February 2012
45 posts
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On deep theological waters
This week I have been thinking a lot about being liberal or conservative (it seems that these two are only viable options in the Swedish discourse right now).
When I wrote my articles about LGBTQ , one of the comments I received was that I had a “liberal theology”.
The more I think about this, the more I realize that the way the word is used today in the Swedish Christian community...
“When we are present, we see that there really is a Divine Plan and that it is...”
– Understanding the enneagram
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Coffee →
(Taken with http://cinemagr.am)
“Writing theology without underwear may be punishable by law, who knows.”
– Indecent Theology by Marcella Althaus-Reid (via Findings.com)
“I tell you, the more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly...”
– Vincent van Gogh
(via blua)
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Meanwhile in another part of the Salvation Army
The conversation is still going on. Johnny Laird (who kindly posted a blogpost about my article series on LGBTQ) reminded me of this excellent video segment from Just Salvos featuring an interview with Jay Bakker:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jKbWepVs5I[/youtube]
I think the most important part of this video clip is the realigning of the LGBTQ issue from a sin issue to a social...
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LGBTQ part 12 - coming out
Sitting here pondering and reflecting on some of the discussions that have come out of LGBT posts here on the blog. The first thing that strikes me is that there are so few persons leaving comments in relation to the high number of visitors.
I think that fear may be a large factor, both for those who disagree (who fear being labeled as bigoted fundamentalists) and those who agree (who are afraid...
I don't Believe in conversion
Q: Ok, if you were trying to convert me, what books etc would you tell me to read??
A: hmmm, Well I don't think I'd want to convert you
Q: Why??
A: But I would LOVE the conversations we would have around http://amzn.to/xpDQGT. I don't believe in conversion, I believe in conversation ... the goal is not to become christian. the goal is to meet with god. Conversion is ugly and coercive. I would love to have conversations with you about that book, about the immanence of the divine and the process of god ... the science and the philosophy ...
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LGBTQ part 11 - Continued conversation
Following many words and much wrestling with the scriptures, doctrines, and my own faith, I have come to find, that no matter how I read the biblical text, I can never escape from my commission to love the Lord with all my soul, with all my heart and with all my strength. And to love my neighbor as myself. Unless Jesus came into the world to condemn it but rather to save it, then it’s not...
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LGBTQ part 10 - Recommended reading
Recommended reading
Andrew Marin – Love as an Orientation – Elevating the conversation with the gay community. (Paperback – Amazon UK, Kindle International)
Jay Bakker – Fall to grace – A Revolution of God, Self & Society (Hardcover – Amazon UK, Kindle international)
Walter Wink – Homosexuality and Christian Faith: Questions of conscience for the churches (Paperback – Amzon UK, Kindle...
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LGBTQ part 9 - The Salvation Army
The problem persists in the Salvation Army, of today. In which way can we include LGBT persons in our fellowship without creating groupings; an A team and a B team? How can the Corps offer (church) membership in the Salvation Army in a positive manner that allows GLBT persons to feel valued, appreciated and loved by both the corps fellowship (soldiers/adherents) and also by the God to Whom the...
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LGBTQ part 8 - Four possible approaches
There are probably as many ways to approach LGBTQ issues as there are people with opinions. What follows is a summary of the second half of “One familyâs story” written by Bishop Paul Wenner Egertson and found in Walter Wink’s book: Homosexuality and the Christian Faith (pages 28-30).
Bishop Paul Wenner Egertson depicts four different approaches to LGBTQ people who may be...
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LGBTQ part 7 - Pastoral care
The LGBTQ issue has always created friction between the way we understand and interpret the Bible’s view of holiness and how we as pastors are to preserve order, caring for and counselling LGBTQ people. The greatest dichotomy is perhaps between whether we are called to “liberate” LGBTQ people or to have a conversation with LGBTQ people, where we recognize their reality and...