David W. Shelton, a gay Christian who is pastor of Christian Community Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, was kind enough to let me know about an in-depth series he is writing about Christianity and Homosexuality.
David is meticulously going through the key scriptures that are often used by the religious right to condemn homosexuality. It is some excellent work that is worth taking time to read.
Thanks for the head's up David.
Click here to read David's series on his blog, "Skipping to the Piccolo"
September 17, 2006
Clarifying Where I Stand
Some of the regular readers of this blog have probably followed the discussion between myself, a man who posts as “Stuffed Animal,” and Jerry Maneker. Both of them, particularly Stuffed Animal, have taken me to task for being willing to engage in dialogue with those who feel that homosexuality is a sin. I have found Stuffed Animal’s comments to be driven by a deep, perhaps even visceral, anger at injustices done to him and other GLBT people. He has taken offense to my toleration of anti-homosexual comments on this blog, a view which Jerry appears to share.
I have written that I disagree with an approach that, in my opinion, too closely resembles that of the bigots that cause such pain and draw GLBT people into self-loathing and other negative views of life. The anger that comes across in Stuffed Animal’s comments troubles me and I have commented to him that I don’t feel he’s channeling it in a positive, constructive manner. The response from Stuffed Animal has been that by tolerating views that do not directly and strongly support the place of GLBT people in the Kingdom of God, I am doing a disservice to the community and compromising the effectiveness of my advocacy.
Fair enough. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of how to most effectively advocate equality for GLBT people in politics and the church.
Over on Jerry’s blog, Stuffed Animal continues to write about this blog, dialoging with Jerry. He refers to me as “Rev. Jim” when I am not in fact an ordained minister or have ever claimed to be. My wife is, but not me. No big deal, in fact I took it as a compliment.
He got another fact very, very wrong that has angered me and needs to be corrected lest anyone draw the same incorrect conclusion.
Stuffed Animal posted, “Deep down, I believe Jim accepts the lie that God condemns homosexuality as sinful, and that's why he can't see it for the damaging thing that it is. He thinks that if the Bible bullies will just stop being so virulent, and the Gay activists will just stop being so militant, then we can all find common ground and sit quietly together in church.”
That is simply a load of crap. I was disappointed that Jerry agreed with it since he and I have shared numerous constructive exchanges over the last few months.
It is beyond me how any reasonable person can read this blog and draw that conclusion. Nonetheless, just in case someone else could, allow me to state how I feel very, very clearly.
I believe that all people are equal in God’s eyes regardless of the sexual orientation they are born with. We are equal brothers and sisters who have redemption available to us because Christ sacrificed Himself for our sins. I believe couples of the same-sex should have equal rights to marry just like Brenda and I did. I believe God blesses monogamous, covenant relationships regardless of the genders of the partners. I believe God loathes promiscuity regardless of the gender of the participants. I believe GLBT people need legal protections, not “special rights” to protect their ability to hold down jobs, adopt children, and do anything and everything I can do as a straight person without having to stay in the closet.
My wife, Pastor Brenda, believes the same things. She has ministered to the GLBT community for nearly 20 years and is one of the people who continue to enlighten me about the injustices and ministry needs of GLBT people.
If anyone doubts that I feel this way, please check out anything I have posted on this blog. If you see something I wrote that makes you think Stuffed Animal is right, I would sincerely like to know. Perhaps I misstated something or put it in a way that was not clear, that’s always possible.
Just show me the courtesy of telling me directly, either by commenting on the blog or by e-mail. I’d rather not stumble across negative comments about me on someone else’s blog.
I have written that I disagree with an approach that, in my opinion, too closely resembles that of the bigots that cause such pain and draw GLBT people into self-loathing and other negative views of life. The anger that comes across in Stuffed Animal’s comments troubles me and I have commented to him that I don’t feel he’s channeling it in a positive, constructive manner. The response from Stuffed Animal has been that by tolerating views that do not directly and strongly support the place of GLBT people in the Kingdom of God, I am doing a disservice to the community and compromising the effectiveness of my advocacy.
Fair enough. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of how to most effectively advocate equality for GLBT people in politics and the church.
Over on Jerry’s blog, Stuffed Animal continues to write about this blog, dialoging with Jerry. He refers to me as “Rev. Jim” when I am not in fact an ordained minister or have ever claimed to be. My wife is, but not me. No big deal, in fact I took it as a compliment.
He got another fact very, very wrong that has angered me and needs to be corrected lest anyone draw the same incorrect conclusion.
Stuffed Animal posted, “Deep down, I believe Jim accepts the lie that God condemns homosexuality as sinful, and that's why he can't see it for the damaging thing that it is. He thinks that if the Bible bullies will just stop being so virulent, and the Gay activists will just stop being so militant, then we can all find common ground and sit quietly together in church.”
That is simply a load of crap. I was disappointed that Jerry agreed with it since he and I have shared numerous constructive exchanges over the last few months.
It is beyond me how any reasonable person can read this blog and draw that conclusion. Nonetheless, just in case someone else could, allow me to state how I feel very, very clearly.
I believe that all people are equal in God’s eyes regardless of the sexual orientation they are born with. We are equal brothers and sisters who have redemption available to us because Christ sacrificed Himself for our sins. I believe couples of the same-sex should have equal rights to marry just like Brenda and I did. I believe God blesses monogamous, covenant relationships regardless of the genders of the partners. I believe God loathes promiscuity regardless of the gender of the participants. I believe GLBT people need legal protections, not “special rights” to protect their ability to hold down jobs, adopt children, and do anything and everything I can do as a straight person without having to stay in the closet.
My wife, Pastor Brenda, believes the same things. She has ministered to the GLBT community for nearly 20 years and is one of the people who continue to enlighten me about the injustices and ministry needs of GLBT people.
If anyone doubts that I feel this way, please check out anything I have posted on this blog. If you see something I wrote that makes you think Stuffed Animal is right, I would sincerely like to know. Perhaps I misstated something or put it in a way that was not clear, that’s always possible.
Just show me the courtesy of telling me directly, either by commenting on the blog or by e-mail. I’d rather not stumble across negative comments about me on someone else’s blog.
September 15, 2006
A Republican Who Gets It
John Danforth, a former U. S. Senator who is also an ordained Episcopal minister, has a new book coming out next week, and the web site Raw Story posted a piece excerpting quotes from an advance copy they received.
The book is titled Faith and Politics, and Danforth has some unkind words directed toward the Bush administration (he reportedly was second choice for Vice-President behind Cheney) and the religious right.
Regarding the concept of American being a "Christian nation":
"Some people have asked me whether America is a Christian country. The answer must be no, for to call this a Christian country is to say that non-Christians are of some lesser order, not full fledged citizens of one nation."
Regarding the Republican war (they do love that word, after all) against the GLBT community:
"I believe that homosexuality is a matter of sexual orientation rather than preference," he writes. "Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is, in my view, comparable to discrimination on other civil rights grounds. It is wrong, and it should be prohibited by law.
I think that the only purpose served by the campaign for the amendment (banning same-sex marriage) is the humiliation of gay Americans, advocated by the Christian right and eagerly supported by its suitors in the Republican Party," he adds. "In reality, it is gay bashing."
This sounds like a book worth reading. You can buy it on Amazon.com.
Senator Danforth continues to be a man worth listening to. I pray that some of his fellow republicans are doing just that.
Thanks to PageOneQ for the link.
The book is titled Faith and Politics, and Danforth has some unkind words directed toward the Bush administration (he reportedly was second choice for Vice-President behind Cheney) and the religious right.
Regarding the concept of American being a "Christian nation":
"Some people have asked me whether America is a Christian country. The answer must be no, for to call this a Christian country is to say that non-Christians are of some lesser order, not full fledged citizens of one nation."
Regarding the Republican war (they do love that word, after all) against the GLBT community:
"I believe that homosexuality is a matter of sexual orientation rather than preference," he writes. "Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is, in my view, comparable to discrimination on other civil rights grounds. It is wrong, and it should be prohibited by law.
I think that the only purpose served by the campaign for the amendment (banning same-sex marriage) is the humiliation of gay Americans, advocated by the Christian right and eagerly supported by its suitors in the Republican Party," he adds. "In reality, it is gay bashing."
This sounds like a book worth reading. You can buy it on Amazon.com.
Senator Danforth continues to be a man worth listening to. I pray that some of his fellow republicans are doing just that.
Thanks to PageOneQ for the link.
September 14, 2006
Fear Is Not a Christian Value
One of the primary tactics the Bush administration and his republican allies use to try and bolster their diminishing support is fear. They want us to believe that any policy that disagrees with what they want to do will open the door for another major terrorist attack.
The religious right is taking that cue in their latest campaign to portray their ilk as victims whose right to preach the gospel is being threatened. Tony Perkins, head of the right-wing Family Research Council, used Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich's removal of a member of the Washington area transit board for calling homosexuals "persons of sexual deviancy" as a prime example of this.
As usual, one can not objectively connect the dots in these folks' logic. The board member was a public servant, not a preacher standing at a pulpit. Any rational person knows a public official should not discriminate against any group of people he serves.
I will admit that I have seen some isolated cases where the interpretation of "hate speech" in a worship environment has been stretched further than I would take it, but this is still a very lame basis to strike fear into the hearts of right-wing voters. Anyone who claims that individuals' right to preach the gospel is only manipulating people by twisting and distorting facts.
Those are Christian values either.
The religious right is taking that cue in their latest campaign to portray their ilk as victims whose right to preach the gospel is being threatened. Tony Perkins, head of the right-wing Family Research Council, used Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich's removal of a member of the Washington area transit board for calling homosexuals "persons of sexual deviancy" as a prime example of this.
As usual, one can not objectively connect the dots in these folks' logic. The board member was a public servant, not a preacher standing at a pulpit. Any rational person knows a public official should not discriminate against any group of people he serves.
I will admit that I have seen some isolated cases where the interpretation of "hate speech" in a worship environment has been stretched further than I would take it, but this is still a very lame basis to strike fear into the hearts of right-wing voters. Anyone who claims that individuals' right to preach the gospel is only manipulating people by twisting and distorting facts.
Those are Christian values either.
September 13, 2006
"View of God can predict values, politics"
This story in the USA Today analyzes the early findings in one of the more thorough surveys about religious attitudes and values in the United States in recent memory.
I strongly recommend reading the entire article, but there are some points I want to highlight:
"Sociologist Paul Froese says the survey finds the stereotype that conservatives are religious and liberals are secular is "simply not true. Political liberals and conservative are both religious. They just have different religious views."
"Evangelical" may be losing favor as a way Americans describe themselves. About one in three Americans say they belong to denominations that theologians consider evangelical, but only 14% of all respondents in the survey say this is one way they would describe themselves. Only 2.2% called it the single best term. Top choices overall: "Bible-believing" (20.5%) or "born-again" (18.6%)."
The data shook out most view of God into one of four categories; The Authoritarian God, The Benevolent God, The Critical God, and The Distant God. The articles explains these groupings in some detail. Interestingly, "Those who picture a critical God are significantly less likely to draw absolute moral lines on hot-button issues such as abortion, gay marriage or embryonic stem cell research. For example, 57% overall say gay marriage is always wrong compared with 80.6% for those who see an authoritarian God, and 65.8% for those who see God as benevolent. For those who believe in a critical God, it was 54.7%."
More than one way to view a God--what an interesting concept. That would make it hard to legislate more than the most basic Christian values, wouldn't it, since there is so much disagreement about the very nature of God?
Reasonable minds would think so.
I strongly recommend reading the entire article, but there are some points I want to highlight:
"Sociologist Paul Froese says the survey finds the stereotype that conservatives are religious and liberals are secular is "simply not true. Political liberals and conservative are both religious. They just have different religious views."
"Evangelical" may be losing favor as a way Americans describe themselves. About one in three Americans say they belong to denominations that theologians consider evangelical, but only 14% of all respondents in the survey say this is one way they would describe themselves. Only 2.2% called it the single best term. Top choices overall: "Bible-believing" (20.5%) or "born-again" (18.6%)."
The data shook out most view of God into one of four categories; The Authoritarian God, The Benevolent God, The Critical God, and The Distant God. The articles explains these groupings in some detail. Interestingly, "Those who picture a critical God are significantly less likely to draw absolute moral lines on hot-button issues such as abortion, gay marriage or embryonic stem cell research. For example, 57% overall say gay marriage is always wrong compared with 80.6% for those who see an authoritarian God, and 65.8% for those who see God as benevolent. For those who believe in a critical God, it was 54.7%."
More than one way to view a God--what an interesting concept. That would make it hard to legislate more than the most basic Christian values, wouldn't it, since there is so much disagreement about the very nature of God?
Reasonable minds would think so.
September 12, 2006
Majority Rule is not Always Right
I saw the latest poll on the constitutional amendment on the ballot in Virginia that would ban same-sex marriage (54% for, 40% against, no surprise there) and started thinking.
One of the main selling points those who seek to eliminate any chance of legally recoginzed marriage between people of the same gender is that the majority of the population does not want it. Unlike much of the propaganda put out by the religious right, this statement appears to be true. Voters in 20 states have already ratified similar amendments and several more likely will in November.
That doesn't mean they're right. The right wing uses the "voice of the people" when it supports their policies, but ignores the majority when they are looking the other way, such as the war in Iraq. A popularity contest is not by itself a legitimate value judgement. That's why it is important for those who believe in equality not to give up the fight.
After all, the final call on Jesus' crucifixion was the crowd who called for Pontius Pilate to release Barabbas, in jail for murder, rather than Jesus.
The majority, or sometimes the mob, may rule, but it often misses the mark, seeking its own will rather than that of Jesus.
One of the main selling points those who seek to eliminate any chance of legally recoginzed marriage between people of the same gender is that the majority of the population does not want it. Unlike much of the propaganda put out by the religious right, this statement appears to be true. Voters in 20 states have already ratified similar amendments and several more likely will in November.
That doesn't mean they're right. The right wing uses the "voice of the people" when it supports their policies, but ignores the majority when they are looking the other way, such as the war in Iraq. A popularity contest is not by itself a legitimate value judgement. That's why it is important for those who believe in equality not to give up the fight.
After all, the final call on Jesus' crucifixion was the crowd who called for Pontius Pilate to release Barabbas, in jail for murder, rather than Jesus.
The majority, or sometimes the mob, may rule, but it often misses the mark, seeking its own will rather than that of Jesus.
September 11, 2006
WHOSOEVER: No more enemies
Anyone can return hate for hate, sarcasm for sarcasm, bitterness for bitterness, and ignorance for ignorance. But, if we are in Christ we have been called to a higher walk. We are beloved children of the Almighty God and Christ's Ambassadors. We are held to a higher accountability.
'And Jesus said, "You have heard it said to love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I tell you to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may indeed be the true sons and daughters of your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:43-45 NKJV.
We have been called to be light in a dark world, the reflection of God's love. We are commanded to love the unlovable, forgive, and pray for those that hurt and persecute us; doing good to those who hate us. This is the higher calling. This is real love. This is how we prove that we are true sons and daughters of God.
The by product of living life this way is that, eventually, we live free of all enemies.
'And Jesus said, "You have heard it said to love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I tell you to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may indeed be the true sons and daughters of your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:43-45 NKJV.
We have been called to be light in a dark world, the reflection of God's love. We are commanded to love the unlovable, forgive, and pray for those that hurt and persecute us; doing good to those who hate us. This is the higher calling. This is real love. This is how we prove that we are true sons and daughters of God.
The by product of living life this way is that, eventually, we live free of all enemies.
September 10, 2006
What We Lost on 9/11
The five-year anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks is upon us, and I spent some time this weekend not only reflecting on the fear I had that day but how our lives and our nation has changed since then.
We now live in a nation that is governed by fear. I drive to work every day and see a sign over the interstate telling me to "report any suspicious activity."
We now live in a nation where we are constantly reminded that we are at war. Of course, the nation our troops invaded didn't have anything to do with the attacks that formalized this war and the resources spread paper-thin to fight that conflict are not available to deal with Iran, North Korea, or any other nation that is a geunine threat to our security.
We now live in a nation where dissent or debate that takes a side not in agreement with the current administration is labeled unpatriotic at best, treasonous at worst.
We now live in a nation where God's name is invoked as justification for features of Republican party policies that include bigotry and the consolidation of wealth among rich Republicans.
We now live in a nation where the leaders, both in the political and religious areneas, don't have answers for most of the serious issues facing it's people, like poverty, social security, the price and availability of energy, and global warming. As a result, efforts that should be spent there are diverted to things like preventing same-sex marriage, pushing for prayer in schools, and banning flag burning.
We now live in a nation where torture, indefinite detention of suspects, wiretapping without a warrant, and examination of telephone records are justifited and rationalized, not condemned as something out of a George Orwell novel.
Aren't the major goals of terrorist groups to promote fear and disrupt our society?
Sadly, their efforts are not needed. We've allowed our "leaders" to do that on their own initiative.
We now live in a nation that is governed by fear. I drive to work every day and see a sign over the interstate telling me to "report any suspicious activity."
We now live in a nation where we are constantly reminded that we are at war. Of course, the nation our troops invaded didn't have anything to do with the attacks that formalized this war and the resources spread paper-thin to fight that conflict are not available to deal with Iran, North Korea, or any other nation that is a geunine threat to our security.
We now live in a nation where dissent or debate that takes a side not in agreement with the current administration is labeled unpatriotic at best, treasonous at worst.
We now live in a nation where God's name is invoked as justification for features of Republican party policies that include bigotry and the consolidation of wealth among rich Republicans.
We now live in a nation where the leaders, both in the political and religious areneas, don't have answers for most of the serious issues facing it's people, like poverty, social security, the price and availability of energy, and global warming. As a result, efforts that should be spent there are diverted to things like preventing same-sex marriage, pushing for prayer in schools, and banning flag burning.
We now live in a nation where torture, indefinite detention of suspects, wiretapping without a warrant, and examination of telephone records are justifited and rationalized, not condemned as something out of a George Orwell novel.
Aren't the major goals of terrorist groups to promote fear and disrupt our society?
Sadly, their efforts are not needed. We've allowed our "leaders" to do that on their own initiative.
September 09, 2006
"Christian Progressives Fight for Their Faith"
I'm staying on the theme of the progressive's resistance movement to the attempted Republican party's attempted coup of Christianity.
This is an excellent articlle in the Colorado Springs Independent News Weekly, right in James Dobson's backyard, that tackles this topic in some detail.
Here is one example of the outrage of Christian progressives. That is a label I would happily accept to describe my views, and I share the outrage spelled out below:
"The day after the [2004 presidential] election, Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) pastor Robin Meyers, of Oklahoma City, delivered a fiery speech that excoriated Bush for claiming the Christian faith while acting contrary to its tenets. As examples, Meyers cited a litany of "immoral" behaviors, including prosecuting an unjustified war, giving tax breaks to the wealthy, dismantling environmental protections and using hatred of homosexuals as a wedge issue to turn out evangelical voters. "
Retired Colorado Springs pastor Jim White had this insightful take on the venom that spews from from religious right fanatics:
"The religious right has always been moralistic," White says. "Usually, they've focused on genital sins, but there have been times when other issues dominated — like alcohol, Sunday store closings, divorce. ... But people on the religious right like to shop in Wal-Mart on Sunday, and they like their beer when they watch football, and they get divorced at higher rates than atheists do. So you can't condemn that; it won't sell."
"You can sell something that people are not. You can say, "The problem is outside; it's other than me.' Terrorists, communists, homosexuals, liberals — whatever it may be. But it's someone who's not me."
I feel that instead of trying to solve more globally important social issues, they divert attention because they don't have answers. The religous right is relying on exaggerated fear and base emotions like hatred and bigotry to engergize their base and hide the fact that they really don't have effective policy ideas nor are they being true to the word of God.
Pastor White a take on the issue of homosexuality:
"People who were against slavery were folks who took a broad view of the Scriptures — namely that the witness of Scripture is for freedom, for the release of the captives, for the rights and dignities of people, and love extended to all," White says. "Other people, especially those in the South, read the Bible more literally, and there, the plain sense of the Bible was that slavery is acceptable to God ... "
"So I can say, "Yes, there are these texts which look like they condemn same-sex behavior.' But the greater, larger, stronger witness in Scripture is always on behalf of the oppressed, the outcast, the marginalized. If you want to be faithful to the basic intent of the Scriptures, you've got to be identified with the outsider, and not the power."
The right wing has the power right now and I sure don't want to be identified with them.
There's plenty more in the article I've linked. I strongly suggest you take time to check it out. Thanks to Queer Faith for the link.
This is an excellent articlle in the Colorado Springs Independent News Weekly, right in James Dobson's backyard, that tackles this topic in some detail.
Here is one example of the outrage of Christian progressives. That is a label I would happily accept to describe my views, and I share the outrage spelled out below:
"The day after the [2004 presidential] election, Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) pastor Robin Meyers, of Oklahoma City, delivered a fiery speech that excoriated Bush for claiming the Christian faith while acting contrary to its tenets. As examples, Meyers cited a litany of "immoral" behaviors, including prosecuting an unjustified war, giving tax breaks to the wealthy, dismantling environmental protections and using hatred of homosexuals as a wedge issue to turn out evangelical voters. "
Retired Colorado Springs pastor Jim White had this insightful take on the venom that spews from from religious right fanatics:
"The religious right has always been moralistic," White says. "Usually, they've focused on genital sins, but there have been times when other issues dominated — like alcohol, Sunday store closings, divorce. ... But people on the religious right like to shop in Wal-Mart on Sunday, and they like their beer when they watch football, and they get divorced at higher rates than atheists do. So you can't condemn that; it won't sell."
"You can sell something that people are not. You can say, "The problem is outside; it's other than me.' Terrorists, communists, homosexuals, liberals — whatever it may be. But it's someone who's not me."
I feel that instead of trying to solve more globally important social issues, they divert attention because they don't have answers. The religous right is relying on exaggerated fear and base emotions like hatred and bigotry to engergize their base and hide the fact that they really don't have effective policy ideas nor are they being true to the word of God.
Pastor White a take on the issue of homosexuality:
"People who were against slavery were folks who took a broad view of the Scriptures — namely that the witness of Scripture is for freedom, for the release of the captives, for the rights and dignities of people, and love extended to all," White says. "Other people, especially those in the South, read the Bible more literally, and there, the plain sense of the Bible was that slavery is acceptable to God ... "
"So I can say, "Yes, there are these texts which look like they condemn same-sex behavior.' But the greater, larger, stronger witness in Scripture is always on behalf of the oppressed, the outcast, the marginalized. If you want to be faithful to the basic intent of the Scriptures, you've got to be identified with the outsider, and not the power."
The right wing has the power right now and I sure don't want to be identified with them.
There's plenty more in the article I've linked. I strongly suggest you take time to check it out. Thanks to Queer Faith for the link.
September 08, 2006
"Faithful Democrats" Site Launches
Republicans can be faithful Christians, but faithful Christians don't have to be republicans, no matter how much Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, and Pat Robertson want you to think otherwise.
In an effort to promote that idea, a group of religious leaders, political figures, bloggers, and other "regular Americans" have just started a site called "Faithful Democrats."
Under the section "Who We Are," they posted:
"We don't believe that good Christians have to be Democrats. Nor do we believe that one religion has a monopoly on faith. But we make no apologies for rooting our identity as Democrats in our faith as Christians. That is who we are. And we are eager to act on our beliefs to make the country we love a more just and compassionate place."
Their mission is stated as:
"To provide a Christian-focused, Democratic community online. Through both dialogue and action, readers will be able to put their faith to work for the common good, holding our nation and the Democratic Party to their highest ideals."
Here is an Associated Press story on the site launch.
I applaud the idea and hope that it will attract visitors with open minds who can accept that Christ is not a card-carrying Republican. After all, I think that if Jesus registered to vote in today's world, he would be an independent.
Boy, wouldn't that just frost a lot of the religious right leaders?
In an effort to promote that idea, a group of religious leaders, political figures, bloggers, and other "regular Americans" have just started a site called "Faithful Democrats."
Under the section "Who We Are," they posted:
"We don't believe that good Christians have to be Democrats. Nor do we believe that one religion has a monopoly on faith. But we make no apologies for rooting our identity as Democrats in our faith as Christians. That is who we are. And we are eager to act on our beliefs to make the country we love a more just and compassionate place."
Their mission is stated as:
"To provide a Christian-focused, Democratic community online. Through both dialogue and action, readers will be able to put their faith to work for the common good, holding our nation and the Democratic Party to their highest ideals."
Here is an Associated Press story on the site launch.
I applaud the idea and hope that it will attract visitors with open minds who can accept that Christ is not a card-carrying Republican. After all, I think that if Jesus registered to vote in today's world, he would be an independent.
Boy, wouldn't that just frost a lot of the religious right leaders?
September 07, 2006
"Engaging Ideas"
Let's face it, we all enjoy when someone agrees with us, and I found a column that covers some of the points I stress on this blog.
Here are a couple of points that I thought were particularly strong:
".....my friend remains willing to engage in spirited discourse that constantly challenges his beliefs, something that far too few Christians are willing to do even with each other despite the fact that Scripture calls on us to 'exhort one another daily."
"Christians should absolutely and always endeavor to grow in truth and knowledge. Especially in light of the fact that such intellectual apathy dishonors the Lord and may contribute to a culture of unbelief. The prophet Hosea delivered this charge against apostate Israel, "...my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests..." (Hosea 4:6) Hosea later issues a general warning that, "a people without understanding will come to ruin!" (Hosea 4:14)."
If people applied these principles to understanding the "clobber passages," there would be a lot better understanding of the place GLBT people have in God's kingdon.
Here are a couple of points that I thought were particularly strong:
".....my friend remains willing to engage in spirited discourse that constantly challenges his beliefs, something that far too few Christians are willing to do even with each other despite the fact that Scripture calls on us to 'exhort one another daily."
"Christians should absolutely and always endeavor to grow in truth and knowledge. Especially in light of the fact that such intellectual apathy dishonors the Lord and may contribute to a culture of unbelief. The prophet Hosea delivered this charge against apostate Israel, "...my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests..." (Hosea 4:6) Hosea later issues a general warning that, "a people without understanding will come to ruin!" (Hosea 4:14)."
If people applied these principles to understanding the "clobber passages," there would be a lot better understanding of the place GLBT people have in God's kingdon.
September 06, 2006
Minority Clergy Being Recruited to Help Right-Wing
African-American pastors are being recruited in Virginia by proponents of a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage.
The goal, of course, is to entice the pastors of African-American churches to mobilize their congregations to turn out at the ballot box and vote for this amendment. Remember, Virgnia is the home base of both Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, so there's plenty of right-wing money and influence to go around, but supporters of the amendment aren't taking any chances.
"African-American churches and social conservatives have more in common in our belief system than anyone could imagine," Chris Freund, of the Family Foundation, told a group of mostly black and Latino ministers last month at Pat Robertson's Regent University.
I hope pastors are sharp enough to see through this transparent and very temporary alliance. I hate seeing any group of well-meaning people used, especially in a campaign designed to restrict the rights of a state's citizens.
The goal, of course, is to entice the pastors of African-American churches to mobilize their congregations to turn out at the ballot box and vote for this amendment. Remember, Virgnia is the home base of both Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, so there's plenty of right-wing money and influence to go around, but supporters of the amendment aren't taking any chances.
"African-American churches and social conservatives have more in common in our belief system than anyone could imagine," Chris Freund, of the Family Foundation, told a group of mostly black and Latino ministers last month at Pat Robertson's Regent University.
I hope pastors are sharp enough to see through this transparent and very temporary alliance. I hate seeing any group of well-meaning people used, especially in a campaign designed to restrict the rights of a state's citizens.
September 05, 2006
WHOSOEVER: Learning of Love
Someday, faith will go away. Someday, the need for spiritual warfare will end; intercession will be a thing of the past. When we finally are face to face with the Savior of our souls; when we finally see things clearly and completely; when we are made like Him, all will be perfect. I Cor. 13 paraphrased.
BUT!! We will always have LOVE. We will always need LOVE. Love is stronger than faith, bigger than hope. Love is the greatest eternal force in the universe. GOD IS LOVE!! Love will always exist because God will always exist. God formed the universe and everything in it based on the principles of love.
While we're here on this earth we still need faith. We need it to develop and grow. Our faith won't grow unless motivated by love. Our faith will become selfish and weak without love as it's foundation.
So, doesn't it make sense that we learn as much about this incredible Love as we can, and that we live and practice Its principles? Doesn't it make sense that we should diligently seek to live our lives the way God created them to be lived... in love and faith?
Let's purpose to learn about love - God's love. Before a word is uttered or a deed acted upon let's stop and ask ourselves, "Is this motivated by LOVE?" Our faith is dependent upon it.
BUT!! We will always have LOVE. We will always need LOVE. Love is stronger than faith, bigger than hope. Love is the greatest eternal force in the universe. GOD IS LOVE!! Love will always exist because God will always exist. God formed the universe and everything in it based on the principles of love.
While we're here on this earth we still need faith. We need it to develop and grow. Our faith won't grow unless motivated by love. Our faith will become selfish and weak without love as it's foundation.
So, doesn't it make sense that we learn as much about this incredible Love as we can, and that we live and practice Its principles? Doesn't it make sense that we should diligently seek to live our lives the way God created them to be lived... in love and faith?
Let's purpose to learn about love - God's love. Before a word is uttered or a deed acted upon let's stop and ask ourselves, "Is this motivated by LOVE?" Our faith is dependent upon it.
September 04, 2006
Would Christ Bully Gay Kids?
That might seem like a ridiculous question, but then again, why are some Christian groups trying to protect the rights of straight kids to do just that to gay kids?
Apparently, there is a school of thought that goes something like "toughen them up when they're young and they'll walk the straight and narrow when they're older."
If you have some doubt in your mind about the wisdom of that last statement (I hope you don't becuase I think it reeks of ignorance), then I refer you back to the original question:
Would Christ bully a gay child?
The answer is no, he would show him or her the same unconditional love he shows all the straight kids.
Apparently, there is a school of thought that goes something like "toughen them up when they're young and they'll walk the straight and narrow when they're older."
If you have some doubt in your mind about the wisdom of that last statement (I hope you don't becuase I think it reeks of ignorance), then I refer you back to the original question:
Would Christ bully a gay child?
The answer is no, he would show him or her the same unconditional love he shows all the straight kids.
September 02, 2006
PFLAG begins "Straight for Equality" Campaign
The new national president of Parents, Families, and Friends of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG) announded a new campaign the organization launched last week. Titled "Straight for Equality," they are calling for more heterosexual people to join the fight for civil rights for gays.
Come on, folks, there's plenty of room left on this bandwagon. John Cepek, the new president, said, "I think we're on the right side of history. We're just trying to get it to the tipping point more quickly."
Char Cepek, John's wife and the president of the Illinios chapter of PFLAG, said, "All we want is our law-abiding, taxpaying gay son to have the same civil rights as our law-abiding, taxpaying straight son."
Sound logic like that holds up very well under objective, rational scrutiny.
Come on, folks, there's plenty of room left on this bandwagon. John Cepek, the new president, said, "I think we're on the right side of history. We're just trying to get it to the tipping point more quickly."
Char Cepek, John's wife and the president of the Illinios chapter of PFLAG, said, "All we want is our law-abiding, taxpaying gay son to have the same civil rights as our law-abiding, taxpaying straight son."
Sound logic like that holds up very well under objective, rational scrutiny.
September 01, 2006
Christians Need to Seek Together
I relate a couple of my recent experiences and tie them in with scriptural teaching to make that point in my latest Gay Christian Outreach column.
A truly active and vibrant faith is one where we are all actively learning and teaching. This needs to apply to those whom we have strong disagreements with as much if not more than those people we agree with.
A truly active and vibrant faith is one where we are all actively learning and teaching. This needs to apply to those whom we have strong disagreements with as much if not more than those people we agree with.
August 31, 2006
A New GLBT Ally?
Sometimes your friends, or at least allies, can come from strange places. That could be the case here judging from this interview given by Charles Barkley, former pro basketball player, current NBA analyst for TNT television, and potential Deomcratic candidate for governor in Alabama.
Barkley nas been considering jumping into the political fray in his home state for some years and appears to be inching closer to pulling the trigger. He has switched his party affiliation, saying the Republicans have "lost their minds."
Speaking on religion, he said, "Religious people in general are so discriminatory against other people, and that really disturbs me. My idea of religion is we all love and respect. We all sin, but we still have common decency and respect for other people. So right now I'm struggling with my idea of what religion is."
Regarding gay marriage, Barkley said, "I think if they want to get married, God bless them. Gay marriage is probably 1 percent of the population, so it's not like it's going to be an epidemic." This is an excellent point, differing from those who act like allowing same-sex marriage would bring about the fall of civilization.
He closed with, "When you get elected to public office, you're supposed to represent everybody. Your job is not to take care of the rich or the poor or the black or the white. Your job is to take care of everybody."
I've heard a lot of political rhetoric this year that made a lot less sense than that.
Barkley nas been considering jumping into the political fray in his home state for some years and appears to be inching closer to pulling the trigger. He has switched his party affiliation, saying the Republicans have "lost their minds."
Speaking on religion, he said, "Religious people in general are so discriminatory against other people, and that really disturbs me. My idea of religion is we all love and respect. We all sin, but we still have common decency and respect for other people. So right now I'm struggling with my idea of what religion is."
Regarding gay marriage, Barkley said, "I think if they want to get married, God bless them. Gay marriage is probably 1 percent of the population, so it's not like it's going to be an epidemic." This is an excellent point, differing from those who act like allowing same-sex marriage would bring about the fall of civilization.
He closed with, "When you get elected to public office, you're supposed to represent everybody. Your job is not to take care of the rich or the poor or the black or the white. Your job is to take care of everybody."
I've heard a lot of political rhetoric this year that made a lot less sense than that.
August 30, 2006
WHOSOEVER:
Sometimes the circumstances in our lives can cause us to become confused. Confusion is a frustrating and uncomfortable state of mind to be in. But, confusion can actually be a good thing in the sense that it can be a warning sign to us that something has gotten off track. Being confused can be a great opportunity to take assessment and make some positive adjustments in our lives.
In the Bible the words confused and confounded are often used interchangeably. Here is a definition of both words:
Confounded - confused, befuddled, perplexed, mixed up - implies inability to continue.
Confusion - 1) perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment. 2) lacking orderly continuity. 3) having lost your bearings; confused as to time or place or personal identity. 4) thrown into a state of disarray or confusion; 5) mentally confused; unable to think with clarity or act intelligently.
Also, some or all of the following conditions or situations may be present:
A state of disorder, shame, disgrace, dishonor, confoundedness, reproach, insult, humiliation, disconcertedness, disappointment, chaos, emptiness, instability, bewilderment.
Yet, we need not be consumed by confusion. The Bible offers us a great deal of comfort.
I Peter 2:6 - As it is contained in the scripture, behold, I lay in Zion a Chief Corner Stone, elect, precious; and they that believe on Him shall not be confounded.
Psalm 22:5 - They cried unto You and were delivered; they trusted in You and were not confounded.
Psalm 71:1 - In you, oh Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be put to confusion.
Isaiah 50:7 - For the Lord God will help me; therefore I will not be confounded: for I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
In the Bible the words confused and confounded are often used interchangeably. Here is a definition of both words:
Confounded - confused, befuddled, perplexed, mixed up - implies inability to continue.
Confusion - 1) perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment. 2) lacking orderly continuity. 3) having lost your bearings; confused as to time or place or personal identity. 4) thrown into a state of disarray or confusion; 5) mentally confused; unable to think with clarity or act intelligently.
Also, some or all of the following conditions or situations may be present:
A state of disorder, shame, disgrace, dishonor, confoundedness, reproach, insult, humiliation, disconcertedness, disappointment, chaos, emptiness, instability, bewilderment.
Yet, we need not be consumed by confusion. The Bible offers us a great deal of comfort.
I Peter 2:6 - As it is contained in the scripture, behold, I lay in Zion a Chief Corner Stone, elect, precious; and they that believe on Him shall not be confounded.
Psalm 22:5 - They cried unto You and were delivered; they trusted in You and were not confounded.
Psalm 71:1 - In you, oh Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be put to confusion.
Isaiah 50:7 - For the Lord God will help me; therefore I will not be confounded: for I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
August 28, 2006
"Christian Coalition: A Question of Integrity"
This is a question being asked not by some "liberal media." Instead, Ethics Daily, a Baptist site I link to regularly, is addressing this concern.
Here is the key quote:
"If the Christian Coalition wants to present itself as a Christian group, and invoke the name of Jesus as their standard, then some drastic reform is needed. First of all, disclose funding sources. Faith based non-profits like Alabama Arise and Greater Birmingham Ministries make regular public statements about where their money comes from. Why can't the Christian Coalition do the same thing? In fact, it ought to be a state law. Citizens have a right to know who is funding efforts to affect our state government.
And the CCA needs to decide once for all whether they are a voter education group or a political action committee. Voter education is a worthy goal, but it should be carried out in a non-partisan manner. Candidate surveys should be designed to elicit and present actual information and not just weighted information designed to advance the cause of pre-ordained candidates.
Politics can be a rough and dirty business. The faith community is in a place to make the process better, but not if we get down in the dirt ourselves."
Amen.
Here is the key quote:
"If the Christian Coalition wants to present itself as a Christian group, and invoke the name of Jesus as their standard, then some drastic reform is needed. First of all, disclose funding sources. Faith based non-profits like Alabama Arise and Greater Birmingham Ministries make regular public statements about where their money comes from. Why can't the Christian Coalition do the same thing? In fact, it ought to be a state law. Citizens have a right to know who is funding efforts to affect our state government.
And the CCA needs to decide once for all whether they are a voter education group or a political action committee. Voter education is a worthy goal, but it should be carried out in a non-partisan manner. Candidate surveys should be designed to elicit and present actual information and not just weighted information designed to advance the cause of pre-ordained candidates.
Politics can be a rough and dirty business. The faith community is in a place to make the process better, but not if we get down in the dirt ourselves."
Amen.
August 27, 2006
Harris: Non-Christians Will Legislate Sin
That is the declaration of U. S. Representative Kathrine Harris, representing the Miami, Florida area and, if that wasn't bad enough, currently the Republican nominee for a U. S. Senate seat. Lest you think this is merely something twisted or taken out of context, here is the quote from the Florida Baptist Witness newsletter (the warning bells are already going off, aren't they?).
Q: Why should Florida Baptists care about this election?
A: ".....If you are not electing Christians, tried and true, under public scrutiny and pressure, if you’re not electing Christians then in essence you are going to legislate sin. They can legislate sin. They can say that abortion is alright. They can vote to sustain gay marriage. And that will take western civilization, indeed other nations because people look to our country as one nation as under God and whenever we legislate sin and we say abortion is permissible and we say gay unions are permissible, then average citizens who are not Christians, because they don’t know better, we are leading them astray and it’s wrong. ...
Just for good measure for the readership here, here's another selection from the same interview:
Q: Do you support civil rights protections on the basis of sexual preference?
A: Civil rights have to do with individual rights and I don’t think they apply to the gay issues. I have not supported gay marriage and I do not support any civil rights actions with regard to homosexuality.
I suppose GLBT people don't have any rights in her twisted little far-right wing mind.
Of course, remember this is the paragon of virtue who was Secretary of State in Florida during the 2000 presidential election voting fiasco in the state. There were numerous allegations of conflicts of interest and unethical behavior resulting from the way she handled voting recounts and the certification of the elections.
This from the AOL article I linked regarding her senate campaign:
"State GOP leaders - including Gov. Jeb Bush - don't think she can win against Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson in November. Fundraising has lagged, frustrated campaign workers have defected in droves and the issues have been overshadowed by news of her dealings with a corrupt defense contractor who gave her $32,000 in illegal campaign contributions."
Rep. Harris is not someone who has the moral high ground to say much of anything, but especially where it comes to portraying herself as one who won't "legislate sin." Of course, she didn't specifcally say anything bad about practicing sin in office, now did she?
Q: Why should Florida Baptists care about this election?
A: ".....If you are not electing Christians, tried and true, under public scrutiny and pressure, if you’re not electing Christians then in essence you are going to legislate sin. They can legislate sin. They can say that abortion is alright. They can vote to sustain gay marriage. And that will take western civilization, indeed other nations because people look to our country as one nation as under God and whenever we legislate sin and we say abortion is permissible and we say gay unions are permissible, then average citizens who are not Christians, because they don’t know better, we are leading them astray and it’s wrong. ...
Just for good measure for the readership here, here's another selection from the same interview:
Q: Do you support civil rights protections on the basis of sexual preference?
A: Civil rights have to do with individual rights and I don’t think they apply to the gay issues. I have not supported gay marriage and I do not support any civil rights actions with regard to homosexuality.
I suppose GLBT people don't have any rights in her twisted little far-right wing mind.
Of course, remember this is the paragon of virtue who was Secretary of State in Florida during the 2000 presidential election voting fiasco in the state. There were numerous allegations of conflicts of interest and unethical behavior resulting from the way she handled voting recounts and the certification of the elections.
This from the AOL article I linked regarding her senate campaign:
"State GOP leaders - including Gov. Jeb Bush - don't think she can win against Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson in November. Fundraising has lagged, frustrated campaign workers have defected in droves and the issues have been overshadowed by news of her dealings with a corrupt defense contractor who gave her $32,000 in illegal campaign contributions."
Rep. Harris is not someone who has the moral high ground to say much of anything, but especially where it comes to portraying herself as one who won't "legislate sin." Of course, she didn't specifcally say anything bad about practicing sin in office, now did she?
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