Echoes and Stars

Just a few off the cuff thoughts…

Update: It is disingenuous for Christians to be upset at others calling them “anti-gay” while comparing them to those who beheaded John the Baptist.

1. This is not the Spanish Inquisition. There are no martyrs here.

2. To call someone someone anti-gay because he thinks homosexuality is wrong defies all logic. This assumes that how you feel about someone’s sexuality is penultimate in all relationships. Which is simply not true for Christians or for most people. To be anti-gay means you want to harm them, not that you disagree with them.

3. I’m right, he was not disinvited so much as he decided to not do it under pressure? There is a huge difference in the two. Maybe not so much in his heart – meaning his heart was “pure” regardless. But in the effect, there is a huge difference. I do not think less of him because of this, it’s just different.

4.With all due respect to Dr. Moore and all those who think this confirms a “de facto established church,” that seems to be a little overblown and not helpful. Pastors can still preach however they wish on Sunday. When a very liberal group goes up in arms because a socially conservative preacher is praying at the inauguration of a very liberal president, it just isn’t shocking. By the same token, I would not expect a very conservative president to have a socially liberal pastor pray at his/her inauguration.

5. Spiritual grandstanding will not convert anyone or convince them of our love. It is totally out of step with the New Testament picture of believers. It assumes a position of power and influence ignoring the grace and mercy we have received and the life of love we have been called to. I am sure the Christians suffering under Nero would be impressed with us.

6. Even if they take away the preacher’s “right” to preach that homosexuality is wrong, nothing changes. Jesus still sits upon his throne. We are still his happy subjects. Love is still the law. The preacher of the gospel still preaches the same message.