In today's lectionary reading from 2 Peter 1-10 , we are warned about false teachers. In that vein, I would call to your attention the following:
David Fischler at The Reformed Pastor completed a 5 part series reviewing Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson's series of articles for the "On Faith" column in the Washington Post. I commend the reviews to all who have to face these arguments both in the Church and in the world.
Here are links to the posts.
Gene Robinson Teaches the Bible
then,
Gene Robinson Teaches the Bible 2
then,
Gene Robinson Teaches the Bible 3
then,
Gene Robinson Teaches the Bible 4
and finally,
Gene Robinson Teaches the Bible 5
An entire hermeneutic - indeed, an entire theology - build around self-justification and a perceived entitlement in the church.
ReplyDeleteI've finished the series, now. Thanks for pointing it out. I've made some mental note cards, because I've heard the bishop's arguments elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I noted to a friend the difference between those laws keeping us from God because of our own sinful state versus laws that contain a moral code of behavior. The former were disposed of when Christ cried, "It is finished," and the veil separating the Sanctum Sanctorum was torn in two.
One final thought re: the good Bishop. His argument is predicated upon an individual's "sexual identity," and behaving contrary to that identity is sinful, query whether he's prepared to confess is sin in being married and fathering children contrary to his true homosexual self, or engaging in such behaviors without the blessings of matrimony? Stated differently, does God not consider his sham(?) marriage and the real divorce also sins? Does God require him to sin more in order to "repent" from his prior sinful behavior?
It's like the alcoholic thinking he can repent from his nature by switching from whiskey to vodka.
Cheers.
Indeed, and it is sad statement upon all of us that we have chosen as a religious leader one who chooses to justify his behavior rather than one who will humble himself in the face of the sinfulness that we all share.
ReplyDeleteThis goes beyond self justification by taking a behavior and raising it to the level of a sacrament.