Gay Episcopal Bishop

http://www.msnbc.com/news/923494.asp?0dm=N13PN

And the door is opened.

[pickel]

http://www.web-ministry.com/sin/index.php

[osprey4]

This isn't anything new, so we shouldn't be surprised.

Acts 20:28-30, "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them."

[daveleau]

There are two trains of thought in the Episcopal church, the conservative and the liberal. The Dioscese above is obviously the more liberal. They have been talking about this for a long time and I will not be surprised if this gets approved by the overseeing body for the Episcopal church. No church is perfect, and this goes to show that not all churches follow the Bible. Regardless of the social climate, the Bible does not change and it is clear on this subject. So, be careful in choosing a church, lest you may be led away from Biblical teachings.

Very true, as scripture always is.

[M_Six]

I'm not a religious person, and I couldn't care less what anyone's sexual preference is, but I fail to understand how anyone of a Christian-based faith can ignore a major part of the scriptures and still profess to be one of the faithful. As I see it, you either believe or you don't. Since when is religion a matter of picking and choosing which parts to believe in? If the scriptures prohibit same-sex intimacy, how can one overlook that prohibition like it doesn't exist and still accept the rest?

Strikes me as hypocritical.

[goldenbuddha]

Religions in general are all hypocritical, M_six. The idealism of the doctrines (regardless of religion), and the inherent weaknesses of man, don't play well together.

But I get your train of thought. A person should believe what he preaches and live by it. Its quite conflicting when someone picks and chooses which parts he would follow and which he won't.

[SpookyEddy]

Since when is religion a matter of picking and choosing which parts to believe in?

I am not a religious person but I would guess that some would argue that religion has been a matter of interpretation since its inception. Maybe not but I rather doubt it.

Regards

eddy

[osprey4]

Originally posted by M_Six
Since when is religion a matter of picking and choosing which parts to believe in? If the scriptures prohibit same-sex intimacy, how can one overlook that prohibition like it doesn't exist and still accept the rest?

M_Six, you're scaring me, man!! You're starting to make sense!

I should also add that Evangelical Christians treat homosexuality like it's the unforgivable sin. It's not. It's just another example of man's sin nature that needs God's grace and forgiveness.

[daveleau]

Very true, osprey4. Many churches don't want homosexuals in church at all, much less in the pulpit. This is the worst thing that could be done, as no one is sin-free and all sins are of equal weight.

The nature of a preacher should be to attempt to adhere to Scripture as closely as possible. Some say that the Bible doesn't say that homosexuality is bad and say it is a matter of interpretation. I believe that is what I have heard as being the reasoning behind the liberal Episcopalians ideas. The line of being hypocritical is somewhere in there.