What is Anchored to Love?
To many, I am a walking contradiction. I am a loud, pro choice, bisexual/queer/pan feminist. I am also Christian woman hoping to one day serve in some form of spiritual leadership. I am painfully aware that many who share the same religion as me believe I would serve better as cautionary tale of "sin" than as a pastor. But I believe I am wonderfully made by God, as are you! It is vitally important that we deconstruct the toxic teachings of our faith, and center ourselves around what never fails: love. By staying anchored to love, I hold Christ as a symbol of justice and compassion. Through the active and moving spirit, we can find God's deepest love is present and accessible to us all. I don't have all the answers. But I am prepared to go on this journey to discover how I can best be the hands of God here on earth. Thank you for being here with me.
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- Sophia
What Do I Believe?
Quick Thoughts
Feminism
Patriarchy is a false God who promises safety in conformity. It asks us to sacrifice our self-wisdom, and deny who God made us to be. While non-men get the hardest blows, all genders are harmed by these teachings. To me, fighting for gender equality is a spiritual practice. We must reclaim the design God created for humankind - not the limitations of two boxes, but power abounding from countless diverse souls showing their true selves.
Abortion
Reproductive healthcare is currently one of the most polarizing issues facing both secular and religious circles. As a Christian, I believe we must look to both scientific and spiritual teachings to determine what is right, allowing different "right" answers for different people. Because of this, I am pro-choice. I believe that people deserve to be medically informed and supported in abortion, birth, or adoption. In turn, I believe we must also provide comprehensive sex education, and support for natural family planning and birth control.
LGBTQ+
Modern anti-queerness is a vicious weed, using any excuse to keep the hate alive. But it all falls apart against the love of God. The truth is that to be queer is to show another miracle of creation, just as beloved and blessed as our cis-het counterparts. LGBTQ+ people deserve inclusion - none of this "Love this sinner, hate the sin" nonsense. Here, queer love, sex, marriage, and truth are fully affirmed.
Purity Culture
Purity culture is one of the darkest traditions I see being passed down as God's will. These teachings gaslights us, saying our flesh is evil and destructive. But I see our bodies as powerful wisdom-holders, deserving respect and autonomy. We all should all listen to our own bodies to learn what we need - monogamy, polyamory, dressing modestly, showing skin, waiting for marriage, having multiple sexual partners, etc.
Religious Pluralism
My faith shapes who I am as a person, guiding me in times of trouble and helping me grow in to the person I want to be. While Christianity is the right fit for me, I recognize many people have similar experiences with other religions. Christianity has an incredibly dark history of persecuting other religions, and that hasn't ended with the 21st century. Here, we will not use Christianity as a weapon against others, but welcome diversity of faith and beliefs.
Fun facts about me
I am a college student majoring in Religious Studies and minoring in Gender and Sexuality Studies.
I have been a vegetarian since I was around 10 years old. I would be vegan if the food plan at my school didn't think that meant only eating Brussels sprouts.
I am a Hufflepuff (Note: I love magic and mystery, not the transphobia from she-who-shall-not-be-named.)
Some of my favorite musicians are Taylor Swift, Dodie, Ben Platt, JJ Heller, Carly Simon, Carole King, and James Taylor.