A question...

[basswhooper]

Hi all. I have a question for some of you. But before that, I want to tell you what this is not... This is not an invitation to revisit the LCMS/ELCA pissing contests that have erupted here in the past. This is not me seeking to correct anyone on their doctrine or beliefs.

What this is is me seeking to understand the perspective of people who

Comments

[dreamofcolors]

While I was born and raised in the church, I'd hardly consider myself a great theologian, but I know what I believe in my heart. I've always read the bible in the historical context it was written in, and my understanding of the vast contradictions in the new and old testament, specifically Paul's letters, is that he wrote them to VERY specific audiences that had very specific situations that needed to be addressed. In one letter, he mentions deacons who were women, and in another letter, he says women should be silent in church. The letters were written to communities that needed certain things discussed, so it's hard to base everything on one verse that says a woman should cover her head in church or be silent or whatever.

I believe that God is a God of love. That God created all of us out of this love. I also believe that we are by nature sinful, but God's grace sets us free from that sin. I don't think human beings have the right to decide what sin is worse than another. Sin is sin. It's not important to nitpick. Humans also are not to be the judge of what is worse than something else. What makes homosexuality worse than adultery or murder, or vice versa?

I believe that some people are born gay, and there's no way that God loves them any less. I don't think that gender or sexual orientation or any other "born that way" reason should prohibit a person from serving in the ordained ministry.

After attending a "gay" commitment ceremony last November, I very firmly believe that the church should allow these. I honestly don't believe that there is any way God would want us to exclude anyone from experiencing grace and blessings on a commitment rooted in faith.

[basswhooper]

Thank you as well!