Jonathan Arthur wrote:
Hello Terry,
Terry <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
It is not the orientation that I have difficulty with it 's the sexual practice and if you don't think that it is condemned in Scripture then you must be reading a totally different one to me.
I think perhaps Malcolm is reading the same Scripture as me :-)
More seriously, you may want to review some of the earlier posts on this topic. The point I have been labouring is that the issue we need to address as a church is how we use the bible to understand the will of God.
I happen to believe that homosexuality is a normal, albeit minority, sexual orientation. Furthermore, I believe the same standards regarding sexual practice apply to both homosexual and heterosexual people. As such, a gay or lesbian person in a lifelong committed relationship is just as eligible to candidate for the ministry as a married heterosexual person.
Finally, I believe my views are in accordance with bible. Others, with a different view, believe their views are also in accordance with the bible. Until we address the question of how we use and approach the bible, there is little to be gained in the sexuality debate.
Cheers,
Jonathan
__________________________________________________________________ Switch to Netscape Internet Service. As low as $9.95 a month -- Sign up today at http://isp.netscape.com/register
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
New! Netscape Toolbar for Internet Explorer Search from anywhere on the Web and block those annoying pop-ups. Download now at http://channels.netscape.com/ns/search/install.jsp ------------------------------------------------------ - You are subscribed to the mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To unsubscribe, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put in the message body 'unsubscribe insights-l' (ell, not one (1)) See: http://nsw.uca.org.au/insights-l-information.htm ------------------------------------------------------
__________ NOD32 1.829 (20040801) Information __________
This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. part000.txt - is OK
http://www.nod32.com
G'day Jonathon,
I don't have a problem with your point that we need to visit how we approach the Bible. Any re-visit can only be positive and refreshing, whether we gain any additional insight or just affirm what we understand.
I accept you believe your views are in accordance with the bible, though they are different to mine, however, it would be helpful to me if you were to explain how you arrived at where you are.
My concern over the sexuality debate is that some of us may be misunderstood by the others and therefore we get seen like two opposing armies. I don't believe that is really the case and we may be closer together than it appears. Although I must admit that the sexual practice part is the hill I am unable to climb at this point.
It may be better for all, if the debate admitted that for most if not all of us, that that is the sticking point not the relationship. One can have a very loving relationship without the sexual act entering into it at all, be it heterosexual or homosexual.
Anyway, I look forward to your thoughts.
Peace and blessings
Terry ------------------------------------------------------
- You are subscribed to the mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED]
- To unsubscribe, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put in the message body 'unsubscribe insights-l' (ell, not one (1))
See: http://nsw.uca.org.au/insights-l-information.htm
------------------------------------------------------
