Shamed: How The UMC contributed to my son's death

I came across this story a day or two ago and it is heartbreaking. As I sat and continued to read, tears of sadness came forth and then anger. No child (or family) should ever have to endure what is highlighted in this piece. There is a saying that has been attributed to the late Christopher Hitchens, "Religion poisons everything. As well as a menace to civilization, it has become a threat to human survival." I believe this story bares that thought out all too well.

After reading through this, a thought kept coming to mind, this youth pastor is deeply conflicted with his own sexuality. I would also bet that his invective was really aimed toward his own self-hatred and self-loathing; something taught by his church. It is for that reason I find religion so very dangerous as it is a learned response, one that is taught with impunity:

"The UMC has a Book of Discipline that states: The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Now, I have a question. Did this youth pastor behave in or out of the culture created by the words in the United Methodist Book of Discipline? I think he behaved in line with our Book of Discipline. (Sin, unworthy, undeserving, not comfortable around you, going to hell-words that delivered the message that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching!)"

What troubles me is the paragraph immediately following, and why I firmly believe that one can not separate the man made dogma of a church from (denominational) interpretations of the Bible.

"I however, do not, believe that The UMC would knowingly sanction such ignorance and abuse. Of course no one intended for this to happen. Many people have grieved for my Ben. Still, our Methodist messages are contradictory and confusing. Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds... but our message is that a gay person does not measure up to Christian teachings? This confusion opens the door to hurtful situations."

Yes the UMC would knowingly sanction such abuse, it's in their Book of Discipline, where do you think this asshate youth minister learned it? He believed he was doing the work of the church and mom just defended that religious dogma.

I do hope that this mother and family are able to heal from the wounds inflicted not just by their church, but by society as a whole. Too many times this story is played out quietly, without any of us knowing. I applaud this mom for coming forward and baring her soul, it takes much courage to do so!!

“Violent, irrational, intolerant, allied to racism and tribalism and bigotry, invested in ignorance and hostile to free inquiry, contemptuous of women and coercive toward children: organized religion ought to have a great deal on its conscience.” ― Christopher Hitchens, God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything

Shamed: How The UMC contributed to my son's death