This might irritate some, but what would your answer be?
In his prominent role as author, theologian, speaker, and leader of the emergent conversation some forget that Brian McLaren is also a pastor. In the latest issue of Leadership Journal, which focuses on ministry in a sexually charged culture, Brian shares a story that reveals the complexity of the homosexual question – a question where theology, truth, sin, grace, culture, politics, and pastoral wisdom collide.
The couple approached me immediately after the service. This was their first time visiting, and they really enjoyed the service, they said, but they had one question. You can guess what the question was about: not transubstantiation, not speaking in tongues, not inerrancy or eschatology, but where our church stood on homosexuality.
That “still, small voice” told me not to answer. Instead I asked, “Can you tell me why that question is important to you?” “It’s a long story,” he said with a laugh.
Usually when I’m asked about this subject, it’s by conservative Christians wanting to be sure that we conform to what I call “radio-orthodoxy,” i.e. the religio-political priorities mandated by many big-name religious broadcasters. Sometimes it’s asked by ex-gays who want to be sure they’ll be supported in their ongoing re-orientation process, or parents whose children have recently “come out.”
But the young woman explained, “This is the first time my fiance and I have ever actually attended a Christian service, since we were both raised agnostic.” So I supposed they were like most unchurched young adults I meet, who wouldn’t want to be part of an anti-homosexual organization any more than they’d want to be part of a racist or terrorist organization.
November 4th, 2009 5:20 pm
this is shocking!!!! emergents have theologians???????????
November 4th, 2009 5:42 pm
He didn’t actually answer the question.
November 4th, 2009 8:19 pm
Wait, you mean Brian doesn’t really answer a question?
November 4th, 2009 7:42 pm
Uh, where’s the rest of the article?
And for the record, “conversion therapy” & the “ex-gay” movement have been thoroughly debunked as the dangerous farce it’s always been.
November 4th, 2009 8:18 pm
Robert, click the link at the bottom of the page.
November 4th, 2009 8:20 pm
This is bogus! I’ve already visited 2 sites to read this dang article… Did you know that most web users’ willingness to “surf” a page for desired content is limited to 3 clicks? Unless the “desired content”=porno…
November 4th, 2009 7:56 pm
I was thinking the same thing as Jim. Which is also shocking.
Jeff
November 4th, 2009 8:18 pm
Jeff, I too find your agreement with Jim shocking, troubling, earth shattering, but then again, the Saints are 7-0 this season, so I know a few people which are pretty happy with a cold day right about now.
November 4th, 2009 8:24 pm
I still think “The Homosexual Question” is “Do these fabulous jeans make my butt look fat?” or, possibly, “A silk ascot would only make this outfit BETTER, right?”.
November 4th, 2009 9:03 pm
Actually, I liked the way he approached it. I wish I remembered to do that more often when asked a question out of the ordinary. At times I’ve given lengthy explanations when the person was really looking for some information other than the question they asked.
November 4th, 2009 9:20 pm
I liked his more holistic approach too. Too many ministers are so quick to regurgitate whatever offensive bumper-sticker mantra they heard from Glenn Beck. I like that this dude was more circumspect.
November 4th, 2009 10:42 pm
The problem is that while he may have been more circumspect and contemplative, he never got around to addressing the issue of the morality of homosexuality, and thus never gave the article a solid direction. Not the case with YHWH or Yeshua. It was kind of vague. Also, Bob, do not be so quick to stereotype most ministers as regurgitating bumper-sticker mantras or being followers of Glenn Beck. Most of us have never heard of Glenn Beck, and do not appreciate being placed in a box, anymore than you would like me to call you reactionary for this comment.
November 5th, 2009 6:35 am
You are right. He did not answer the question. I don’t know that McLaren ever will..
I still like this first response.
November 5th, 2009 9:26 am
Bitsy, I believe you are correct. I cannot recall too many times Christ answered with a ‘yay’ or ‘nay’.