Religion Plus CDing:Does it work for you?

[Mirragea]

I would say that I don't have a particular allegiance with any organized religion but try to be spiritual(pondering on our existence).At times I feel agnostic and sometimes atheist maybe even a little new age.But Now I mostly draw more questions than answers from many faiths.Since CDing is now a recognized part of my life I'm lead to wonder how others CD/TG lifestyle blends with religion? Are they in conflict?:Punch:Have you chosen another path to resovle it?Maybe even CDing has opened you up to be more spiritual ?:evilbegonPerhaps you just said "ahhh screw it !""This is it!"


Did you have a spiritual compromise or did it die?The killer......Crossdressing:think:

thanx 4 readin

[Angela Burke]

aahh screw it !
this is most definitely it !

Love Angela XX

[Mx Justina]

In Buddhism you have something called "choosing the Middle Way" which could be utilised for finding some internal balance... With goals such as Enlightenment, and at some further point Nirvana. Buddhism is non-gender centric (particularly as compared to Judeo/Christian/Islamic philosophies)... So, all in all, a good ages-old philosophy for someone who identifies with Androgyny (like myself for example).

J.

[Phoebe Reece]

I and my wife have no personal or theological conflict between my crossdressing and our Christian faith. We are both very active in our church, doing a lot of volunteer work there, and serving on various committees. I am certain though that a number of other members would have a problem if they knew about this side of me. I will not out myself at this church, as I do not think it would serve any useful purpose, and such an action would create problems for my wife and other family members.

[Tiffy]

I believe in the heavens above. But religion or no. I do not want any excuses for what I have done. So if it wrong by religion then so be it. If it meant I was going to the place below for doing what I do. The so be it, burn away baby. Because this is me and there is nothing out there that can make me any other way. So I will ride it out and see where I land. Sorry about the rant. I am a yank from up north and now live in the bible belt. thanks for letting me vent.

Kisses, April

[JocelynG]

I am taking the "aww screw it" approach. The more I tried to stop the more unhappy I would become until I realized that this is a part of who I am and to destroy it would destroy me. So they were in conflict at one time but not anymore

[emmicd]

I am a firm believer in God and Jesus and feel the need to be more religious. I have fallen away from the church but do feel the need to get back and restore my faith.

As far as the cd'ing, I don't believe it to be offensive but just a manifestation of who we are. If we believe and confess our sins and hold on to our belief and maintain our spirituality then I believe we are truly on the right path.

Emmi

[Emily Ann Brown]

I confess my last 3 1/2 years as a CD have caused a great internal struggle where my faith in God was concerned. However every time I wondered if my God had turned His back on me because of the clothes I was wearing He showed me in mighty ways that He has not left me at all. So I guess I'm stronger than before and my faith is intact and more precious to me than ever.

And I thank Him for Karren and Lauren, who he has spoken through to me more than they will ever know.


Sister Emily Ann

[Stephanie]

I myself have no particular allegience to any organized religion although I was raised a Christian. I have never really got into practicing religion in any kind of meaningful way, although I believe that it laid the groundwork for some of my own personal spiritual, moral, and ethical views but none of the churches I attended encouraged or promoted the kind of hatred and/or intolerance that I see exhibited way too often nowadays by people claiming to represent Christianity. As a result, I never really struggled with any kind of moral, ethical, and/or religious conflicts in regards to my crossdressing, especially since: a.)Crossdressing is not listed as a "sin" in any parts of the Bible (at least as far as I know anyway) b.)Crossdressing does NOT (inherently) harm anybody or anything in any way, shape, or form. As such, no conflicts here.

[samanthajay]

if its a sin then i pry that god forgives me. he is cool like that :D

[Imogen_Mann]

I saw the following quote (or similar)... it sums up my view of religion.

"I stopped believing in god the same day I realised they had lied to me about the tooth fairy and father christmas"

I have spiritual thoughts... in so much as, I believe all living things have a spirit... and I also know, there's a lot I dont understand about it.

I like the expression (regarding the meaning of life).. I slink therefore I am.

XX

Jayme

[Sandra H]

I would not think that cross-dressing is a sin because it is human society that has over the years determined how we dress in both fashion and gender. Not Gods instructions.

I was born and brought-up a Catholic, but like many the world over have stopped attending the church. The reason is many fold, but one is the hypocritical people who tend to run the church both priests and lay people. Phoebe said that she would not out herself at her church because of the fear of the reaction of the church members. Well we are told and I believe that God loves us for who we are. It’s just a pity that those who have elected themselves, as church elders are not as loving and understanding as the God the say they represent. Just then maybe more people would attend and the churches would have more than small-minded bigots attending them.

[Sharon B.]

I was born and brought-up a Catholic, but like many the world over have stopped attending the church. The reason is many fold, but one is the hypocritical people who tend to run the church both priests and lay people. Phoebe said that she would not out herself at her church because of the fear of the reaction of the church members. Well we are told and I believe that God loves us for who we are. It’s just a pity that those who have elected themselves, as church elders are not as loving and understanding as the God the say they represent. Just then maybe more people would attend and the churches would have more than small-minded bigots attending them.


I too was rasied Catholic and have stopped attending church. I believe in in Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
But just because you go to church and know the bible does not make you a christian, it may help, but I believe being a christian comes from the inside of you, how you treat and respect people of all faiths not just your own.
I wasn't put on this earth to judge people in what I think is right as some would say what I do to relax and enjoy life. When I give to or make a donation it not about how much I can deduct off of my taxes it because that is what I want to do to me that is being a christian.
As long as I believe in God I feel he will take care of me, for every right you can find in the bible you can also find something something differant in the bible. If you must quote something quote the whole meaning not just one word or sentence to suit your needs.

[MarinaTwelve200]

I have no problem with it, and I consider myself a good METHODIST. The Bible says nothing against CDing anyway----Save for purposes of "Deception" to break laws---such as a guy disguising himself as a female to get into a womans tent or a woman dressing as a man to get into the inner part of the temple where women arent allowed anyway.

Hey, I was a big hit last Halloween, dressed as a gypsy fortuntelling lady at out adult sunday school class HALLOWEEN Party. No crazy "devil worship" associations with us. Just common sense and fun.

--- Unlike Catholics, we Methodists follow what the bible says (or does not say)--not the words of ill- informed preists. After all, the Bible is all we really have we can be sure of, and even that must be constantly re-interpreted in the light of new knowledge we gain about the world. As opposed to the "Fundimentalists" who stick to interpretations made centuries ago, based on knowledge available at those times. And the "screwball" religions who might hang everything on one obscure verse--and make up stuff out of thin air---Snake kissing anyone?

I find that people who have trouble with religion usually were raised in a fundie or "screwball" christian church, (or none at all) and dont know what real religion is all about. Joining a good "mainstream", Protestant Church, Like Methodisim, Episcopal, Luthern or (some) Baptist congregations, and attending sunday school is a good cure for that.

[MsEva]

Both my wife and I are very involved in practicing our religion. We attend a local Catholic church and are in many ministries there. Is there a disconnect between religion and crossdressing? Perhaps if the dressing takes over all aspects of my life. It is just a part of me..it doesn't define me. I would not want to be out to my church or many people because it is a private thing. I don't think that many people would out themselves with many problems because it isn't directly involved with their worship..MHO

[Lawren]

I haven't been active in the forum for a while but just recieved a private message and found I couldn't resist the "bait" :)

As for the question of religion vs. crossdressing, well, that's a tough one for me. My background: I was somewhat active in Sunday school at a Christian church as a child. Became a member of a Southern Baptist church as an adult. I am a believer in God and try to live my life accordingly but not fanatically. I do not try to live "by the letter" of the Bible but have read it through several times. I know of only one passage of scripture that states that crossdressing "is an abomination to the Lord". Is it "sin" or not? I'll leave that to your interpretation. In all my experience in church I do not believe I ever heard one sermon denouncing crossdressiong as a sin. However, as it applies to my life there seems to be a definite correlation between crossdressing and the most troubled times of my life. Is God withdrawing His blessings from me because of my crossdressing? Again, you interpret that how you wish. On the other hand, scripture also says, (paraphrased), "Take no thought of clothes. Consider the lillies of the field..., ...and even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed as well as these".

Well, that's the brief "sermon" from me. Again, I am not trying to shove the bible down your throat. That's just not my thing. This is all just personal opinion and experience. I have a lot of difficulty getting it all straight in my head at times. Maybe it would help me if I could get a GG into my life but that seems to be an insurmountable obstacle.

Ok, no more meloncholy. That's my thoughts on the question at hand.

Lawren

[insearchofme]

I am Catholic, born and raised, left and came back. As another poster said I am quite unhappy about the abuse by priests but I understand that all churches are made up of human beings and there for are imperfect.

As far as CDing is concerned I was told by a priest that God dosen't play games with your sexuality. We were not talking about CDing at the time but I think this applies. My personal view is that God gave me this gift of both a male and female nature. How I use it is up to me. As long as I embrace it and don't let it interfer with the other aspects of my life it's OK.

[Stephenie]

As a Christain I struggled at first with this issue. But I believe that God love sme and sent his son to save me, not from Cding but from death.
We live in a fallen world, the way it was set up to be is not how it is now. I believe that as time goes on things that were supose to last forever are wearing out. As our DNA is mixed around at conseption and by virisus things that were not supose to happen are happening. This is why we are seeing women and men in the wrong bodies. God knows this is happening and why. That he still loves us and cares about us is amazing.

that I feel there are seperate parts of my and that they both need to be expressed is not a sin. God loves me and I him. And one day I will be complete and he will still love me.

[RobynP]

As a Catholic active in my church, there is no issue or conflicts with cding. Crossdressing is not "sinful"... Of course, if one crossdresses to hide their identity to rob a bank, that would be a problem... robbing the bank, that is... (The feds wouldn't like that very much either...)

Robyn P.

[bulmabriefs144]

The only place I read in the Bible that has anything to say about the issue is Deuteronomy. It says that "a woman must not wear man's clothes, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this." There are true problems with regarding this as sin. First, Deuteronomy also advises against mixing fibers, which is now done, as is women wearing men's clothes. Second, this and homosexuality are regarded as abominations. Meaning they are not sins against God, they are a shame against oneself. If you can live with shame, you can live with it anyway.

This gives me such a headache, I decided instead to become either Taoist or Taoist-Christian. The stance is easy, so long as you are being natural (true to yourself), this may allow for you to embrace the Yin side of yourself if done in moderation. In excess, it might turn you over to Yin instead, which would not help balance self. Although, it doesn't allow me to modify myself, so I can't get a tattoo much less a sex change.

[NatalieBliss]

I beleive that as long as you live your life being the best person you can be, it does not matter to god if you wear skirts or jeans.

[anvee]

I was brought up by fundamentalists, so you can imagine the conflict as a young person I went through. Very early I realized that the Bible says anything you want it to, for instance it approves of slavery (Exodus) Jesus says if you don't follow him you will burn forever (that's love) and homosexuality is an abomination. Interesting that a man making love to another man is an abomination, but owning and beating a slave is ok, such is the God of love. I set out on a journey of spiritual enlightenment, taking all the religion courses in college, supplemented with research in depth on all the worlds major religions. The Abrahamic religions (Judaism,Christianity, Islam) all thrive on intolerance. Remember, it is unacceptable to have a religion where the alternative to faith is punishment! That is how you train dogs, not develop humans. Buddhism is much more tolerant, but again it is a religion more than a philosophy. Being a transvestite, that is in my case being a woman and a man, I am bisexual, so the idea that something is wrong with me is not acceptable, I was born this way and I am a child of the universe, unique and wonderful. I have found following Tao (pronounced dow) to help me with my spirituality and happiness. Not the religion Tao, but the philosophy of Tao, that is of balance and living in harmony with nature and your surroundings. I encourage anyone to look into this, it is a way of life that is compatible with everyone, unless you are locked into religious dogma. remember, religion is just another government, a means of other people to control you. What you read, watch on TV, what you wear, who you associate with, and who you sleep with. As a human being I want to grow everyday, happiness is not a sideline, it is a primary goal. Many in this country want to ban people the joy of marriage to a lifelong soul mate, simply because their God and their religion tell them of a sexual difference. How absurd. Forget about religion and stive for enlightenment and happiness. Hope I haven't gotten carried away, but I see soooooooo many of my sisters in torment, I just had to speak my piece.
XXXXXOOOOOOO
Teresa

[arula]

We only have our selves to live with every day inside our minds. If you are content and have done no harm to your fellow beings, you can lay your head down, and the rest will be rewarding. No guilt?, no conflict?, then you are one with the universe, and religion becomes a vehicle to the next level. Kisses, Arula.

[MaylinJane]

I was raised in a christian household. But I'm not a christian, even when I went to church in the early years of my life I could not find myself in that religion. My mom finially gave up making me goto church when I was nine or so. For me, christianity had something missing and wasn't complete. When I was eighteen I met a man named John. We got onto the subject of religion when sitting around one day with some other guys at the squadron headquarters, when I said "I don't have a religion, there isn't one out there for me. However I have a strong fondness for the norse and celtic mythologies and nature." John said "I'm a wiccan, and it sounds to me that your a pagan." He lent me a couple books and I found my religion, and what I was missing. I was missing the female side. In wicca/paganism there is a god and a goddess who personifiy nature as father sky and mother earth. So in short, my religion accepts that there is both a female and a male side in everything and everyone. So there is no conflict its kinda expected. I guess some people are alittle more one than the other.

May

[Olivia]

No religion for me thanks. I know that organized religion and strong faith are a great comfort for may; if it is for you, then that's great. I have never been able to make that "leap of faith" required for all believers. Maybe there is a universal spirit, perhaps that is a revelation that comes to us all after this life is done. I don't believe in a "grandfatherly", traditional concept of god though. It's easier for me to think that the "god spirit" is within us all, whatever manifestation that spirit might take. Call that more a belief in a personal spiritual realization.

I guess I would fall more into the classic definition of agnostictism; we don't know enough to say there is a god or not. I think organized religion has been the source of so much war, hatred and suffering in the history of this planet. It has been the refuge of so many hypocrites and self-righteous tyrants throughout the long history of humankind. I certainly don't intend to offend or insult those who do believe. That is one's right, to believe or not to believe. I just ask for the same consideration. I don't try to sway other's belief and don't care to be swayed by them either. As for crossdressing, any religious condemnation of that only reinforces my belief that religion has largely served to control people through fear, guilt and uncertainty.

If you need the crutch that faith provides for some, good for you. Use it for good things. I can't pretend to believe; doing that would be so hyprocritical. I try to live a good life, be a good person and treat others as I would like to be treated. That's my spirituality. I would feel that way whether I was a crossdresser or not. Olivia

[Khriss]

-sure- like my PVC Nun costume... "old habit's" realy... :eek: :D xx"K"

[Lauren_T]

I cannot possibly accept the idea that whatever entity (or entities?) that set this unimaginably complex universe into motion would ever spend one quadrillionth of an picosecond concerned with whether or not some members of the dominant species on this particular planet wear a certain configuration of various organic substance arranged on their bodies.
I believe that the very idea is not only infinitely ludicrous, but demonstrates an absolute and total lack of realization of just how far beyond our pitifully limited understanding that 'creating entity', aka "God," actually is.

Or to put it in slightly more 'traditional' terms: The all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful God of Creation cannot possibly be concerned with what we mere mortals put, or do not put, on our bodies. To suggest that is to belittle God. To have the incredible hubris to imagine that our petit, utterly inconsequential concerns with clothing are important enough to merit the attention of the Creator of the Universe is to insult that Creator.




Next!

[Sweet Jeanette]

All I know Know is , I go out in the morning, I walk through the grass, wet with dew, see the green of the trees & grass, feel the Sun on me, sit and smell the fresh air, look at the rabbits and squirrels that come to me for their daily "morning feed" with me, in my yard, before I go to work. --- In the winter, on Christmas night, at midnight, I walk out into the deep snow. I stop in my yard, and look at what the full moon has done to the hard, crusted snow in my yard. --- It has turned my yard into a landscape of beautiful blue-white diamonds! ---What a beautiful sight! - (Elizebeth Taylor could not hope to have more diamonds, than I have at this moment!) ---- Everything about us, is truely, a work of God! --- The squirrels and the rabbits do not care that I might walk to them in a set of 4 inch heels! --- Or, brogans, for that matter! ---When I open my eyes in the morning, and wake up, - to me, that is an act of God! --- I am alive for 1 more day! -- I see Gods works in all my activitys, both good, - and bad! Pity the poor Athiest! - He thinks he/she will have nothing more than blackness to look forward to when they die. --- Pity the rich man, ---who, involved with his money so much, that he/she does not appreciate what is around them, and where it came from! ----And all the others, that don't believe, or understand. ----------- Now, -- I was born and raised Catholic, -Old school, from the 1940s, and brought up in the traditional way, at that time. I was sent to the Catholic academys, Sunday school, etc. ----Long ago, I got away from the church. I will tell you how long ago; ---When the church started having masses in english, instead of latin! ---Thats how long!!! ---I have made my peace with God, since my two life friends passed. I do NOT need a building to worship in, filled with hypocrites. Some do. Not me! -- I am at peace, with the one that is called, "God"! --- I love God! --- I walk among Gods Wonders, every day! --- God does NOT care how I dress!

[Toyah]

I would say that I don't have a particular allegiance with any organized religion but try to be spiritual(pondering on our existence).At times I feel agnostic and sometimes atheist maybe even a little new age.But Now I mostly draw more questions than answers from many faiths.Since CDing is now a recognized part of my life I'm lead to wonder how others CD/TG lifestyle blends with religion? Are they in conflict?:Punch:Have you chosen another path to resovle it?Maybe even CDing has opened you up to be more spiritual ?:evilbegonPerhaps you just said "ahhh screw it !""This is it!"


Did you have a spiritual compromise or did it die?The killer......Crossdressing:think:

thanx 4 readin

Sorry does not work for me at all, but it is good that it can give comfort, shame it causes most global conflict

[Mirragea]

I cannot possibly accept the idea that whatever entity (or entities?) that set this unimaginably complex universe into motion would ever spend one quadrillionth of an picosecond concerned with whether or not some members of the dominant species on this particular planet wear a certain configuration of various organic substance arranged on their bodies.
I believe that the very idea is not only infinitely ludicrous, but demonstrates an absolute and total lack of realization of just how far beyond our pitifully limited understanding that 'creating entity', aka "God," actually is.

Or to put it in slightly more 'traditional' terms: The all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful God of Creation cannot possibly be concerned with what we mere mortals put, or do not put, on our bodies. To suggest that is to belittle God. To have the incredible hubris to imagine that our petit, utterly inconsequential concerns with clothing are important enough to merit the attention of the Creator of the Universe is to insult that Creator.




Next!
Thank you for your comment.
Religions/Faiths throughout the ages have been laced with the idea of a creative entity(entities) interacting with us by controlling/guiding the seemingly minute everyday actions of our life.If the all-knowing,all-seeing,all-powerful God can create the tiniest subatomic partical to a limitless expanding universe then nothing is too small or large to be dealt with.If we are formed by a God then all or our actions in life from xdressing to whatever either belittle or magnify.I'm sure xdressing isn't a big issue compared to war,world hunger,disease...but it is a topic for this population no matter how hubris it may seem.

[Sophie Haworth]

Cross dressing is an issue for those of us who are Christians

"for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this".

It is there in black and white, but why did the writer put this in?

I am not sure it is the clothes that is the problem.

As it was put earlier, it may well be that God does not care if we wear high heels, skirts etc.

I think it is the ramifications of our actions, and the bond of love that can be broken, not the bond of love between God and us, he will always love us, but the bond of love between people we love and those who love us.

It is heartbreaking to read some of the posts of those where love has been lost forever because of what we do, you may say it is a lack of understanding by the other party, but in a lot of cases, it is the fact that we have been deceitful and have lied about what we do and broken a trust.

To say what we do does not harm anybody is not always true, loved ones can be hurt and that is harm enough.

God does want us to be happy, but not at any cost.

We can be very selfish when we are in the dressing mood, nothing else really matters, except the pleasure it give us.

What of the teacher, who is a paedophile, God also wishes this person to be happy, but at the expense of abusing a child?

An adulterer, to be happy, means destroying a bond of love, not just the husband and wife, but the families and relatives who will all be badly hurt.

The addict, who gets pleasure getting drunk or high, drives his car into a bus stop of children, causing grief and great sadness.

I think the most important thing in life is love for each other and there is nothing more powerful.

I believe that the love of cross dressing should not come before Love of people we care for, and care for us.

For Christians and non-Christians, this is a lovely passage from the bible.

1 Corinthians 13 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=13&version=31&context=chapter)

God Bless

[Sexy Nikki]

I believe that God does not care what I do as long as my attention is alway on him and I am willing to go through what ever happens in my day to day life with him. If I follow my heart life work out.

Nikki :angel:

[Katie Ashe]

To the best of my knowledge, unless your Jewish, CD'ing isn't breaking and religious rules period. The problem you run into is how people were raised, not everyone is open mind.. God or not. How does it fit in... It's a part of you and me... the way I see it God accepts us for whom we are. Jesus don't care either way... If he don't like your shoes, your going to hell in wooden boots, iron bra, and a poison ivory loin cloth :p

[MarinaTwelve200]

To the best of my knowledge, unless your Jewish, CD'ing isn't breaking and religious rules period. The problem you run into is how people were raised, not everyone is open mind.. God or not. How does it fit in... It's a part of you and me... the way I see it God accepts us for whom we are. Jesus don't care either way... If he don't like your shoes, your going to hell in wooden boots, iron bra, and a poison ivory loin cloth :p

I dont even Know if it against Jewish law----Crossdressing sems to be THE big thing with young adult men and boys on the "Jewish Halloween" day of "Purim" I even read a story from the jerusalem post from a letter where a mother describes Dressing her sixth grade son as a sexy "kevetch" (Tart) with a miniskirt, lepard spot leotards and high heeled boots and makeup. She was quite proud of her work. I envy the kid :D

[racquel]

The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.
Notice it does not say what type was made for each,they may have been identical? :eek:

[Karren H]

Since I classify myself as an agnostic, believing that there may be something out there but not knowing if it's what everyone else believes it to be, I have no conflict at all! Maybe it's the engineer, the logical thinker that questions what can't be seen? As Red Green put it, those 3 little words that men find so hard to say! I don't know!!! hehehe I do know what I love to do, dress!!!!!

Luv Karren

[Marlena Dahlstrom]

I dont even Know if it against Jewish law----Crossdressing sems to be THE big thing with young adult men and boys on the "Jewish Halloween" day of "Purim"

I believe Katie Ashe was referring to Deut. 22:5, which is part a number of Old Testament rules that Christians believe were superceded by the New Testament. (I'm an atheist myself, so I'm only relating what I've heard in other discussions.)

Deut. 22:5 has been the subject of a rabbinical discussion about it's intent, which a number of rabbis discounting it as a prohibition against cross-dressing, in part citing the acceptability of cross-dressing during Purim.

[Gunda]

Hi.
I was raised with no particular religious tradition to speak of but did attend a private Lutheran grade school and later two years of Catholic high school before deciding to take my GED and move on to College. At both institutions there were all kinds of people - including those who absolutely loved the idea of a vengeful Abrahamic God and those that did not. I identified with those in the latter group though.
Can't say CDing was ever brought up in Grade School as the school was quite sheltered even for the late 80s early 90s - my experience seems to jibe with how my parents described grade school in the '50s - so such a subject was simply avoided as too risque.
Catholic school was much the same way. These topics were avoided. Slightly less fire and brimstone than Lutheran school although one of the jocks there was suspended a day for wearing a dress close to Halloween - the principal acussed him of CDing (which was true).
I have long thought along the lines of Deist thought that God, Supreme Being, whatever it is if it even exists, is much a much less active agent in human affairs than some think and what people choose to wear is definitely not on His/Its list of priorities if anything is.
I resented the viewpoint of the "bully pulpit beater" people in Grade School and saw myself as an implacable enemy of organized religion - though not of individual religiosity or expression per se - at quite an early age. My experience with a kind, sophisticated, funny, fair, yet committed Christian female teacher in fifth grade, changed my evaluation of people in organized religion as individuals. I got to know both she and her husband, a Lutheran minister, quite well at the time, as did my family. I still continue to see organized religion as the inspiration for much that is bad in the world but also realize now that religious affiliation is like nationality - there are good people and bad people. There those who truly "live" their beleifs and there are those who pay lip service to them only or use religion to radicalize others, gain power, or embolden frightening causes.
I don't categorize myself as of any particular beleif although I see alot of good in several traditions - I suppose I identify most strongly with certain elements of Theravada Buddhism but don't see eye-to-eye with every one of its teachings either. Either way what I beleive doesn't affect my CDing and I was fortunate to be raised with common sense morals if not with a set religion.

Thanks All,
Gunda

[Joan of Art]

Hello Girls, I've been away a long time, not gone, just very busy and I finally found the time.
I believe a lot like Katya and Sexy Nikki do. I have prayed in the morning, with my sexy sandals, panties and peach tank top and said, "Here I am, it's me; all of me", and I smile and turn the day over. When I first was investigating my new gurlie awarenesses, someone said, "As long as you don't hurt yourself or someone else, more power to you". So I am so glad I can share who I am with my Higher Power and it's a wonderful thing; and I know we have a good laugh together as I explore my feminine side with HIM/HER....The Almighty....as Sexy Nikki put it, I don't think He cares and I totally believe that He accepts me based on our relationship together. Yes, Katya, it is wonderful and I too, feel lighter about my life and I'm gaining more confidence as I go along. Thanks Katya and Sexy Nikki for putting so perfect. At least for me. And after all it's about me...JUST KIDDING :)

Keep smiling GIRLS,
Joan

GKA :)

[RachelB.]

After reading many of the posts here I think many are confusing religion and christianity. My being a christian comes from my faith in god and his grace which has forgiven my sin. Religion is the format or group you chose to worship with.

My crossdressing caused me a lot of anguish and concern for a long time. I felt it conflicted with my faith. God uses all things for good and has given me the opportunity to witness to several ladies whom I never would have met if I wasn't a crossdresser.

Let's add a new line of thought. During the time most of the scriptures were written everyone wore robes or long flowing garments to facilitate air flow and for personal comfort. It was only later when riding horseback or on other beasts of burden that pants became considered men's attire. One school of thought teaches that women were allowed to ride along with the possesions on beast of burden and fashioned pants and started the trend of wearing them when riding.

My faith in God has seen me through my son's near fatal motorcycle wreck, my daughters cancer, and my mothers unexpected death last year. I hate to think I had no one to turn to for the comfort and support my God and my church gave me while and during her funeral. I rest easy at night knowing that my eternity is assured and I'll spend it rejoicing in Christ.

I don't post a lot because I often feel I have nothing to add to the conversation but I read the posts often. This subject caused me a lot of personal turmoil and I hope I can help someone come to the realization that God made us this way for a purpose. I may not understand it know but I will someday.

Love

RachelB

[Priscilla1018]

Hm Seems one of my posts got deleted.I will try again.I was raised in the Episcopal faith.My wife was raised Catholic.At this time in our lives we do not belong to any organized religion.
I truley believe that God does not hate us for crossdressing,Jesus does not hate us,he loves all of us.I had a long discussion one night with my Born Again brother in law about the church accepting homosexuals,which my church did.All he could do was repeat the Bible passage of Man lying down with Man.Yes,I am familiar with that passage,can't quite remember where it is now.My arguement was that our Savior loves us all as little children and will judge us on far more important things than that on Judgement Day.
In Native American culture there is what is called Two Spirits meaning that we have both a male and a female spirit within us as CDs.This is the best description I have ever heard.They acknowledge two spirits and honor us.
There is another thing called Following The Red Road,this is nothing more than The Golden Rule.We all follow the red road,this is not an easy road,there are many temptations and other paths crossing the red road,it is easy to get lost.Yet we try to find our way and continue to follow the red road,it is honorable,we stay on it until we cross the river(die) at which time we join Creator.
Neither my wife nor I are Native American,we have many friends that are.I am thinking of going to a Native Church in the future.I agree more with their beliefs than I do traditional religeous beliefs as practiced in the world today.There have been too many people killed in the name of religion than all the disease and plagues in this world.I am trying to follow THE RED ROAD.