Jesus, The Bible and Homsexuality--Explode the Myths, Heal the Church

The following is excerpt from an excellent review of the book listed in the post title. Dealing with the subject of homosexuality and the church, the author follows the status quo in some areas and challenges popular notions in others. One area that I found intriguing and potentially makes the book worth the read is where the author allegedly states that heterosexual marriage has more to fear from itself than the harm that homosexual unions can bring. I agree totally with this synopsis. I think I am going to read the book myself. This excerpt comes from a blog that I find extremely good entitled, The Beautiful Heresy- Christian Universalism.

The last chapter that I read addresses the idea of homosexuality and marriage. Professor Rogers shows statistically speaking that, while marriage is in trouble in the United States, it doesn't need defense from homosexual marriage which does not threaten heterosexual marriage at all. He also points out the hypocrisy of putting homosexuals in the bind of saying that all sex outside of the institution of marriage is sin while denying them the right to marry. We are assigning homosexuals to a life of celibacy, a life that the Bible clearly states is not for everyone and is an assignment from God.

I see more and more Christians who are willing to at least debate gay rights now. Both civil rights and how homosexuals should be treated in the church is up for discussion. A while ago Brian McClaren called for a five year time out to think about the topic. But, while I like the fact that he is not advocating continued discrimination, by doing nothing, we are condemning gay people to continue to suffer from this discrimination. We should never hesitate when it comes to seeking justice. Justice delayed is justice denied. The time is always now. Hopefully, books like this one will move some people off of the sidelines and into the arena to fight for justice.

http://www.thebeautifulheresy.com/2009/01/jesus-bible-and-homosexuality-explode.html

Baptists and Muslims Pledge to Continue Dialogue

Baptist and Muslims Pledge to Continue Dialogue

Brian Kaylor, reporting for EthicsDaily.com has written today about the first ever Muslim-Baptist dialogue ever, held this past Jan. 9-11 at the Islamic Center of Boston and Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, Mass. Nearly 80 Baptist and Muslims leaders from accross the country. Themes discussed were their shared history and the common mistrust and such that has hindered their dialog in the past.

A statment was produced from the meetings that comstituents were able to take home and look over it and then sign their name upon it if they feel that they can abide by the statements therein. Hopefully this will be an ongoing event for future dialog between these two groups!

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I need Africa more than Africa needs me

I found this on a friends MySpace profile and it touched my heart!

A Jewish Perspective on the Life of a Fetus

Let's not put emotion in front of reason


Jonathan Romain of the Gaurdian.co.uk writes on the position of Judaism on the life of a fetus. This commentary proves that from a religious perspective some things are not as cut and dried as we would like to think they are. Regardless of your position on the issue, this is worth the read.

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The Universalist Quote of the Day

My Google Alerts just sent me a link to the Universalist quote of the day at the blog, Transient and Permanent. After spending some time on the blog reading, I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in universalism and topics related to liberal religion. Check it out and sign up for the quote of the day using your favorite feed reader; I did! Also, drop the author a comment and let him know that your reading.

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Religion and Environmental Responsibility -Part 1

The following is an excerpt from the New York Times bestselling novel, The Shack (Jesus is speaking to the main character, Mackenzie Phillips about the way humans have mistreated the earth.):

"Our earth is like a child who has grown up without parents, having no one to guide and direct her." As Jesus spoke his voice intensified in subdued anguish. "Some have attempted to help her but most have simply tried to use her. Humans, who have been given the task to lovingly steer the world, instead plunder her with no consideration, other than their immediate needs. And they give little thought for their own children who will inherit their lack of love. So they use her and abuse her with little consideration and then when she shudders or blows her breath, they are offended and raise their fist at God." (144)

This is just one of the huge inventory of Christian theological issues addressed in the book. While many theological positions are developed (facilitated by a fictional meeting and multiple conversations between Mackenzie and God), many of which are no doubt problematic to some, the subject of creation care is dealt with in a profound way. Jesus speaks to Mackenzie of the lack of concern and the selfish manner in which man has taken care of that which is entrusted to him.

Last night, I was listening to a broadcast on our local NPR station called Charlotte Speaks. It was a broadcast of a panel discussion about engine emissions and what people could do on the individual level to help decrease this huge level of gases that are toxic to our atmosphere. Some suggestions were given but one of the panelist made a very sobering and true statement: "people will only genuinely respond to an economic incentive. That is, if it's valuable to me, presently and tangibly, then I will do something about it; otherwise, I may nod in assent of the problem but will likely refuse to participate in the solution.

One encouraging thing that we saw during the past election was the emergence of a centrist evangelical constituency that made environmental issues a priority. This has greatly helped to bridge the divide between liberals and conservatives and hopefully will help both groups to pool their resources together in an effort to truly make a difference on this front.

Our earth is one of the greatest treasures that we as humans posses. As caretakers, we are called to take our custodial role seriously and refuse to do things that continue to harm and destroy the beauty and potential invested in this great planet. God, the sacred, whatever your inclined to call him/her, is counting on us to be good stewards of that which is entrusted to us. We need to look for ways to be practically engaged in the work of creation care. We can all recycle, choose to walk when possible instead of driving, purchase goods and such that are environmentally safe, turning our vehicles off when waiting for our turn in the pick-up line at our kid's school. We can volunteer in groups to help pick up trash along an interstate or around sidewalks in town. Individual participation is key to the success of this endeavor. We can no longer sit idly by while our world is being destroyed; a world that our posterity will live in many years after we are gone.

This world is our home and we can not assume that God is going to do something in the near enough future to help us avoid disaster. Within the greater framework of Christian teachings, the incumbency of faithful stewardship of the gifts bestowed upon us is quite clear. In the Jewish creation narrative, man was given power over the animals and set in the garden as its caretaker. This caretaker image is indicative of the biblical teaching about man's relationship to the world he lives in.

All of the enduring faiths of the world convey this responsibility upon man. In my next post we will take a look at what these religions say about man's ecological guardianship.

Christianity from different perspectives (part 3)

Dr. Gary Ferngren and Dr. Marcus Borg (retired), both faculty of Oregon State University, debate issues of Christianity from dramatically different viewpoints. This is a three part series. Here is part 3:




For more debates regarding issues of faith and religion, see the Oregon State University Socratic Club.

Christianity from different perspectives (part 2)

Dr. Gary Ferngren and Dr. Marcus Borg (retired), both faculty of Oregon State University, debate issues of Christianity from dramatically different viewpoints. This is a three part series. Here is part 2:





For more debates regarding issues of faith and religion, see the Oregon State University Socratic Club.

Christianity from different perspectives (part 1)

Dr. Gary Ferngren and Dr. Marcus Borg (retired), both faculty of Oregon State University, debate issues of Christianity from dramatically different viewpoints. This is a three part series. Here is part 1:




For more debates regarding issues of faith and religion, see the Oregon State University Socratic Club.

Albert Schweitzer and Reverence for Life

In the final chapter of the book, Pilgrimage to Humanity, Albert Schweitzer—noted theologian, philosopher, musician, medical doctor, and humanitarian—records the conclusion of the speech he gave in 1954 upon winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Speaking on the subject of world peace, Schweitzer says the following:

"Reverence for life includes an elemental concept of responsibility to which we must surrender ourselves. In it there are energies which compel us to a revision of the ennoblement of our individual, social, and political views and actions.

One's world-view is, therefore, the germ cell of all conceptions and convictions which are determinative for the behavior of individuals and of groups. "¹

In American culture, we often hear about pro-life issues as it relates to abortion. Phrases such as the sanctity of life are employed to invoke a respect for human existence, more so perhaps, for the unborn. Given certain religious convictions, I certainly understand why people feel this way. I have been pro-life for the majority of my life. Today, although my views have changed in many areas, I still believe, however, that life is sacred and something that we should respect, even if my reasoning for believing this is somewhat different today than it was a decade ago.

Schweitzer believes that respect and reverence for life should extend beyond rhetoric. He concludes that reverence confers responsibility. His life was a blazing example of one who took this responsibility seriously. He sacrificed and gave of himself in extraordinary ways. His worldview and ethic of life rested upon this fundamental reverence for life wherever he found it. This is seen in everything he did individually, socially, and politically.

Our estimation of human worth will cause us to act in ways that affirm life rather than destroy it. This can not be limited to political platforms; it is so much broader than the care and protection of the unborn. We would be remiss and derelict if we protected a fetus' right to be born and then turn a deaf ear to its cries of hunger. Our ethic of life should compel us to care for the world's hungry, diseased, and destitute masses. World peace will only be achieved if we lay aside all the irrelevant things that divide us and together, work to devise ways to affirm life and extend love and compassion to all those in need.
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Belief in the Age of Skepticism

Here is a video dealing with the problem of religious exclusive truth claims (primarily Christian). Tim Keller (author of The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism), senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC. Keller is more evangelical in his beliefs; he offers some good ideas and there is an interesting question and answer time with Keller and students at UC Berkley.


via videosift.com

If I was a book, which one would I be?

Notes from the Underground author, Steve Hayes, posted a link to a book quiz at the Blue Pyramid. Answer a few questions and it sizes you up and spits out a book that is most like you. According to this quiz, if I were a book I would be:

You're Cry, the Beloved Country!

by Alan Paton

Life is exceedingly difficult right now, especially when you put more
miles between yourself and your hometown. But with all sorts of personal and profound
convictions, you are able to keep a level head and still try to help folks, no matter
how much they harm you. You walk through a land of natural beauty and daily horror. In
the end, far too much is a matter of black and white.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

I'm not exactly sure how I feel about this depiction, but I am what I am! :) Go and do the quiz for yourself and then come back and let me know what it said about you! Oh, there are also some more quizzes that you can take as well that when completed will give you other glimpses into your personality. If only it were this easy to figure our own selves out!