There are six main biblical passages that Christians typically use to condemn homosexuality, and I’d like to address each of the passages. The passages are the creation story of Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 19:4-5, Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1, I Corinthians 6:9-10, and I Timothy 1:9-10. As a
The promise of grace is not just an individualistic promise but also a promise to families of grace and accountability from the Creator God, with the promise that accountability will be an out-flowing of grace – not just the family of Israel, but to all the families … in the human family… This promise brings hope, letting us know that though there are consequences God has decreed within our families for our failings, Yahweh pledges a fidelity, grace, and mercy that is stronger than any patterns of human brokenness and human failing, however strong and damaging…
“R-E-S-P-E-C-T!” by The Rev. Robert Coats The Forth Sunday of Lent Revised Common Lectionary Reading: John 3:14-21 (Inclusive Bible) “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness in the desert, so too the Chosen One must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in the
“Burning Down the House!” by The Rev. Robert Coats The Third Sunday of Lent Revised Common Lectionary Reading: John 2:13-22 (The Inclusive Bible) “Since it was almost the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the Temple, he found people selling cattle, sheep and pigeons, while
It often seems that there is a tremendous gulf between Progressive Christians and our much more conservative sisters and brothers; so much so that I often fear there can be no bridge built between the two. Conservative Christians often question the beliefs of those who, like me,
“Walking on Sunshine!” by The Rev. Robert Coats Ash Wednesday Mark 2:1-12 (Inclusive Bible) Jesus came back to Capernaum after several days, and word spread that he was home. People began to gather in such great numbers that there was no longer any room for them, even
Sharing another excellent midrash from our friend David R. Henson This is the third part in an ongoing series of retellings of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Read Part 1: The God Samaritan and Part 2: The Wrong Samaritan. The preacher had chosen a rather appropriate text this
I recently stayed awake all night pondering Jesus’ farewell address, esp. his prayer to God on behalf of the rest of humanity, in John chapter 17. I’ve been reading it with fresh eyes and my. mind. has. blown. …“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that
Rev Kat Royal I’ve struggled for a bit over whether I should even post this. A certain amount of transparency is important when you’re in the role of a pastor. It allows those you minister to to be able to see that you’re a real person, just
Apologies for the lateness of this post, but I borrowed it from an excellent blog by our friend Matt Hicks and found it too good not to share. As we approach Christmas each year, I often find myself informally wondering why I celebrate this festival