One of the readers of this blog, in responding to the MANY comments concerning my post on the Senate Bill codifying marriage equality in Connecticut, wrote that he/she found the discussion, in my paraphrased understanding, to be an unfortunate expenditure of energy.....
Here's my take.....
For SOME REASON, the posts that get the MOST reaction are the ones having to do with homosexuality. On this page, I have posts offering reflections on EASTER, SPIRITUAL PRACTICES, and FAVORITE HYMNS...hymns which are spiritually meaningful......and these posts have drawn ZERO responses..........
Mention homosexuality.........and the WALLS come tumbling down....
A couple of responders offer insights regarding why this is so.......
Within a few minutes of posting this, I will put something else on this blog which responds specifically and thoroughly----
PB
3 comments:
I guess that was my point regarding negative energy. That particular blog recieved 11 responses. whereas many others recieved little attention. I recalla quote byJFKLet us and concentrate on what unites us and focus less on what divides us. In my mind the message of Jesus is one of compassion and acceptance whetehr you are a tax collector, a samaritan woman at a well with 5 husbands,a common criminal on the cross. And I didn't hear him say repent to any of these people either. All that was required was his love and theiropenness and receptivity to his love. He did not request or require ANY change in their behavior! When we are asked to be our brothers keeper we are not asked to be their Judge. We are asked to make sure our brothers and sisters recieve basic human needs and basic human dignity! Regarding Paul's theology as well as that which is in the OT regarding homosexuality I would regard those statements to be very specific to behaviors that were going on that were not upholding human dignity rather than the committed lifelong partnerships I have witnessed between gay and lesbian friends and family. These people should feel welcomed in any church of christ and I fear many of these responses are not very welcoming! I hadn't identified myself because I have not been to your church but am looking for a church home for the summer as we spend weekends at our lake home in Woodstock but I will sign- Donna
Donna-
Thanks for writing! And I hope you will consider visiting us!!
Personally, as you can tell, I think this preoccupation with homosexuality on the part of many Christians is really skewed and IS energy/time misspent.
I'm with you: Let's distinguish between and among behaviors which do NOT uphold human dignity, be they sexual or other behaviors.
Related note: I think Jesus did call for behavioral change in several places, but I also think his focus was far broader from that which we are currently seeing-as in His call for people to give to those in need and to resist violence.....
I think it's fair to say that Jesus was NOT fixated on sexual issues......
Thanks for writing...
PB
I couldn't agree with you more! As people who have chosen to follow Christ I believe we are obliged to look at his life and teaching and try to align our own lives daily through prayer, reflection and action to be in accordance with his way. This includes welcoming, including, and attending to those in need, those who are alienated and taking a stance on issues of justice, social action, peace.....There is so much to be done and so many ways we need to come together to do the work of God not only as Christians but in concert with other people of faith. Thank you for this blog.
Sincerely Donna
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