The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has handled the subject of homosexuality somewhat differently than most mainline denominations by recognizing that that at this moment in history there are substantially differing views held by faithful people. Michael Spencer reviews the Lutheran position. Their full statement on sexuality can be found here.
Dr. Naegeli uses the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument in this blog to examine various ways that individuals and groups handle open conflict. While her focus is on the politics of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the analysis has wide application.
Rick Carter, a PCUSA pastor, imagines a “way forward” in the denominational controversies as he interacts with Barbara Wheeler, former president of Auburn Theological Seminary.
What we most often hear in the debate among Christians related to gay marriage is that those in favor are not faithful to the Scriptures, and those against have no compassion/grace for people. Even NPR’s Barbara Bradley Hagerty’s coverage (May 11: http://www.npr.org/2012/05/11/152466134/same-bible-different-verdict-on-gay-marriage) concludes with the line: “Of course, conservatives say that the best blueprint for God’s kingdom on earth does not spring from what you read between the lines of the Bible, but what you read in black and white.”
Peter Laarman commented: “NPR should be embarrassed to broadcast an ostensibly analytic piece that concludes by giving a free pass to the literalists and by reinforcing the notion that those of us who read the Bible for its core message are really not reading it at all.”
In this blog from Rev. David Lewicki, pastor of North Decatur Presbyterian Church in Decatur, GA, David provides a biblical perspective which should be considered by all who think the case is cut and dried.
One of the main characteristics of the “missional” church is that it is focused outward, rather than inward. Because all churches at some level are inwardly focused, this characteristic is sometimes hard to understand. In this short blog, Thom Rainer talks about inwardly obsessed churches. Helpful.
The Gay Debate: The Bible and Homosexuality — Michael Vines
In this hour long presentation, 21-year old Matthew Vines examines the biblical and theological material related to homosexuality. Matthew presents a fair presentation of the “traditional view” and also presents a biblical and theological basis for quite a different view. Matthew takes scripture very seriously, and his work on this subject needs to be taken seriously, especially by those who think that the case is clear and closed.
(Source: youtube.com)
Tod Bolsinger, Chair of the group that wrote the PC(USA) “Mid Council Report,” reports here on “What Presbyterians Yearn For” across the country.
(Source: youtube.com)
IJM Celebrates 15 Years of Justice (by intljusticemission). Incredible story. So proud to be a part of IJM over the years.
Caine’s Arcade (by Nirvan Mullick). I love examples of imagination and creativity. Now here is a really fun story. Be sure to watch the whole thing (including the credits) and then go to www.cainesarcade.com to see the “rest of the story.”
Dr. Tod Bolsinger has been the chair of the PCUSA General Assembly commission which is recommending deep changes for structuring the denomination. This is the first of a series of videos in which Tod explains the proposals: “Why I Am Staying”
(Source: youtube.com)
“The Hunger Games” has been a huge box office hit, and is here given a theological review by James Harleman. I saw the film last night and found it both provocative and entertaining (in a sort of dark way), but have not yet read the books. I guess they will be on my summer reading list.
(Source: youtube.com)
Ever since the publication of Rob Bell’s book Love Wins last year, there has been a lot of talk about the reality and/or nature of “hell” in the theological blogs. Greg Boyd, who is known for engaging controversial subjects, takes a different slant than might be expected in evangelical circles. His position, which says that any view of hell which includes eternal punishment is not consistent with the Gospel, is much like that of John Stott when he wrote Evangelical Essentials.
“Forget the Church — Follow Jesus” is the cover story in this week’s “Newsweek” by Andrew Sullivan:
“What does it matter how strictly you proclaim your belief in various doctrines if you do not live as these doctrines demand? What is politics if not a dangerous temptation toward controlling others rather than reforming oneself?”
There will be a lot of responses to this one.
Interesting study of data from 2010 from the Cooperative Studies Partnership, a multi-faith group of religious researchers and faith leaders.
About me
Mining missional material (and other interesting things) from the web.
