Christianity started 2 milenia ago, and Christians have developed different views of Scripture: a) As history and divine revelation, b) As all or partially instructional for modern life, c) Interpreted selectively by denominational leaders, d) or allowing changes by modern prophets, or a Pope. Yet all agree that each person is spiritually led. Their view on same-sex Biblical marriage may vary. Is it an expression of Christian compassion or permissiveness? Logic and Biblical exegesis can help.
Allegedly, civil or solely religious marriages officiated by a staff member of a Christian church will have no effect on how Sunday School is taught. --- under construction ---
Members of a church congregation are not always told how the church denomination arrived at doctrinal decisions. Many members of the church are too busy to question their Pastor or committee members. Often, the committee reports on changes made at the denominational level, and members of the congregation are not fully informed on the issue. If they vote to implement the recommendations of the committee, perhaps not all members are present, and if so, many members don't have time for specifics. As long as they have a nice church to attend, with nice music, some show of charity, and a place to network to meet other nice people or for business contacts, they go along with it.
But gradually, their church begins to lose membership or member's attendance (except on Easter and Christmas Eve). Gradually, very gradually, the membership is being replaced as the members who see the after-effects of not only accepting, but promoting, homosexual marriage (religious or civil), and introducing into the church membership "strange teachings", and a different "morality" to be taught in Sunday School, or from the pulpit.
Don't like the end-result, or the new doctrines? You can leave, but the building remains in the denomination, and it is the fine building (already constructed by other's tithes and offerings of others, for decades) and social acceptance, the new membership is after.
Members of a church congregation are not always told how the church denomination arrived at doctrinal decisions. Many members of the church are too busy to question their Pastor or committee members. Often, the committee reports on changes made at the denominational level, and members of the congregation are not fully informed on the issue. If they vote to implement the recommendations of the committee, perhaps not all members are present, and if so, many members don't have time for specifics. As long as they have a nice church to attend, with nice music, some show of charity, and a place to network to meet other nice people or for business contacts, they go along with it.
ReplyDeleteBut gradually, their church begins to lose membership or member's attendance (except on Easter and Christmas Eve). Gradually, very gradually, the membership is being replaced as the members who see the after-effects of not only accepting, but promoting, homosexual marriage (religious or civil), and introducing into the church membership "strange teachings", and a different "morality" to be taught in Sunday School, or from the pulpit.
Don't like the end-result, or the new doctrines? You can leave, but the building remains in the denomination, and it is the fine building (already constructed by other's tithes and offerings of others, for decades) and social acceptance, the new membership is after.
FURTHER READING: ANSWERING HOMOSEXUALITY WITH THE BIBLE (by an anonymous Christian author)
FICTION: THE "GAY" YOUTH PASTOR'S WIFE (by an anonymous Christian author)