The LGBTQ conference controversy: Andy Stanley, evangelical parents, ...and Justin Lee?

[@aimeevaughan-davies2658]

So good to have you back - thank you for an amazing video, I love how fair you are, how gracious! You have helped me so much as a Christian mum of a gay son, who I cherish, love and now accept fully...thank you for helping me on that journey! May you know the peace and joy of Jesus as you rest in His arms x

[@ethanhocking8229]

Hi Justin. I've only recently discovered your channel, and I find you to be a really engaging speaker. I am a theological student at a conservative Bible college in the UK. I would have at one time vehemently denied that any "practicing" gay person could be a Christian, but I have since changed my views on that. Although I would now like to call myself a Christian straight ally, I frankly am horrified at how the Church has historically treated gay people and continues to do so, especially in the Global South. I often have cognitive dissonance about my faith, wondering how I can honestly express it while fundamentally disagreeing with my fellow believers and students. I just want to say thank you for your content, as I find it encouraging to think that there might yet be hope for the Christian faith. Blessings.

[@veggiet2009]

As a gay christian myself, I want to say how much I appreciate the straight allies in my life, they are few but are desperately needed. It's a hard world to live in, you are a blessing 💜

[@birdwalk33]

It's so good to hear your much needed voice of reason and grace in the midst of all the clamoring noise. Welcome back! You have been missed. 🙂

[@braydenmiller8021]

Justin, I’m no longer a believer but wow, I’m so encouraged and inspired by you and I want to thank you for making this video!

[@amarillo16]

I'm glad you're back. I discovered your videos during your hiatus but your work & speaking have been very valuable to me this year as I went on my own journey of self acceptance.

[@ianmaclarke1]

I have heard and read a lot of people dealing with the clash between God and LGBTQ. And while I disagree with you, you have quickly become what I think is the most important voice on this topic. Your heart for suffering, you’re striving to maintain the unity of believers, I really appreciate it. Thank you and God bless

[@GeekyJustin]

What kind words! Thank you.

[@Climbing_Rivers]

I’m sorry you’re in the middle of all the controversy. However im so glad to see you back on the Tube! Looking forward to more content.

[@francisbetz4216]

Thanks Justin! You convey these thoughts so well. I was also at the Unconditional Conference. My husband spoke there. And it was amazing. Christians unified in worshipping Jesus and learning and loving together. We were unified as the Church should be. I was so impressed with your speaking. You handled this topic so well. I saw Jesus in you.

[@carolreed645]

I appreciate you so much, Justin! Thanks for always bringing grace to this weird, decades-long conversation.

[@DIBBY40]

Justin you are a breath of fresh air. A rare bridge in an often hostile environment. I'm no longer a Christian (I left in the 1980s, in no small part because I'm gay); but one thing I remember, and still notice, is the disdain that Christians have for other Christians. Our Christian fellowship had "the anointing" whilst other ones were not quite the same, or outright deceived! Demons and deception were everywhere waiting to get you and lead you astray. It seems to have started even in the New Testament with Paul wishing curses on those who "teach another gospel" ( in direct opposition to Jesus teachings to " Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you"). Doctrines divide, whilst love unites. I wonder what would happen if instead of seeing demons in opponents, Christians saw Christ in everyone they might treat each other better.

[@pastoraaroncrowley]

Great word! I’m so sorry people have spoken I’ll of you and used the LORD’s name to justify it, but I am so astounded and proud of your grace towards them!! 🤗

[@sgpbnp]

I AM SO HAPPY YOU ARE BACK!

[@xtoxicflamex9216]

Great video! I'm also a gay Christian 😇 🏳️‍🌈

[@MarkLawrence1974]

Great to hear and see you again. Thanks for a nuanced (there’s that word again) take on a situation where you were personally impacted

[@kingzfuds2581]

Welcome back Justin... Thank you for all you do. With love from Nigeria

[@CowboyRob1960]

I relate to you and what you’re saying on so MANY levels. Thank you for letting God use you. What a beautiful spirit you have. I love your reasoning. Your friend, Rob

[@brucedeborahd9820]

Well said Justin! As a parent of an LGBT child and an ally and having been raised in a conservative Baptist Church, I believe this is exactly what is needed to be spoken.

[@southwegianofazanochine6114]

Glad to see you Justin! I am praying for you and your work. I was missing you:)

[@uscitizen3252]

OMG! Welcome back, Justin! Sorry under the controversy, but I hope this means you'll be posting more content!

[@etiennejung8389]

glad to have you back.

[@helenharrison8932]

Christian mum of gay son here. Great to have you back! Thanks so much 😊

[@ibmombo98]

Welcome back Justin!!!

[@SamuelBaerg]

So glad to hear from you again, Justin! Even though it is under less than optimal circumstances. God works through all things. Continue to shine your light and extend grace to those you engage with, but more importantly love well. You are doing a great thing, but more importantly a great thing in Jesus' name. May the Lord continue to bless you with compassion and mercy, that same compassion and mercy He has poured out on us. It think of this passage in this situation: Mark 9:38-41. Greetings from Canada!

[@MusicalRaichu]

I wonder if protestantism is the cause of these issues. it shifted the emphasis in christianity from doing the right thing to having the right beliefs. so disagreement in doctrine becomes a challenge to people's faith. it's also responsible for comic book characters. it divided people into "depraved" unbelievers characterized by wrongdoing and "regenerate" believers characterized by holiness. in japanese manga, people are complex. you get to hear the villain's backstory to discover they were motivated by genuine concerns.

[@robsmoar]

I am so happy you are back!! Thank you for your channel, you've been a help for me. I give thanks to the lord for your life. Blessings to you my friend 🇬🇹❤

[@DanA-dx8gl]

Welcome back Justin! It's interesting how you bring up the mentality of heroes and villains with people we know. Since reading your book Torn and listening to your channel, you gave me so much hope as my hero when it comes to reconciling being gay and a Christian. Then I would worry "I hope there's no dirty laundry with Justing that comes out". But that's unfair to you and everyone given how flawed we all are. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@sethwilliams1901]

I'm so pumped to see a new video Justin!!!!

[@jefaljone]

So glad you’re making videos again.

[@WillsM85]

Thank you ❤

[@codyrichard9698]

I want to be your friend. So much respect for this!

[@lorettacrooms4398]

This was great! Welcome back. So when is the next video?

[@naomimckinnell8881]

Yay! You're back!

[@kikithepupper6774]

Yay Justin you're back!

[@davidmachemer1015]

Missed your important voice, Justin. Used one of your videos (on the clobber passages) to help me tell my mother that I have changed my view on LGBTQ folks in the church (and I am the Bible scholar of my family). Was also blessed with the chance to leverage my white/straight/male privilege to yield my position of leadership in the church to an equally qualified lesbian member. You've been an important part of my journey, thanks!

[@drosprey]

well said!

[@veggiet2009]

I did not realize Andy Stanley was so compassionate... I've looked into several speakers and I find a similar message from all of them, and so I had never gotten to him

[@veggiet2009]

Compassion-leaning Should be a phrase

[@Angelica-ix3bl]

I can't explain how much good you do through these videos, you actively bring people to Christ and there's nothing better than that. Thank you, thank you, thank you, infinitely. 💞

[@angelqueen9352]

Welcome back, Justin. You have always been a big part of my journey as a mother. You always say the right things. A breath of fresh air. Thank you and please stay!

[@Pro-j4q]

WELCOME BACK!!!!

[@Cherubim2010]

We have been made to feel like the lepers of society, the outcasts… yet Jesus would leave his 99 to go find that one prodigal son or daughter. Jesus loves us unconditionally - you are unique and beautiful LGBTQIA+ God makes no mistakes you were wonderfully and yet fearfully made in his image.

[@nancyeurell6040]

As always Justin-brilliant! So happy to hear from you again!

[@dwaynegrobinson4125]

Thank you Justin. I appreciate you so much.

[@HELENGORDON-f2t]

God bless you

[@C.A.Nsistersministry]

Hi my names Natalie. I really appreciate how open you are about your faith and the challenges that you face. I was wondering, could you make a video about mental illness and some of your thoughts or experiences with that topic?

[@GeekyJustin]

Thanks! I've got a video on the way that touches on mental health, and I'm certainly happy to do more on the subject if there's interest.

[@sethwilliams1901]

Your voice during these divided times is sooooo neeeded!!

[@melaniexoxo]

So happy youre back Justin. I refer so many discouraged gay Christians to your channel. God bless and keep you

[@er.mannov5735]

Hey, Justin and hello from Switzerland😊 Thank you for sharing. It takes wisdom and maturity to handle tension well. There’re not many people who follow this path. Thank you for inviting anybody to a nuanced view and conversation about dividing topics. Let‘s put the Children’s Movie Mindset aside! All the best!

[@alexathegr8]

Your back 😍😍😍

[@lukebaskin6924]

I’m so glad you’re back!

[@JethroGrantOfficial]

Brilliantly said, Justin. Love you, brother.

[@JasonRezek]

Love the work you are doing keep it up

[@dayana3357]

Hi Justin… I’m so glad you’re back. I remember writing you an email when I was in my early 20’s trying to figure out my sexuality and your response was one I never thought I’d get. I’m so grateful that I stumbled on your channel and I hope to continue having conversations with you.

[@KennyVert]

Been a hot, damn, minute, Justin Lee. I was worried about you for the longest time, so, happy to see you looking well! Curious to see what will happen with Andy's church.

[@jpsmith81]

I've missed you.

[@patternscribe]

Eloquent and we'll-spoken as always 😀 I hope you and yours are doing well 😊🌻

[@donj2222]

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective! 4 games in the background!

[@GeekyJustin]

Good eye! I’ve got all sorts of Easter eggs back there 😉

[@endswithme555]

Justin.,, I’m a gay Christian and your book Torn and KZbin channel has confirmed the choice I made to come out to myself earlier this year Your voice is needed. Keep the content coming! Can you also talk about your marriage and how you became okay with moving from talking about your understanding about same sex love and marriage to living it out in real time

[@evelynbarton6349]

You are in my prayers ❤

[@thestorywewanttotell]

So beautifully expressed! Thank you!!!

[@k.w.7412]

Thank you for returning! 😊

[@ReasonQuest]

Hi Justin. I'd never heard of you until about 20 minutes ago when I started listening to this video. I'm a gay man; was married to a woman for 25 years... was a conservative evangelical. Devout. I left the faith when I came out, and I divorced. I don't find much value in religion anymore. I have to thank you for your reasoned presentation here. As one who wants people to listen to my perspective, I also want to be open to them. This video is compelling, AND it makes me look inside to see what kinds of things I hold that might need reconsideration. Thank you. So much.

[@nealdavis7276]

I love the Mega Man shirt!

[@windblownbooks6011]

I'm so glad you're back and doing okay (well, minus the unfortunate controversy). I loved your point about the children's movie mindset, so true about the times we live in.

[@kittenchxb8206]

Amen : )

[@lorenrosser9702]

Hi Justin, I recently discovered you on KZbin and I must say, I am so impressed! I've been enjoying your videos. You have such a good heart and I love your passion and patience for peacemaking. Thank you for showing Jesus to the world through being who you are and doing what you do!

[@GreatGrannyFreeBird]

glad you're back.

[@djpodesta]

I usually stay away from sensitive or controversial topics, but I am glad that I came across your message. Please always remember that when Jesus taught that we are to love our enemies; he actually meant that we were not to have any enemies. Regarding the body of the church, we all have a disqualification, whether hidden or open, through action or attitude. While I cannot agree with the topic at hand, we are all adults and must follow our own conscience. How can we disallow another to choose what they feel is right for them, when we ourselves would protest if another tried to impose their conscience decisions upon us? There are always two sides to the same coin. Meaning, while everybody must be allowed to follow their own conscience, we must also, never try to persuade or influence another to follow our convictions; unless by mutual agreement; without the strings of guilting the other if they refuse further inquiry. I am not alluding to any sensitive or controversial topic in particular. Controversial topics also cover things like church denomination choices, the choice of particular bible translations, where we stand with regards to the ‘eucharist’ or baptism. Whether or not we choose to keep the Sabbath, use of alcohol or cigarettes. I would go so far as to include one’s personal views on the nature of Christ; (not that I am unorthodox in that belief) Our private convictions are just that. Private. God knows our heart. I smoke cigarettes, but would never light up in an environment where I may cause unnecessary angst. I also wouldn’t take my beloved NIV to a King James only meeting. As long as we don’t enter one house as a guest and try to rearrange the furniture more to our liking without prior consent. This is almost an impossible task without continual prayer and submission to the basic teachings as found in the Gospels alone. At the same time, *if* our conscience does leads us to believe that the Gospels are indeed our manual for Holy Living; that is, the teachings attributed to Jesus through the gospels that we know as Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; there is a clause that speaks about repentance; again, regardless of where we may consciously fall short of what we as individuals consider to be the ideals of Christ. That is between an individual and God, as we allow the Holy Spirit to engage with our spirit/convictions; unless we seek further assistance from a trusted party. The only public display of allegiance to Christ is water baptism as far as I am aware. The rest; inner renewal (repentance) comes through continual/regular prayer to God; along the lines of what we call the Lords Prayer, choosing to love God and love your brother/sister (inside and outside the church) as you love yourself. The outward manifestation of ‘inner renewal’ is an unquenchable willingness to help others and share the Gospel in both action (first) and verbally where invited; again, without forcing others to share your intellectual views. Once the Gospel has left our lips, the rest is between the listener and God. But; we cannot become disheartened if our efforts are not received. Our journey is between us and God. Again; an almost impossible task without continual prayer. At the end of the day, we are all children of God and as such, we are to enlist discernment regarding our own walk. Not judgement from or toward others so that they/we feel justified in their/our own faith. Thanks for presenting your story and I wish you every spiritual blessing as you help families to realise that their personal convictions are not a hindrance to Godly love through mutual understanding.

[@Geenster0128]

You brought up some good points. I think ppls concern about Andy Stanley is that his empathy will lead/ has led to affirmation. That he doesn’t seek to help steer ppl away from sin bc he is too empathic.

[@rtjahyadi7868]

So happy to see You again Justin ❤

[@Goondoon1972]

Wonderful point.

[@tvmasterc]

Maybe you should wear a red letter 'G' on your shirt. LOL! God bless you!

[@markie10ful]

Thank you!