21:4)You won't face temptation and there will be no condemnation from God. (Romans 8:1)

Oh! and Peaches, see you when we cross the finish line brother! God Bless! †

A literalist reading of the scriptures has caused this poor guy to agonize his whole life over a minor eccentricity that hurts nobody. I think that's evil.

So, you're equating cross dressing (which harms no one) to lying? Or are you going to tell me that lies do no harm?

That's not true, it harms Peaches. It's a wedge between God and himself. A thorn in the flesh.

And Dex, it's not a literal reading of the bible that has caused his agony. That's just an excuse, a deflection. Peaches bears the moral responsibility for his actions.

 

[Ron in Regina]

Oh My God (no pun or disrespect intended)!

Peaches, you are who you are. You can accept that and be true to yourself,
or not and live in shame and have an accountability buddy help you feel even
worse about yourself. Your call.

I don't pretend to understand your urge to do what you do, and it doesn't matter
whether I get it or not. Really, it just doesn't. I would either accept you as "you"
or I'd just be demonstrating my own shortcomings in not doing so. I won't quote
biblical verses (even if I could, & I can't...just being honest) to try and back up
what I'm say'n here.

The cross dressing didn't start last Tuesday I'm assuming. You wife who loves
you accepted you as "you" and has stuck with you for better than two decades.
I think you're making a mountain out of a mole hill here. If you want to beat
yourself up for being yourself, and feel ashamed for that same thing, that's one
Hell (OK, pun intended this time) of a goal I guess, and all the power to you.

 

[In Between Man]

Sorry Boomer, quoting man made laws as God's law doesn't impress me in the least. The 10 commandments were handed down to mankind directly by God. Christ, during his time on earth, expanded on those commandments. Anything else out of the OT was man controlling man.

Once again, you MASSIVELY CONTRADICT YOURSELF.

First and foremost, what kind of God reveals His truths to us ALONGSIDE man's lies and BS? That makes no sense Gerry. It's absolutely absurd. Why would He do that?

I'm sorry, the OT God of retribution, hell, and damnation does not square with what our Lord Jesus Christ taught. I don't buy into it at all. All it is, is a way for some to make themselves important by making others feel useless and unworthy.

Jesus tells us that God Loves all his children (us) unconditionally. How can you square that with hell fire, retribution, and damnation?

Have you read EVERYTHING Jesus said?! Jesus taught that people are going to hell, here, here, and here.

You cannot claim Jesus Christ speaks for the one True God without giving all His words credence! You claim to believe in the words of Jesus Christ, but instead you're calling Him a liar and a deceiver!

"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me!" (Matthew 15:8 ) (The words of Jesus again!)

That is you to a "T" my friend. You know what they call it when you create a "god" in your mind who's okay with sin? That's idolatry sir! Instead of bowing your knee to God, you're holding onto feel-good lies that everyone's going heaven, and God's okay with cross dressing. "I'm okay with it, God's okay with it". Nuh-uh. God sets the standard Gerry, not you. Idolatry sir, idolatry.

Yes yes yes, the rantings of a "born again" who had never met Christ, yet was so full of himself that he even chastised Christs disciples. The men that were actually taught by the teacher. Sorry, you will have to do better than that to convince me that God condemns cross dressers.

Are you born again Gerry? Only you and God now for sure. I'm only here to tell you that unless you are born again, you are not saved. Which would make you false convert, not a Christian. (John 3:3)Those are the word of Jesus, who you claim to follow! Is he lying or telling the truth?!

I see you don't like answering questions directly. You related to obama?

Funny! Because when I asked you theological questions your only reply was an insult with the explanation "that's all you deserve" or "you believe what you want to believe, I'll believe what I want".

When asked tough questions about biblical truth, you simply run away. I realize it's tough when you MASSIVELY CONTRADICT YOURSELF by claiming the bible to be a mish-mash of truth and lies, or how you stand by some words of Jesus Christ but not others. But hey, you're the one making weak, self-refuting theological claims.

This is typical of the kind of thing that really makes me angry about biblical literalism and religious fundamentalism, it has done and continues to do Peaches terrible psychological and emotional harm:

If you're all for people living their lives as they see fit, why get angry over him trying to fight his urge to cross dress? It's his choice. If he believes it's wrong, he has every right to turn away from it.

And cross dressing is the psychological harm that he's suffering from, not fundamentalism. His emotional harm is brought on by the guilt he feels because it conflicts with his desire to live for God.

The harm it has done Peaches.

His guilt is not harming him. Guilt is a warning, he's feeling the conviction of sin. Since sin leads to death and destruction, his guilt actually serves a good purpose by getting him back on track aka the straight and narrow path.

 

[petros]

Are you born again Gerry? Only you and God now for sure. I'm only here to tell you that unless you are born again, you are not saved. Which would make you false convert, not a Christian. (John 3:3)Those are the word of Jesus, who you claim to follow! Is he lying or telling the truth?!

Gerryh isn't a Jew so he can't be born again. That is who those words were directed at. Unbelievers in Jesus as the Messiah. Gerry was Baptised, a few years later took his First Communion then a few more years was asked by a Bishop or Archbishop if he accepts Jesus as the Messiah at Confirmation.

What more do you want?

That's not true, it harms Peaches. It's a wedge between God and himself. A thorn in the flesh.

And Dex, it's not a literal reading of the bible that has caused his agony. That's just an excuse, a deflection. Peaches bears the moral responsibility for his actions.

God made Peaches just the way he is, desires and all. There is no wedge between Peaches and God. Just a wedge between Peaches and man.

 

[gerryh]

So tell me IBM, how can you say I contradict myself when its very obvious you don't know what I believe and what I don't believe? There is no contradictions in my beliefs of who Jesus Christ is and who our Heavenly Father is. You, on the other hand, support massive contradictions in YOUR faith by not being able to glean the wheat from the chaff. By not being able to see the contradictions in Christs words put there by man. Open your eyes and open your heart and you will be able to discern the truth IBM. God is all loving and all forgiving. The only contradiction is from those like yourself who denying and contradict that statement.

 

[Cannuck]

Sorry Boomer, quoting man made laws as God's law doesn't impress me in the least. The 10 commandments were handed down to mankind directly by God. Christ, during his time on earth, expanded on those commandments. Anything else out of the OT was man controlling man.

That's the beauty of the Bible. You get to cherry pick the bits you like.

 

[Dexter Sinister]

If you're all for people living their lives as they see fit, why get angry over him trying to fight his urge to cross dress? It's his choice. If he believes it's wrong, he has every right to turn away from it.

Typical casuistry. It's not his choice, and it's not him that decided it's wrong, other people have laid that one on him. Nor am I angry about him trying to fight his urge, I'm angry about the silly things he's been taught that make him feel it's necessary.

And cross dressing is the psychological harm that he's suffering from, not fundamentalism. His emotional harm is brought on by the guilt he feels because it conflicts with his desire to live for God.

More casuistry. It's the fundamentalism that tells him it's wrong, in the absence of that belief system he would perceive it as I do, a minor eccentricity of no particular importance.

His guilt is not harming him.

Sure. Did you actually read the OP? Did you not see the anguish and shame and fear there? And that's not harm? How about his belief that god is going to deprive him of his wife as punishment, after making her final years a misery for her and everyone who loves her? That's not harm? Fundamentalism tells him he's a miserable depraved sinner, born sick and commanded to be well on pain of eternal punishment, and his inability to suppress a part of his nature condemns him for all time. That's not harm? Fundamentalism strikes me, at best, as foolish beyond description.

So you have no faith in your belief of nothing? You don't sound sure of yourself.

Nice try, but we both know you know better than that, you're deliberately misusing different meanings of words and incorrectly describing atheism as a belief in nothing when it's just the absence of a belief in a certain something.

 

[darkbeaver]

A religious unbelief eh? Isn't a specific unbelief just the opposite but equal of a specific belief? Negative religious belief is probably just as damaging as positive religious belief. It can burn time just as well that's for xxxxing sure.

I think peaches should buy something nice to wear and forget about gods wrath because god is very busy with other problems. How can you find a limit taxing infinite love with cross dressing? Perhaps Peaches should examine love of god in the light of fear of god. God made cross dressers I gather.

 

[talloola]

i'll back up dexter's comment.

if one has no belief in god, doesn't mean he/she believes in nothing, it is only the believers in god
who think that would be so.

my mind as an atheist is so open to so many choices, I can believe in all kinds of things, that make sense
to me, god doesn't.

if god makes sense to you, then go for it.

the cross dressing thing is different, but women wear all kinds of men's type of clothing, as I do,
just fits in with being very outdoorish and sporty, doesn't matter, so it shouldn't matter to you
either, just don't wander around outside, unless you like all kinds of wierd attention.

enjoy yourself.

 

[taxslave]

I have no use for religions of any kind so for what it is worth this is how I see it.
Peaches: If you are doing something that gives you pleasure and harms no one including yourself it cannot be bad. You are simply reacting and causing yourself a whole lot of stress because you are trying to conform to what someone else has deemed you must do. You can believe in your god without the interference of other people that want to decide your life for you. Maybe you will want to change churches to one that does not condemn you for being yourself.

 

[Peaches]

Welcome to the forum first and foremost. You said in your confession that you "know it is wrong" but then you also said "perhaps I am sharing this hoping for someone to tell me this is not a problem". Certainly you would have anticipated both viewpoints on a public forum? You simply cannot be double-minded like this to have any chance of beating reoccurring sin. In fact, being double-minded is the whole problem. (James 1:8)

If you're serious about beating this, you'll have to SUPPRESS the desire to cross dress.(At least until the great day God heals you, either in this life or once we cross the finish line) Here's how you're gonna do it:

1) You need another trusted Christian friend to be your "accountability partner". You're gonna have to confess, just like how you confessed to us, to this trusted Christian friend, and they're going to hold you accountable. This is why it has to be someone you really trust, someone you won't lie to, or want to disappoint.

2) Please stay here on Canadian Content to help us defend the faith, but as a Christian don't seek advice from the secular worldview. If you just want "someone to tell me this is not a problem". Then go for it, because they'll re-enforce that for you, but you know in your heart, it is wrong, it is against God, he didn't create you for that purpose. (Genesis 5:2)

3) Yes, throw out your secret stash of women's clothing, all of it. If you fall to temptation and order online, you undoubtedly feel the shame immediately afterwards, that's your cue to "CANCEL ORDER". Report to accountability partner immediately.

4) When you fall, get back up. I know the feeling my friend. Just remember that everyday is new day, a chance to not sin, and that God has, and will continue to forgive you. Amen! (Not off the hook with your accountability partner though! Report!)

5) You know the rest I'm sure. Surround yourself with believers by attending church and read God's Word everyday. I can't stress that last one enough. Reading God's Word is CRITICAL to staying connected to God, build your faith, and gain the strength to suppress sinful desires. Also, I know you pray, but pray more! Don't hold back! Pray all day! (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Ultimately my friend, you won't have to put with it. On that day when we step into eternity He's going to wipe every tear from our eyes. (Revelation 21:4)You won't face temptation and there will be no condemnation from God. (Romans 8:1)

Oh! and Peaches, see you when we cross the finish line brother! God Bless! †





That's not true, it harms Peaches. It's a wedge between God and himself. A thorn in the flesh.

And Dex, it's not a literal reading of the bible that has caused his agony. That's just an excuse, a deflection. Peaches bears the moral responsibility for his actions.

Thank you, I believe you have provided excellent faith based advice, no disrespect to those of the secular world, If I were secular, humanistic, atheistic you are providing very thoughtful advice I do not mean to offend any here From a Christian perspective God Loves all of us, and as Christians we Love all of you as well no matter what and we face it with out fear, do not fear those who can kill the body but not the soul, fear the one who can cast you into eternal separation from himself - hell. Hopefully God will plant some seeds for thought. We are to be the salt of the earth. It is a very difficult thing to overcome in our over sexualized culture and the stimuli bombard a cross dresser hundreds of times a day. I have accepted who I am, I have no shame, or humiliation at 55 years of age, I found acceptance at age 40. But My faith has been inconsistent until the last few years. Who knows why good people suffer and die? We are in the world, but this is not our home, we are sojourners here to do God's bidding for us. Caring for my wife is my current mission and my Church has backed me up on this. I had not thought this to be primarily a secular web page but a christian section of a larger page. In Between Man Thank you for the action plan. An accountability person - wow that's a very tough one. Purging - donating all of the women's clothing I have to charity wow again - probably around $1000.00 worth of shoes, and etc... I have questioned myself if I am hard wired this way - a genetic flaw? Gender/sexual addictions are one of the hardest to overcome - like overcoming cocaine. And the stimuli are legion. Even In church I have had difficulty I see a shoe, a nice outfit or and ad, television is full of stimuli. Billboards, department stores, Women make up 51% of the population!! I feel as If I would have to blindfold myself or close my eyes and plug my ears. 46 years of addiction, struggling having pent up desire build up making the desire grow. In my deep depression over my wife for 5 days after rotator cuff surgery my wife was being taken care of by her mother about 75 miles away. During that respit - I had forgotten what normal was like, as my spirits lifted this desire returned. I believe purging might make the desire grow, I have been able to deal with keeping all of this as an alcoholic keeps a bottle of alcohol in a shadow box on the wall - for me some how that works. I can resist, and the spirit has helped me to defeat this desire and addiction. An accountalility partner needs thought I know of no one like a priest, and would not want to tell my psychologist because it would make it's way into my medical records! Who can I trust with this?? - Perhaps my Gay son who already knows? But He is not a christian - I pray for him. I will give this some thought. You provided affirmation of what I know in my heart to be true. The natural man is prone to rationalize what must be nailed to the cross. Thanks Peaches (a high school nick name).

 

[gopher]

I see you don't like answering questions directly. You related to obama?

If you're a Christian then you need to know that you have no business judging another for their "sins" ever what they might be. Call yourself a Christian? Then do as Jesus did and say to Peaches, "neither do I judge thee".

 

[karrie]

Typical casuistry. It's not his choice, and it's not him that decided it's wrong, other people have laid that one on him.

That's a really interesting bit of psychology there. (and pardon the liberal use of 'you', I'm referring to society here) If he believes something about the Bible, and preaches it, you'd expect him to own that and answer to the fact that he has propogated those beliefs and evangelized to people. You'd say he was victimizing people. But, in this case, you think his beliefs make him a victim. So, if someone reads the Bible, and preaches their viewpoint, where does that line between victim and victimizer get drawn?

Personally, I'm reading a sermon in this thread. I'm reading the same kind of self loathing that drives some to persecute LGBT lifestyles. And I don't really pity the OP because of that.

To Peaches.... God gave man a brain, a body, and a life all of our own, FIRST. The Bible and religion came second. You have to prioritize and live your life in your own balance, and what you take from religion should enrich that, not undermine it.

 

[In Between Man]

Hopefully God will plant some seeds for thought.

There ya go! Keep your chin up!

It is a very difficult thing to overcome in our over sexualized culture and the stimuli bombard a cross dresser hundreds of times a day.

It's brutal out there. One tactic used by men trying to ignore sinful desires is to "bounce your eyes". As soon as you see one of your "triggers", immediately bounce your eyes somewhere else. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. (Phill. 4:8 )

I know it's tough, but you can do it! Remember what Jesus went through, your problems will always pale in comparison. Remember that you won't always have to go through this. You'll be free of it one day. Focus on that kind of glory and freedom!

Who can I trust with this?? - Perhaps my Gay son who already knows? But He is not a christian - I pray for him.

I don't think your son would be a good choice unfortunately. Isn't there anyone else in your church? Not a priest, another believer who is a trusted friend?

I will give this some thought. You provided affirmation of what I know in my heart to be true. The natural man is prone to rationalize what must be nailed to the cross. Thanks Peaches (a high school nick name).

Hang in there brother, it will all be worth it.

In Between Man Thank you for the action plan.

Your welcome.

So tell me IBM, how can you say I contradict myself when its very obvious you don't know what I believe and what I don't believe? There is no contradictions in my beliefs of who Jesus Christ is and who our Heavenly Father is. You, on the other hand, support massive contradictions in YOUR faith by not being able to glean the wheat from the chaff. By not being able to see the contradictions in Christs words put there by man. Open your eyes and open your heart and you will be able to discern the truth IBM. God is all loving and all forgiving. The only contradiction is from those like yourself who denying and contradict that statement.

Sir, please tell me why God allowed his words of Truth to coincide with lies put there by malicious men? Why would God do that Gerry? Why would He muddle it, hide it, bury it? I beg you. Why?

You claim that you have "opened your eyes and heart" and if I recall you stated "that you prayed about it and got the answer" (paraphrase). Well how come God hasn't done that for a billion Christians or more who believe that the bible is the Word of God in its entirety? I beg you. Why?

Nor am I angry about him trying to fight his urge, I'm angry about the silly things he's been taught that make him feel it's necessary.

Well the subject of God and sin is not "silly", that's just a straw man argument to make it sound as if the subject were fairytales. We're talking about the biggest question(s) in life here, of course the Christian perspective should be counted! Every else but us?

Sure. Did you actually read the OP? Did you not see the anguish and shame and fear there? And that's not harm?

Think about holding your newborn child, and the doctor comes along and sticks them with a vaccine. Temporary physical pain, or temporary harm. You can't explain to your child why they have to go through this, but it's for their own good obviously. Peaches guilt is necessary to warn him that what he's doing will harm him farther, it's for his own good. Ultimately, it is temporary for someone like Peaches because he won't have sinful desires in heaven obviously.

But, if one would rather enjoy sin and just see it as "a minor eccentricity of no particular importance", then by all means. God hands you over to the debased mind and desire you want. (Romans 1:24-28 ). He's perfectly fair. For people like Peaches, he may suffer a bit now, but it'll be worth it in the end. For others, God let's them have their fun, suffer later.

How about his belief that god is going to deprive him of his wife as punishment, after making her final years a misery for her and everyone who loves her? That's not harm? Fundamentalism tells him he's a miserable depraved sinner, born sick and commanded to be well on pain of eternal punishment, and his inability to suppress a part of his nature condemns him for all time. That's not harm? Fundamentalism strikes me, at best, as foolish beyond description.

I don't think that's very accurate, and my viewpoint is that teaching people that we're nothing but animals is harmful, or that there's nothing wrong with sinful (therefore harmful) desires. Or how about teaching people that if you believe in God you're "just stupid"? This doesn't cause harm to how people think?

Nice try, but we both know you know better than that, you're deliberately misusing different meanings of words and incorrectly describing atheism as a belief in nothing when it's just the absence of a belief in a certain something.

So there isn't a shred of positive evidence that atheism is true and accurate?

 

[Peaches]

If you're a Christian then you need to know that you have no business judging another for their "sins" ever what they might be. Call yourself a Christian? Then do as Jesus did and say to Peaches, "neither do I judge thee".

Yes that is right, then Jesus would say "go and sin no more." Isn't that beautiful. Jesus WILLINGLY submitted to his terrible death - watch Mel Gibson's The Passion - it is so horrific I have no desire to watch it any longer. Jesus Could have stopped it at any moment but he knew we are not capable of perfection so he became sin for us so that God sees Jesus' perfection and not our imperfection. We are like children who run and fall but then get up and run again. We are to strive to improve as best we can in this life to be more like our savior who we christians love. And If we work with the spirit earnestly our heart and our desires slowly do transform but it is not an easy process, the cost of following Christ is heavy and not easy but we keep an eternal perspective because we are in this world but our home is in heaven.

 

[Praxius]

Sorry Boomer, quoting man made laws as God's law doesn't impress me in the least. The 10 commandments were handed down to mankind directly by God. Christ, during his time on earth, expanded on those commandments. Anything else out of the OT was man controlling man.

The ten commandments were handed down to humans by another human claiming he had them handed down to him by god... Funny how it always ends up that way.

To to OP, cloathing is just that... Cloathing.

It's something you wear to protect yourself from the elements and to cover your bits.... Anything beyond that, regards of what books or what commandments you follow, is moot.

If it was indeed a.sin to wear the cloathing of the opposite sex, then a lot of women would be going to hell.for wearing dress pants, jeans, and anything else that wasn't a dress or skirt.

If you look at fashion from the last two thousand years around the world, you would be hard pressed to determine when the lines crossed and who crossed them.

No pun intended.

When the bible quote in the 2nd or 3rd post was written, what was the common fashion for both men and women?

Did it factor in Irish and Scots wearing kilts?

Did it factor in the the time where both men and women wore makeup, wigs, purfume and frilly outfits?

I can see how it could be a problem for your religious beliefs if you were gay, but many men who dress up in women's cloathing aren't gay.... Not that I think there's anything wrong with that either.

Also keep in mind that back in the William Shakespeare days, many of the female roles were played by other men.... And back then, people were really sticklers when it came to religion, yet this was a common practice and ok.

 

[Machjo]

Old Testament -

(Deuteronomy 22:5) 5 “No garb of an able-bodied man should be put upon a woman, neither should an able-bodied man wear the mantle of a woman; for anybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah your God.

The principle was so a man or woman would not deceive another into sin.

Sorry gerryh, I have both Priests and Reverend's in my family.. funny, I'm not very Godly personally.

But isn't the Old-testament Jewish. Where is it in the New?

I'm sure it's in there somewhere.

 

[Peaches]

That's a really interesting bit of psychology there. (and pardon the liberal use of 'you', I'm referring to society here) If he believes something about the Bible, and preaches it, you'd expect him to own that and answer to the fact that he has propogated those beliefs and evangelized to people. You'd say he was victimizing people. But, in this case, you think his beliefs make him a victim. So, if someone reads the Bible, and preaches their viewpoint, where does that line between victim and victimizer get drawn?

Personally, I'm reading a sermon in this thread. I'm reading the same kind of self loathing that drives some to persecute LGBT lifestyles. And I don't really pity the OP because of that.

To Peaches.... God gave man a brain, a body, and a life all of our own, FIRST. The Bible and religion came second. You have to prioritize and live your life in your own balance, and what you take from religion should enrich that, not undermine it.

I was looking for that LGBT post...I am intimately aquainted with the T part of that. I do not judge, but we are to love. I am to love myself and I do. I am to love even those who hate me I do that too. I am not to judge, that is for God. God made us male and female. It would appear in the OT that God rained down judgment on all in that group for I am sure all of that was present there. Jesus is the nexus between all the symbolism and the law and the ceremony that came before Him, and of All that has come since for Christ is still alive in Heaven as part of the mystery of the trinity. Jesus brough a NEW TESTAMENT this time the law is written in our heart and the heart of that law is love because God is love. We are first to love god, and then our neighbor as we love ourselves. Most of mankind in the end rejects this message, they believe it is foolishness. But If God is at work in your heart It is because you are part of his elect because we cannot turn to him on our own that is how depraved we are. Like an Alcoholic states Hi I'm Joe and I am an Alcoholic. I must state Hi I am George and I am a Cross-dresser. I feel convicted in my heart that these desires certainly are the opposite of my sex, and my gender. God made me male. I do not know - and here is where rationalizations start, and the very high potential for self deception out of a sinful mind. It is a fact that a small percentage of people are born with "ambiguous" genetalia, perhaps some deformed and perfectly formed or other combination of both. Perhaps they have the organs that produce both hormones?? I don't know. The Male and Female Brain function differently a fact. It is likely that there are "ambiguous" brains?? That is posited but who knows? Do I suffer from such a brain or am I making an excuse looking at some of my personality traits yet I am definitely male and heterosexual yet I have this desire which does not make sense because most all women want a man who is 100% in line male and masculine. I have no proof, there may be studies out there. I do know that on about 5 different occasions women have looked at me - stunned, -completely astonished that as a man I would continue to care for my wife on the severe side of alzheimers who now requires medication to control medication and help with EVERYTHING - she is completely helpless. Perhaps God made me this way to fulfill this purpose. I do prefer company with women, yet am interested and skilled at things women have no interest or skill in. like turning shapes and things over in my mind and figuring things out as I tinker and work on things. I seem to have a sensitive heart that is not frequently aggressive and while I forcefully lead myself I really have no desire to lead others. Yet my heart is convicted. 46 years of struggling with this. No I do not judge others. My son states he is Gay and in a relationship - I told him I love him no matter who he is and always will and we continue to have a very good father son relationship I give advice, and guide and he considers it and listens. I love him, and pray that perhaps the spirit will plant seeds of faith in his heart. Atheists, agnostics, humanists etc - live your life I do not judge you but I do stand on principles and am free to cast my vote as I choose in accordance with my beliefs in support of the values I have.
God is eternal and existed before our world was formed, before we were created He is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. By faith I accept that as fact, we came second. the beauty and the order of the universe proclaim the existence of a creator. I am to give total devotion to God, He is to be my FIRST priority in heaven there is no marriage, no male or female but we will have a glorified body perfect we will be perfect, there will be no temptation and our purpose is to live in harmony with God and to glorify him in love for ever and ever. On earth we are to do the work we are given - love our neighbors as our selves and be about his work the great commission planting seeds to reach those who have not heard and who to help his own to hear and be saved. Foolishness to nonbelievers.

The ten commandments were handed down to humans by another human claiming he had them handed down to him by god... Funny how it always ends up that way.

To to OP, cloathing is just that... Cloathing.

It's something you wear to protect yourself from the elements and to cover your bits.... Anything beyond that, regards of what books or what commandments you follow, is moot.

If it was indeed a.sin to wear the cloathing of the opposite sex, then a lot of women would be going to hell.for wearing dress pants, jeans, and anything else that wasn't a dress or skirt.

If you look at fashion from the last two thousand years around the world, you would be hard pressed to determine when the lines crossed and who crossed them.

No pun intended.

When the bible quote in the 2nd or 3rd post was written, what was the common fashion for both men and women?

Did it factor in Irish and Scots wearing kilts?

Did it factor in the the time where both men and women wore makeup, wigs, purfume and frilly outfits?

I can see how it could be a problem for your religious beliefs if you were gay, but many men who dress up in women's cloathing aren't gay.... Not that I think there's anything wrong with that either.

Also keep in mind that back in the William Shakespeare days, many of the female roles were played by other men.... And back then, people were really sticklers when it came to religion, yet this was a common practice and ok.

The sin is not so much in the wearing but in how we think and feel when we are wearing. Women just think I am dressed, Cross dressers feel a range of emotions unique to each one ranging from excitement, relaxation, enjoyment, aroused but unless they are transexual probably a true condition - born in the wrong body, crossdressers do not think of them as "just clothes" they savor them like a fine wine, enjoy and feel happy and feminine - it is exceedingly difficult to figure why we are all different. but there is always a faint glent in the eye in wig, make-up and a pretty outfit longing to be accepted loved encouraged and understood by our lover and for most crossdressers that would be our poor wives who are in anguish - desiring their 100% Masculine Male. So people are hurt by this.

 

[lone wolf]

Who defines what's guy or gal clothing? I'm sure Jesus's robes weren't Levi Strauss & Company or didn't button from the left

 

[Dexter Sinister]

So there isn't a shred of positive evidence that atheism is true and accurate?

Other way around, there isn't a shred of positive evidence that theistic claims are true, and there are plenty of sound reasons to think they're not.