(no subject)
I sit in darkness as the power of my entire street has gone out.
I was just reading Philip Yancey's "What's so amazing about grace" today and it really challenged my attitude towards the gay churches that I hear of. Is the hostility towards the gay churches justified? Have I any right to be displeased with them? Given the authority, would I deny them the right to set up a church?
The only reason there is a gay church is the fact that these people have been (violently) excluded by the 'mainstream' church for their sexual orientation, something they may or may not be able to control and determine for themselves (this still being highly controversial). But it begs the question of grace, that Christ came to give so freely. As one who has received grace, I am in no position to deny others of it; regardless of their sexual orientation, but instead, should help to bring grace to them.
I don't doubt that those who once came to the faith struggled with such a distressing decision. I don't doubt that some have earnestly sought help before they gave up.
I have yet to engage in discussion with my parents about this knowing their stand against the gay church; their views on the gay church strongly influenced mine. But the more I read about grace, the more I feel myself urged to find ways to love those of different sexual orientation while not compromising on my values and not condoning homosexuality.
I was just reading Philip Yancey's "What's so amazing about grace" today and it really challenged my attitude towards the gay churches that I hear of. Is the hostility towards the gay churches justified? Have I any right to be displeased with them? Given the authority, would I deny them the right to set up a church?
The only reason there is a gay church is the fact that these people have been (violently) excluded by the 'mainstream' church for their sexual orientation, something they may or may not be able to control and determine for themselves (this still being highly controversial). But it begs the question of grace, that Christ came to give so freely. As one who has received grace, I am in no position to deny others of it; regardless of their sexual orientation, but instead, should help to bring grace to them.
I don't doubt that those who once came to the faith struggled with such a distressing decision. I don't doubt that some have earnestly sought help before they gave up.
I have yet to engage in discussion with my parents about this knowing their stand against the gay church; their views on the gay church strongly influenced mine. But the more I read about grace, the more I feel myself urged to find ways to love those of different sexual orientation while not compromising on my values and not condoning homosexuality.