When anti-gay Christians say the phrase “my interpretation of the Bible” – they are really saying “God’s word.” When they say “my views on gays” – they are really saying “God’s way.” They are wrong. To have anti-gay views is inconsistent with the message of the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus. It is time to take a high view of ‘God’s word’. It is time to reclaim the real meaning of unconditional love. It is time to stand up... Read more
I love answering this question… ‘How does God really feel about gays?’ It is an issue that many in the church still struggle with. But more and more people are discovering the truth that how the non-affirming church feels is very different than how God feels. I write Dear Susan posts every Friday. Sometimes they are poignant, sometimes thought-provoking, sometimes tender, sometimes funny… but hopefully always worth the read. 🙂 Here we go… Dear Susan: Is this a joke? More... Read more
Schrodinger’s Cat Christianity “It is only by opening the box that you find out which it is.” – Sheldon Copper on The Big Bang Theory This is Rob writing today and I love The Big Bang Theory! Click on the photo above (or click here) to watch the classic clip where Sheldon explains the story of Schrodinger’s Cat, and the point of the story, to Penny, and how it applies to her relationship with Leonard. When I recently saw that... Read more
I was privileged to sit on a parents’ panel at Matthew Vines’ The Reformation Project Conference. Others on the panel were Danny Cortez, Jane Clementi and Monte Vines. Kathy Baldock, the moderator, asked: “What is the best thing you can do to support your LGBTQ child?” Danny Cortez said: “Become affirming before they come out!” We all laughed because those of you who know Danny’s story know that he is a Southern Baptist preacher who toed the SBC party line... Read more
Title IX protection of transgender students on college campuses is clashing with Christian colleges’ claimed right to religious expression. What to do? How do we accommodate trans students and protect these colleges’ stated values? It’s a huge question, and it’s not going away. This Huffington Post piece gives an overview of the battle in many university campuses, including George Fox, Simpson and Spring Arbor. In a letter to the Department of Education, interim Simpson President Dr. Robin Dummer wrote that the school... Read more
“I am sorry if gay marriage attacks the sanctity of your fourth marriage.” Does God define marriage as only for one man and one woman? You would think so by how often it’s claimed. But the answer is ‘no’ and I am reclaiming that truth today. As marriage equality becomes the law of the land, pastors are seeking real answers for how to respond. As I said last week, there are people sitting in pews and pastors standing behind pulpits... Read more
More today from my Saturday “Jesus Blog” – a word from Jesus to you… 🙂 Did you hear the singing when you got up this morning? Did you see the dancing light of joy when you looked up at the sky? Did you feel waves of love rolling in, as if from a million surfing hearts? It was all for you! It was those who love you, those who support you, those who advocate for you. I know you feel... Read more
What is wrong with people?!? What level of arrogance and fear does it take to tell someone they are ‘condemned to hell’ because they are gay? Or because they support someone who is gay? You know, I should not be surprised anymore – we have heard all types of tragic and ridiculous stories. I may not be surprised, but I am still disgusted. My heart breaks for people who hear these kind of things – like the Mom who wrote... Read more
Several weeks ago, I told you the tragic story of a young girl and how her Dad kicked her out of the house. The Dad said, “I don’t agree with her lifestyle; she will have to leave.” And then kicked her to the street. Rejected. Condemned. Shunned. Abandoned. Beautiful readers, many of you have expressed concern over this daughter and her family. I want to share some good news with you, and others in a similar situation. The Dad has... Read more
Churches are facing hard decisions on their treatment of LGBTQ. Some churches are changing, some are doubling down. Individuals in the pews, pastors in the pulpits are having to make difficult choices about whether or not to leave churches they have been in for many years. How do they navigate friendships? How do they navigate risk? This can include risk to a gay child who may or may not yet be out. It may include risk to pastors’ livelihoods and... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In