Has Homosexual Always Been in the Bible?

October 9, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

In our Methodist tradition, we (wrongly) claim “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” The research behind this story tells us: That does not appear to be true. We are lying to ourselves about what historical Biblical teaching actually said. Before we get into it, and for those who are confused….there’s an old […]

Signs That Are More Than Ink On Paper

June 16, 2016.Reading time 25 minutes.

When I was a kid, there was a program called “Helping Hands” that was supposed to help kids feel safe. The idea was that families would put a paper sign inside the front windows of their house. The sign was a very simple hand print. The theory was that if a kid was ever walking […]

It’s Not Our Tent

May 9, 2014.Reading time 2 minutes.

This was the devotional at our Staff Parish Committee Meeting last night, offered by one of our great layfolks. An important word for all of us in the UMC, where ever we come down on the issue of “inclusion.” The word is: “It’s not our tent.” (Underlining by me.) “ The desire to learn […]

Troubled Times

April 9, 2014.Reading time 6 minutes.

Somehow, I missed the big news yesterday that sixty conservative UM clergy had a conference call, the purpose of which was to discuss separation of the denomination. I first found out about it via my friend, Christy Thomas, and her excellent blog this morning. While I wince at her use of “inquisition” here. (We’re nowhere […]

Live and Let Live Can Work

February 28, 2014.Reading time 17 minutes.

Dear Big Middle*, Sorry it’s been several weeks since my last installment of “Dear Big Middle” blogs. We’ve had a lot going on around here. These “Dear Big Middle” blogs are designed to speak to the large number of “moderate” United Methodists on specific same sex marriage issues. And the reason I have been delayed […]

Dear Big Middle

January 24, 2014.Reading time 6 minutes.

Dear Big Middle,* Today I start a series of short blog entries, aimed at The Big Middle of the United Methodist Church. “Big Middle” is a term of endearment. Many people believe you Big Middlites actually hold the key to our being able to move forward on the issue of same sex marriage. I agree […]

Elaine Heath: ” A New Set of Questions about Sex and Sin”

January 10, 2014.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Elaine Heath: ” A New Set of Questions about Sex and Sin” Worth passing on. I think she nails it here: “It is past time to ask new, better questions about sexual virtue and sexual vice. The springboard for the new questions is not genitalia but imago Dei, the inherent sanctity and dignity of human […]

What Jesus Says About Homosexuality

December 23, 2013.Reading time less than 1 minute.

There is much confusion in our culture as to precisely what Jesus says about homosexuality in the Bible. Given the passionately held anti-gay stance of many churches, most people assume Jesus must have spoken harshly and extensively on the topic. In an effort to clarify, we’re providing a high resolution photo of the precise passage […]

The Heart of Christmas is Love

December 23, 2013.Reading time 18 minutes.

The heart of the Gospel is love. The heart of the Christmas season is love. Love is the final driver, the final goal –the first, last, and middle command– for all of us who follow Christ. In the Christmas season, we celebrate this love of God for us, as made manifest in the birth of […]