Reading a bit more critically...

One of the things that I often reflect on is how I read and listen differently to how I would have 20 years ago. I was in many ways forced to look at things critically with tertiary education

I've been reading Mark Connors series on relationships and specifically his thoughts on homosexuality.

Once upon a time I would have just swallowed it. No questions asked.

Now I'd want to know: Who is Mark Connors? Would he be writing from a certain bent? The answer is easily googled. Pentecostal, largest church in Melbourne. Just from this information, I've worked out the angle of the article, usually I wouldn't even need to read on. (I like Mark Connors I'm not sure I agree with his outworking of the meta-narrative of scripture but I like how he is on the side of the wretched and poor)

There are questions which I think the secular world is waiting for an answer from evangelical pentecostal churches. The most important is when a homosexual couple is in a loving monogomous relationship? I think that most of the verses Mark mentions is in context of a lustful homsexual incounters.

The other questions which I would be asking are there others historically and contempory which have contrary views?

Of cource there are::

A great piece by baptist minister in Collins Street Simon Cary Holt, supporting homosexual marriage.

The ancient Church there are examples of Homosexual marriage: From the wikipedia::

Historian John Boswell claimed the 4th century Christian martyrs Saint Sergius and Saint Bacchus were united in the ritual of adelphopoiesis, which he calls an early form of religious same-sex marriage

A cure for homosexuality; a reading of an article by Jerray Marks is perfound and worth reading.

So like most things now I read differntly, with a critical eye; sometimes I swing one side or another but usualy If I don't have much inverstment I sit on the fence. But others where I think there is an issue of equality and Gods overall plan, then I'll look at things a bit more critically.

One of the biggest challenges for me as a Christian who once held Mark Connors view, was really knowing and understanding Homosexuals. I would think that the majority of large Church pastors in Melbourne would not have a homosexual friend that they have walked next to in friendship for over 10 years. Known there ups and downs; The desperate measures they get to.

It gives there didactic writings and orations no credibility.

I was pleased to read from Mark that "Anti-Gay is not an option" phew, some have moved on, even if slowly.

 

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Rowland Croucher's Review of Marcus Borg, The heart of Christianity

Rowland Croucher, from his site John Mark's ministry has put up a favorable review of Marcus Borgs book "The heart of Christianity". I really like where Rowland comes from so I thought I'd make a link.

You may not agree with everything here, but I would now put this book in the Top 10 thoughtful Christians, 'ex-Christians' and 'wannabe Christians' should read. Borg is irenic and respectful: a few times he says 'If your paradigm works for you, fine. You don't have to agree with what I say and buy into this Emerging Paradigm. But at least give it some thought.' He's also humble enough to say from time to time (e.g. about the after-life) 'I don't know'. Theologically he's to the left of Brian McLaren, and to the right of Spong. (See McLaren's A Generous Orthodoxy for an equally important book offering an intelligent purview of contemporary Christianity. [1] Borg says McLaren's thinking is a 'form' of the Emerging Paradigm).

On the side. I was reading this book in a waiting room in a medical clinic at Cowes. A lady came up to me and I think had read the front cover of the book 'The heart of Christianity'.
She said to me 'Your on the right train....'
Interesting considering I think I'd spotted her while checking out the local pentecostal Church, and I bet she would not cope with some of Borg's conclusions.
Maybe her comment was prophetic?