Posters who say we should "should just stick to the Bible" need to know that progressives at the UMC Conference and in general argue that THEY are correctly interpreting the Bible and that evangelicals overlook this point because they rip out their prooftexts out of context and cultural background and warp the true teaching of God's Word. As a former Theology professor was a retired UMC pastor, I nevertheless support the banning of gay marriage and ordination. But many former evangelicals have moved to mainline churches because they have been persuaded by the progressive's view of biblilcal teaching. If desired, I can post the progressives' biblical basis for their pro-gay position.
Similarly, Catholic theologians ground some of their distinctive doctrines in Scripture, too, and most evangelicals are under the false impression that Catholics just rely on long-standing church tradition. If there is demand for their biblical justifications here, I can start a thread that addresses that. But this is not primarily an apologetic site. So I will defer to the wishes of the board. btw, I am not Catholic.
Hello Mad Hermit,
Lets see if I'm getting this right. At least roughly speaking. Sounds like you are saying there might be room or justification for the belief of those who are in the UMC Conference that agree in the progressives point of view. Though you yourself might see it differently. Is that correct?
As far as playing Devil's Advocate by posting the progressives' pro-gay position. Well....that would be entirely up to you, but I'd thread carefully, and if you decide to do so, maybe open with a statement disavowing the position, but stating your reasoning for creating the thread.
As far as a board of review so to speak. Well, just a few Brothers & Sisters in Christ Jesus who have followed our Administrator Chad in attempting to provide what I like to say is an Oasis in the darkness that is too prevalent out in the internet. So, that other Brothers & Sisters in Christ Jesus as well as those seeking may find peace, comfort, love, as well as some good sharpening of iron without the condemnation of the World. Though it may not always appear that we are successful in doing so, but we keep at it. To Glory of God brother!
I hope this kind of answer your question.
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
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