I don't consider myself an apologist, nor theologian, not even a scholar. I am a Pastor and have spent the better part of 43 years developing my role as teacher, scholar, theologian, and apologist. After all, a Pastor is committed to doing all of those things whether one is good at it or not.
Like others who serve in ministry today, the cultural shifts that seem like a tidal wave of change concerning same-sex marriage have made a huge impact on the church today. I have read the articles that are both for and against the church recognizing and welcoming same-sex marriage. I see the Christians who have changed positions on the subject and give their arguments for why they now support that which they had before been opposed to - or at least did not give approval for.
Recently I ran across two articles - both by people much smarter than me and much more credentialed to speak to a larger audience than I might ever speak to. Both of the articles were provocative, well reasoned, scripturally sound and most of all (to me) absent of vitriolic tension. [Like many arguments that the church has engaged in over the centuries, there are no end of those whose voices "produce a lot of heat, but not much light"].
The one article is written by a biblical scholar - Roger Olson. It is well worth reading. What he proposes I have agreed with for almost all of the 40+ years I've been in ministry - which is, that the church is not beholden to the state and neither is the state to the church. Let them each make it clear where they stand and let each decide what to include and what not. Historically the church arose in the tension of the Roman empire and on almost every level of culture the church made a stand to be exclusive to Roman government's decrees on philosophy, religion, and cultural acceptability.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson/2015/06/some-thoughts-and-a-proposal-about-the-religion-and-marriage-issue/
I would also suggest you read his follow-up short article to clarify some thoughts on the first one:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson/2015/06/follow-up-to-my-post-about-marriage/
I also read an article by Timothy Keller who serves as lead Pastor of a large Presbyterian church in New York City. He's an author I've enjoyed reading over the years and recommend him not only for his ability to write, but also for his ability to let scripture and culture speak to each other. His article was written for his church as a review of two books that recently came out in favor of same sex marriage. His reviews are well worth the time to read.
http://www.redeemer.com/redeemer-report/article/the_bible_and_same_sex_relationships_a_review_article
I know that these will not end the debate. There is a growing movement to accept the cultural shift towards same sex marriage, and many of the church, including friends of mine, have shifted their positions.
I would urge you to read those who have well thought out, well reasoned, and loving responses against that shift...they are there.
Peace
Like others who serve in ministry today, the cultural shifts that seem like a tidal wave of change concerning same-sex marriage have made a huge impact on the church today. I have read the articles that are both for and against the church recognizing and welcoming same-sex marriage. I see the Christians who have changed positions on the subject and give their arguments for why they now support that which they had before been opposed to - or at least did not give approval for.
Recently I ran across two articles - both by people much smarter than me and much more credentialed to speak to a larger audience than I might ever speak to. Both of the articles were provocative, well reasoned, scripturally sound and most of all (to me) absent of vitriolic tension. [Like many arguments that the church has engaged in over the centuries, there are no end of those whose voices "produce a lot of heat, but not much light"].
The one article is written by a biblical scholar - Roger Olson. It is well worth reading. What he proposes I have agreed with for almost all of the 40+ years I've been in ministry - which is, that the church is not beholden to the state and neither is the state to the church. Let them each make it clear where they stand and let each decide what to include and what not. Historically the church arose in the tension of the Roman empire and on almost every level of culture the church made a stand to be exclusive to Roman government's decrees on philosophy, religion, and cultural acceptability.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson/2015/06/some-thoughts-and-a-proposal-about-the-religion-and-marriage-issue/
I would also suggest you read his follow-up short article to clarify some thoughts on the first one:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson/2015/06/follow-up-to-my-post-about-marriage/
I also read an article by Timothy Keller who serves as lead Pastor of a large Presbyterian church in New York City. He's an author I've enjoyed reading over the years and recommend him not only for his ability to write, but also for his ability to let scripture and culture speak to each other. His article was written for his church as a review of two books that recently came out in favor of same sex marriage. His reviews are well worth the time to read.
http://www.redeemer.com/redeemer-report/article/the_bible_and_same_sex_relationships_a_review_article
I know that these will not end the debate. There is a growing movement to accept the cultural shift towards same sex marriage, and many of the church, including friends of mine, have shifted their positions.
I would urge you to read those who have well thought out, well reasoned, and loving responses against that shift...they are there.
Peace
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