Soulforce at ACU
Soulforce, a group promoting rights and acceptance for gay and lesbian people, is on a 7-week bus tour, visiting what they deemed to be leading Christian universities.
Today the group is at ACU. I’m so proud of Abilene Christian for welcoming the group on campus, knowing that it’s important to discuss this issue and to always extend the love of Christ. Check out what the Soulforce organizers are saying about ACU. I understand that some of the ACU “constituency” is upset that they were allowed on campus. Which makes me even more proud of the administration for doing what’s right.
On their website, they list two issues of concern with ACU: that ACU considers homosexual behavior to be cause for disciplinary action and that ACU lists resources for help for those struggling with same-sex attraction.
What a great chance to talk, to understand, to challenge, and to build relationships.
(The next couple days I plan to continue the series on the B-I-B-L-E.)
I think ACU did great. As an eastcoast COCer with no relationships (yet) in Texas, I am very impressed.
There is a perception gap between the inclusive agenda of Jesus and the generally necessary (sometimes frustratingly provincial) exclusionary policies of a Christian college.
I would imagine some of the ‘overwhelmed’ feelings on campus are from meeting the challenge and representing God well. I think it’s healthy and I wish all of our colleges had that same opportunity.
It sounds like a successful event for everyone.
Mike,
Thanks for suggesting a few books on the ‘issue,’ but, wouldn’t it be wise to include a more diverse set of scholarship? Are there any books you’ve read that have made you consider affirming the gay and lesbian Christians that attend Highland?
From what I understand (please correct me if I’m wrong, Mike), Mike does affirm Christians at Highland who are experiencing a homosexual orientation; he does not affirm their homosexual orientation as something good or intended by God. THere is a real difference, but the wording of your question leaves no room for that distinction.
Mike’s particular selections are not just a couple of ‘Joe-PhD’s who conveniently conclude that affirming homosexuality is unbiblical; Hays and Grenz (I haven’t read any Webb) are top-notch, well-respected scholarly experts in their fields. In fact, Grenz’s Sexual Ethics comes highly endorsed by James B. Nelson, who has been developing a foundation for pro-homosexual theology since the Sexual Revolution and who disagrees strongly with Grenz’s conclusions. (There’s your link to some scholarship arguing that we should affirm homosexuality.)
There’s sort of this unspoken myth floating around that Christians (and scholars) who don’t affirm homosexuality only think that way because pro-homosexuality voices have been stifled and people refuse to adequately consider the arguments of homosexuality-affirming scholarship; that it’s just a matter of exposing those folks to enough ‘real’ scholarship. The honest ones will then face the music, see the light, and affirm homosexuality. This perspective is rather over-confident; the scholarship is not so one-sided.
I am proud of ACU, especially the students. Yes, there exists a “Gay Agenda”, but God also has an agenda of love and truth and it is more powerful than all things.
Kent and I enjoyed the blessings of ACU’s attitude when I was a student there [concerning him being divorced and remarried]. This powerful treatment of others [when you are respectful to other people while maintaining the integrity of christian beliefs] can make a big difference… . I hope other colleges will learn from Abilene’s example.
….and my apologies for getting off topic here…specifically to Gay Restorationist, the author of this blog is not incognito, why must you be anonymous?
Linda,
If you visit Gay Restorationist’s blog, you will see why he doesn’t use his real name. It isn’t that hard to figure out. Despite the good reception that some gay people received recently at ACU, many Churches of Christ are still not safe places for openly gay people.
Brian
Snuggle Muffin,
I think we have a misunderstanding here, and you seem to think my comment was something I did not intend it to be. I meant ‘affirming’ in the more technical sense. Churches, like the UCC, that accept and welcome ‘practicing’ gays and lesbians often label themselves ‘open and affirming.’
As for the scholarship Mike recommended, you don’t have to tell me about the credentials of these scholars. I’ve read all the books and recommend that others do the same (except, perhaps, for Webb’s book; I didn’t think it was quite on par with the others). You are correcct: these authors are top-notch scholars. I don’t dispute that at all.
Having read (what I think to be) a fairly significant chunk of the scholarship in this area, I also know that there are definitely two sides to this debate. All I meant to ask is if there were any books Mike would recommend that reached conclusions different from his own, or if there were any books that made him consider affirming gay Christians (in my, not your, sense of the word ‘affirm’).
My post was intended as an honest question, not as an attack. I apologize if it was received differently.
-GR
Linda,
I originally chose to remain anonymous in the blogosphere for two reasons: 1) out of respect for my family, and 2) so that I would not be asked to leave the church I was attending.
I was asked to leave my church, so #2 no longer matters. People say some really mean things to me, and I receive quite a few nasty emails. I can take it. I don’t, however, want my family to have to deal with it (especially one of my younger siblings who attends a C of C school right now). It’s hard enough having a gay kid without people whispering behind your back, telling you what you did wrong as a parent, and offering suggestions about what to do next.
The situation is not ideal, I grant that. But I see no other viable option.
Best,
GR
I’ve really enjoyed this conversation. And I’m glad that our churches and schools are taking part in the greater conversation that is going on all across Christianity right now. I think that we’ve often remained so rooted in our own little circle of concern that we’ve missed out on contributing to the wider discourses that take place across the body of Christ – and I’m confident that our tradition does have much to contribute.
That being said, I think GR’s request was a fair one. So how about it Mike? Any suggestions on books that offer a wider perspective on the discussion? I’m just starting to get interested in learning more about this topic and it’s always nice to have a firm foundation of balanced resources to start out with. In the past I delved into “women’s role” and now I have an entire bookcase of diverse resources and opinions. And I wouldn’t have considered developing my own firm opinion unless I could articulate both sides of the debate. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that there is room for solid scholarship on both sides of many complicated issues.
Linda, I appreciate your comments… As for GR’s anonymity, if you honestly don’t see the need then you may benefit from spending some time listening to SoulForce. And I mean that in the most sincere and loving way possible.
Mike-
I would also like some resources from “both sides” of this issue.
GR-
I would appreciate your take on something I wrote on my blog today.
http://www.chrisfield.blogspot.com
Blessings on this conversation.
I offered this earlier on Chris’ site, but evidently there was a technical glitch or it was blocked.
If anyone has any questions about the objectives behind Soulforce’s visit(s), try reading some of the bios on the Soulforce Web site. I read about 80 percent of them and only once was “opening dialogue” mentioned.
There were numerous mentions of change and how that was their “mission.”
Did anyone else catch the following, by Equality Rider Meg Sneed:
“It wasn’t until years after I came out did I realize that being openly gay is an act of honesty, an act of courage, an act of integrity, and an act that God celebrates.”
God is now CELEBRATING homosexuality, huh?
This conversation is good and needed. It also has reinforced some concerns of mine. If homosexuality is a sin and there are scholars on both sides, then is there any thing in my life that is sin that a scholar would affirm. That fear and trembling thing is kicking in.
GR – I’m going to write more on this later. I listed some of the works that have been compelling to me. Why don’t you go ahead and provide some of the ones that have been significant to you?
For “Mike wrote onMarch 29, 2006 at 11:10 am” [my apologies for posting here again, but I couldn't link to an email or website]… thanks for the comment on this blog. I did have an opportunity to visit GR’s site for a time yesterday. And also had time to read portions of SoulForce. It would have been good to be there in person, but we are not close to Abilene anymore. From what I’ve heard most recently, ACU is the only stop on the tour [so far] to allow the full presentation. That is quite admirable, imho. Equally admirable, to me, is the students’ ability to maintain their biblical beliefs without judging those who disagree. I do know what it is like to be judged and I have also judged others. Neither is pleasant. I do hold to my opinion, however, that it is best to be not-anonymous [is that a word?]. Thanks for taking the time to consider my thoughts.
Linda Dickerson
GR – thanks for the reply. Quick question: for people wanting to familiarize themselves with what’s out there re: Christian scholarship affirming homosexuality, who would you recommend? And who would you identify as the major contributors/influences in homosexuality-affirming scholarship?
Soulforce’s Smedes article was much more conservative than most of what I’ve read from gay-affirming scholars, esp. regarding his handling of scripture and theological methodology. I’m by no means an ‘expert’ in the field, but Smedes stuff didn’t seem very representative of the other pro-gay Christian stuff I’ve read.
It is refreshing to find people willing to talk about such a controversial subject instead of sweeping it under the rug and ignoring it. As a student of Oklahoma Christian University I want to say that I am proud of our (slightly older and more established) sister school for truly showing an example of Christ. I have read many things from several soul force websites and while acknowlegding that Abilene Christian continues to hold their stance on “LGBT” issues that in no way did they feel discriminated against or unloved. I know that through this impressions were made and hopefully seeds were planted.
I know that there is an agenda out there that many people are trying to push, but we as Christians are called to rise above this. Agendas should never be the reason that we cut off dialogue with different people. If the entire church were to cut off communication with those that they felt were pushing agendas, the Church in essence be condemning those people. If those that have the light refuse to share it than how will those that don’t have it recieve it? It is my prayer that the Church will accept homosexuals just as they accept other sinners. They accepted me for crying out loud!!! There is so much more that I want to say on this, but it is time for me to go to class. I will leave you with this thought however. Apart from having Christ in our lives (as Disciples of Christ) how is our lifestyle any better than those that are living a homosexual one?
I would some of Mike’s book suggestions as well.
In the meantime, here are three immensely helpful books I’ve read They’re all from the perspective of Anglicanism, but there are obvious theological cross-overs. Furthermore, I think it’s helpful to see how another Christian tradition is grappling with this issue. Perhaps it is a look at what the Churches of Christ will face in the future?
The first two are short and can be read in a couple of hours. The first one is available to download online at the given link. The third is longer and consists of a collection of essays.
To Set Our Hope on Christ, a Response to the Invitation of the Windsor Report, ECUSA
This Far by Grace : A Bishop’s Journey Through Questions of Homosexuality, by +J. Neil Alexander
Gays and the Future of Anglicanism, ed. by Andrew Linzey and Richard Kirker
I remember sitting on the edge of the bed feeling terrible. I remember saying it must be because of my parents. They raised me in a strict Christian home and I was clearly not living in a way they expected. I remember thinking that must be why I felt the way I did. It was because of my parents and their expectations.
Years later I don’t think it had anything to do with my parents. I think it had a lot to do with how we are made. I was being convicted of sin but instead of dealing with my lost state I projected it onto my parents and my upbringing.
What happens when the church accepts this behavior as our culture already has and the feelings of guilt don’t go away? What happens when that deep knowing can’t be blamed on culture or Christ? What then?
Google is the best search engine