A local nondenominational Christian campus group recently expelled a member for holding "unbiblical" views on homosexuality (follow news story here). Yet, these same views are welcome at Episcopal, PCUSA, and some Methodist churches (although many PCUSA pastors seem to be threatening to divide the denomination over this very issue). A quick internet search led me to local church pastors supporting the actions of this organization, and no Christian leaders speaking against it. My own views on this issue are ambiguous, simply because I'm having trouble with Bible at baseline, and how much of it is inspired by God. I plan to teach my own children abstinence before marriage, irregardless of the type of relationship. I'm uncomfortable with church teachings that would label a committed GL relationship as sin. Can we really rationalize tearing up the loving home of these families, many with children? My heart goes out to these individuals that have been labeled heretics by the church. How can Christians be so blind to the cacophony of views that leave outsiders confused, cynical or disillusioned. The church has conflicting opinions on just about everything...alcohol or no alcohol; egalitarian or complementarian; calvinism, armenianism or universalism; errancy or inerrancy; the list goes on.
My head is spinning, my heart aches, and my spirituality is non-existant.
It seems to me that there is this huge difference between what many would define as "heresy," and sincere, and well-meaning Christian people who simply have an honest difference of opinion concerning the correct interpretation and application of certain passages of the Scripture.
ReplyDeleteIt's possible to take the Bible very seriously, and at the same time understand that not all parts of Scripture make sense to be interpreted literally, or may even be culturally bound.
The center of my faith is based in the reality of the incarnation, the love of God shown in Christ. "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself," and "Jesus is Lord."
All of the rest is secondary. It seems fine to me for Christians to agree to disagree, and trust God with our differences. Our love for each other should be the central thing.
Rebecca.